https://bitpay.com/blog/analyzing-past-btc-halvings/

How halvings impact the BTC market

Much of Bitcoin’s past price history has revolved around the Bitcoin halving. While the halving effect on the Bitcoin price can be debated, there’s no denying that so far, each cycle has had a pattern that resembles the one that came before it.

Keep in mind that the price of Bitcoin doesn’t exist in a vacuum. There are various other macroeconomic factors that can impact the Bitcoin price, such as fluctuations in the money supply, interest rates, geopolitical events, and prevailing market sentiment.

It’s hard to prove a causal connection between the halving (or any other singular factor) and Bitcoin’s price. But due to the historical reliability of this indicator, combined with some fundamental facts about how the network functions, we can make informed inferences.

Past halving events and their impact on the BTC price

The most direct way the Bitcoin halving impacts price comes down to simple supply and demand. If there are fewer Bitcoins being made available, the price ought to rise, assuming demand remains constant or increases. In addition, miners only have half as much Bitcoin available to sell to cover their operational expenses, reducing overall selling pressure in the market.

The halving effect on the Bitcoin price this next time around could be even more pronounced, as demand could increase at the same time that supply decreases, due to some important developments in the space.

But first, let’s look at how previous halvings have impacted the Bitcoin price, making note of the price of Bitcoin in US dollars both at the time of the halving and at the cycle peak during the year that followed (Note: all price data used was sourced from Coinmarketcap.com).

Halving #1

• The first halving occurred on November 28, 2012, and reduced the block reward to 25 BTC from 50 BTC.
• Price at time of halving: $13
• Following year’s peak: $1,152

Prior to the first halving, Bitcoin was unknown to almost everyone but the cypherpunks who worked on the tech in its infancy. When the price in dollars ballooned from double digits to over $1,000, however, Bitcoin did begin making some headlines. But for the most part, the burgeoning asset class wasn’t taken seriously by anyone outside the community.  

By the time the price had fallen back to near $200 in 2015, critics proclaimed the bubble had burst and Bitcoin was dead. This trend would continue during the cycles to follow.

Halving #2

• The second halving occurred on July 16, 2016, and reduced the block reward to 12.5 BTC.
• Price at time of halving: $664
• Following year’s peak: $17,760

The second halving saw Bitcoin and crypto burst into the spotlight, with a wave of media criticism washing over the asset class. The altcoin and ICO boom occurred during this time, bringing with it many unfortunate scams and failed crypto startups.

Halving #3

• The third halving occurred on May 11, 2020, and reduced the block reward to 6.25 BTC.
• Price at time of halving: $9,734
• Following year’s peak: $67,549

Halving #3 was different in that it occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, when most of the global economy had been shut down. Despite this, the price pattern for BTC/USD mostly held true to previous cycles.

It was also during this time that billionaire investors like Paul Tudor Jones and Michael Saylor first began to announce they had made allocations to Bitcoin.

In each of these cycles, the halving effect on the Bitcoin price was similar and displayed a pattern: a substantial rally leading up to the halving, followed by a brief correction and period of consolidation before the major bull run and blow-off top. The peak occurred approximately 18 months after the halving each time. This is a highly simplified yet accurate description of the last three cycles.

In late 2023, many believe the market is now in the “pre-halving rally” stage of the cycle.

Predictions for Bitcoin halving 2024

The Bitcoin price halving in 2024 is unique in that it coincides with the potential approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF in the United States.

There’s also the matter of interest rates, as Bitcoin has historically done well in a lower-rate environment, although 2023 has proven the asset can do well during times of higher rates, too. Many market observers believe the Fed is done raising rates and may begin rate cuts in 2024.

Here are some Bitcoin halving 2024 price predictions from veterans in the space. 

• CoinCodex sees a BTC price peak above $170,000 in August 2025 before a retracement to levels near $95,000 – $100,000.
• BitQuant believes there will be a new all-time high sometime during the pre-halving rally, with the post-halving peak seeing prices over $250,000.
• Popular analyst CryptoCon sees a new high of around $130,000 about 4 years after the previous high, or sometime around November 2025.
• Marshall Beard of Gemini threw out the “$100,000 price figure” given BTC reaches its previous high of $69,000.

Final thoughts on BTC halving 2024 price predictions

Time will tell which Bitcoin price predictions for the 2024 halving come true, if any. If you are one that believes history tends to repeat itself, you may consider buying BTC before the 2024 halving. As always, we recommend doing your own research, staying on top of the latest industry happenings, and never investing more money than you can afford to lose!

Any predictions or market trend interpretations are not that of BitPay. All information in this article is for educational purposes only, and shouldn’t be interpreted as investment advice. BitPay is not liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect views of BitPay or its management. For investment or financial guidance, a professional should be consulted.

https://bitpay.com/blog/bitpay-crypto-gift-guide/

If you’re doing your holiday shopping with crypto this year, you’re in luck: the number of merchants you have to choose from has never been more plentiful. With so many crypto-friendly retailers now at your fingertips, you can buy something special for everyone on your gift list with practically any cryptocurrency you want. We’ve put together this crypto-shopping holiday gift guide to help you find the brands, stores and restaurants where you can spend crypto, including some helpful gift suggestions. The holidays are coming up fast, so this list will get you off to a running start.

The 2023 Crypto Gift Guide

The list below includes crypto-friendly merchants where you’ll find something to put a smile on the face of everyone you’re shopping for this year. No matter how picky the recipient, you’re sure to find something they’ll love.

Gifts for Her

Get something special for the woman in your life, from fine jewelry or perfume to luxury bath products.

• Stephen Silver Jewelry – Discover a treasure trove of luxurious and unique jewelry pieces at Stephen Silver Jewelry, offering a range of handcrafted, rare gemstone-adorned items perfect for making her feel truly special.

• Baunat – Baunat brings elegance and sophistication with its exquisite collection of diamond jewelry, from timeless engagement rings to stunning earrings, ideal for adding a touch of sparkle to her life.

• Saks 5th Ave (Gift Card) – Give the gift of choice with a Saks 5th Avenue gift card, unlocking a world of high-end fashion, luxury accessories, and beauty products for her to select her perfect indulgence.

Gifts for Him

Men love their gadgets and toys, but many also can’t resist a nice watch or a bottle of scotch.

• Mene – Mene offers an exquisite selection of 24-karat gold and platinum jewelry, perfect for the man who appreciates the finer things in life, from elegant bracelets to sophisticated rings.

• Home Depot (Gift Card) – A Home Depot gift card is the ideal choice for the DIY enthusiast or gadget lover, providing access to a vast array of tools, electronics, and home improvement items.

• Bass Pro Shop (Gift Card) – For the outdoorsman or adventure seeker, a Bass Pro Shop gift card opens up a world of fishing, hunting, and outdoor gear, ensuring he’s always ready for his next adventure.

Innovative Tech Must-Haves

If you’re shopping for someone with high-tech tastes who lives on the bleeding edge of innovation, you can’t go wrong with these options.

• Newegg – A paradise for tech enthusiasts, Newegg offers an extensive range of cutting-edge electronics, from the latest gaming rigs to innovative computer components, perfect for those who live on the technological forefront.

• Best Buy (Gift Card) – With a Best Buy gift card, give the gift of endless options in electronics, from the newest smart home gadgets to top-of-the-line audio systems, catering to every tech aficionado’s dream.

• CyberGhost VPN – CyberGhost VPN is an essential tool for the privacy-conscious tech lover, offering fast, secure, and anonymous internet access, perfect for streaming, gaming, and safeguarding online activities.

Gifts for Techies

The gadget junkie in your life will think of you every time they fire up their computer, phone or practically anything else from these brands.

• PiHut – PiHut is a haven for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts, offering everything from starter kits to advanced components, perfect for the DIY techie looking to build or enhance their next project.

• Scan UK – Scan UK is the go-to destination for high-performance computing, featuring custom-built gaming PCs, professional workstations, and top-tier components for the ultimate tech experience.

• Overclockers – Overclockers specializes in high-end gaming gear and PC components, ideal for those who crave the latest in gaming technology and computer hardware advancements.

Sports Fanatic Faves

Whether it’s licensed team gear, season tickets or anything in between, the sports lovers on your list will be cheering when they open your gift from these merchants.

• NFL Shop (Gift Card) – Perfect for the football enthusiast, an NFL Shop gift card offers access to a wide array of official NFL merchandise, from jerseys to memorabilia of their favorite teams.

• StubHub (Gift Card) – Give the gift of an unforgettable experience with a StubHub gift card, allowing sports fans to secure tickets to the most anticipated games and events.

• NBA Store (Gift Card) – An NBA Store gift card is a slam dunk for basketball fans, providing a variety of official NBA team gear, from apparel to accessories, celebrating their love for the game.

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Luxury Gifts

For those who enjoy the finer things in life, you’ll find all things glittery and gilded at retailers like these.

• Gucci (in-store only) – Gucci offers an unparalleled selection of high-fashion luxury goods, from iconic handbags to bespoke clothing, perfect for those who appreciate the pinnacle of designer craftsmanship.

• Ralph Lauren (Miami Design District store only) – Ralph Lauren provides a classic and sophisticated range of high-end apparel and accessories, embodying timeless elegance and refined style for the discerning individual.

• Hublot – Hublot stands as a beacon of luxury Swiss watchmaking, offering an exquisite collection of timepieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, ideal for the connoisseur of fine watches.

Gourmet Delights

Foodies will rejoice when they open a gift full of their favorite snackables, meats or fancy olive oils.

• Oshen – Oshen delivers the freshest, sustainably raised salmon straight to your door, perfect for the seafood aficionado who appreciates the rich taste and health benefits of premium salmon.

• DoorDash (Gift Card) – A DoorDash gift card is a foodie’s dream, offering the freedom to choose from a vast array of local and international cuisines, all delivered right to their doorstep.

• Total Wine & More (Gift Card) – For the wine and spirits enthusiast, a Total Wine & More gift card provides access to an extensive selection of fine wines, spirits, and beers, perfect for exploring new flavors and favorites.

Chic Home Accents

We all know someone whose house looks like straight out of the pages of a style magazine, try these stores to find a special touch they’ll love.

• RoomsToGo – RoomsToGo is known for its wide range of stylish and contemporary furniture and home decor items, perfect for adding a modern touch to any living space.

• Pottery Barn (Gift Card) – A Pottery Barn gift card is ideal for those who love elegant and sophisticated home furnishings, offering everything from classic furniture to chic decorative accents.

• Sur la Table (Gift Card) – For the culinary enthusiast with a flair for style, a Sur la Table gift card provides access to high-quality kitchenware, gourmet cookware, and stylish home accessories.

Travel and Adventure Gifts

Send the traveler in your life on their next adventure in style with these thoughtful and practical gift ideas.

• Delta (Gift Card) – A Delta gift card is the perfect present for the avid traveler, offering the freedom to fly to numerous destinations and create unforgettable travel experiences.

• iFly (Gift Card) – For the adventure seeker, an iFly gift card provides the thrilling experience of indoor skydiving, a unique and exhilarating way to feel the rush of freefall without jumping from a plane.

• GetYourGuide – GetYourGuide offers a vast selection of tours and activities around the world, from exploring ancient ruins to experiencing local culinary delights, perfect for the traveler eager to discover new cultures and adventures.

Ultimate Gamer Gear

From the latest game consoles to a souped-up gaming PC, try these stores for your favorite hardcore gamer.

• Maingear – Maingear specializes in crafting high-performance custom PCs, perfect for gamers seeking top-tier gaming rigs with advanced graphics and processing power.

• GameStop (Gift Card) – A GameStop gift card offers a world of possibilities, from the latest gaming consoles and video games to an array of accessories, ideal for any gaming enthusiast.

• GamesPlanet – GamesPlanet provides a vast selection of digital game keys for platforms like Steam, Origin, and Ubisoft Connect, making it a great choice for gamers looking to expand their digital library with new and exciting titles.

• Xbox (Gift Card) – An Xbox gift card is a versatile gift for any Xbox gamer, offering access to a wide range of games, DLCs, and even subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass, enhancing their gaming experience.

For the Fashion Lover

If you have a friend or family member who can’t get enough of the latest runway fashion, you’ll find just what you’re looking for.

• Jomashop – Jomashop offers a luxurious array of designer watches, handbags, sunglasses, apparel, and beauty products, perfect for those who adore high-end fashion accessories.

• Lanieri – Lanieri provides exquisite Italian-made custom suits, dress shirts, and more, ideal for the fashion lover who values tailored elegance and impeccable style.

• LGR Sunglasses – LGR Sunglasses presents a collection of luxury eyewear, combining timeless designs with modern craftsmanship, a chic addition to any fashion lover’s accessory collection.

Wine and Spirits Snob

For those on your list who only drink “the good stuff,” here you’ll find bottles, barware and more that are sure to satisfy even the choosiest booze connoisseur 

• Inserrata – Inserrata, an organic winery in San Miniato, offers a selection of exquisite Tuscan wines, perfect for those who appreciate the unique flavors and sustainable practices of Italian viticulture.

• Metacask – Metacask specializes in exclusive whiskey collections, including limited editions like Grace O’Malley whiskey. It’s an ideal choice for connoisseurs interested in unique whiskey experiences combined with art and technology.

• BTC Wine provides a luxurious selection of fine wines, allowing purchases with cryptocurrencies. It’s perfect for the modern wine enthusiast looking to diversify their portfolio with tangible assets like premium wines.

Another way to do your holiday shopping: BitPay Bill Pay

Holiday shopping means holiday bills, and that credit card interest can start stacking faster than snow in December if you aren’t careful. Instead of letting your holiday shopping become a financial anchor weighing you down in the new year, pay it off with crypto using BitPay Bill Pay. With BillPay, you can pay credit card bills, student loans, car loans, mortgage payments or just about any other expense you can think of using crypto. 

Get the App or Connect on Web to Start Paying Holiday Shopping Bills with Crypto

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https://bitpay.com/blog/big-ticket-items-you-can-buy-with-crypto/

When it comes to big-ticket items you can buy with crypto, options are plentiful. It’s also a great way to free yourself from many of the costs and inconveniences associated with traditional payment rails like banks, credit card companies and mortgage lenders. Let’s take a look at some of the pricey goods you can easily get your hands on with crypto payments.

What expensive items I can buy with crypto?

Cars

Whether you’re gearing up to finally buy that Lambo, adding a classic car to your garage for Sunday drives or snapping up a new motorcycle to enjoy the ultimate freedom of the open road, BitPay has you covered. We partner with a number of high-end vehicle dealers including RM Sotheby’s, Ducati Indianapolis and Taabo Imports. Even if you’re shopping with a dealer that doesn’t accept direct crypto payments,, with Bill Pay, you can make those monthly auto loan payments directly from your crypto wallet. No hassle, no fuss.

Get the App or Connect on Web to Pay Bills with Crypto

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Real estate 

Even some wealthy homeowners are saddled with a mortgage. BitPay offers a number of solutions to make home and real estate purchases made with crypto a seamless experience.

We partner with a number of real estate companies that are steeped in the world of crypto. Check out some of BitPay’s real estate partners and start paying your mortgage with crypto in minutes. 

If you’ve already settled on your home, you can keep up with monthly mortgage payments with BitPay Bill Pay. Bill Pay automatically connects your mortgage payment (and virtually any other monthly bill) directly to your crypto wallet. Then all you have to do is choose your favorite coin and tap to pay. You’ll receive a payment confirmation in-app within seconds.

Entertainment systems and electronics

Now that you’re in the house of your dreams, you’ll want to outfit it with every shiny electronic device out there. And you can get it all with crypto, from home entertainment centers that will make you the envy of the neighborhood, to the latest game consoles, computers and more. Buy electronics with crypto from partner merchants including Microsoft, Newegg and many others.

Vacations and travel

Cool car, nice house, thumping sound system. It’s certainly nice to have nice things. But sometimes we all need an escape, whether it’s to a remote beach destination, a history-laced European adventure or a luxurious ocean cruise. However and wherever you travel, you can pay for the whole trip with crypto. BitPay partner merchants include everything from travel agencies, hotels and airlines to help make your ultimate bucket list getaway a reality. 

Furniture

A house isn’t a home until you’ve made it your own with furniture and decor. Let your inner interior decorator shine as you pick out new home furnishings from partner merchants like Beliani and RoomsToGo, both of which accept direct crypto payments.  

BitPay also offers crypto-funded gift cards for top furniture brands and retailers like Pottery Barn, Ikea, Wayfair, and many more.

Watches and jewelry

Whether it’s a gift for a loved one or you’re just treating yourself, you have no shortage of options for spending crypto on jewelry, diamonds, and watches. BitPay partners with luxury goods purveyors across the spectrum, from brands like Hublot , Perrelet, and Tag Heurer to merchants like Jomashop and Ace Jewelers.

Art and collectibles

If you’ve got a penchant for Picasso or a desire for Dalí, chances are you’ll find it at RM Sotheby’s, a BitPay partner merchant and one of the world’s most venerable auction houses. Adorn your walls and home with one-of-a-kind collectibles including art, classic cars, sports memorabilia and much more, and pay directly with crypto.

How to pay for high ticket items with crypto

Now that you’ve got some ideas for how to spend some of those crypto gains burning a hole in your wallet, let’s talk options. There are many different ways you can spend crypto on big-ticket items, both directly and indirectly. Either way, you can easily indulge in the big-ticket item you’ve been eyeing, and use crypto to do it.

