Cryptocurrency is no longer just a buzzword; it’s becoming a practical option for daily transactions. As we head into 2024, more businesses and individuals are adopting crypto, making it easier than ever to incorporate digital assets into everyday life. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use crypto in daily life, from making Crypto payments to earning rewards with crypto credit cards.
Why Crypto use in Daily Life?
Cryptocurrency offers benefits such as lower transaction fees, faster cross-border payments, increased security, and more control over your finances. As crypto gains mainstream adoption, it’s time to explore how you can start using it for everyday transactions.
Using Crypto Payments in daily Transactions
Paying for Groceries
Several grocery chains and stores have started accepting crypto payments, either directly or through third-party payment processors like BitPay. You can buy your weekly groceries using Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or other cryptocurrencies. With user-friendly apps and crypto debit cards, paying for groceries with crypto is as easy as swiping your card.
Popular options for grocery shopping with crypto:
- Whole Foods: Accepts crypto payments via the SPEDN app.
- Walmart and Target: Pay indirectly using crypto debit cards from platforms like Coinbase and Binance.
Dining Out with Crypto
More restaurants and cafés are hopping on the crypto bandwagon, allowing you to enjoy meals and pay using digital assets. Many fast-food chains and local eateries accept crypto payments via apps like Lolli and BitPay.
Quick tips:
- Check if the restaurant accepts crypto payments or use your crypto debit card.
- Look for discounts or cashback rewards offered by crypto payments apps.
Paying for Entertainment and Subscriptions
Streaming services, gaming platforms, and online subscriptions increasingly accept crypto. Companies like Twitch, Microsoft Xbox, and some VPN services allow crypto payments, letting you enjoy your favorite entertainment while spending digital assets.
Examples:
- Netflix and Spotify: Use crypto through crypto credit cards or indirect payment apps.
- Xbox and PlayStation: Buy games and subscriptions using Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Earning Rewards with Crypto Credit Cards
Crypto credit cards offer a convenient way to earn rewards in the form of cryptocurrencies instead of traditional points. This lets you build your crypto portfolio while spending as you normally would.
Top Crypto Credit Cards to Consider in 2024:
- BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Card
- Rewards: Up to 1.5% back in Bitcoin on every purchase.
- Perks: No annual fee, and rewards are automatically transferred to your BlockFi account.
- Crypto.com Visa Card
- Rewards: Up to 8% back in CRO tokens, the native token of Crypto.com.
- Perks: Free Spotify, Netflix, and airport lounge access with higher-tier cards.
- Gemini Credit Card
- Rewards: Up to 3% back on dining, 2% on groceries, and 1% on all other purchases in Bitcoin or other supported cryptocurrencies.
- Perks: Instant rewards deposited into your Gemini account.
These crypto credit cards are widely accepted and can be used wherever traditional credit cards are, making them a perfect option for earning crypto as you spend.
Paying Bills with Crypto
Say goodbye to traditional bank transfers—now you can pay your bills with crypto. Services like BitPay, CoinGate, and crypto-friendly financial institutions allow you to pay utility bills, rent, and more using digital assets.
How to do it:
- Sign up with a service like BitPay or CoinGate.
- Link your crypto wallet and select the bill you want to pay.
- Pay using your preferred cryptocurrency.
This process is quick and secure, making bill with crypto payments more convenient than ever.
Traveling with Crypto
Traveling the world using crypto is no longer a futuristic concept. You can book flights, hotels, and car rentals with cryptocurrency, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Travel Agencies Accepting Crypto Payments:
- Travala: Book flights, hotels, and activities using various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Coin (BNB), and more.
- CheapAir: Purchase flight tickets using Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dash, and other cryptocurrencies.
- Bitcoin.Travel: A platform that offers flights, accommodation, and car rentals using multiple cryptocurrencies.
Whether planning a weekend getaway or an international adventure, crypto-friendly travel agencies make it easy to explore the world using your digital assets.
Online Shopping with Crypto
Many e-commerce platforms now accept crypto payments, allowing you to shop for clothing, electronics, gadgets, and more without using fiat currency.
