Over the past decade, cryptocurrency has transformed from a niche online community into a global phenomenon, The boundaries between traditional and digital currencies are increasingly blurred. Indeed, roughly 2,352 US businesses now accept Bitcoin, according to a 2022 estimate, and this doesn't include Bitcoin ATMs. Furthermore, in some countries, cryptocurrencies have even been granted legal tender status. However, many people ask what do you use crypto for? You can use it to pay for everything just like regular money if the merchant accepts crypto as a payment method. If they don’t, for small amounts, load the crypto onto a crypto card and use it like a regular card and for larger payments, exchange the crypto and wire the funds to your bank. In this article, you'll come to learn how you can use crypto for everyday transactions, from groceries to bills and even booking your next holiday. The number of merchants who accept crypto is expanding every day, and a crypto card unlocks the practical applications of crypto even further. Whether you’re a freelancer, a digital nomad, or just someone who appreciates the security and freedom offered by crypto, this article answers the question: What do you use crypto for?
Financial Freedom Through Crypto
Nevertheless, for those who haven’t used crypto before it can seem daunting to delve into this world. Like you, they started off asking what do you use crypto for? So, consider the example of a freelance web developer who works with clients worldwide. They want to avoid high bank fees and the delays that come with international bank transfers, and as such they get paid in Bitcoin. After receiving payments, they can use their crypto-card to pay for rent, utilities, streaming services- even grocery shopping or going out for coffee. By using crypto, instead of a traditional bank, the developer has full control of their finances, receiving payments quickly and without fees. In short, crypto embodies the essence of financial freedom.
Digital Nomads
But beyond this example, there are many other individuals and businesses who have turned to cryptocurrencies for similar reasons. Digital nomads, for example, frequently use crypto to make their lives easier and to let them work with freedom from anywhere on the globe. The benefits of crypto for digital nomads are numerous, they can easily receive payments from clients in different countries and avoid the fees associated with currency conversion.
Digital Creators
Crypto has unlocked new opportunities for digital creators too to earn an income through micropayments. Bitcoin networks offer extremely low transaction fees, and therefore it has now become easier than ever for creators to receive tips from their supporters. Platforms such as BRave, a blockchain-based web browser, even allow users to send money to their favorite content creators directly. Meanwhile, platforms such as Gitcoin now mean that developers can receive tips for contributing to open-source projects. These innovations have transformed digital tipping into a sustainable income stream for creators around the world.
Getting Paid in Crypto
Bitcoin is also increasingly being used as a payroll option, particularly for companies with employees around the world or who work within the blockchain space. Employees then have the freedom to choose whether they keep their payments in crypto or convert them to local currency. Payroll providers like Bitpay are making it easier for businesses to pay their employees in digital currency. However, when receiving income in Bitcoin, it is important that employees are aware of the tax implications of receiving wages in crypto as they can vary widely depending on where they live and local regulations.
Crypto’s Growing Popularity
Thanks to the explosion in crypto, many small businesses are now using it to attract new customers and avoid paying credit card processing fees. It’s also used in the non-profit sector, as crypto donations allow them to reach communities in regions where traditional banking is unreliable. Artists, too, have embraced crypto, allowing them to find new and innovative ways to monetize their work, from direct crypto tips to selling NFTs. This summary helps you to understand what do you use crypto for, but what can we offer you? PlasBit helps you use crypto seamlessly, and without the other party knowing that crypto was involved in the transaction. Despite the explosion in cryptocurrency popularity, there are still some merchants who either haven’t upgraded their technology to accept crypto payments or are hesitant about the whole thing. PlasBit allows you to use your cryptocurrency just like a traditional currency, meaning you can spend it everywhere and avoid any limitations. You are gaining the benefits of crypto while avoiding the shortfalls and thus gaining full financial freedom.
Businesses That Accept Crypto Payments
More and more businesses are answering the question: what do you use crypto for? And the answer is pretty much anything. Businesses are accepting cryptocurrency as it becomes increasingly mainstream, with some even offering benefits for using crypto such as discounts and perks.
NewEgg: Electronics and Computer Hardware
NewEgg, a leading online retailer specializing in computer hardware and consumer electronics, was one of the first in its market to accept Bitcoin payments. Customers can purchase anything from laptops, graphics cards, headsets, and more directly using Bitcoin. NewEgg even offers exclusive discounts for customers who use crypto for purchases.
ExpressVPN: Crypto Enhancing Privacy
ExpressVPN, a leader in VPN services, accepts cryptocurrency payments. The benefit of this is that customers can enjoy an additional layer of anonymity as crypto transactions do not require the sharing of personal banking information.
Travala and AirBaltic: Book Your Next Holiday With Crypto
Travala accepts payment from over 100 different cryptocurrencies to book hotels, flights, and activities. It even offers its customers exclusive discounts by paying with crypto. Similarly, AirBaltic, a forward-thinking European airline, became the first in the world to accept Bitcoin for ticket payments back in 2014, and today it accepts payments in a number of different cryptocurrencies. Additionally, platforms like Alternative Airlines allow travelers to book air tickets with over 100 cryptocurrencies, going to show that crypto is becoming a realistic option for globetrotters.