Pay direct from your wallet with BitPay merchants

BitPay has partnerships with hundreds of brands, retailers and online merchants that make it easy to pay with crypto. Scan through our Merchant Directory for your favorite stores  and choose pay with crypto at checkout. Pay invoices from practically any wallet, BitPay supports more than 100 of the most popular crypto wallets

BitPay Bill Pay

One of BitPay’s newer offerings is BitPay Bill Pay. With it, you can securely pay practically any bill directly from your crypto wallet, no checking account or wire transfer required. Start by connecting your billing accounts. Choose your preferred crypto then simply tap to pay. You’ll receive confirmation in the app within seconds. You can pay practically any type of bill, from mortgages and auto payments, to credit card bills and student loan payments.

Get the App or Connect on Web to Pay Bills with Crypto

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The BitPay Card

For the ultimate in crypto-spending convenience, the BitPay Card is your passport to safe and speedy crypto payments anywhere in the world Mastercard is accepted. With it, you can spend crypto as easily as cash, and earn cash-back rewards at over 100,000 global merchants.

Buy gift cards via the BitPay app or Chrome extension

Don’t see your favorite retailer in our Merchant Directory? No sweat. With the BitPay app or Google Chrome extension, you can use crypto to buy gift cards from hundreds of top brands like Home Depot, Hotels.com and Uber. All you have to do is choose the store and amount, then pay for the card with your preferred wallet and cryptocurrency. You’ll instantly receive your gift card in your BitPay wallet, either for gifting or spending.

Which cryptocurrencies can I use on expensive items?

BitPay supports many of the most popular coins, tokens and stablecoins. Pay for high-end items with Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin on the Lightning Network, Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB), Litecoin (LTC), XRP (XRP), ApeCoin (APE), Polygon (MATIC), Dai (DAI), Binance USD (BUSD), USD Coin (USDC), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Pax Dollar (USDP), Gemini Dollar (GUSD) and Euro Coin (EUROC). BitPay occasionally adds support for new coins as demand and utility grow, so keep checking back in the unlikely event your favorite crypto isn’t listed here.

Paying with crypto has never been easier. And now, even buying big-ticket items like houses, cars and dream vacations is only a few taps away. If you’ve got expensive tastes and a budget to match, BitPay makes acquiring what you want as convenient, speedy and secure as it gets. 

https://bitpay.com/blog/november-23-cryptie-newsletter/

Welcome to our monthly newsletter! Get ready for some exciting updates from our team at BitPay, including new merchants joining the world of cryptocurrency. Let’s dive into this month’s highlights!

In This Issue:

BitPay in the News

Check out the latest news from BitPay this month:

• BitPay is recognized as one of the most resilient and longstanding companies in the cryptocurrency industry (CryptoNews)
• How businesses accepting crypto payments influence adoption (CoinTelegraph)
• BitPay Teams Up with Banxa to Expand Localized Payment Methods for Global Crypto Buyers (AlexBlockchian)

Industry News

Read news from across the blockchain industry:

• Sam Bankman-Fried convicted of multi-billion dollar FTX fraud
• Morgan Stanley believes crypto winter is over, Bitcoin halving will kick off new bull run
• SEC Retreats From High-Stakes Lawsuit Over XRP Cryptocurrency
• Ethereum Rockets Past $2,100 as BlackRock Files for Ethereum ETF with NASDAQ
• Blockchain.com raises $110 million in Series E funding
• SHIB Partners with the Manny Pacquiao Foundation to Implement Its Own Layer 2 Blockchain

Stay in the Know

The latest insights from the BitPay Blog:

• Find out how you can conveniently use cryptocurrency to pay your bills with BitPay.
• Explore how BitPay is revolutionizing the way students pay off their loans by accepting cryptocurrency as a viable payment option.
• Find out how you can seamlessly use your cryptocurrency to pay for purchases with your credit card.
• Explore how BitPay is revolutionizing the automotive industry by enabling cryptocurrency payments for auto loans.
• Explore how BitPay is revolutionizing the real estate industry by enabling homeowners to seamlessly pay their mortgages using cryptocurrency.
• Learn how to purchase a home using cryptocurrency and embrace the future of real estate transactions.
• Uncover the compelling reasons behind purchasing BTC ahead of the halving event and seize the potential for increased value.

BitPay Welcomes espresso Displays

BitPay is thrilled to welcome espresso Displays as the newest BitPay merchant. espresso Displays offers the world’s thinnest portable touchscreen monitors, renowned for their sleek design and high performance. Designed in Australia, these monitors cater to a variety of needs, from professional to multimedia use, and are compatible with multiple platforms and software. Ideal for mobile and hybrid working, they require just a single USB-C connection for setup.

Setting themselves apart in the digital market, Espresso Displays accepts cryptocurrency payments via BitPay, embracing the modern trend of digital transactions. Their products, including the 4K espresso 17 Pro and the espresso 13/15, are perfect for professionals seeking a portable, efficient display solution.

→ Shop espresso Displays with crypto

Product Focus: Banxa

BtPay is excited to announce our newest partner, Banxa. Together, BitPay and Banxa are expanding the payment methods available to BitPay users in the Wallet app and online at the BitPay website.

Cryptocurrency communities across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania can now pay for cryptocurrency assets using local payment methods like PayID, Interac e-transfer, SPEI, and many more. These local payment options offer a more convenient way to pay than traditional methods.

→ Read more about the BitPay x Banxa partnership

Merchant Spotlight: RM Sotheby’s

RM Sotheby’s is the number one classic car auction house in the world. Cars for auction include rare antique, classic, and sports & racing cars.

As the Porsche market continues its strong trajectory, RM Sotheby’s is thrilled to unveil “The White Collection” auction—a unique gathering of rare Porsche models, all wearing brilliant shades of white.

→ Visit RM Sotheby’s to bid with crypto

Charitable Spotlight: #GivingTuesday

GivingTuesday,  the day dedicated to generosity around the world, is November 28th. This month’s charitable spotlight will focus not just on one nonprofit but all nonprofit and charity organizations that accept crypto. When you donate with crypto, more of the donation goes to the cause and not payment processing fees, making it better for both sides of the transaction.

→ See how you can donate with crypto

Questions to Ask Your Payment Processor

Don’t risk partnering with the wrong crypto payments provider. Arm yourself with the right questions to ask when vetting potential partners. Read the overview here or download our expanded guide of questions to help spot a reliable and trustworthy crypto partner.

→ Get the e-book

Bitcoin halving countdown

The Bitcoin halving is slated to take place in April 2024. With the upcoming Bitcoin halving event, merchants have a unique opportunity to capitalize on the increased interest in Bitcoin spending. By accepting Bitcoin payments through BitPay, merchants can tap into a growing customer base and benefit from the potential surge in Bitcoin transactions. Don’t miss out on this chance to stay ahead of the curve and sign up with BitPay today.

Merchant Marketing Update: New Payment Mark!

BitPay has updated its payment mark to include one of our newest supported cryptocurrencies, PayPal USD (PYUSD). Merchants using the provided HTML snippet will show the new payment mark automatically. If you’re not using our provided HTML snippet,, we recommend this be manually updated to ensure customers know they can pay with PYUSD.

→ Get the new payment mark file

Word of the Month: Bitcoin Dominance

Bitcoin dominance is a measure of the market cap of Bitcoin as a share of the entire crypto market. This indicator plays an important role in assessing the overall present state of crypto. Investors often look to btc dominance as a factor in their investment strategies and portfolio allocation.

→ Learn more about Bitcoin Dominance

Travel with Crypto

BitPay Travel is now open to all! In collaboration with Xeni, BitPay Travel allows crypto users to pay for flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities with their cryptocurrency. Get great prices on all of your travel bookings and get the added benefit of paying straight from your cryptocurrency wallet.

Litecoin Merchant Shoutouts

We are proud to promote our BitPay merchants that accept Litecoin payments! Our Litecoin merchants cross a wide variety of industries and services, giving the Litecoin community an easy, convenient, secure way to spend their LTC.

• Copart Inc. – Copart is a premier online vehicle auction company, offering a variety of cars, trucks, and SUVs, and facilitates Litecoin payments through BitPay.
• Mecum Auction Inc. – Mecum Auctions, accessible at mecum.com, is renowned for its collector car auctions and facilitates transactions using Litecoin via BitPay.
• Kinguin Digital Limited – Kinguin.net is a popular marketplace for video games, software, and in-game items, and supports Litecoin payments through BitPay.
• Microsoft Corporation – Microsoft, a leading technology company, supports Litecoin for its wide range of software and services through BitPay.
• Newegg Inc. – Newegg.com is a top online retailer for computer hardware and consumer electronics, supporting Litecoin payments via BitPay.
• Wrist Aficionado – Wrist Aficionado offers a premium selection of luxury watches and supports Litecoin transactions through BitPay.
• Chainalysis Inc – Chainalysis, a blockchain analysis company, supports Litecoin payments, facilitating secure crypto transactions through BitPay.
• Namesilo LLC – Namesilo, a cost-effective domain registration service, allows customers to use Litecoin for payments via BitPay.
• Namecheap.com – Namecheap, a leading domain name registrar and web hosting company, supports Litecoin payments through BitPay.
• Exoclick S.L. – Exoclick, a top advertising network, embraces Litecoin payments, offering flexibility for advertisers and publishers through BitPay.
• Qwintry LLC – Qwintry, a global shipping service, facilitates international shopping with Litecoin payments through BitPay.
• APMEX Inc. – APMEX, a leading online retailer of precious metals, embraces Litecoin payments for its vast selection of products via BitPay.
• TREASURE ISLAND COINS – Treasure Island Coins offers a wide range of precious metals and rare coins, facilitating Litecoin payments through BitPay.
• PWCC Marketplace LLC – PWCC Marketplace, a trusted platform for trading card enthusiasts, allows Litecoin payments via BitPay.
• Vultr By The Constant Company LLC – Vultr, a cloud hosting provider, embraces Litecoin payments, offering flexible hosting solutions through BitPay.
• EXPRESSCO SERVICES LLC – ExpressVPN, a leading VPN service provider, supports Litecoin payments for enhanced online privacy and security through BitPay.
• HOSTKEY B.V. – HOSTKEY, a global provider of server solutions and cloud services, allows payments in Litecoin via BitPay.

Not a current merchant?

Get in touch with a BitPay representative today

https://bitpay.com/blog/everyday-expenses/

There are plenty of big-ticket items you can buy with crypto, but we’re not necessarily all in the market for a new Lamborghini. For the average crypto consumer, purchases like clothing, groceries and monthly bills are far more commonplace. Here are some of the most popular everyday expenses you can buy with crypto.

What everyday purchases can I make with crypto?

Bill payments

Life has few certainties, but one of them is your bills arriving like clockwork month after month. With BitPay Bill Pay, you can ditch the big banks and pay with crypto instead. Start by connecting recurring monthly bills like your mortgage payment, credit card payments, car loans, student loan payments, or even personal loans. Sign up in the BitPay app or on the BitPay website. Easily find your bills, connect your accounts, and make seamless payments directly from practically any wallet.

Get the App or Connect on Web to Pay Bills with Crypto

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Clothing

We all want to look our best, and the clothes, shoes and accessories we wear can help put our best foot forward. Whether it’s looking sharp for a job interview or turning some heads during a night out on the town. But no matter your style, you’ll find clothing brands and retailers that accept direct crypto payments, from Pacsun to Ralph Lauren, and many more. Find more clothing brands and retailers where you can pay with crypto. 

Transportation and gas

We’ve all got to get where we’re going one way or another, whether by our own vehicle or public transportation. Through the BitPay app, you can purchase gift cards with crypto to pay for all kinds of transit expenses. Everything from an Uber ride, car services at Jiffy Lube, top-quality auto parts from AutoZone or gasoline (and a snack for the road) from Sheetz.

Groceries

Whether you’re stocking up for the family on a weekly grocery trip or satisfying a late-night craving for cheese puffs, BitPay has you covered. You can buy gift cards with crypto that cover both ends of the spectrum. Prefer to have grocery delivery from your favorite supermarket? You can also get gift cards from Uber Eats and DoorDash.

Entertainment and going out

Whether your idea of a good time is restaurants, bars or going to the movies, you have many choices for paying your way with crypto. Recline in comfort at AMC Theaters, snag an order of Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill, pop into Yard House for a few cold ones and call an Uber to get you home safely, all with your favorite crypto.

Gifts and donations

Feeling generous? There’s a wide range of charities and nonprofits you can support directly from your crypto wallet, including the American Red Cross, the Against Malaria Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Learn more about donating crypto with BitPay.

Choose multiple ways to pay for everyday purchases with crypto

So far we’ve covered what everyday purchases you can make with crypto. Now all that’s left to do is cover the how. You have a number of choices, from direct crypto payments to buying gift cards from your favorite retailer. Whichever option you go with, you’ll be able to seamlessly spend crypto on your day-to-day expenses.

Pay directly from your wallet

BitPay partners with hundreds of retailers, brands and online merchants to help them accept direct crypto payments. Search our Merchant Directory for your favorite stores, connect your wallet and select the pay with crypto option at checkout. BitPay supports practically any wallet, making payments fast, easy and convenient for you. See how easy it is to pay with crypto via BitPay.

BitPay Bill Pay

One of BitPay’s newer offerings is BitPay Bill Pay. With it, you can securely pay virtually any bill straight from your crypto wallet, no wire transfers or checking account needed. Just let BitPay find your bills (or add them manually if you prefer). Choose your preferred wallet and the crypto you want to pay with. Then all you have to do is tap to pay and enjoy your bill-free life.

Get the App or Connect on Web to Pay Bills with Crypto

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The BitPay Card

The BitPay Card is the easiest and most convenient way to spend your crypto holdings. Accepted by millions of global merchants worldwide, the BitPay Card keeps your crypto spending power where it belongs: right in your pocket. Use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted, either online or in-store.

Buy gift cards via the BitPay app or Chrome extension

With the BitPay app or Google Chrome extension, you can buy gift cards with crypto from hundreds of stores and brands like Uber, Hotels.com and Home Depot. Simply choose the store and amount, then pay for the card with your preferred wallet and cryptocurrency. You’ll receive your gift card in your BitPay Wallet app instantly, ready for gifting or spending.

Which cryptocurrencies can I use?

BitPay supports many of the most popular coins, tokens and stablecoins. Pay for everyday expenses with Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin on the Lightning Network, Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB), Litecoin (LTC), XRP (XRP), ApeCoin (APE), Polygon (MATIC), Dai (DAI), Binance USD (BUSD), USD Coin (USDC), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Pax Dollar (USDP), Gemini Dollar (GUSD) and Euro Coin (EUROC). BitPay continually evaluates the market to determine new coins to support, so check back regularly if your favorite crypto isn’t listed here.

Shopping with crypto has gotten incredibly easy. And now you can even spend some of your holdings on regular monthly expenses and other common purchases. Pay bills, go grocery shopping, get yourself some new threads or put gas in your car. BitPay makes it all fast, easy and secure.

https://bitpay.com/blog/pay-auto-loans-with-crypto/

Over 100 million Americans grapple with auto loan payments, often a hefty monthly financial commitment. Now, the BitPay app allows for these car loans to be paid with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, introducing a new level of convenience and efficiency. Discover the simplicity of repaying your auto debt with digital currency in our concise guide to BitPay Bill Pay.

How to Pay Car Loans with Crypto

Getting set up to pay your car loan payments with crypto is fast and simple, and requires only a few steps to get started. 

Step 1: Get the BitPay app and set up your wallet

Download the free app for Android and iOS devices. The BitPay Wallet is self-custody, meaning that you, and only you, control your funds. Easily create a wallet to pay your car loans or import wallets/keys created in other popular self-custody wallet applications like Metamask, Exodus Trust Wallet and Coinbase Wallet. Alternatively, you can make car payments from your browser on the BitPay website. Log into your BitPay account and navigate to the Bill Pay tab from within the personal dashboard.

Step 2: Connect your accounts

In the BitPay app, tap the “Pay” tab and then “Pay Bills”. If you are a new BitPay user, you’ll be prompted to provide basic KYC information. Your information is used to connect your car loan account to your crypto wallet.

Step 3: Pay your car loans with your favorite cryptocurrency

Once your car loans are connected, provider, due date, balance and more details are displayed in the app. Select your car loan, tap “Pay Bill” and enter the amount you’d like to pay. Then choose your preferred cryptocurrency and confirm the payment. It is that easy.

Get the App or Connect on Web to Start

Get Started

Which auto loan providers can I pay with crypto?

You can use BitPay Bill Pay to make loan payments from virtually any lender, including Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, BMW, Mercedes, and practically any other car loan provider.

Which cryptocurrencies can I use to pay off my auto loans?

BitPay Bill Pay supports crypto payments using any a wide range of coins and tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin over the Lightning Network, Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Litecoin (LTC), Polygon (MATIC), XRP (XRP), Dai (DAI), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Gemini USD (GUSD), USD Coin (USDC), PayPal USD (PYUSD), Binance USD (BUSD), ApeCoin (APE) and Euro Coin (EUROC). We’re also continually evaluating other coins and tokens for inclusion in this list, so check back often if you don’t see your favorite crypto as an option currently.

Which wallets can I use to make my car payments?

You can make car loan payments right from the BitPay App, or online through the BitPay website if you prefer to bring your own crypto wallet. 

Because the BitPay App provides a self-custody wallet, any other self-custody wallets you’ve created through alternate wallet providers can easily be imported into the BitPay App using your 12- or 24-word seed phrase. You can make car loan payments from the crypto assets contained in any of your imported wallets.

You can also pay car loans through the BitPay website, which is compatible with more than 100 of the most popular and trusted crypto wallets. All you need to do is sign up and connect to your lender. You’ll receive a custom invoice that can be paid using your wallet of choice.

What other bills can I pay using crypto?