Top E-Commerce Sites Accepting Crypto in 2024:
- Overstock: One of the first major retailers to accept Bitcoin, Overstock allows you to purchase various products using crypto.
- Newegg: Perfect for tech enthusiasts, Newegg accepts Bitcoin for electronics, computer parts, and more.
- Shopify: Thousands of Shopify merchants accept crypto payments, providing a wide range of products to choose from.
By using a crypto wallet or crypto debit card, you can seamlessly shop online while enjoying the benefits of digital crypto payments.
Using Crypto for Ride-Sharing and Public Transportation
Ride-sharing services and public transportation systems are gradually integrating crypto payments. This means you can use Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies to pay for your daily commute.
Examples:
- Uber and Lyft: Although not directly accepting crypto yet, you can use crypto debit cards to pay for rides.
- Public Transportation: Some cities have launched pilot programs accepting crypto payments for metro, bus, and train fares, making travel more convenient for crypto enthusiasts.
7. Investing and Earning Interest with Crypto
If you’re looking to make the most out of your digital assets, consider investing in crypto savings accounts and earning interest. Platforms like Celsius, Nexo, and BlockFi allow you to earn interest on your crypto holdings, ranging from 4% to 12% per year.
Steps to start earning:
- Deposit your crypto into an interest-earning account on a platform like BlockFi or Celsius.
- Choose between flexible or fixed terms.
- Watch your crypto grow with compound interest over time.
Crypto ATMs for Cash Withdrawals
Crypto ATMs are becoming increasingly common, making it easy to convert your crypto into cash when needed. These ATMs allow you to withdraw fiat currency using your digital assets, bridging the gap between traditional and digital finance.
Finding a Crypto ATM Near You:
- Use websites like CoinATMRadar to locate the nearest crypto ATM.
- Ensure your wallet is compatible with the ATM you plan to use.
- Withdraw cash as you would with a traditional ATM.
Donating to Charities with Crypto
Many charitable organizations now accept crypto donations, making it easier to contribute to causes you care about. Platforms like The Giving Block facilitate crypto donations, allowing you to make a difference while benefiting from potential tax deductions.
Popular charities accepting crypto donations:
- Save the Children
- American Cancer Society
- No Kid Hungry
Earning Crypto While Shopping Online
Take advantage of platforms like Lolli and StormX to earn crypto rewards while shopping at your favorite online stores. These platforms offer cashback in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, letting you accumulate digital assets effortlessly.
How it works:
- Install the browser extension or app.
- Shop at partner stores.
- Earn crypto rewards on every purchase.
Use Case 1: Buying Groceries with Crypto
Example: Imagine you’re shopping at Whole Foods. Instead of paying with your credit card, you open the SPEDN app on your phone. This app, linked to your crypto wallet, allows you to pay with Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH). You simply scan the QR code at the register, and your crypto payments is instantly processed. You walk out with your groceries, having made your purchase entirely with digital assets.
Use Case: Whole Foods and other stores like Walmart (via crypto debit cards) now accept cryptocurrency payments, making it convenient to use crypto for daily shopping.
Use Case 2: Paying for Subscriptions
Example: John is a huge fan of Netflix, and instead of using his traditional bank account, he pays for his subscription using a crypto credit card from Crypto.com. Every month, the amount is deducted, and he earns up to 3% back in CRO tokens for every payment made. Over time, these cashback rewards accumulate, allowing him to convert them into other cryptocurrencies or even fiat money.
Use Case: Major subscription services like Netflix, Spotify, and gaming platforms such as Xbox and PlayStation allow indirect crypto payments using crypto credit or debit cards, making it easy to manage recurring payments.
Use Case 3: Traveling with Crypto
Example: Sarah is planning a vacation to Europe. Instead of using her traditional credit card to book flights and hotels, she uses Travala, a travel booking website that accepts over 50 cryptocurrencies. She books her flights with Bitcoin and pays for her hotel using Ethereum, taking advantage of discounts offered for crypto payments. Throughout her trip, she uses her Binance crypto debit card to pay for meals and transportation, seamlessly converting crypto into fiat currency as needed.
