Key takeaways

  • Bitcoin’s utility goes beyond investments. From luxury watches and real estate to fast food and private jets, Bitcoin is being accepted across diverse industries.
  • Mainstream brands are embracing cryptocurrencies. Companies like Gucci, Subway, and even sports teams like the Dallas Mavericks are integrating Bitcoin into their payment systems.
  • Universities and nonprofit organizations are recognizing the advantages of cryptocurrency transactions for tuition fees and donations.
  • The luxury market is leading crypto adoption with high-end fashion, private aviation and rare collectibles, making Bitcoin a legitimate form of payment.

Think Bitcoin is just for hodling? Think again. 

Sure, you can book flights or buy the latest gadgets with Bitcoin (BTC), but did you know you can also snag a Rolex, buy a luxury mansion, or even charter a private jet — all with Bitcoin? 

Yep, the world of crypto payments is way bigger than you might think.

From fast food to fine art, here are 10 surprising things you can buy with Bitcoin that’ll make you rethink what’s possible.

1. Luxury watches

Time is money — literally, if you’re paying for a luxury watch with Bitcoin. High-end watch brands and retailers are increasingly embracing cryptocurrency, allowing Bitcoin holders to indulge in timeless craftsmanship without converting their digital assets to fiat. Some of these include:

  • Hublot: The Swiss watchmaker released the Big Bang Meca-10 P2P, a Bitcoin-exclusive timepiece celebrating BTC’s 10th anniversary.
  • TAG Heuer: Accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for online purchases in the US.
  • BitDials: A luxury crypto-only retailer offering Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and more.
  • PrestigeTime and Jomashop: Two online watch retailers that allow Bitcoin transactions for high-end timepieces.

2. Real estate

Forget mortgages — some buyers are skipping the banks entirely and buying properties with Bitcoin. Whether it’s a Miami penthouse, a Swiss chalet or a beachfront villa in Bali, real estate transactions using BTC are on the rise. Some examples:

  • Crypto real estate: A global marketplace featuring over 1,500 properties available for purchase with Bitcoin, ranging from residential homes to commercial buildings.
  • RealOpen: This real estate company enables buyers to use Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to purchase any property, converting crypto assets into cash for sellers seamlessly.
  • Bithome: Offers property listings worldwide where sellers accept Bitcoin, providing opportunities to buy homes, land and commercial properties with cryptocurrency.

3. Art and collectibles

The art world is increasingly embracing Bitcoin as a form of payment. Notable art purchases with Bitcoin include:

  • Genesis Cat digital artwork: In January 2024, “Genesis Cat,” a digital art piece minted on the Bitcoin blockchain’s Ordinals protocol by the Taproot Wizards team, sold for $254,000 at a Sotheby’s auction.
  • Beeple’s NFT “Everydays: the First 5000 Days”: In March 2021, digital artist Beeple’s non-fungible token (NFT) sold for over $69 million at Christie’s, marking a significant moment in digital art and cryptocurrency convergence.
  • Maurizio Cattelan’s “Comedian” (Banana duct-taped to a wall): In November 2019, Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan’s infamous artwork “Comedian” — a real banana duct-taped to a wall — sold for $120,000 at Art Basel Miami. In 2024, a new edition of the piece was auctioned for $6.2 million, demonstrating how conceptual art and cryptocurrency culture collide.

4. Private jet charters

Why fly economy when you can book a private jet with Bitcoin? For those seeking luxury travel options, several private jet companies now accept Bitcoin. This allows clients to book flights using their digital assets, providing a seamless and modern payment experience for high-end services. 

Various companies like Fast Private Jet and LunaJets offer exclusive charter flights with cryptocurrency payments, including Bitcoin, Ether (ETH) and stablecoins. Brokerage firms like Jet Finder in Canada allow customers to charter planes and helicopters as well as facilitate their sales and consulting in cryptocurrency. 

Pay crypto for a private jet

Did you know? In 2014, a private flight was booked using Bitcoin for a trip from Brussels to Nice, marking one of the earliest instances of cryptocurrency being used in the aviation industry.

5. University tuition fees

Educational institutions are beginning to recognize Bitcoin as a valid form of payment for tuition. This adoption provides students with alternative payment methods, especially appealing to international students or those invested in cryptocurrencies.

As Bitcoin adoption grows, educational institutions worldwide are embracing crypto payments, allowing students to use BTC for tuition and other fees. This shift provides a seamless payment option, especially for international students looking to avoid high bank transfer fees and exchange rate fluctuations.

Some universities accepting Bitcoin for tuition are:

  • University of Nicosia (Cyprus): The first accredited university to accept Bitcoin for tuition in 2013, also offering blockchain-related courses.
  • Lucerne University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland): Accepts Bitcoin for select programs and continues to explore blockchain-based education.
  • Bentley University (US): A university focused on business, accounts and finance majors now accepts crypto payments for tuition payments.
  • King’s College (US): Became the first US college to accept Bitcoin for tuition in 2014.