BitPay Bill Pay ushers in a golden age for crypto payments, giving users multiple options to seamlessly pay all kinds of bills using their cryptocurrency of choice. In addition to car loans, you can use BitPay to pay your mortgage, credit cards, personal loans, and student loans and more from over 5,000 lenders and service providers.

Credit card bills

With the BitPay Bill Pay, you can connect your credit card accounts and pay your monthly bill from your crypto wallet, no checking accounts required. BitPay supports all of the major credit card providers including Chase Bank, Bank of America, Citibank, Discover and plenty more. See more about paying credit card bills with crypto.

Mortgage payments

Rather than fussing with multiple bank and lender dashboards, simplify making your monthly mortgage payments by using crypto. BitPay makes it easy to pay your home loan with your favorite cryptocurrency even with major banks like Chase, Wells Fargo, Quicken Loans, Bank of America, CitiMortgage and many others

Student loans

If you took out student loans for school, spent your lecture periods trading or buying low, and now want to put those profits to use, you’re in luck. Pay off student loans handled by Navient, Sallie Mae, Discover Student Loans, FedLoan Service and many other student loan providers. See more about paying student loans with crypto.

Personal loans

It’s easy to use crypto to repay personal loans with BitPay, which enables payments with big-name lenders including SoFi, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Avant, Upstart, LendingClub and many more.

Looking to buy a car outright with crypto? That’s easy enough with BitPay.

If you’d like to skip car payments and buy a car outright with your cryptocurrency, plenty of auto dealers across the world will happily accept crypto payments in full.

• Lamborghini of Newport Beach – The premier Lamborghini dealer in California.
• Ferrari North America – Are you ready to spend your crypto on the brand new Ferrari of your dreams? Find the nearest Ferrari dealer to buy your dream car with crypto.
• RM Sotheby’s – Buy classic, exotic, and antique cars at auction, all with cryptocurrency.
• Vegas Auto Gallery – The best dealer in Las Vegas specializing in high-line vehicle sales and services.
• Mecum Auctions – Find the classic collector car of your dreams and buy it with Bitcoin.
• Post Oak Motors – The nation’s first Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Bugatti dealership to accept Bitcoin payments.
• Rahal Ducati Indianapolis – Get hooked on the speed and heritage of luxury Ducati motorcycles.
• Import Marques – European-based prestige car export specialists for both Left-Hand Drive (LHD) and Right-Hand Drive (RHD) cars. Have the perfect car exported straight to your country.
• Exclusive Automotive Group – Exclusive Automotive Group is the Premier Authorized Dealer for Aston Martin of Washington DC and Bentley Washington D.C.

Other ways to spend crypto

By now you should be getting the idea that there are almost no limitations when it comes to paying car loans or other monthly payments with crypto. But your options aren’t limited to necessary recurring expenditures like your mortgage or car loan payment. There’s a whole world of ways to spend crypto out there, and BitPay makes it easy.

Spend direct with BitPay merchants

Shop direct with hundreds of merchants who accept crypto payments through BitPay. Scroll through our Merchant Directory to find your favorite store or brand, then follow the instructions provided on each page. You’ll find top brands like AMC Theaters, Ralph Lauren, Jomashop Newegg and more.

Spend using the BitPay Card

With the BitPay Card, you’ll be able to take your crypto purchasing power wherever you go. Use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted, and take advantage of perks like cash-back and low- or no-fee ATM withdrawals around the world. It’s also free to get one of your own, and takes just a few minutes.

Gift cards

If your favorite retailer doesn’t accept direct crypto payments yet, don’t sweat it. With BitPay you can also use the cryptocurrency of your choice to purchase gift cards from a wide assortment of brands including Uber, Walmart, Hotels.com and more. 

Different ways to use the BitPay Wallet app

The BitPay Wallet is the only crypto app you need to buy, store, spend, and swap your digital portfolio.

Buy crypto at low rates

If you want to save money, it’s best to shop around for the best possible rates when buying crypto, but doing so every time you buy takes time and effort. Through its extensive partner network, BitPay does the work for you to ensure you always get the best available price. With our “Best Offer” feature, accessible either through the website or in the BitPay Wallet app, you’ll be presented with multiple offers, all with no hidden fees or excessive markups. All you have to do is pick whichever offer looks best and you’ll be brought to one of our trusted partner sites to finish the transaction.

Store with self-custody

The BitPay Wallet is self-custody, meaning nobody but you will ever have access to your private keys or the crypto-assets they help protect. For crypto users who prioritize wallet security, self-custody is the preferred solution.

Spend

Whether you’re paying directly with crypto at your favorite retailer, making crypto payments on car loans or other bills or buying gift cards with crypto, the BitPay Wallet has you covered. Even if you aren’t a BitPay Wallet user you can still make crypto buys and have them sent to any self-custody wallet through the BitPay website.

Swap

If you want to take part in a blockchain project or join a crypto community that interests you, chances are you’ll need some small amount of the respective ecosystem’s native crypto token. For instance, if you want to dip a toe into the passive income earning possibilities accessible through the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, you’ll need to hold some Ethereum or another compatible cryptocurrency. Maybe you’re interested in joining a more niche community powered by a smaller, lesser-known crypto token. It used to be you’d have to exchange fiat for a big-name coin like Bitcoin, then exchange that for the smaller token. But within the BitPay app, you can instantly exchange almost any cryptocurrency for any other, with hundreds of swapping pairs available.

https://bitpay.com/blog/pay-mortgage-with-crypto/

The purchase of a home is one of the biggest financial transactions most people ever undertake. And unless you have a few hundred thousand dollars sitting around, you’ll most likely need a mortgage loan before you can start picking out curtains and furniture. If you’ve ever wished there was a way you can pay off your mortgage with crypto, read on for a detailed primer on how easy it is to get started using BitPay Bill Pay.

How to Pay Your Mortgage with Crypto

If you want to pay your mortgage with cryptocurrency, the process is quick and painless. It only takes a few minutes to get started, just follow the steps below. 

Step 1: Get the BitPay app and set up your wallet

Download the free app for Android and iOS devices. The BitPay Wallet is self-custody, meaning that you, and only you, control your funds. Easily create a wallet to pay your mortgage or import wallets/keys created in other popular self-custody wallet applications like Metamask, Exodus Trust Wallet and Coinbase Wallet. Alternatively, you can make mortgage payments from your browser on the BitPay website. Log into your BitPay account and navigate to the Bill Pay tab from within the personal dashboard.

Step 2: Connect your accounts

In the BitPay app, tap the “Pay” tab and then “Pay Bills”. If you are a new BitPay user, you’ll be prompted to provide basic KYC information. Your information is used to connect your mortgage account to your crypto wallet.

Step 3: Pay your mortgage with your favorite cryptocurrency

Once your mortgage account is connected, provider, due date, balance and more details are displayed in the app. Select your mortgage, tap “Pay Bill” and enter the amount you’d like to pay. Then choose your preferred cryptocurrency and confirm the payment. It is that easy.

Get the App or Connect on Web to Start

Get Started

Which mortgage lenders can I pay with crypto?

Using BitPay Bill Pay, you can make mortgage payments from almost any lender, including: 

Which cryptocurrencies can I use to pay off my mortgage?

With BitPay Bill Pay, thousands of businesses and banks, including mortgage lenders, are able to accept direct crypto payments using any token or coin BitPay supports, including Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin on the Lightning Network, Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Litecoin (LTC), Polygon (MATIC), XRP (XRP), Dai (DAI), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Gemini USD (GUSD), USD Coin (USDC), PayPal USD (PYUSD), Binance USD (BUSD), ApeCoin (APE) and Euro Coin (EUROC). We’re also continually evaluating other coins and tokens for inclusion in this list, so check back often if you don’t see your favorite crypto as an option currently.

Which wallets can I use to pay my mortgage?

You can make monthly mortgage payments right from the BitPay App, or right from the BitPay website if you prefer to bring your own crypto wallet. 

Because the BitPay App is a self-custody wallet, any self-custody wallets you’ve created through other wallet providers can easily be imported into the BitPay App using your 12- or 24-word seed phrase. You can make mortgage payments from the crypto assets contained in any wallet you import.

You can also pay off your mortgage with crypto through the BitPay website, which is compatible with more than 100 of the most trusted and popular crypto wallets. Simply sign up and connect to your lender, and you’ll be sent a custom invoice you can pay using your preferred wallet.

What other bills can I pay using crypto?

BitPay Bill Pay is designed to simplify your bill paying, no matter how many or how few monthly transactions you make. With Bill Pay, it’s easy to pay not just your mortgage with crypto, but your student loans, car payments, credit cards, personal loans and more. BillPay can be used with more than 5,000 service providers and lenders.

Credit card bills

Connect your credit card accounts to the BitPay App and make monthly payments from your crypto wallet. You don’t even need a checking account. BitPay supports all major credit card providers including Bank of America, Citibank, Chase Bank, Discover and more. 

Car payments

You can also use the BitPay App to make monthly car payments from a range of auto financing companies including Capital One Auto Finance, Toyota Financial Services, Wells Fargo Auto, Ford Credit and more. You can even straight up buy a car with crypto if you have the funds. BitPay’s partners include some of the country’s biggest and most reputable car dealerships, so you can trust the transaction will be completed without any surprises.

Student loans

If you took out student loans for school, spent your lecture periods trading or buying low, and now want to put those profits to use, you’re in luck. Pay off student loans handled by Navient, Nelnet, Sallie Mae, Discover Student Loans, FedLoan Service and many other student loan providers. See more about paying student loans with crypto.

Personal loans

You can even use crypto to repay personal loans using BitPay Bill Pay, which enables payments with well-known lenders including SoFi, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Avant, Upstart, LendingClub and many others.

Other ways to spend crypto

By now you can see there are almost no limitations when it comes to making mortgage payments or other bill payments with crypto using BitPay Bill Pay. But your options go far beyond recurring monthly payments. These days how and where you spend crypto is only limited by your imagination. BitPay makes it easy to make purchases both big and small.

Spend direct with BitPay merchants

Shop from hundreds of BitPay partner merchants who accept cryptocurrency payments. Start by looking over our Merchant Directory to find your favorite store or brand that accepts direct payments, then follow the instructions provided on each page. You’ll find leading retailers, dining, entertainment and more including AMC Theaters, Ralph Lauren, Jomashop, Newegg and many more.

Spend using the BitPay Card

With the BitPay Card, you can spend crypto wherever life takes you, either from your phone or wallet. It’s accepted anywhere on the planet that takes Mastercard, and lets you take advantage of such perks as cash-back and low- or no-fee ATM withdrawals around the world. Getting one of your own is fast and easy.

Gift cards

If the stores and brands haven’t gotten on board the crypto payments bandwagon yet, don’t despair. BitPay lets you use the cryptocurrency of your choice to buy gift cards from a wide assortment of brands including Uber, Walmart, Hotels.com and more. 

Different ways to use the BitPay Wallet app

Buy crypto at low rates

It used to be that you had to shop around if you wanted to snag the best possible rates when purchasing crypto. Those days are over. BitPay’s extensive partner network takes the guesswork out of rate shopping with our “Best Offer” feature, which you can access either through the BitPay website or from the BitPay Wallet app. You’ll be given the choice between multiple offers, all with no hidden fees or excessive markups. Simply choose the one that’s best for you and you’ll be redirected to one of our trusted partner sites to finish the transaction.

Store with self-custody

The BitPay Wallet is self-custodying, meaning nobody but you will ever have access to your private keys or the crypto-assets they help protect. For crypto users who prioritize wallet security, self-custody is a must.

Spend

Whether you’re paying directly with crypto at your favorite retailer, making crypto payments on credit cards or other bills or spending crypto on gift cards, the BitPay Wallet can do it all. Even if you’re not a BitPay Wallet user you can still make crypto buys and have them sent to any self-custody wallet through the BitPay website.

Swap

If you want to help out with a blockchain project or become a member of a crypto community doing something interesting, chances are you’ll need to obtain some of the ecosystem’s native crypto token. For instance, if you wanted to try out some of the passive income earning opportunities the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem offers, you’re required to hold some Ethereum or another compatible cryptocurrency. Or, maybe your interests lie in a more niche community powered by a smaller or lesser-known crypto token. Once upon a time you’d have to exchange fiat for a blue chip cryptocurrency like Bitcoin before exchanging that for the smaller coin. But with the BitPay app you can instantly exchange almost any cryptocurrency for any other, with hundreds of swapping pairs available.

https://bitpay.com/blog/pay-credit-card-with-crypto/

With interest rates through the roof, carrying a balance on your credit cards has gotten painfully expensive. Instead of letting your credit card bills creep up month after month as interest accumulates, it’s always preferable to pay your balance in full. Fortunately, BitPay Bill Pay provides the flexibility to quickly and easily pay your credit card bills, whether you’re paying the whole thing off or making regular monthly payments. Read on for a quick primer for getting started.

How to pay credit card bills with crypto

Paying credit card bills with crypto is fast and simple, and you can get started by following a few simple steps.

Step 1: Get the BitPay app and set up your wallet

Download the free app for Android and iOS devices. The BitPay Wallet is self-custody, meaning that you, and only you, control your funds. Easily create a wallet to pay your credit card bills or import wallets/keys created in other popular self-custody wallet applications like Metamask, Exodus Trust Wallet and Coinbase Wallet. Alternatively, you can make credit card payments from your browser on the BitPay website. Just log into your BitPay account and navigate to the Bill Pay tab from within the personal dashboard.

Step 2: Connect your accounts

In the BitPay app, tap the “Pay” tab and then “Pay Bills”. If you are a new BitPay user, you’ll be prompted to provide basic KYC information. Your information is used to connect your credit card accounts to your crypto wallet.

Step 3: Pay your credit cards with your favorite cryptocurrency

Once your credit card accounts are connected, card issuer, due date, balance and more details are displayed in the app. Select your credit card, tap “Pay Bill” and enter the amount you’d like to pay. Then choose your preferred cryptocurrency and confirm the payment. It is that easy.

Get the App or Connect on Web to Start

Get Started

Which credit card providers can I pay with crypto?

Many consumers are loyal to one credit card brand or another because of the perks they offer. No matter what credit card you use as your daily driver, BitPay Bill Pay is compatible with virtually any provider, including American Express, Visa, Discover, Capital One, Chase, Barclays and many more.

Which cryptocurrencies can I use to pay off my credit cards?

BitPay Bill Pay enables all sorts of businesses and lenders, including credit card companies, to accept direct crypto payments using any token or coin BitPay supports, including Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin on the Lightning Network, Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Litecoin (LTC), Polygon (MATIC), XRP (XRP), Dai (DAI), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Gemini USD (GUSD), USD Coin (USDC), PayPal USD (PYUSD), Binance USD (BUSD), ApeCoin (APE) and Euro Coin (EUROC). We’re also continually evaluating other coins and tokens for inclusion in this list, so check back often if you don’t see your favorite crypto as an option currently.

Which wallets can I use to pay my credit cards?

You can make student loan payments right from the BitPay App, or online through the BitPay website if you prefer to bring your own crypto wallet. 

Because the BitPay App provides a self-custody wallet, any other self-custody wallets you’ve created through alternate wallet providers can easily be imported into the BitPay App using your 12- or 24-word seed phrase. You can make student loan payments from the crypto assets contained in any of your imported wallets.

You can also pay student loans through the BitPay website, which is compatible with more than 100 of the most popular and trusted crypto wallets. All you need to do is sign up and connect to your lender. You’ll receive a custom invoice that can be paid using your wallet of choice.

What other bills can I pay for using crypto?

BitPay Bill Pay has revolutionized and simplified crypto payments, giving you many options to pay a wide variety of bills using your cryptocurrency of choice. Not only can you use it to pay your credit cards, you can leverage BitPay Bill Pay to make auto loan payments, pay your mortgage, personal loans and more from more than 5,000 of the biggest lenders and service providers.

Mortgage payments

Ditch the bank and lender dashboards and simplify your life by making your monthly mortgage payments with crypto. With BitPay Bill Pay, you can pay your home loan with your favorite cryptocurrency through major banks like Wells Fargo, Chase, Quicken Loans, Bank of America, CitiMortgage and many others

Car payments

You can also use BitPay Bill Pay to make monthly car payments no matter who your lender is. Bill Pay supports crypto payments to Capital One Auto Finance, Wells Fargo Auto, Toyota Financial Services, Ford Credit and many more. You can even buy a car with crypto if the urge to buy that Lambo outright has gotten too strong to resist. BitPay partners with some of the country’s biggest and most trusted car dealerships, letting you pay for a car in full with crypto.

Student loans

If you took out student loans for school, spent your lecture periods trading or buying low, and now want to put those profits to use, you’re in luck. Pay off student loans handled by Navient, Sallie Mae, Discover Student Loans, FedLoan Service and many other student loan providers. See more about paying student loans with crypto.

Personal loans

You can even repay personal loans with BitPay Bill Pay, which facilitates payments to major lenders including SoFi, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Avant, Upstart, LendingClub and many others.

Other ways to spend crypto

Nobody likes paying bills, but you don’t have much of a choice if you want to keep a roof over your head or your car on the road. But sometimes you just want to buy yourself or someone you care about something fun. BitPay makes it easy to spend crypto on practically anything your heart desires. 

Spend direct with BitPay merchants

BitPay partners with hundreds of top merchants and retailers for direct crypto payments, including popular brands like AMC Theaters, Ralph Lauren, Newegg, Jomashop and more. It’s incredibly easy to get started. Consult our searchable Merchant Directory and find your favorite store or brand, then follow the instructions provided on each page. 