Use Case: Travala and CheapAir are travel agencies that let you pay for flights, hotels, and car rentals with crypto, making travel easier and often more cost-effective.
Use Case 4: Investing and Earning Interest
Example: David holds several cryptocurrencies in his portfolio but wants to earn passive income instead of just holding them. He deposits his Bitcoin and USDC into a BlockFi interest account, earning up to 6% APY on his assets. Every month, his crypto balance grows, providing him with an additional stream of income.
Use Case: Platforms like BlockFi, Celsius, and Nexo allow you to deposit your crypto and earn interest, similar to how traditional savings accounts work but often with higher returns.
Use Case 5: Earning Cashback on Everyday Purchases
Example: Mary regularly shops online and wants to earn crypto as she spends. She installs the Lolli browser extension, which offers Bitcoin rewards when she shops at partner stores like Walmart, Sephora, and Best Buy. Every time she makes a purchase, a percentage of her spending is credited back to her as Bitcoin. Over time, Mary accumulates a significant amount of BTC, essentially earning crypto for her usual shopping.
Use Case: Platforms like Lolli and StormX allow users to earn crypto rewards while shopping online, making it easy to grow your digital assets while purchasing everyday items.
Use Case 6: Sending Money Internationally
Example: Alex works in the U.S. and wants to send money to his family in the Philippines. Instead of using Western Union or a bank transfer, which can be slow and costly, he sends Bitcoin through his wallet. His family receives the BTC in minutes, and they can convert it to the local currency using a local crypto exchange or crypto ATM with minimal fees.
Use Case: Using cryptocurrencies for international money transfers is quicker and often more cost-effective than traditional banking services, making it ideal for remittances.
Use Case 7: Using Crypto for Ride-Sharing
Example: Mike frequently uses Uber for commuting. He links his crypto debit card from Coinbase to his Uber account, allowing him to pay for his rides with Bitcoin or Ethereum. Each time he completes a ride, the payment is deducted from his crypto balance, making it easy for him to manage his expenses while using his digital assets.
Use Case: While Uber and Lyft don’t directly accept crypto, you can still use crypto debit cards to pay for rides, integrating crypto into your daily commute.
Use Case 8: Crypto Donations to Charity
Example: Emily feels passionate about supporting wildlife conservation and wants to donate to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Instead of donating through a bank transfer, she sends Ethereum directly to the WWF’s crypto wallet. She receives a confirmation of her donation and a receipt for tax purposes.
Use Case: Many charities and nonprofit organizations accept crypto donations, making it easy for you to contribute to causes you care about using digital assets.
Use Case 9: Shopping at Local Merchants
Example: A local coffee shop near Jake’s office accepts Bitcoin as payment. Instead of swiping his card, Jake opens his crypto wallet on his phone, scans the QR code, and pays with Bitcoin. He even receives a small discount for using crypto, as the shop saves on transaction fees compared to traditional payment methods.
Use Case: More local businesses are beginning to accept crypto payments directly or via crypto debit cards, allowing you to use crypto for everyday purchases.
Use Case 10: Paying Utility Bills with Crypto
Example: Lisa pays her monthly electricity bill using her Bitcoin holdings. She uses the BitPay platform to link her crypto wallet, select the biller, and process the payment in BTC. The transaction is fast, and Lisa receives a confirmation once her crypto payments is complete.
Use Case: Services like BitPay and CoinGate enable users to pay utility bills, rent, and other expenses with crypto, making it easy to manage finances without converting crypto to fiat.
Conclusion
In 2024, using crypto in everyday life is more practical and convenient than ever before. From paying for groceries and dining out to earning rewards with crypto credit cards, the opportunities to incorporate crypto into your daily routine are endless. With the increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies, now is the perfect time to explore how you can make the most out of your digital assets. Whether you’re shopping online, traveling, or simply paying bills, crypto payments provide a secure, efficient, and rewarding experience. Embrace the future of finance and start using crypto in your daily life today!
