Bitcoin adoption surged in recent years, with more users getting into it (Bitcoin holders grew by 33% in 2023), and thousands of merchants accepting it as a payment method.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to buy things with Bitcoin, whether online or in a physical store. We also laid out how to send crypto payments for free using a beginner-friendly online crypto wallet to make things more convenient in your crypto journey. Let’s get right into it.
Top 4 Benefits of Paying with Bitcoin
Before the how-to’s, here are some reasons why a growing number of users prefer making Bitcoin payments over traditional payment methods:
1. Better payment security
Cryptocurrencies offer enhanced security compared to traditional credit and debit card payments because they don’t require third-party verification. When you pay with Bitcoin and other crypto, your personal data isn't centralised in a database—a common attack point for data breaches.
Instead, your information is securely stored within your own crypto wallet. At the same time, blockchain's general ledger plays a crucial role in both verifying and logging transactions, significantly reducing, if not outright eliminating, the risk of identity theft.
2. Lower transaction fees (even free in Ka.app)
Merchants usually bear the cost of transaction and setup fees when using many payment processors. For instance, PayPal charges around 4% per transaction, sometimes even higher. On the other hand, cryptocurrencies tend to have much lower fees, both for merchants and customers, and sometimes even free like how it goes on Ka.app.
It’s also worth noting that Bitcoin and other crypto present the opportunity to bypass international fees when sending remittances or cross-border payments. This advantage stems from cryptocurrencies not being linked to any specific country or central bank. Consequently, businesses can sidestep the delays and expenses associated with foreign bank processing.
3. Quicker transaction times
Bitcoin transactions happen directly between parties, without the need for intermediaries like banks or payment processors. This direct path significantly speeds up the transaction process, allowing payments to be completed in minutes or even seconds. For instance, with Ka.app, you can send Bitcoin to other users within seconds from any supported country.
Simultaneously, unlike traditional banking systems, which may pause for weekends or holidays, the blockchain technology supporting Bitcoin operates 24/7. This means you can initiate and complete transactions at any time, without delays related to banking hours or processing schedules.
4. Borderless
As mentioned, Bitcoin and other crypto aren’t tied to any particular country or financial system, so you can use them to make payments or send money anywhere in the world. This global nature eliminates the hassle of dealing with different currencies and exchange rates, making transactions smoother and more convenient.
How to Pay with Bitcoin Online
It’s a common misconception that making crypto payments is complex, but in reality, it’s quick and easy. Here are two different ways on how to pay for something with Bitcoin using Ka.app:
a. If the seller is a Ka.app user
- Sign up on Ka.app (if you haven’t already).
- Log in.
- Click/tap ‘Send.’
- Enter the recipient’s mobile number or upload the QR code.
- Select Bitcoin.
- Enter the amount you’d like to send.
- Confirm with your passcode.
Learn more about how to send Bitcoin.
b. If the seller uses an external wallet
- Create a Ka.app account (if you haven’t yet).
- Log in.
- Click/tap ‘Portfolio.’
- Select ‘Bitcoin.’
- Select ‘Withdraw.’
- Enter the recipient’s wallet address and the amount you’d like to send.
- Confirm with your passcode.
How to Pay with a Crypto Card
Have you heard of a crypto card? It works like a debit/credit card, but it allows you to use Bitcoin and other crypto for daily transactions. Platforms that offer a crypto card have different processes, from getting your card to ways of spending crypto to topping up your card.
The good news is that Ka.app’s main work in progress is a crypto card. Once available, you can already spend crypto by just tapping your card, or entering your card details online. Stay tuned for more announcements on how to order, activate, and use your Ka. Debit Card for payments.
Which Merchants Accept Bitcoin Payments?
As of writing, over 15,000 businesses worldwide accept Bitcoin as a payment method. Some of these include luxury brands Balenciaga, Gucci, Farfetch, and TAG Heuer, and airlines airBaltic, CheapAir, Lot Polish Airlines, and Virgin Airlines. See more companies that accept crypto payments.
Final Thoughts
Buying things with Bitcoin is easy nowadays with all the crypto payment methods available in the market. If you’ve never done this before, your best pick is a platform like Ka.app, so you can send Bitcoin for free and process transactions within seconds. It also has intuitive screens, easing you off complexity.
To kick off your Bitcoin journey, you can also buy crypto with IBAN, credit/debit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and buy crypto with wire transfer on Ka.app. Sign up for an account now.
Disclaimer: Not financial advice
FAQs
How do you pay for something with crypto?
As mentioned, there are different ways to pay for something with crypto. For instance, you can send crypto using a QR code or mobile number on a payment platform like Ka.app, or other apps like Cash App. You may also use a crypto debit card.
Can I buy products with crypto?
Generally, yes. Thousands of merchants already accept Bitcoin payments, and the range of products you can buy with crypto is expanding fast. However, it may still depend on the specific merchant you’d like to buy from.
Is it safe to buy things with Bitcoin?
Buying things with Bitcoin is generally safe, thanks to the secure nature of blockchain technology. However, it's important to practice safe online shopping habits, such as ensuring you're buying from reputable merchants and using a secure crypto wallet.
Can I buy a car or house with Bitcoin?
Yes; a good number of car dealers and realtors already accept Bitcoin as a payment method in various parts of the world, mostly in the luxury market. Some car manufacturers like Ferrari also accept Bitcoin payments in specific countries.