Spend using the BitPay Card

The BitPay Card lets you spend crypto on the go, either through the BitPay App or with a physical card in your wallet. It’s accepted by millions of merchants around the world, anywhere Mastercard is accepted. BitPay Card holders also enjoy benefits like cash-back rewards and low- or no-fee ATM withdrawals around the globe. Getting one of your own is free, and takes just a few minutes.

Gift cards

Maybe your favorite retailer doesn’t accept direct crypto payments yet. No problem. BitPay lets you use the cryptocurrency of your choice to purchase gift cards from a huge variety of major brands including Uber, Walmart, Hotels.com and more. 

Different ways to use the BitPay Wallet app

Buy crypto at low rates

Shopping around for the best possible rates when purchasing crypto is always a good idea, but doing it every time you buy can be stressful and time-consuming. BitPay does the heavy lifting for you, leveraging our extensive partnership network to ensure you always get the best available price. Our “Best Offer” feature can be accessed through our website or directly from the BitPay Wallet app. With a click or tap, you’ll be presented with multiple offers, no hidden fees, no excessive markups. Just pick whichever offer suits you best and you’ll be automatically taken to one of our trusted partner sites to complete the transaction.

Store with self-custody

The BitPay Wallet is self-custody, meaning nobody but you will ever be able to access your private keys or the crypto-assets they help protect. For crypto users who prioritize wallet security, self-custody is the preferred solution.

Spend

Whether you’re making direct crypto payments for merchandise at your favorite retailer, paying your credit card bills or other monthly expenses or buying gift cards with crypto, the BitPay Wallet does it all. Even if you aren’t a BitPay Wallet user you can still make crypto buys and have them sent to any self-custody wallet through the BitPay website.

Swap

If you want to participate in a blockchain project or become a member of a crypto community, you’ll most likely have to acquire some of the ecosystem’s native crypto token. For example, if you want access to passive income earning possibilities available through the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, you’ll need some Ethereum or another compatible cryptocurrency. Maybe you’re interested in joining a more niche community powered by a smaller, lesser-known crypto token. Once upon a time this required multiple steps. First you’d have to exchange fiat for a big-name coin like Bitcoin, then exchange that for the smaller token. But within the BitPay app, you can instantly exchange almost any cryptocurrency for any other, with hundreds of swapping pairs available.

https://bitpay.com/blog/pay-your-student-loans-with-crypto/

After being on pause for more than three years due to the pandemic, student loan payments have once again reared their ugly head, picking up right where they left off. Now, however, you can easily pay off your student loans with Bitcoin or just about any cryptocurrency of your choice through the BitPay App. Read on for our headache-free guide to making safe and easy student loan payments with crypto.

How to Pay Student Loans with Crypto

Getting set up to pay your student loan payments with crypto is fast and simple, and requires only a few steps to get started.

Step 1: Get the BitPay app and set up your wallet

Download the free app for Android and iOS devices. The BitPay Wallet is self-custody, meaning that you, and only you, control your funds. Easily create a wallet to pay your student loans or import wallets/keys created in other popular self-custody wallet applications like Metamask, Exodus Trust Wallet and Coinbase Wallet. Alternatively, you can make student loan payments from your browser on the BitPay website. Log into your BitPay account and navigate to the Bill Pay tab from within the personal dashboard.

Step 2: Connect your accounts

In the BitPay app, tap the “Pay” tab and then “Pay Bills”. If you are a new BitPay user, you’ll be prompted to provide basic KYC information. Your information is used to connect your student loan account to your crypto wallet.

Step 3: Pay your student loans with your favorite cryptocurrency

Once your student loans are connected, provider, due date, balance and more details are displayed in the app. Select your student loan, tap “Pay Bill” and enter the amount you’d like to pay. Then choose your preferred cryptocurrency and confirm the payment. It is that easy.

Get the App or Connect on Web to Start

Get Started

Which student loan providers can I pay with crypto?

You can use BitPay Bill Pay to make loan payments from virtually any lender, including Navient, Nelnet, Sallie Mae, Discover Student Loans, FedLoan Service, and practically any other student loan provider.

Which cryptocurrencies can I use to pay off my student loans?

BitPay Bill Pay supports crypto payments using any a wide range of coins and tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin over the Lightning Network, Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Litecoin (LTC), Polygon (MATIC), XRP (XRP), Dai (DAI), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Gemini USD (GUSD), USD Coin (USDC), PayPal USD (PYUSD), Binance USD (BUSD), ApeCoin (APE) and Euro Coin (EUROC). We’re also continually evaluating other coins and tokens for inclusion in this list, so check back often if you don’t see your favorite crypto as an option currently.

Which wallets can I use to pay my student loans?

You can make student loan payments right from the BitPay App, or online through the BitPay website if you prefer to bring your own crypto wallet. 

Because the BitPay App provides a self-custody wallet, any other self-custody wallets you’ve created through alternate wallet providers can easily be imported into the BitPay App using your 12- or 24-word seed phrase. You can make student loan payments from the crypto assets contained in any of your imported wallets.

You can also pay student loans through the BitPay website, which is compatible with more than 100 of the most popular and trusted crypto wallets. All you need to do is sign up and connect to your lender. You’ll receive a custom invoice that can be paid using your wallet of choice.

What other bills can I pay using crypto?

BitPay Bill Pay ushers in a golden age for crypto payments, giving users multiple options to seamlessly pay all kinds of bills using their cryptocurrency of choice. In addition to student loans, you can use BitPay to make car payments, pay your mortgage, credit cards, personal loans and more from more than 5,000 lenders and service providers.

Credit card bills

With the BitPay Bill Pay, you can connect your credit card accounts and pay your monthly bill from your crypto wallet, no checking accounts required. BitPay supports all of the major credit card providers including Chase Bank, Bank of America, Citibank, Discover and plenty more. See more about paying credit card bills with crypto.

Mortgage payments

Rather than fussing with multiple bank and lender dashboards, simplify making your monthly mortgage payments by using crypto. BitPay makes it easy to pay your home loan with your favorite cryptocurrency even with major banks like Chase, Wells Fargo, Quicken Loans, Bank of America, CitiMortgage and many others

Car payments

You can also use the BitPay App to make monthly car payments no matter who your lender is, including Capital One Auto Finance, Wells Fargo Auto, Toyota Financial Services, Ford Credit and more. You can even buy a car with crypto if you are so inclined. BitPay’s partners include some of the country’s biggest and most reputable car dealerships, enabling you to pay for a car in full with crypto.

Personal loans

It’s easy to use crypto to repay personal loans with BitPay, which enables payments with big-name lenders including SoFi, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Avant, Upstart, LendingClub and many more.

Other ways to spend crypto

By now you should be getting the idea that there are almost no limitations when it comes to paying student loans or other monthly payments with crypto. But your options aren’t limited to necessary recurring expenditures like your mortgage or student loan payment. There’s a whole world of ways to spend crypto out there, and BitPay makes it easy.

Spend direct with BitPay merchants

Shop direct with hundreds of merchants who accept crypto payments through BitPay. Scroll through our Merchant Directory to find your favorite store or brand, then follow the instructions provided on each page. You’ll find top brands like AMC Theaters, Ralph Lauren, Jomashop Newegg and more.

Spend using the BitPay Card

With the BitPay Card, you’ll be able to take your crypto purchasing power wherever you go. Use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted, and take advantage of perks like cash-back and low- or no-fee ATM withdrawals around the world. It’s also free to get one of your own, and takes just a few minutes.

Gift cards

If your favorite retailer doesn’t accept direct crypto payments yet, don’t sweat it. With BitPay you can also use the cryptocurrency of your choice to purchase gift cards from a wide assortment of brands including Uber, Walmart, Hotels.com and more.

Different ways to use the BitPay Wallet app

The BitPay Wallet is the only crypto app you need to buy, store, spend, and swap your digital portfolio.

Buy crypto at low rates

If you want to save money, it’s best to shop around for the best possible rates when purchasing crypto, but doing so every time you buy takes time and effort. Through its extensive partner network, BitPay does the work for you to ensure you always get the best available price. With our “Best Offer” feature, accessible either through the website or in the BitPay Wallet app, you’ll be presented with multiple offers, all with no hidden fees or excessive markups. All you have to do is pick whichever offer looks best and you’ll be brought to one of our trusted partner sites to finish the transaction.

Store with self-custody

The BitPay Wallet is self-custodying, meaning nobody but you will ever have access to your private keys or the crypto-assets they help protect. For crypto users who prioritize wallet security, self-custody is the preferred solution.

Spend

Whether you’re paying directly with crypto at your favorite retailer, making crypto payments on student loans or other bills or buying gift cards with crypto, the BitPay Wallet has you covered. Even if you aren’t a BitPay Wallet user you can still make crypto buys and have them sent to any self-custody wallet through the BitPay website.

Swap

If you want to take part in a blockchain project or join a crypto community that interests you, chances are you’ll need some small amount of the respective ecosystem’s native crypto token. For instance, if you want to dip a toe into the passive income earning possibilities accessible through the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, you’ll need to hold some Ethereum or another compatible cryptocurrency. Maybe you’re interested in joining a more niche community powered by a smaller, lesser-known crypto token. It used to be you’d have to exchange fiat for a big-name coin like Bitcoin, then exchange that for the smaller token. But within the BitPay app, you can instantly exchange almost any cryptocurrency for any other, with hundreds of swapping pairs available.

https://bitpay.com/blog/buy-rolex-with-bitcon/

Rolex is one of the world’s finest and most sought-after watch brands, instantly recognizable by its iconic crown logo. If you’ve been thinking of picking up for yourself, you’ll find many choices of models as well as a wide selection of BitPay merchants that accept crypto payments.

When it comes to wearable status symbols, few are as recognizable and coveted as a Rolex watch. For nearly 120 years, Rolexes have graced the wrists of celebrities, athletes and even U.S. presidents. Rolexes don’t just look good, they’re made from only the finest materials and keep incredibly accurate time, which is part of the reason they’re so pricey. Fortunately, if you’re in the market for one of these legendary timepieces and want to spend crypto to get it, BitPay partner merchants make it fast, easy and secure.

How to buy a Rolex with cryptocurrency

There are a number of different ways to get your hands on a shiny new Rolex (or even a gently loved used one) with cryptocurrency. 

Pay direct with a BitPay Merchant

If you’re looking to buy a Rolex with crypto, you can choose between a wide assortment of jewelers and watch sellers who accept direct crypto payments. Paying with crypto is fast, secure and convenient. Once you’ve picked out the watch of your dreams, simply choose BitPay as the payment method at check. An invoice will be generated which you can pay with practically any wallet.

Where can you buy a Rolex with crypto?

BitPay partners with a variety of watch and jewelry merchants that sell Rolexes, from high-end retailers to discount websites. Check out the full list of Jewelry and Watch retailers that accept Bitcoin in our directory, or browse the sellers below.

Jomashop

Jomashop specializes in offering great prices on luxury items like watches, sunglasses and designer handbags, all from top brands and always authentic.

CRM Jewelers

Family-owned CRM Jewelers has both an extensive ecommerce presence and a brick-and-mortar location in Downtown Miami. They carry Rolexes and a nice selection of other luxury watch brands.

Wrist Aficionado

Wrist Aficionado carries a large inventory of some of the world’s finest luxury timepieces, including Patek Philippe, Jacob & Co., Breguet and of course, Rolex.

DavidSW

Trusted sellers and buyers of high-end watches both new and vintage, spanning top brands including Rolex.

Ace Jewelers

Since 1998, Ace Jewelers has offered the same level of service they provide in their Amsterdam store. They provide an impressive assortment of watches, jewelry and accessories.

Ashford

One of the oldest online retailers, doing business since January 1997, Ashford has a long-established reputation for providing top-quality luxury goods and watches like Rolexes.

Maison Birks

Canada-based purveyor of fine watches, diamonds and other luxury goods that first opened in 1879.

Icebox

Online sellers of incredible custom jewelry, including Rolexs decked out with the recognizable, one-of-a-kind Icebox treatment.

Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry

Steven Singer Fine Jewelry stocks a diverse selection of high-quality jewelry and luxury watches, offered at difficult-to-beat prices. 

Amsterdam Vintage Watches

One of the world’s leading dealers in vintage luxury watches, Amsterdam Vintage Watches has a storefront location in a historic building in the city of Amsterdam.

SuperJeweler

SuperJeweler sells a large variety of fine jewelry, gemstones and watches, including Rolex, and holds frequent sales.

Top Rolex watches you can buy with Bitcoin/cryptocurrency

Whether you’re adding to your collection of Rolexes or new to the brand, the following list of Rolex models might help narrow your search. Included are some of the most popular models you can buy with crypto.

Rolex Explorer/Explorer II

Simple, timeless and elegant, the aptly named Rolex Explorer debuted in 1953, shortly after the first successful ascent of Mt. Everest, a historic expedition Rolex themselves equipped. It’s known as the preferred Rolex model of James Bond creator Ian Fleming, so its coolness pedigree is unquestionable.

Rolex GMT-Master II

Evoking the golden age of air travel, the GMT-Master II was created when PanAm asked Rolex to create a pilot watch that enabled them to display two different time zones. It made its debut in 1955, as commercial air travel was becoming more mainstream. Actor Ben Affleck has been known to wear one.

Rolex Datejust

Initially released to celebrate Rolex’s 40th anniversary in 1945, the Datejust was a revolution at the time, introducing an automatically changing date window, which became a standard in watchmaking to this day. The Datejust is simple in form but classic in appearance, factors which help make it the brand’s top-selling model of all time. Famous Datejust owners include singer and entrepreneur Rihanna, soccer legend David Beckham and civil rights pioneer Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Rolex Day-Date

A bit more than a decade after the Datejust came out, Rolex upped the technological ante with the Day-Date, which is capable of showing not just the day of the month, but the actual day of the week. Some famous (real and fictional) wearers include former president Donald Trump, Warren Buffet and Tony Soprano.

Rolex Daytona

Debuting in 1964, soon after Rolex became the official timekeeper of Daytona Speedway, the Rolex Daytona includes a trio of counters on its face measure time (or lap) intervals. The center chronograph counts time in seconds, while the other two located at the 3 and 9 o’clock position display elapsed time in minutes and hours. It was the favored Rolex model of hollywood icon Paul Newman.

Rolex Submariner

This somewhat simplistic-styled Rolex has the distinction of being the first ever dive watch that remains waterproof to a depth of 100 meters. Its 1953 release coincided with the peak production of the films of storied undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau, and Scuba diving’s mainstream ascendance. Actor Al Pacino has been spotted wearing a Submariner on numerous occasions.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Dating back nearly 100 years to 1926, the Rolex Oyster was the first waterproof watch on the market (named for the waterfast seal created by an oyster shell). Soon after came the Perpetual, named for Rolex’s proprietary self-winding movement. Today, the words “Oyster Perpetual” can be found on the face of just about every Rolex watch.

BitPay Card

The BitPay Card is a secure and convenient method to spend crypto, whether on Rolexes or virtually anything else you can think of. Accepted by millions of merchants around the world, a BitPay Card in your wallet or purse lets you bring your crypto spending power wherever life takes you.

More ways to spend crypto

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https://bitpay.com/blog/why-buy-btc-before-halving/

Historically, the price of Bitcoin has followed a 4-year cyclical pattern.

It’s thought that this price action arises (at least in part) from the halving, which reduces the supply of new coins coming online by 50% approximately every 4 years. A reduction in supply means that Bitcoin becomes scarcer, so according to the law of supply and demand, this could lead to an increase in price.

Let’s look at how this scenario has played out in the past and whether or not buying Bitcoin before the halving might be a good idea.

How past halvings have impacted the Bitcoin price

There’s no reliable metric to measure the impact of the halving on prices. However, when looking at the past, a general trend does begin to emerge.

While it’s important to keep in mind that past performance doesn’t always indicate future results, the Bitcoin price tends to peak sometime around 18 months post-halving.

Here’s a brief rundown of how prices have performed after the previous three halving events.

2012 halving

On November 28, 2012, the first Bitcoin halving occurred, reducing the block reward to 25 from 50. For a while, the price didn’t move much. But one year later, Bitcoin reached a new record high at the time above $1,000.

2016 halving

The second halving event occurred on July 9, 2016, and prices quickly soared before correcting just as fast. In early 2017, Bitcoin began reaching new all-time highs over $1,000, and peaked near $19,000 by December of that year.

2020 halving

The third and most recent halving happened on May 11, 2020. This situation was unique as it coincided with a pandemic that impacted financial markets worldwide. Still, during the latter half of the year, a large rally began, culminating in record highs near $69,000 in late 2021.

As you can see, while there isn’t an exact pattern when it comes to Bitcoin prices post-halving, there does tend to be a strong correlation between halving events and prices.

This begs the question, “should I buy Bitcoin before the halving?”.

Should you buy BTC before or after the halving?

It can be difficult to say when the best time to buy Bitcoin might be. It depends on many factors, such as an investor’s risk tolerance, timeframe, and overall portfolio allocation.

That said, in the past there have been periods of accumulation leading up to the halving. During this time, prices tend to trade sideways or drift downwards. Some market observers have noted that the six months prior to the halving has historically been a good buying opportunity. Again, the past doesn’t always predict the future, but it does provide some insight into what could happen.

If this coming cycle were to resemble the previous ones, then market participants could expect a new all-time high for Bitcoin sometime around October of 2025 (18 months after the halving in April 2024).

In other words, anyone who plans on holding for at least 2 years might consider the current market environment to be an attractive buying opportunity.

How BitPay makes it easy and convenient to buy Bitcoin

With BitPay, users have several advantages when buying Bitcoin. In addition to being one of the most convenient places to buy, the platform also offers perks such as:

• Take ownership of your private keys with the BitPay self-custody wallet.
• Choose from over 60 different cryptocurrencies.
• Enjoy flexible payments methods, including credit and debit cards, ACH transfers, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
• Benefit from low fees, fast delivery, and high limits for purchases.
• Always receive the best rate by selecting our “Best Offer” option at checkout.