6. Fast food

You don’t have to be a high roller to spend Bitcoin. In fact, you can buy a Big Mac or a burrito with BTC right now. The fast-food industry has been the most experimental in embracing Bitcoin, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite meals using cryptocurrency. Here’s a closer look at how Bitcoin is making its way into popular fast-food chains:

  • Subway: Subway was among the first fast-food chains to accept Bitcoin. In 2013, several Subway restaurants, including one in Allentown, Pennsylvania, began accepting Bitcoin for their sandwiches, marking a significant milestone in crypto adoption.
  • KFC Canada: In 2018, KFC Canada introduced the “Bitcoin Bucket,” a limited-time promotion allowing customers to purchase a bucket of chicken using Bitcoin, with payments processed through BitPay.
  • Papa John’s: Notably, in 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz made the first real-world Bitcoin transaction by purchasing two Papa John’s pizzas for 10,000 BTC, an event now celebrated annually as Bitcoin Pizza Day.
  • Burger King: Burger King has experimented with Bitcoin payments in various countries. In 2016, Burger King in Arnhem, Netherlands started accepting Bitcoin, contributing to the city’s nickname “Bitcoin City” due to numerous businesses embracing cryptocurrency. In 2019, Burger King Germany announced the acceptance of Bitcoin for online orders, showcasing the chain’s innovative approach.

A Weekend in Bitcoin City, Arnhem, the Netherlands

7. Sporting event tickets

Sports franchises and ticketing platforms are increasingly embracing Bitcoin as a payment option, giving fans a seamless and modern way to purchase tickets. The NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, owned by Mark Cuban, welcomed Bitcoin payments, allowing fans to buy tickets and team gear with digital assets. In 2021, the San Jose Sharks became the first NHL team to accept cryptocurrency for season tickets, luxury boxes and sponsorships. 

Major League Baseball has followed suit, with the Oakland Athletics offering full-season suites for Bitcoin payments during the 2021 season. The trend continued into the NFL, where the Tennessee Titans made headlines in 2022 by becoming the first team to accept Bitcoin for large and recurring purchases, such as season tickets and suites. 

These initiatives reflect a growing trend among sports franchises to embrace cryptocurrency, enhancing the fan experience by offering modern payment options.

Did you know? The NBA team Sacramento Kings has been accepting Bitcoin for ticket and merchandise purchases since 2014, making them one of the first professional sports teams to do so.

8. Charitable donations

Numerous charitable organizations now accept Bitcoin donations. This approach provides donors with a tax-efficient way to contribute and support the global reach of charitable efforts by facilitating cross-border donations without traditional financial barriers.

Did you know? The Red Cross and Save the Children are among the prominent charities that have embraced Bitcoin donations, enabling supporters to contribute using cryptocurrency.

9. Subscription services

Digital subscription services have increasingly adopted Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment options, appealing to users who prioritize privacy and security. Notable examples include:

  • Streaming services: Platforms like Twitch accept direct crypto payments for subscriptions, allowing users to support their favorite streamers using Bitcoin. Additionally, services such as Netflix and Spotify can be paid for indirectly using cryptocurrency through crypto debit cards, enabling seamless transactions for entertainment needs.
  • Privacy-focused services: VPN providers like NordVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) accept cryptocurrency payments, offering users enhanced anonymity and security. 
  • Content management systems: WordPress, a leading content management platform, has accepted Bitcoin for its premium services since 2012, highlighting the early adoption of cryptocurrency in the digital content space.

As more services recognize the benefits of cryptocurrency transactions, users can expect increased flexibility and privacy in managing their subscriptions.

10. Luxury fashion

High-end fashion brands are increasingly integrating Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies into their payment systems, allowing customers to buy luxury apparel and accessories using digital assets. This trend highlights the growing acceptance of crypto in mainstream commerce. Notable fashion houses accepting Bitcoin include:

  • Gucci: In 2022, Gucci became one of the first major luxury brands to accept Bitcoin in select US stores. The company expanded this option to include ETH, Dogecoin (DOGE) and other cryptocurrencies.
  • Balenciaga: Shortly after Gucci, Balenciaga followed suit, enabling customers to pay with Bitcoin and Ether for high-end fashion items.
  • Off-White: The avant-garde fashion brand has integrated Bitcoin payments in flagship stores in Paris, London and Milan, catering to a digitally savvy clientele.
  • Phillip Plein: The German luxury designer brand was an early adopter, accepting Bitcoin payments both online and in physical stores.

As more luxury brands recognize the benefits of cryptocurrency transactions — such as lower fees, faster cross-border payments and an appeal to younger, tech-forward consumers — the industry is set to expand its crypto adoption.