AT&T: Telecommunications Payments
As the first major US telecom company to accept cryptocurrency, AT&T enables customers to pay their phone and internet bills securely and efficiently using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Everyday Uses For Crypto
These examples just go to show that cryptocurrency is no longer a niche financial tool used by small communities on the internet. Instead, it is a practical, versatile, secure way of making purchases for a huge number of everyday needs. Whether it's buying a new TV, ensuring your online privacy via a VPN, booking your next holiday, or paying utility bills - crypto is showing how useful it is in your everyday life.
Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing and Using a PlasBit Crypto Card
PlasBit makes it easy to convert your crypto into a usable form. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Log in to Your PlasBit Dashboard: Navigate to the wallet section.
2. Deposit Cryptocurrency: Choose your preferred crypto and make a deposit.
3. Select a Card: Go to the Card section, pick your preferred card, and click “Get This Card.”
4. Choose Your Payment Method: Select the wallet you want to use to issue the card.
5. Confirm Your Order: Submit your order and wait for an email confirmation.
6. Receive Your Virtual Card: You’ll get a notification once your card is issued.
7. Load Funds: In the Cards section, click “Open Details” and navigate to the “Funding” tab. Choose a wallet to deposit funds, click “Load,” and submit.
8. Access Card Details: View your card number, expiry date, and CVV by pressing the “View Card Details” button.
9. Add to Apple Pay or Google Pay: Follow our guides for adding your PlasBit card to Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Crypto Uses in Real Life
Cryptocurrency has become part of everyday life and is now a practical option for everyday purchases and services. These are the different crypto uses in real life, it can be used to pay for online or in-person shopping, services, travel, and anything else you'd use to spend your money on. Your crypto can be used either directly with parties that accept crypto payments, by buying a crypto card to use smaller amounts, or by wiring the crypto to your bank account to use larger amounts. Crypto uses are expanding as both businesses and individuals begin to embrace the flexibility and convenience that come with using digital currencies. It can be used for everyday purchases, to even major investments, and is becoming more accepted around the world day by day. For example, customers heading to Subway in certain locations can pay for their food with Bitcoin. You can also use crypto to buy real estate, with companies such as Propy allowing you to buy a new house solely using crypto. To make spending with crypto even easier, services like BitPay offer crypto debit cards, which convert digital currencies into fiat, which means you can shop at virtually any retailer.
Uses For Crypto
Cryptocurrencies can increasingly be used for a wide variety of things. There are numerous uses for crypto, it can be used to purchase anything, from food to houses and beyond, using either the crypto itself, or you can load it to crypto cards for smaller amounts, and wire it to your bank if you need use a larger amount. In fact, uses for crypto span industries like gaming, healthcare, and education. The gaming sector was quick to embrace crypto, and players can make in-game purchases via NFTs or game-specific tokens. For example, Axie Infinity enables players to earn cryptocurrency through gameplay, which can then be traded for fiat currency. Meanwhile, DeFI platforms such as Aave and Compound allow people to either lend or borrow crypto, which enables them to earn interest or access liquidity. The healthcare industry has also begun to adopt cryptocurrency for medical services, and some clinics in Switzerland and the United States have accepted crypto payments for consultations and treatments.
What Can I Buy with Crypto
As cryptocurrencies have gained more mainstream appeal, they are being used to purchase a greater array of goods and services. The answer to the question what can I buy with crypto? Anything. Many shops offer the option to buy things with crypto directly, whether it be watches, cars, houses, food, or flight tickets, and if they don't offer it directly, you can use your crypto to buy a crypto card for smaller transactions or wire it to your bank account for larger transactions.
Surprising Things You Can Buy With Crypto
Bitcoin launched in 2009 as the first cryptocurrency. It was initially an experiment in decentralized systems and cryptography (securing information through coded algorithms). Bitcoin’s early popularity centered around its use on the online black market through websites like Silk Road, which allowed users to anonymously buy and sell (often illegal) goods. Silk Road closed in 2013, and crypto has subsequently shed its shady reputation as a tool for illicit transactions and is now used widely for legitimate purchases. In fact, the number of things you can buy with crypto is expanding every day, and here are some more surprising ones:
Space Travel Tickets
Ever dreamed of leaving Earth's atmosphere and traveling into space? Well, you can now use crypto to purchase your ticket to the stars, as Virgin Galactic accepts Bitcoin as payment for space flights.
Sports Cars
For those looking to make a statement - you can now buy a Lamborghini with crypto. An increasing number of car dealerships offer crypto payments for high-end cars, reflecting the growing integration of crypto into a wide diversity of commerce.
Insurance
Admittedly, it's not quite as exciting as buying a Lamborghini or your seat on a spaceship. Still, it is probably of more relevance to the everyday consumer: you can now use crypto to buy insurance. For example, in 2021, Axa began accepting Bitcoin for all their insurance products, except life insurance.
Conclusion
It’s undeniable that cryptocurrency has fundamentally changed the ways in which we think about and interact with money, and along the way, it has become a legitimate tool for many people and businesses around the world with a huge array of benefits. While once it carried the stigma of being associated with niche communities and illicit activities, it has since become a popular, safe, and secure way of making purchases and storing money. Whether you are buying a coffee, paying your tuition fees, booking your next holiday, or buying a new home, crypto offers a secure, accessible, and flexible alternative to traditional currencies. The question is no longer “What do you use crypto for?”, but “How can crypto reshape my financial future?”