Buy Bitcoin with Self-Custody. Fast and Secure.

Buy BTC with BitPay

Buying Crypto In the BitPay app

If knowing more about past halving cycles has convinced you that now is a good time to buy Bitcoin, here’s how to do so using the BitPay mobile app.

Step 1: Get the BitPay Wallet app

Get the app for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. Scan the QR code provided, or visit your app store to download it to your device. (You can skip this part if you already have the BitPay app).

Step 2: Tap “Buy Crypto”

BitPay supports Bitcoin, Ethereum and many of the most popular cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

Step 3: Choose your amount and your crypto of choice.

Enter how much you’d like to convert to cryptocurrency. BitPay supports over 40 fiat currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD and many others.

Step 4: Choose your preferred payment method.

With BitPay you can buy Bitcoin with a debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH bank transfers, and other local bank transfers methods (options may vary by location).

Step 5: Choose your “Best Offer.”

We work with a network of partners to ensure you always get the best possible price. We also take the guesswork out of buying crypto by highlighting the best rate for each purchase you make (just look for the “Best Offer” flag). Once you’ve chosen your offer, you’ll be taken to one of our partner sites to complete the transaction.

Buying Crypto on BitPay.com

The BitPay widget offers a seamless experience when buying crypto online, allowing you to buy the cryptocurrency of your choice and have it sent to a self-custody wallet address.

Step 1: Enter the amount of Bitcoin you want to buy

Choose your crypto of choice and input the amount of local fiat currency you wish to convert.

Step 2: Enter your wallet address

You can send crypto to any wallet, simply enter the address where you’d like to receive it. Need a wallet? BitPay’s self-custody wallet is easy to use and offers maximum peace of mind your funds will always be secure.

Step 3: Choose the “Best Offer” rate

BitPay does the work for you, aggregating offers from our multiple partners and surfacing those with the lowest fees and best exchange rate. Just look for the “Best Offer” flag and choose the offer that works best for you. Then you’ll be brought to one of our partner websites to complete the transaction.

https://bitpay.com/blog/bitcoin-dominance/

Bitcoin is, and always has been, the #1 cryptocurrency by market capitalization. Accounting for a very large portion of crypto’s total value, Bitcoin’s price action has great influence on the rest of the market.  

As crypto markets fluctuate, so too does Bitcoin’s share of the overall crypto market cap. Keeping an eye on this metric gives traders and investors an idea of Bitcoin’s value in relation to the altcoin market, and can help inform investment strategies.

Definition of Bitcoin dominance

Bitcoin dominance represents the ratio between the market capitalization of Bitcoin and the market capitalization of all other cryptocurrencies. In other words, it’s a measurement of Bitcoin’s share of the overall crypto market.

To calculate Bitcoin dominance, simply divide the market cap of all other cryptocurrencies by the market cap of Bitcoin. For example, if Bitcoin’s market cap was $100 billion, and the total crypto market cap was $200 billion, Bitcoin dominance would be at 50%.

Historical view of Bitcoin dominance

Being the first cryptocurrency ever invented, Bitcoin was once responsible for 99% of the crypto market.

Years later, Bitcoin represented as much as 95% of the crypto market, which was still very small. In 2016, for example, the market cap of crypto was only about $7 billion.

Starting in 2017, however, thanks to the ICO boom, the indicator began being used amongst different trading communities. But it wasn’t until the even larger altcoin bull market of 2021 that Bitcoin dominance began being tracked by platforms like TradingView and CoinMarketCap, making the metric a popular way to gain insight into crypto markets.

In 2018, amongst the rising popularity of altcoins like ETH, XRP, SOL, ADA, and many others, Bitcoin dominance fell as low as 37%. The following year, as altcoins crashed, BTC dominance rose all the way back to 71%.

As of October 2023, Bitcoin dominance stands at around 53%.

What role Bitcoin dominance plays in the crypto market

When Bitcoin dominance rises, this indicates that people are either buying Bitcoin, selling altcoins, or both. Because of Bitcoin’s perceived status as the apex safe-haven crypto, rising BTC dominance could indicate a risk-off sentiment.

For this reason, BTC dominance is used as input for the crypto fear and greed index, a market sentiment indicator. The aim of the index is to gauge whether assets are overvalued or undervalued as a result of investor exuberance or pessimism.

Bitcoin’s dominance can be used by traders as a buy or sell signal when taking into account other factors. By looking at the rise or fall of BTC dominance along with Bitcoin’s price trend, investors can be more confident in determining whether they should allocate more to Bitcoin or more to altcoins, or perhaps be short or long crypto in general.

Factors impacting Bitcoin dominance

Factors that impact Bitcoin dominance exist both inside the crypto ecosystem and within the global economic and financial system at large.

Some macroeconomic factors that might impact BTC dominance include things like:

• Regulatory developments: If regulators make statements or propose legislation that favors BTC over altcoins, this could convince investors to buy Bitcoin, increasing dominance.
• Market sentiment: Fear in traditional financial markets can impact Bitcoin dominance to the upside, as investors sell altcoins they perceive to be riskier.
• Monetary policy: Bitcoin tends to benefit from looser monetary policy like quantitative easing, which adds liquidity to the financial system.
• Safe-haven seeking: Certainty-shattering events like the banking collapses of early 2023 can sometimes increase Bitcoin’s price and its dominance, as investors move capital outside the traditional financial system.

Some crypto-specific factors that might impact Bitcoin dominance include:

Altcoin inventions: if new altcoins are launching and seeing rapid adoption rates, this could result in declining BTC dominance.  

Technological advancements: if Bitcoin undergoes a successful technological update, this could lead to increased investor confidence and rising BTC dominance.

Trader speculation: Bitcoin dominance could rise or fall in accordance with the appetite for altcoins. If dominance rises along with the price of Bitcoin, it tends to be bearish for altcoins, while falling dominance with an increasing BTC price tends to be bullish for altcoins.

Bitcoin dominance looking forward

Bitcoin dominance has become a key statistical measurement of the overall state of the crypto market. Because of Bitcoin’s safe haven status and role as the preeminent crypto asset, measuring its market cap in proportion to the rest of crypto provides valuable insight into market sentiment and investor behavior.

BTC dominance can be influenced by many factors inside and outside of crypto, and has become an important metric since its inception in 2017.

https://bitpay.com/blog/ten-things-to-do-with-bitpay-app/

The BitPay app offers a variety of features and functions fit for the crypto newbies and power users alike. To ensure you’re using it to its fullest potential, we’ve created this guide of important features you shouldn’t miss.

Create a basic wallet or import an existing wallet

As soon as you download the BitPay app, you should create a new wallet or import an existing wallet. Once you’ve successfully added a wallet, your BitPay app will be ready to use.

Back up your wallet

Before taking any other actions, the most important thing you can do is back up your wallet. The BitPay Wallet is a self-custody wallet, meaning that you, and only you, have access to your funds. BitPay has no ability to access, recover or restore your wallet and its funds.

To back up your wallet, you’ll record your wallet’s seed phrase (also known as a recovery phrase). To restore your wallet, you’ll enter your secret phrase.

Buy Crypto

Buying crypto directly in the app is the easiest way to load your wallet. BitPay offers 60+ cryptocurrencies for sale with fast, secure delivery. Even better, we pull offers from several partners and highlight the best deal, ensuring you get the most crypto for your money. Choose your preferred payment method: buy crypto with a credit card, debit card, bank account, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Get the BitPay Card

The BitPay Card is a crypto debit card which you fund directly from your wallet. Load and spend crypto anywhere that major debit cards are accepted. You can even use it to instantly turn crypto into cash at ATMs. Sign up for the BitPay Card waitlist to be the first to know when it’s available.

Spend crypto with a BitPay merchant

The BitPay Wallet is the most popular wallet used to spend crypto. With a 99.99% payment success rate, it’s secure, convenient and seamless to pay with crypto from your wallet.

Shop with hundreds of merchants that accept direct crypto payments. BitPay supports paying with all of the top cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), Polygon (MATIC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB), USD Coin (USDC), plus all of the other top stablecoins.

Send and receive P2P payments

At its core, cryptocurrency is a way to transfer value without any centralized authority like a bank or government. P2P (peer-to-peer) payments are an easy way to send crypto and receive crypto from friends, family or anyone else for that matter. The process is simple and similar to other money transfer apps.

Swap crypto

Crypto swapping allows you to instantly trade one cryptocurrency for another, with no crypto-to-fiat exchange required. Swapping directly from the BitPay Wallet is an easy way to maintain full control over your crypto conveniently in one place. BitPay partners with Changelly to facilitate low-fee swaps for over 50 coins across the most popular blockchains.

Buy gift cards

Buy gift cards with crypto for your favorite brands including Hotels.com, Best Buy, Walmart and more. Use the BitPay app or extension to instantly reload gift cards or send to friends and family.

Pay your bills with crypto

Experience the freedom of paying bills without traditional payment rails. Make bill payments on everything from credit cards to mortgages, all from the BitPay app. 

Create a multisig wallet

Multisig wallets, also known as shared wallets, are a type of crypto wallet that require two or more signatures to confirm and send a transaction. Multisig wallets also help protect against funds lost due to misplacing your seed phrase. When using a single-signature wallet, a lost seed phrase could render a wallet’s funds irretrievable. But with a multi-sig wallet funds can still be recovered with the other seed phrases.

https://bitpay.com/blog/buy-crypto-with-sepa/

For our crypto community in Europe, buying crypto with SEPA brings a whole new level of convenience to the crypto buying process. BitPay offers SEPA as one of the many payment methods when you buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the BitPay app or website. This guide will show you how easy it is to buy Bitcoin with SEPA.

How to buy crypto with SEPA in Europe

BitPay users in Europe have two easy ways to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with SEPA, via the BitPay Wallet app or on the BitPay website. Each is a convenient method of paying for crypto straight from your European bank account and managing your assets with a self-custody wallet.

How to buy crypto with SEPA in the Europe

BitPay users in Europe have two easy ways to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with SEPA, via the BitPay Wallet app or on the BitPay website. Each is a convenient method of paying for crypto straight from your European bank account and managing your assets with self-custody.

Buy Bitcoin with SEPA instantly

Get the BitPay App

Benefits of buying crypto with SEPA via BitPay

Why buy crypto with SEPA?

Instant SEPA transactions

Securely and conveniently convert fiat from your bank account to crypto

Low fees

Bank transfer fees typically lower than credit cards

High limits

Buy up to €30,000 daily

Higher authorization rates

SEPA payments typically see higher authorization rates compared to traditional payment methods

175+ coins across 20 chains

Buy a diverse array of coins and tokens to build your portfolio

Secure, self-custody experience

You still own 100% of the crypto you buy; no third party custody

Which cryptocurrencies can I buy with SEPA via BitPay?

Through the BitPay app or website, you can buy more than 60 top cryptocurrencies and stablecoins using your bank account to pay.

• Buy Bitcoin (BTC)
• Buy Ethereum (ETH)
• Buy Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
• Buy Dogecoin (DOGE)
• Buy Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB)
• Buy Litecoin (LTC)
• Buy ApeCoin (APE)
• Buy Dai (DAI)
• Buy Binance USD (BUSD)
• Buy USD Coin (USDC)
• Buy Wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC)
• Buy Pax Dollar (USDP)
• Buy Gemini Dollar (GUSD)
• Buy Polygon (MATIC)
• Buy Tether (USDT)
• Buy XRP (XRP)

And many, many more. Use the BitPay widget to see all of the cryptocurrencies available for purchase.

More about SEPA payments

The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), a European initiative that harmonizes electronic payments across the Eurozone, is a preferred method for buying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in Europe. Capitalizing on its standardized payment processing, security, and extensive coverage across European countries, many individuals opt for SEPA transfers to efficiently fund their accounts on cryptocurrency exchanges and purchase digital assets.

What to do with your crypto after buying with a bank account transfer

Once you’ve obtained your Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency, you’re free to hold, swap or spend as you see fit. The BitPay app gives you total control over all of your assets, making it easy to:

Hold and store securely

Keep your crypto assets safe and secure in an easy-to-use, self-custody crypto wallet. You can even import additional wallets and manage them all from one place.

Swap coins

Easily exchange one digital asset for another in the BitPay app. Swap Bitcoin for Ethereum, Dogecoin, Bitcoin Cash and many other top cryptocurrencies.

Spend your crypto

You can also spend your crypto right from the app, either by connecting your wallet to a merchant that accepts crypto payments or buying gift cards with crypto from some of your favorite brands. Check out our Merchant Directory for a searchable list of businesses that accept crypto payments through BitPay.

https://bitpay.com/blog/bitpay-banxa/

BtPay is excited to announce our newest partner, Banxa. Together, BitPay and Banxa are expanding the payment methods available to BitPay users in the Wallet app and online at the BitPay website.

Payment options available via BitPay + Banxa

Cryptocurrency communities across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania can now pay for cryptocurrency assets using local payment methods. These local payment options offer a more convenient way to pay than traditional methods.

iDEAL

Crypto buyers in the Netherlands can use iDEAL, which allows direct online payments from bank accounts. Read more about buying crypto with iDEAL.

SEPA (Instant & Standard)

For the crypto community in European countries, the SEPA method is available for cryptocurrency purchases. Read more about buying crypto with SEPA.

ACH (Instant & Standard)

Crypto buyers in the US can benefit from ACH for instant electronic transfers between bank accounts. Read more about buying crypto with ACH.

Interac

The crypto community in Canada can utilize Interac for their transactions. Read more about buying crypto with Interac.

Faster Payments Systems

In the UK, the Faster Payments Systems (FPS) is a preferred choice for the crypto community. Read more about buying crypto with Faster Payments Systems.

PayID

Crypto buyers in Australia can link their bank accounts to unique identifiers like email or phone numbers using PayID. Read more about buying crypto with PayID.

POLi

In New Zealand, POLi facilitates direct cryptocurrency purchases from bank accounts.

PIX

The crypto community in Brazil can engage in instant 24/7 transactions with PIX.

Turkey Bank Transfer

Crypto buyers in Turkey have the local bank transfer method at their disposal for purchases.

South Africa Bank Transfer

For the crypto community in South Africa, the local bank transfer is an option for transactions.

SPEI

Crypto buyers in Mexico can secure instant transfers with SPEI.

Khipu

In Chile, Khipu, a secure online payment platform, is available for the crypto community to transact using bank accounts.

PSE

The crypto community in the Philippines can use the PSE’s e-payment system.

Thai QR

For crypto buyers in Thailand, Thai QR allows for cryptocurrency acquisition by scanning QR codes on mobile phones.

Buy Bitcoin with local bank transfers instantly

Get the BitPay App

Cryptocurrencies available for purchase with BitPay + Banxa

BitPay and Banxa support the sale of over 175 cryptocurrencies across 20 chains, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Polygon (MATIC), and dozens more. Cryptocurrencies can be bought and managed within the BitPay Wallet app or sent directly to an alternative self-custody wallet from the BitPay website.

How to buy crypto with local bank transfers across the world

BitPay users across the globe have two easy ways to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with their preferred local banking transfer method, via the BitPay Wallet app or on the BitPay website. Each is a convenient method of paying for crypto straight from your local bank account and managing your assets with self-custody.

https://bitpay.com/blog/buy-crypto-with-ideal/

For our crypto community in the Netherlands, buying crypto with iDEAL brings a whole new level of convenience to the crypto buying process. BitPay offers iDEAL as one of the many payment methods when you buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the BitPay app or website. This guide will show you how easy it is to buy Bitcoin with iDEAL.

How to buy crypto with iDEAL in the Netherlands

BitPay users in the Netherlands have two easy ways to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with iDEAL, via the BitPay Wallet app or on the BitPay website. Each is a convenient method of paying for crypto straight from your Netherlands bank account and managing your assets with self-custody.

Buy Bitcoin with iDEAL instantly

Get the BitPay App

Benefits of buying crypto with iDEAL via BitPay

Why buy crypto with iDEAL?

Instant iDEAL transactions

Securely and conveniently convert fiat from your bank account to crypto

Low fees

Bank transfer fees typically lower than credit cards

High limits

Buy up to €30,000 daily

Higher authorization rates

iDEAL payments typically see higher authorization rates compared to traditional payment methods

175+ coins across 20 chains

Buy a diverse array of coins and tokens to build your portfolio

Secure, self-custody experience

You still own 100% of the crypto you buy; no third party custody

Which cryptocurrencies can I buy with iDEAL via BitPay?

Through the BitPay app or website, you can buy more than 60 top cryptocurrencies and stablecoins using your bank account to pay.

• Buy Bitcoin (BTC)
• Buy Ethereum (ETH)
• Buy Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
• Buy Dogecoin (DOGE)
• Buy Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB)
• Buy Litecoin (LTC)
• Buy ApeCoin (APE)
• Buy Dai (DAI)
• Buy Binance USD (BUSD)
• Buy USD Coin (USDC)
• Buy Wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC)
• Buy Pax Dollar (USDP)
• Buy Gemini Dollar (GUSD)
• Buy Polygon (MATIC)
• Buy Tether (USDT)
• Buy XRP (XRP)

And many, many more. Use the BitPay widget to see all of the cryptocurrencies available for purchase.

More about iDEAL

iDEAL, a prominent online payment system in the Netherlands, is a popular choice for purchasing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Leveraging its direct bank-to-bank transaction capabilities, security, and widespread acceptance among Dutch banks, many individuals in the Netherlands prefer iDEAL to promptly fund their accounts on cryptocurrency exchanges and acquire digital assets.

What to do with your crypto after buying with a bank account transfer

Once you’ve obtained your Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency, you’re free to hold, swap or spend as you see fit. The BitPay app gives you total control over all of your assets, making it easy to:

Hold and store securely

Keep your crypto assets safe and secure in an easy-to-use, self-custody crypto wallet. You can even import additional wallets and manage them all from one place.

Swap coins

Easily exchange one digital asset for another in the BitPay app. Swap Bitcoin for Ethereum, Dogecoin, Bitcoin Cash and many other top cryptocurrencies.

Spend your crypto

You can also spend your crypto right from the app, either by connecting your wallet to a merchant that accepts crypto payments or buying gift cards with crypto from some of your favorite brands. Check out our Merchant Directory for a searchable list of businesses that accept crypto payments through BitPay.

https://bitpay.com/blog/buy-crypto-with-payid/

For our crypto community in Australia, buying crypto with PayID brings a whole new level of convenience to the crypto buying process. BitPay offers PayID as one of the many payment methods when you buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the BitPay app or website. This guide will show you how easy it is to buy Bitcoin with PayID.

How to buy crypto with PayID in Australia

BitPay users in Australia have two easy ways to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with PayID, via the BitPay Wallet app or on the BitPay website. Each is a convenient method of paying for crypto straight from your Australian bank account and managing your assets with self-custody.

Buy Bitcoin with PayID instantly

Get the BitPay App

Benefits of buying crypto with PayID via BitPay

Why buy crypto with PayID?

Instant PayID transactions

Securely and conveniently convert fiat from your bank account to crypto

Low fees

Bank transfer fees typically lower than credit cards

High limits

Buy up to $50,000 daily

Higher authorization rates

Interac payments typically see higher authorization rates compared to traditional payment methods

175+ coins across 20 chains

Buy a diverse array of coins and tokens to build your portfolio

Secure, self-custody experience

You still own 100% of the crypto you buy; no third party custody

Which cryptocurrencies can I buy with PayID via BitPay?

Through the BitPay app or website, you can buy more than 60 top cryptocurrencies and stablecoins using your bank account to pay.

• Buy Bitcoin (BTC)
• Buy Ethereum (ETH)
• Buy Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
• Buy Dogecoin (DOGE)
• Buy Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB)
• Buy Litecoin (LTC)
• Buy ApeCoin (APE)
• Buy Dai (DAI)
• Buy Binance USD (BUSD)
• Buy USD Coin (USDC)
• Buy Wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC)
• Buy Pax Dollar (USDP)
• Buy Gemini Dollar (GUSD)
• Buy Polygon (MATIC)
• Buy Tether (USDT)
• Buy XRP (XRP)

And many, many more. Use the BitPay widget to see all of the cryptocurrencies available for purchase.

More about PayID

PayID, a modern payment addressing service in Australia, is a favored method for buying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. With its user-friendly approach of linking bank accounts to easy-to-remember identifiers like email addresses or phone numbers, combined with speed and security, many Australians use PayID to effortlessly fund their crypto wallets and purchase digital assets.

What to do with your crypto after buying with a bank account transfer

Once you’ve obtained your Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency, you’re free to hold, swap or spend as you see fit. The BitPay app gives you total control over all of your assets, making it easy to:

Hold and store securely

Keep your crypto assets safe and secure in an easy-to-use, self-custody crypto wallet. You can even import additional wallets and manage them all from one place.

Swap coins

Easily exchange one digital asset for another in the BitPay app. Swap Bitcoin for Ethereum, Dogecoin, Bitcoin Cash and many other top cryptocurrencies.

Spend your crypto

You can also spend your crypto right from the app, either by connecting your wallet to a merchant that accepts crypto payments or buying gift cards with crypto from some of your favorite brands. Check out our Merchant Directory for a searchable list of businesses that accept crypto payments through BitPay.

https://bitpay.com/blog/buy-crypto-with-interac/

For our crypto community in Canada, buying crypto with Interac brings a whole new level of convenience to the crypto buying process. BitPay offers Interac as one of the many payment methods when you buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the BitPay app or website. This guide will show you how easy it is to buy Bitcoin with Interac.

How to buy crypto with Interac in Canada

BitPay users in Canada have two easy ways to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with Interac e-Transfer, via the BitPay Wallet app or on the BitPay website. Each is a convenient method of paying for crypto straight from your Canadian bank account and managing your assets with a self-custody wallet.

Buy Bitcoin with Interac instantly

Get the BitPay App

Benefits of buying crypto with Interac via BitPay

Why buy crypto with Interac?

Instant Interac transactions

Securely and conveniently convert fiat from your bank account to crypto

Low fees

Bank transfer fees typically lower than credit cards

High limits

Buy up to $30,000 daily

Higher authorization rates

Interac payments typically see higher authorization rates compared to traditional payment methods

175+ coins across 20 chains

Buy a diverse array of coins and tokens to build your portfolio

Secure, self-custody experience

You still own 100% of the crypto you buy; no third party custody

Which cryptocurrencies can I buy with Interac via BitPay?

Through the BitPay app or website, you can buy more than 60 top cryptocurrencies and stablecoins using your bank account to pay.

• Buy Bitcoin (BTC)
• Buy Ethereum (ETH)
• Buy Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
• Buy Dogecoin (DOGE)
• Buy Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB)
• Buy Litecoin (LTC)
• Buy ApeCoin (APE)
• Buy Dai (DAI)
• Buy Binance USD (BUSD)
• Buy USD Coin (USDC)
• Buy Wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC)
• Buy Pax Dollar (USDP)
• Buy Gemini Dollar (GUSD)
• Buy Polygon (MATIC)
• Buy Tether (USDT)
• Buy XRP (XRP)

And many, many more. Use the BitPay widget to see all of the cryptocurrencies available for purchase.

More about Interac e-Transfer

Interac e-Transfer, a widely-used electronic money transfer service in Canada, has become a favored payment method for buying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Leveraging its reputation for speed, security, and direct bank-to-bank transfers, many individuals prefer using Interac e-Transfer to swiftly fund their crypto wallets and acquire digital assets.

What to do with your crypto after buying with a bank account transfer

Once you’ve obtained your Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency, you’re free to hold, swap or spend as you see fit. The BitPay app gives you total control over all of your assets, making it easy to:

Hold and store securely

Keep your crypto assets safe and secure in an easy-to-use, self-custody crypto wallet. You can even import additional wallets and manage them all from one place.

Swap coins

Easily exchange one digital asset for another in the BitPay app. Swap Bitcoin for Ethereum, Dogecoin, Bitcoin Cash and many other top cryptocurrencies.

Spend your crypto

You can also spend your crypto right from the app, either by connecting your wallet to a merchant that accepts crypto payments or buying gift cards with crypto from some of your favorite brands. Check out our Merchant Directory for a searchable list of businesses that accept crypto payments through BitPay.

https://bitpay.com/blog/buy-crypto-with-faster-payment-systems/

For our crypto community in the UK, buying crypto with Faster Payment Systems (FPS) brings a whole new level of convenience to the crypto buying process. BitPay offers FPS as one of the money payment methods when you buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the BitPay app or website. This guide will show you how easy it is to pay with FPS.

How to buy crypto with Fast Payment Systems in the UK

UK BitPay users have two easy ways to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with Fast Payment Systems, via the BitPay Wallet app or on the BitPay website. Each is a convenient method of paying for crypto straight from your UK bank account and managing your assets with self-custody.

Buy Bitcoin with FPS instantly

Get the BitPay App

Benefits of buying crypto with FPS via BitPay

Why buy crypto with instant Faster Payment Systems?

Instant Faster Payment Systems transactions

Securely and conveniently convert fiat from your bank account to crypto

Low fees

Bank transfer fees typically lower than credit cards

High limits

Buy up to £30,000 daily

Higher authorization rates

FPS payments typically see higher authorization rates compared to traditional payment methods

175+ coins across 20 chains

Buy a diverse array of coins and tokens to build your portfolio

Secure, self-custody experience

You still own 100% of the crypto you buy; no third party custody

Which cryptocurrencies can I buy with Faster Payment Systems via BitPay?

Through the BitPay app or website, you can buy more than 60 top cryptocurrencies and stablecoins using your bank account to pay.

• Buy Bitcoin (BTC)
• Buy Ethereum (ETH)
• Buy Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
• Buy Dogecoin (DOGE)
• Buy Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB)
• Buy Litecoin (LTC)
• Buy ApeCoin (APE)
• Buy Dai (DAI)
• Buy Binance USD (BUSD)
• Buy USD Coin (USDC)
• Buy Wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC)
• Buy Pax Dollar (USDP)
• Buy Gemini Dollar (GUSD)
• Buy Polygon (MATIC)
• Buy Tether (USDT)
• Buy XRP (XRP)

And many, many more. Use the BitPay widget to see all of the cryptocurrencies available for purchase.

More about Faster Payment Systems

The Faster Payment Systems (FPS) in the UK, renowned for its real-time bank transfers, is a popular method for purchasing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Taking advantage of its rapid transaction times, security, and widespread acceptance among UK banks, many individuals choose FPS to seamlessly fund their accounts on cryptocurrency exchanges and acquire digital assets.

What to do with your crypto after buying with a bank account transfer

Once you’ve obtained your Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency, you’re free to hold, swap or spend as you see fit. The BitPay app gives you total control over all of your assets, making it easy to:

Hold and store securely

Keep your crypto assets safe and secure in an easy-to-use, self-custody crypto wallet. You can even import additional wallets and manage them all from one place.

Swap coins

Easily exchange one digital asset for another in the BitPay app. Swap Bitcoin for Ethereum, Dogecoin, Bitcoin Cash and many other top cryptocurrencies.

Spend your crypto

You can also spend your crypto right from the app, either by connecting your wallet to a merchant that accepts crypto payments or buying gift cards with crypto from some of your favorite brands. Check out our Merchant Directory for a searchable list of businesses that accept crypto payments through BitPay.

https://bitpay.com/blog/bitcoin-halving-countdown/

Bitcoin will soon go through a major event called a halving, which reduces the reward Bitcoin miners receive for each new transaction block by half. It will be the fourth time in its history that BTC has undergone a halving, which occur every 210,000 blocks, or approximately every 4 years. Halvings slow the creation of new Bitcoins, keeping the supply low and preventing inflation of the currency. Ideally (though certainly not guaranteed), halvings help keep Bitcoin’s value as high as possible.

The Bitcoin halving 2024 is right around the corner, so keep reading for a crash course in what halvings mean for Bitcoin, what past halvings have done to the price of BTC and more.

When is the Bitcoin halving 2024?

The fourth Bitcoin halving is expected to happen around April 17, 2024. It’s not possible to be exact because halvings take place on a schedule not determined by dates, but by “block height.” Block height refers to a specific location in a blockchain which is measured by the number of blocks that come before it. Halvings take place at set intervals of 210,000 blocks, which historically have been reached roughly every 4 years.

After the upcoming halving (when the BTC block height reaches 840,000), the block reward paid to bitcoin miners for their work validating transaction blocks will be decreased from its current 6.25 BTC to 3.175 BTC. In the early days of Bitcoin, the block reward was 50 BTC, which dropped to 25 after the first halving, 12.5 after the second and 6.25 after the third, where it stands today. 

Now let’s dive a bit deeper into the previous BTC halvings.

Past halving dates

As mentioned, Bitcoin has seen three previous halvings over its lifespan, one in 2012, another in 2016, and the most recent one in 2020. Bitcoin has changed a lot over that time, and so has the level of mainstream acceptance for cryptocurrencies as a whole. As you read over the history lesson ahead, keep in mind the important point that as in all investing, past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Halving 1: Nov. 28, 2012

BTC Price at time of halving: $12.20
Highest price reached during cycle: $1,170 (Nov. 2013)

The first Bitcoin halving was something of a tense time for crypto investors and fans, with fears the reduced incentive would discourage miners from keeping the network running smoothly. It also came just as Bitcoin was finally starting to get some mainstream attention.The inaugural BTC halving happened at block 210,000 and saw the block reward drop from 50 BTC to 25 BTC. 

Halving 2: July 9, 2016

BTC price at time of halving: $640
Highest price reached during cycle: $19,650 (Dec. 2017)

Bitcoin’s second halving was on July 9, 2016, significantly higher than at the time of the first halving but still a far cry from the prices in the years that followed. Coming off Bitcoin’s performance after the first halving, traders expected another bull run. Bitcoin did indeed experience a massive bull run in 2017, but by the end of 2018 it was in a price trough again, slipping to around $3,700 by New Year’s Day 2019. Halving #2 reduced the block reward from 25 BTC to 12.5 BTC.

Halving 3: May 11, 2020

BTC price at time of halving: $8,600
Highest price reached during cycle: $67,500 (Nov. 2021)

The most recent BTC halving took place at the height of pandemic-era lockdowns. By this time, crypto was closing in on mainstream acceptance as institutions began exploring adoption and crypto payments had become commonplace. Bitcoin had its biggest bull run to date in 2021, with prices flirting with $68,000 before crashing by the end of the year and throughout most of 2022. The third Bitcoin halving, taking place at block 630,000, saw block rewards once again slashed by half to 6.25 BTC, where they will remain until the 4th halving in mid-April.

Does the Bitcoin price increase or decrease after halvings?

The cheeky answer to this is simply “yes.” But that’s actually the truth. Although each halving to date has been followed by a major bull run, a significant pullback came shortly afterwards every single time. Additionally, each of those post-bull run crashes were followed by widespread market slowdowns ranging from a mild chill to a full-blown “crypto winter.”

A final word on buying Bitcoin before the next halving

Many crypto watchers are expecting another bull run after next year’s halving, though the aftereffects are never set in stone. Plus, now that it’s anticipated, any possible post-halving bull run might already have been priced into the market. As always, don’t try to time the market, don’t invest with funds you can’t afford to lose and be prepared for potential market changes. The most successful, time-tested investment strategy includes consistent investing via dollar-cost averaging (DCA).

https://bitpay.com/blog/october-23-cryptie-newsletter/

Welcome to our monthly newsletter! Get ready for some exciting updates from our team at BitPay, including new merchants joining the world of cryptocurrency. Let’s dive into this month’s highlights!

In This Issue:

BitPay Welcomes Ferrari

BitPay is thrilled to welcome Ferrari, the iconic luxury sports car manufacturer, as the newest BitPay merchant. Ferrari has recently announced its decision to accept cryptocurrency payments for its luxury sports cars in the U.S.

→ Read more about the partnership between BitPay and Ferrari

BitPay in the News

Check out the latest news from BitPay this month:

• Litecoin Reaches 180 Million Transactions, Bolstered by BitPay Partnership (Investing.com)
• PayPal’s stablecoin: Who are the early adopters (American Banker)
• BitPay Enables Cryptocurrency Payments for Taylor Swift’s Movie Premier (Crypto News)

Industry News

Read news from across the blockchain industry:

• Bitcoin sees a 10% surge to $30,000, indicating potential strategies for spot ETFs.
• The 2023 Global Crypto Adoption Index by Chainalysis highlights a surge in cryptocurrency engagement globally, particularly in emerging markets such as Brazil, India, and Nigeria.
• Circle announces the availability of native USDC on the Polygon PoS network.
• California’s “BitLicense” bill gets approved by Governor Newsom.
• Google Cloud expands its blockchain support with Bit Query integration.
• Tottenham Hotspur introduces a Web3 fan token in collaboration with Socios and Chiliz.

Merchant Spotlight: Simply Jet

Simply Jet is partnered with BitPay to provide you with the option to pay using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and many more! Simply choose your preferred cryptocurrency and take advantage of an easy, safe, and trustworthy payment method!

→ Book your private jet with crypto

Charitable Spotlight: Georgia Tech Foundation

The Georgia Tech Foundation was chartered in 1932 to “promote in various ways the cause of higher education in the state of Georgia; to raise and receive funds for the support and enhancement of the Georgia Institute of Technology; and to aid the Georgia Institute of Technology in its development as a leading education institution.”  It is a non-profit corporation that receives, administers, and distributes contributions made in support of the Georgia Institute of Technology. As a non-profit corporation, the Georgia Tech Foundation is a separate legal entity from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

→ Donate to the Georgia Tech Foundation

Questions to Ask Your Payment Processor

Don’t risk partnering with the wrong crypto payments provider. Arm yourself with the right questions to ask when vetting potential partners. Read the overview here or download our expanded guide of questions to help spot a reliable and trustworthy crypto partner.

→ Get the e-book

Bitcoin halving countdown

The Bitcoin halving is slated to take place in April 2024. With the upcoming Bitcoin halving event, merchants have a unique opportunity to capitalize on the increased interest in Bitcoin spending. By accepting Bitcoin payments through BitPay, merchants can tap into a growing customer base and benefit from the potential surge in Bitcoin transactions. Don’t miss out on this chance to stay ahead of the curve and sign up with BitPay today.

Word of the Month: Layer 2 (L2)

The number of crypto users has risen exponentially since the launch of Bitcoin and Ethereum. Over time, the network traffic on these “Layer 1” blockchains has grown considerably, resulting in higher fees and increased transaction times. One solution to ease network congestion and allow for more transaction throughput is what are known as Layer 2 networks. These third-party protocols are built on top of existing blockchains to bear the brunt of transaction activity. This allows significantly more transactions to be processed without compromising the main chain’s security, improves scalability and clears a path for blockchain networks’ long-term growth.

→ Learn more about Layer 2 solutions

Travel with Crypto

BitPay Travel is now open to all! In collaboration with Xeni, BitPay Travel allows crypto users to pay for flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities with their cryptocurrency. Get great prices on all of your travel bookings and get the added benefit of paying straight from your cryptocurrency wallet.

XRP Merchant Shoutouts

• APMEX: APMEX, the leading precious metals retailer, now embraces the future of finance by accepting XRP, revolutionizing the way you invest in gold and silver.
• NameCheap: NameCheap, the leading domain registrar and web hosting provider, embraces the future of digital transactions by accepting XRP, making it easier than ever to secure your online presence with the world’s fastest growing cryptocurrency.
• ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN, the leading virtual private network provider, now accepts XRP, allowing you to safeguard your online privacy while embracing the future of digital currency.
• Kinguin: Kinguin is revolutionizing the gaming industry by accepting XRP, allowing gamers to effortlessly purchase their favorite games and accessories with the world’s fastest digital asset.
• AirX Charter: AirX Charter takes flight in the world of cryptocurrency by embracing the future of payments with XRP, allowing customers to soar to new heights with seamless and secure transactions.

Not a current merchant?

Get in touch with a BitPay representative today

https://bitpay.com/blog/buy-tvs-with-bitcoin/

Home entertainment technology has advanced to the point where you can recreate the full theater experience in the comfort of your living room. Whatever your budget, with a little planning you can make your home the place to be to watch the big game, enjoy a family movie night or host a competitive video game tournament. If you’ve always dreamed about having the ultimate home entertainment setup, now’s your chance to take the plunge. Ahead, we’ll walk you through how to buy everything you need to make that dream a reality with crypto.

How to buy TVs and entertainment systems with Bitcoin + other crypto

Assembling a home entertainment system is part art and part science. The components and accessories you purchase may vary based on your available space, but you’ll also want to take your personal preferences into account. Maybe you’re a sports nut who wants to see every blade of grass on the field in perfect clarity. Or, maybe you’re an action movie junkie who wants to feel the rumble from every explosion like you were there. Whatever your goal, there are many options for piecing together your perfect setup and paying for it with crypto.

Buy direct with merchants

If you want to buy your home entertainment setup with crypto directly, you have some solid choices of merchants who accept crypto payments.

• Newegg is a trusted electronics seller who accepts direct crypto payments through BitPay. Scan their website and you’ll find everything from TVs and audio equipment to 4K projectors and stereos, all at great everyday prices.
• Scan UK is your online source for everything you need to kit out your home entertainment system, from high-end gaming PCs to wall-thumping speaker setups.
• SlingTV offers a huge variety of live sports, TV shows and on-demand movies, all streamed through your internet connection — no cable box required.
• DishTV provides viewers with a wide range of HD TV channels, giving you the ultimate home viewing experience. With both SlingTV and DishTV, you can easily pay your monthly bill with crypto.

Convert your crypto into gift cards

Not every merchant accepts direct crypto payments (not yet, at least). But you can still buy all of the home entertainment gear you need with crypto by purchasing gift cards through BitPay.

• Best Buy is one of America’s best-known electronics retailers, offering low prices on just about any home entertainment equipment you can think of.
• GameStop has everything the avid gamer needs to add a little fun to their entertainment setup. They sell all of the latest video game consoles, games and gaming accessories that’ll have you pwning noobs in no time.
• Guitar Center caters to musicians of all experience and skill levels. If your idea of a home entertainment setup includes a place to jam out solo or with your band, you’ll find all of the guitars, amps, drum sets and accessories you’ll need on your way to the bigtime.
• Overstock.com now operates under the Bed Bath & Beyond banner, and it makes an excellent choice for buying furniture and entertainment consoles to elevate your setup.
• Pottery Barn carries a large assortment of home furnishings that will make your home entertainment setup both stylish and comfy. Need a row of reclining theater seats (including cup holders for that mega-size soda or beer)? Or a sectional sofa to fit all of your friends on game day? Pottery Barn has you covered.
• Walmart sells about anything you could possibly need to set up your home entertainment system. From big-screen 4K TVs to projectors to speaker systems, America’s biggest retailer carries it all at low prices all year long.
• World Market sells unique home accent pieces inspired by designers from around the globe that will help put the finishing touches on your home entertainment room, from end tables to couches to lamps.

Buy TVs and entertainment systems with the BitPay Card

The easiest and most convenient way to spend crypto on TVs and other home entertainment gear is the BitPay Card, which lets you spend Bitcoin and more than a dozen other cryptocurrencies as easily as cash anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Benefits of paying for TVs with crypto

• Fast: Depending on the crypto you use, transactions can take only seconds to complete
• Secure: Crypto payments are safe, eliminating common risks of paying with credit cards
• No banks necessary: Make purchases without the headaches and fees of bank transfers
• No tricky exchange rates: Even cross-border transactions require no currency conversion
• Low fees: Pay only a small and completely transparent fee when loading up on TVs and other home entertainment gear. No more expensive wire transfer fees.

What else can I buy with crypto?

With the increasing adoption of cryptocurrency, a vast array of products and services can be purchased using Bitcoin. This includes airline tickets through various booking services, items on Amazon, and Apple products like iPhones, iPads, and Macbooks. You can also buy boats and yachts, books, cars, motorcycles, cell phones, clothes, computers, coffee, diamonds, domain names, drones, items on eBay, electronics, flowers, food, furniture, gift cards, gold, groceries, guitars, and even houses. This extensive list showcases the versatility of Bitcoin as a payment method.

FAQs about buying TVs and entertainment systems with crypto

Which cryptocurrencies can I use to buy TVs?

Through BitPay and its trusted partner merchants, you can buy your next big-screen with Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB), Litecoin (LTC), XRP (XRP), Polygon (MATIC), ApeCoine (APE), Dai (DAI), Binance USD (BUSD), USD Coin (USDC), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Pax Dollar (USDP) and Gemini Dollar (GUSD). We are continually evaluating and adding new coins to support.

https://bitpay.com/blog/ferrari-now-accepts-crypto-payments-via-bitpay/

BitPay and Ferrari are partnering to give enthusiasts even more ways to pay for their new luxury sports car.

Starting immediately, Ferrari dealerships within the United States will accept crypto payments via BitPay. Customers buying their new supercar will be able to pay in Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and USDC. Ferrari will not impose any additional fees or markups for customers paying in cryptocurrency.

The new partnership builds onto trends BitPay continues to see, with luxury and high-ticket items increasingly being paid for with cryptocurrency, including cars, watches, jewelry, diamonds, and even real estate. Crypto customers want the flexibility to pay without wires, bank accounts, or credit cards, and Ferrari understands that.

“Some are young investors who have built their fortunes around cryptocurrencies,” Ferrari’s Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, Enrico Galliera, told Reuters. “Some others are more traditional investors, who want to diversify their portfolios.”

Pay for your new Ferrari from any wallet

As the number one crypto payments processor in the world, BitPay has the ability to process payments from over 100 crypto wallets. This gives customers the flexibility and freedom to use their preferred wallet.

BitPay’s accurate payment protocol, the BitPay Protocol, eliminates payment exceptions like over/under payments, late payments and double spends to ensure the best customer experience possible.

Top Ferrari models you can buy with cryptocurrency

SF90 Stradale

The SF90 Stradale is a hybrid supercar, blending a twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors, making it Ferrari’s most powerful production car.

Ferrari Purosangue

The Ferrari Purosangue marks the brand’s foray into the SUV segment, delivering a combination of luxury, performance, and versatility.

Daytona SP3

Inspired by the iconic sports prototypes of the 1960s, the Daytona SP3 is a limited-edition V12 supercar that pays homage to Ferrari’s racing heritage.

Monza SP2

The Monza SP2 is an open-top speedster with a unique design, featuring a twin-hump rear deck and powered by a roaring V12 engine.

LaFerrari Aperta

The LaFerrari Aperta is a convertible hybrid hypercar that seamlessly blends a naturally aspirated V12 engine with an electric motor for unparalleled performance.

Ferrari Portofino M

The Ferrari Portofino M is a refined grand tourer, boasting a retractable hardtop roof and a potent V8 engine, perfect for spirited coastal drives.

Ferrari Enzo

Named after the founder of the iconic brand, the Ferrari Enzo is a mid-engined V12 supercar that pushes the boundaries of design and performance.

Find a Ferrari dealer near you

Are you ready to spend your crypto on the brand new Ferrari of your dreams? Find the nearest Ferrari dealer to buy your dream car with crypto. Some of the featured Ferrari dealers accepting crypto payments include:

• Ferrari of Atlanta
• Ferrari of Las Vegas
• Ferrari of Alberta
• Ferrari of Lake Forest
• Ferrari of Ontario
• Ferrari of Long Island
• Ferrari of Chicago
• Ferrari of Greenwich
• Ferrari of San Francisco
• Ferrari of Washington

https://bitpay.com/blog/the-crypto-trilemma/

Blockchains can allow for secure, permissionless, decentralized storage of information and facilitation of transactions. But these distributed databases tend to face limitations in at least one of three vital areas: security, scalability, or decentralization.

The challenges presented by attempting to balance these aspects of blockchain technology have come to be known as the “blockchain trilemma.”

Here is the blockchain trilemma explained.

What is the blockchain trilemma?

The blockchain trilemma, a term whose coinage has been credited to Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, describes the difficulties that developers face when creating a blockchain architecture that is secure and scalable while remaining decentralized.

Look at the Bitcoin blockchain, for example. Bitcoin’s network is the most secure in the world, with a hash rate over 460 Exahash per second. No known computer in the world could crack Bitcoin’s proof-of-work encryption. And with thousands of independent node operators all over the world, the network remains decentralized and therefore harder to attack.

But when it comes to transactions, the base layer of Bitcoin is hardly scalable. The network can only handle about 7 transactions per second (TPS).

Any method of increasing the TPS rate would lead to decreases in either security or decentralization, or both.

To one extent or another, all blockchains face a similar scenario: they excel in some areas while falling short in others.

Understanding the three pillars of blockchain

To understand the blockchain trilemma, we must first become familiar with the fundamental pillars of blockchain technology, which include 1) security, 2) scalability, and 3) decentralization.

Security

Security is of the utmost importance when it comes to blockchain. If an attacker can manipulate the ledger, it will no longer have integrity and will be considered untrustworthy and worthless.

Decentralization makes blockchains secure by making them harder to attack. To take down a network would involve taking down all of its nodes, or at least controlling a majority of them. Yet at the same time, achieving security can be a challenge for a system that has no central point of control, as protection cannot be placed in the hands of a single person or entity.

One of the most common ways to attack a blockchain network is through what’s known as a 51% attack. If someone can take control of the majority of a network’s nodes, they can alter the ledger. This could allow for double spending of transactions, erasing previous transactions, or other manipulations of data to suit the attacker’s needs. Ethereum Classic (ETC), the original Ethereum chain, has suffered multiple 51% attacks, for example.

As important as security is, it remains entangled with the other two aspects of the trilemma of blockchain: scalability and decentralization. Enhancing security oftentimes leads to a reduction of these other components of a blockchain.

Scalability

Scalability refers to a blockchain’s ability to handle a high volume of transactions at scale without impacting speed, efficiency, or fees. Given that most blockchains have ambitions of being adopted on a global scale, their tech must be able to deal with very large numbers of users sending lots of transactions. But being scalable while maintaining the other two pillars of decentralization and security can be difficult to achieve.

Consider the hardware needed for blockchain node operators. High-end hardware boosts the network’s performance, enhancing scalability. However, by setting such steep hardware standards, we limit who can join the network. Fewer participants can mean a more centralized system. Essentially, by chasing scalability, we might compromise on decentralization.

Just as increasing a blockchain’s security can reduce its scalability, increasing scalability can reduce security and decentralization.

Decentralization

Being decentralized is what makes a blockchain different than other methods of storing data or facilitating transactions. Rather than all data being stored on a single server and controlled by its owners, blockchains constitute a form of distributed ledger technology (DLT). Distributed ledgers house data in multiple servers across different geographical locations. What sets blockchains apart from other forms of DLT is that the servers, or nodes, are often run by independent individuals, and data gets continuously stored in blocks that form a time-stamped chain.

Decentralization can make a network more secure by eliminating any single attack vector or point of failure. However, this brings with it new challenges, such as achieving consensus on the record of data, which can become more difficult as the number of participants increases, resulting in scalability issues. And when it’s easy for malicious actors to join the network and impact its operations, decentralization can turn into a weakness rather than a strength.

Scalability

Scalability refers to a blockchain’s ability to handle a high volume of transactions at scale without impacting speed, efficiency, or fees. Given that most blockchains have ambitions of being adopted on a global scale, their tech must be able to deal with very large numbers of users sending lots of transactions. But being scalable while maintaining the other two pillars of decentralization and security can be difficult to achieve.

Consider the hardware needed for blockchain node operators. High-end hardware boosts the network’s performance, enhancing scalability. However, by setting such steep hardware standards, we limit who can join the network. Fewer participants can mean a more centralized system. Essentially, by chasing scalability, we might compromise on decentralization.

Just as increasing a blockchain’s security can reduce its scalability, increasing scalability can reduce security and decentralization.

Decentralization

Being decentralized is what makes a blockchain different than other methods of storing data or facilitating transactions. Rather than all data being stored on a single server and controlled by its owners, blockchains constitute a form of distributed ledger technology (DLT). Distributed ledgers house data in multiple servers across different geographical locations. What sets blockchains apart from other forms of DLT is that the servers, or nodes, are often run by independent individuals, and data gets continuously stored in blocks that form a time-stamped chain.

Decentralization can make a network more secure by eliminating any single attack vector or point of failure. However, this brings with it new challenges, such as achieving consensus on the record of data, which can become more difficult as the number of participants increases, resulting in scalability issues. And when it’s easy for malicious actors to join the network and impact its operations, decentralization can turn into a weakness rather than a strength.

Current solutions and innovations

There have been many proposed solutions for dealing with the crypto trilemma posed by balancing security, scalability, and decentralization. Most of these attempt to fix the problem by implementing changes at either the layer-1 level (aka base layer) or by utilizing tools on top of the base layer, known as layer-2.

Layer-1 solutions

Consensus protocol improvements: The most all-encompassing approach to solving the blockchain trilemma is to simply change the consensus mechanism that a network relies on. This can be done by shifting from a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus model to a proof-of-stake (PoS) model, for example. Instead of relying on miner nodes to work out energy-intensive computations to secure a network, PoS networks require validator nodes to lock up or “stake” tokens for a set period of time. Ethereum went through this process in late 2022, known as The Merge.

Sharding, also known as horizontal partitioning, is a method of database management that involves breaking up data into pieces, or shards, and storing them in different locations. By splitting up pieces of a blockchain’s data amongst different nodes, more space can be freed up for parallel processing of transactions. Typically, each full node in a blockchain must store the dataset of the entire chain, from its first block of transactions to its most recent. But with sharding, this doesn’t have to be the case.

Breaking up the blockchain’s data into smaller pieces results in each node being able to process more transactions, which means greater scalability.

Layer-2 solutions

Many of the most popular proposals for solving the blockchain trilemma do not occur on the base layer of blockchains, but rather on layer-2 solutions. Working on the second layer can provide a way to increase scalability while preserving the decentralization and security of the main chain, which remains unaltered.

• Nested blockchains use a structure that involves a main chain with several secondary chains. This allows for chains to operate in tandem with each other. The main chain focuses on assigning tasks and controlling parameters, while the secondary chains can process transactions. OMG Plasma is an example of a layer-2 that uses a nested blockchain on top of Ethereum’s layer-1 for greater scalability.
• State channels provide a way for participants to transact directly off-chain, with the base layer serving as final arbiter of transactions. Users open an off-chain channel through the use of a multi-signature transaction on the blockchain. Channels can then be closed, with settlement happening directly on-chain. Bitcoin’s Lightning Network is an example of a state channel layer-2.
• Sidechains work as independent blockchains that run in parallel to the base layer. They use their own consensus methods, which can allow for greater scalability, as mentioned earlier. One drawback is that a sidechain does not benefit from the security of its base layer, creating potential vulnerabilities. Polygon, Polkadot, Cosmos, and Avalanche are some examples of popular projects that make use of sidechains.

Implications for the future

As the crypto landscape evolves,  the adoption of blockchain based-payments and technology will continue to break through the mainstream.

Ethereum layer-2’s already see about six times as many transactions as the Ethereum base layer. Moreover, since BitPay has added support for Lightning Network transactions, we’ve seen monthly Lightning transactions nearly triple in less than 10 months, showcasing the potential of off-chain solutions.

The crypto community remains unwavering in its pursuit to address the trilemma, striving for a harmonious blend of decentralization, scalability, and security. Especially in the realm of cryptocurrency payments, the future looks promising. With collective effort and ingenuity, we’re on the brink of reshaping the financial paradigm. Stay tuned, for the best is yet to come.

https://bitpay.com/blog/buy-bitcoin-with-low-fees/

When you’re starting out buying crypto, a lack of knowledge can cost you. Literally. Crypto fees can add up fast, which might end up making your purchase less of a bargain than you thought you were getting. The fees you pay when buying crypto are (unfortunately) necessary to keep networks running smoothly and securely. However there are plenty of ways to reduce the amount you end up paying, keeping more funds in your wallet where they belong..

Best ways to save on fees when buying crypto

Your goal when buying crypto should always be to pay as little in fees as possible. Crypto fees are most likely here to stay, but with some basic knowledge and strategizing you can pay significantly less. Best of all, it’s easy to ensure you don’t overpay on crypto fees. You don’t have to be an expert market watcher or crypto whiz; just follow some simple best practices.

Use a trusted buying platform with limited fees

The key word here is trusted. There are plenty of exchanges out there offering rates that seem too good to be true. It may be tempting to transact with the platform that advertises the lowest fees, but always do your due diligence before forking over your hard-earned cash. Unknown exchanges or platforms with a spotty reputation can put your funds at risk.

Review exchange rates closely

Some exchanges may advertise super-low fees, which they can afford to do because they jack up the exchange rate (or “spread”). If an exchange is offering rock-bottom fees, check to see that they aren’t overcharging on their exchange rate. The amount of crypto you receive is ultimately more important than the line item fees shown in your buy preview.

For example, consider you want to buy $500 worth of BTC. Which of the following buys would you choose?

Which is the better buy? The answer is Exchange #2. While the fees may be higher, you are receiving more BTC for your money by way of a better exchange rate.

Time your buys

One of the purposes of crypto fees is to incentivize miners to push transactions through the network. When a crypto network is experiencing high traffic, miner fees go up. With some cryptocurrencies, users can even fast-track their transactions by voluntarily paying more in fees. To avoid these crypto traffic jams, time your purchases when network traffic is at a minimum. Typically the most expensive time to buy crypto is during U.S. business hours, so if you’re a night owl or an early bird, take advantage. See the example of how the impact BTC ordinals had on Bitcoin Network congestion.

Choose low-fee payment methods

Where you purchase crypto can have a big impact on the amount you pay in fees. But your method of payment can also make a difference. For instance, some exchanges allow you to buy crypto with a credit card. But you’ll pay for the privilege in the form of higher fees. Direct bank account transfers are typically less expensive than using a credit card. Learn more about buying crypto straight from your bank account.

Consider transfer fees into your buying equation

With a few notable custodial services facing legal troubles, we’re seeing a clear trend of crypto users preferring to self-custody their assets instead of relying on an exchange to manage and secure their funds. So before you buy, consider where your funds will ultimately “live”. Fees may appear low when purchasing through a centralized exchange like Coinbase or Kraken. But you’ll wind up paying additional transaction fees if your plan is to transfer those funds to a self-custody wallet. The best way to avoid this double-fee is to buy with a self-custody wallet in the first place.

How BitPay gets you the best rates with low fees on your crypto buys

You’re free to shop around on your own for the best rates every time you make a crypto purchase. But why would you want to if you didn’t have to? BitPay’s partner network ensures you always get the best available price with every buy. Using BitPay’s “Best Offer” feature, either online or in the BitPay Wallet app, you’ll be presented with multiple offers. No hidden fees, no excessive markups. Simply choose your preferred offer and you’ll be taken to one of our trusted partner sites to complete your transaction.

Buying Crypto In the BitPay app

Step 1: Get the BitPay Wallet app

Get the app for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. Scan the QR code provided, or visit the iOS store to download it to your device. (You can skip this part if you already have the BitPay app).

Step 2: Tap “Buy Crypto”

BitPay supports Bitcoin, Ethereum and many of the most popular cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

Step 3: Choose your amount and your crypto of choice.

Enter how much you’d like to convert to cryptocurrency. BitPay supports over 40 fiat currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD and many others.

Step 4: Choose your preferred payment method.

With BitPay you can buy Bitcoin with a debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH bank transfers, and other local bank transfers methods (options may vary by location).

Step 5: Choose your “Best Offer.”

We work with a network of partners to ensure you always get the best possible price. We also take the guesswork out of buying crypto by highlighting the best rate for each purchase you make (just look for the “Best Offer” flag). Once you’ve chosen your offer, you’ll be taken to one of our partner sites to complete the transaction.

Buying Crypto on BitPay.com

The BitPay widget offers a seamless experience when buying crypto online, allowing you to buy the cryptocurrency of your choice and have it sent to a self-custody wallet address.

Step 1: Enter the amount of Bitcoin you want to buy

Choose your crypto of choice and input the amount of local fiat currency you wish to convert.

Step 2: Enter your wallet address

You can send crypto to any wallet, simply enter the address where you’d like to receive it. Need a wallet? BitPay’s self-custody wallet is easy to use and offers maximum peace of mind your funds will always be secure.

Step 3: Choose the “Best Offer” rate

BitPay does the work for you, aggregating offers from our multiple partners and surfacing those with the lowest fees and best exchange rate. Just look for the “Best Offer” flag and choose the offer that works best for you. Then you’ll be brought to one of our partner websites to complete the transaction.

BitPay partners with low buy fees

We’ve mentioned our partner network a few times already, but here are some of the BitPay partners that offer the lowest buy fees. BitPay consistently adds new partners to our network to ensure you get the best buying experience.

Simplex

Simplex offers users the ability to buy cryptocurrency with a range of payment methods, even a credit card, with no account required.

Sardine

Sardine is an instant-settlement onramp service allowing users to buy crypto with a debit card or bank transfer. Its deep expertise in both payments and fraud makes it a trusted partner in both the crypto and traditional finance world.

Ramp

Ramp provides a powerful fiat to crypto toolkit with a robust feature set working to connect the crypto economy with the modern financial infrastructure.

MoonPay

Moonpay allows users to purchase crypto, NFTs and more with multiple payment methods, including debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay and more.

Additional benefits of buying crypto with BitPay

Whether you’re a seasoned digital assets veteran or just starting out on your crypto journey, BitPay offers the tools, features and security that make it a one-stop shop for your cryptocurrency buying needs.

Buy with self-custody

As the saying goes, “Not your keys, not your crypto.” BitPay’s self-custody wallet means you’ll always be in complete control of both your private keys and your funds.

Safe and secure

In addition to the standard safety features you expect from crypto walles, BitPay’s self-custody Wallet offers multi-sig and optional key encryption, allowing users to seamlessly manage their assets across platforms. Multi-factor wallets let you split payment authorization across up to 12 devices or trusted copayers for even more security.

60+ cryptocurrencies

BitPay supports more than 60 of the most popular coins, tokens and stablecoins, with more being added all the time.

Use any wallet

Even if you’re not a BitPay Wallet user, you can still use BitPay’s website to make crypto buys and have them sent to any self-custody wallet.

Flexible payment methods

With BitPay, you’re free to purchase crypto with just about any payment method you want. BitPay supports credit and debit cards, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay and direct ACH transfers.

FAQs about buying crypto with BitPay

What fees am I paying and where do they go?

Many exchanges use complicated fee structures, BitPay does not. Of the fees you do pay with BitPay, a portion goes to BitPay itself, its partner platforms and also to network validators/miners.

Which cryptocurrencies can I buy with BitPay?

With BitPay you can purchase 60+ of the most popular tokens and coins, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB), Litecoin (LTC), XRP (XRP), Dai (DAI), Binance USD (BUSD), USD Coin (USDC), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Pax Dollar (USDP), Gemini Dollar (GUSD), and dozens more.

https://bitpay.com/blog/buy-diamonds-with-bitcoin/

When it comes to precious gemstones, diamonds are the undisputed king. Since ancient times, these highly sought-after stones have been synonymous with romance, elegance and luxury. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, a little “bling bling” for yourself or diversifying your portfolio, you can’t go wrong with these sparkling beauties. If you’re wondering how to buy diamonds with crypto, your options are plentiful. Read on to learn just how easy it is.

Buying diamonds with Bitcoin – These are the top jewelers that accept Bitcoin payments

High-end diamond retailers, be they jewelers or loose stone sellers, know their customer base well. Since many crypto users tend to be more affluent than the average consumer, a wide variety of reputable merchants accept direct crypto payments for purchasing diamonds or diamond jewelry.  

If you’re ready to start shopping for diamonds with crypto, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at one of these trusted sellers.

Idoneus

A luxury goods economy unto itself, Swiss-based marketplace Idoneus makes it easy to purchase all kinds of luxury goods with crypto, including diamonds and diamond jewelry.

CRM Jewelers

Miami-based purveyors of luxury watches, jewelry and loose diamonds. Use its advanced search function to dial in exactly the cut, color, clarity and size stone you’re looking for, then pay for your purchase with the crypto of your choice.

Icebox

A renowned destination for natural diamond jewelry and solid gold pieces, Icebox boasts an extensive collection ranging from pendants to rings, all available for purchase with a variety of payment options, including crypto.

DavidSW

Specializing in high-end watches, this Florida-based merchant also sells a large assortment of diamonds and diamond jewelry, from brands including Tiffany, Hermès and more.

Baunat

Baunat’s in-house goldsmiths and designers craft some of the finest jewelry in the world in Antwerp, Belgium, the diamond capital of the world. All of Baunat’s diamonds are natural, conflict free and certified, so you can be sure you’ll always get what you paid for.

Stephen Silver

Based in the Bay Area, family owned and operated Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry specializes in rare gemstones, custom jewelry design and high-end timepieces.

Truefacet

A premier online marketplace offering high-quality jewelry, watches and more from over 70 top luxury brands, including Cartier, Rolex and Chanel.

SuperJeweler

In business since 1999, SuperJeweler offers a vast selection and incredible deals on jewelry and precious gemstones, including diamonds.

How to pay a BitPay invoice

After you’ve made your selection, paying a crypto invoice from your crypto wallet with BitPay takes just a few easy steps.

Step 1: From the merchant’s checkout page, select BitPay as your payment method.

Step 2: Choose “Begin Payment”. Some merchants may ask for your BitPay ID, which allows you to manage payments information with BitPay while simplifying logins across multiple BitPay products. If you don’t have one yet, signing up takes only minutes, requiring just an email address and password. One important note, you will need to provide a one-time verification for any BitPay merchant or prepaid payments exceeding $3,000, initiating refund requests over $1,000, or receiving BitPay payouts.

Step 3: Choose your wallet. BitPay seamlessly integrates with more than 100 of the top crypto wallets.

Step 4: Select your cryptocurrency of choice. BitPay supports more than a dozen of the most popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB), Litecoin (LTC), XRP (XRP), Dai (DAI), Binance USD (BUSD), USD Coin (USDC), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Pax Dollar (USDP) and Gemini Dollar (GUSD).

Step 5: Scan the QR code the merchant provides, or manually input their receiving wallet information with your crypto wallet to finish the transaction. Payments are instantly reflected on the invoice once you validate the payment. Just be sure to send payment during the 15-minute transaction window or the merchant will have to generate a new QR code.

Bonus: Buy diamonds and more with the BitPay Card

The BitPay Card is a safe and convenient way to buy diamonds, jewelry, watches or any other luxury goods, and it works just like any other debit card. The only real difference is that instead of funding it with your bank account, you fund it from your favorite crypto wallet. You can use the BitPay card to purchase diamonds or diamond jewelry from any merchant in the world that accepts Mastercard.

Benefits of paying for diamonds with crypto

Whether you’re buying diamonds as an inflation hedge or just to wear as a fashion statement, there are numerous benefits of paying for diamonds with crypto.

• Rapid transactions: Purchases can be completed in seconds, though speed may vary slightly depending on the crypto you use.
• Secure: Making crypto payments is safe and secure, without many of the risks commonly associated with credit cards.
• No banks necessary: Buy diamonds, jewelry and many other gemstones without the need to involve a bank or money transfer account.
• No tricky exchange rates: No matter where you live, and no matter where the merchant is located, crypto enables cross-border payments without converting to fiat.
• Low fees: Avoid exorbitant wire fees and pay a low and completely transparent fee when purchasing diamonds with crypto.
• Asset diversification: Hedge your bets against inflation or market downturns by adding diamonds to your asset portfolio.

FAQs about buying diamonds with crypto

You should now have a better understanding of just how easy it is to buy diamonds with crypto, but you might have a few lingering questions. Here are some commonly asked questions about buying diamonds and other precious gems, along with their answers.

Which cryptocurrencies can I use to buy diamonds?

The cryptocurrencies each diamond seller accepts may vary, but with BitPay you can choose from over a dozen of the most popular tokens and coins, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB), Litecoin (LTC), XRP (XRP), Dai (DAI), Binance USD (BUSD), USD Coin (USDC), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Pax Dollar (USDP) and Gemini Dollar (GUSD).

What types of diamonds and stones can I buy with crypto?

Maybe you prefer your gemstones with a little more color. Not a problem. With crypto you can buy other precious gems including rubies, sapphires, emeralds, pearls and many others.

https://bitpay.com/blog/safest-ways-to-store-crypto/

One of the most important aspects of crypto is storing funds securely. If you don’t know how to store your crypto safely, it might go missing. In 2021, an estimated $14 billion worth of crypto was stolen. And that doesn’t include all of the crypto lost due to user error in years past, or the exchange failures of 2022.

Knowing how to securely store Bitcoin and crypto can greatly decrease the odds that a user falls victim to the most common ways that crypto gets lost or stolen, including:

• Hacks
• Scams
• User error
• Exchange failures

In this guide, we’ll go over the basics of how to safely store crypto, the different types of wallets that exist, and address some frequently asked questions.

Pros, cons and risks of different storage options

There are multiple ways to store crypto, and each method comes with its own set of considerations related to risk, usability, and security.

Before discussing the different types of crypto wallets, let’s clarify two important categories that wallets fall into: custodial/non-custodial and hot/cold.

• Custodial wallets involve a third-party managing the private keys, while self-custody wallets (aka non-custodial wallets) give users full ownership of the keys.
• Hot wallets hold funds online where they can be accessed with ease, while cold wallets hold funds offline in cold storage.

All of the following wallets fall into each one of these categories.

Exchange wallets

When you buy crypto on an exchange, the funds automatically go to your exchange wallet. This is a custodial hot wallet hosted by the exchange, who holds the private keys for you.

• Pros: Convenient, wide array of assets supported
• Cons: Lack of total control over your private keys, risk of hacks and theft

Related: Crypto Wallets vs Crypto Exchanges

Hardware wallets

Hardware wallets allow users to hold their private keys in cold storage, where they are inaccessible to hackers. These wallets can be brought online to make transactions. The signing of a transaction occurs on the physical hardware device itself, which is separate from a user’s personal computer, making things even more secure.

• Pros: High degree of security
• Cons: Could be confusing for less technical users, and costs ~ $100 on average

Mobile wallets

A mobile wallet is a hot wallet held on your smartphone. These are usually self-custodial. Mobile wallets can be great for sending or paying with crypto. However, they can be less secure than cold wallets, and are not advised for storing large balances.

• Pros: Quick and easy to use, good for transactions
• Cons: Potential for loss funds if not secured, backed up properly or seed phrase is compromised

Paper wallets

Prior to the invention of hardware wallets, paper wallets were the only cold storage option available in the early days of crypto. A paper wallet can be created by printing out a private and public key. Once funds are sent to the public key, they are taken offline, and can only be accessed by sweeping the private key into a hot wallet. The potential for user error here is substantial, and paper wallets are not often used anymore.

• Pros: Provides an affordable cold storage option
• Cons: High risk of user error or wallet damage

Our recommendations for securely holding cryptocurrency

The best way to store crypto will vary from individual to individual. When making related decisions, there are some important questions to ask, such as:

• How much have I invested in crypto? The greater the amount, the more a set of stringent security measures could be warranted.
• How often will I want to spend/send my crypto? The more often someone makes crypto transactions, the more they may be willing to sacrifice some security in exchange for easier access to a portion of their funds.
• What is my level of technical expertise? Because security must be balanced with usability, less technical users may also choose to opt for less secure options. The overall risk of doing so could be less than the risk of user error that comes with more technologically secure options.

The answer to the question “what is the safest way to store crypto” is a self-custody cold storage wallet. As covered earlier, options include hardware wallets and paper wallets. But that’s not to say that holding 100% of funds in cold storage is right for everyone.

Those who hold only small amounts of crypto might be okay with an exchange wallet that makes it easy to send transactions, even though it’s less secure. It’s worth noting that a non-custodial wallet of any kind can be just as easy to use while also being more secure, as the keys are entrusted to the user rather than a third-party.

Holding large sums of crypto creates a different picture. To prioritize security, storing the majority of funds in cold storage on a hardware wallet would be the best option. A small balance could still be held in a hot wallet for making transactions quickly and easily.

Managing multiple wallets for different purposes is a popular choice for seasoned crypto users and whale. For example, some users might use a combination of wallets, such as:

1. A hardware wallet for long-term cold storage
2. A mobile self-custody wallet like the BitPay Wallet for spending and transacting with crypto
3. An exchange wallet for trading niche crypto coins and tokens

Securely store, send, receive and spend asssets

Get the Self-Custody BitPay App

The safest way to store crypto: it depends

In the end, the best way to store crypto depends on the user and their needs. A blend of hot and cold wallets can create a good balance between security and usability. Remember to create backups for your wallets and educate yourself on the mechanics of your wallet of choice so as to minimize the chance of user error.

FAQs about crypto storage

What is the difference between hot and cold wallets?

A hot wallet holds funds on a device that is constantly connected to the internet. Cold wallets hold coins in offline cold storage, where they are safe from hackers. A cold wallet can be brought online temporarily to make transactions.

What’s the difference between a self-custody and custodial wallet?

A self-custody wallet means that users control their private keys and have full ownership of their coins. A custodial wallet refers to a wallet where a trusted custodian holds the private keys to user funds. Read more about the benefits of self-custodying your crypto.

Why is it essential to back up a Bitcoin wallet?

It’s essential to back up a Bitcoin wallet because there could be a number of scenarios where users lose access to their wallet. Examples include losing a physical hardware wallet or forgetting the passcode to either a hardware or software wallet. With a backup such as a seed phrase, users can create a new wallet and restore their balances in the event that something goes wrong. Learn more about the best ways to store your crypto seed phrase.

What is multi-signature in cryptocurrency storage, and how does it enhance security?

A multi-signature wallet is one that requires multiple keys to sign a transaction. A 2 out of 3 multi-signature, for example, would require signatures from 2 keys before a transaction could be sent. This can increase security by allowing users to place wallet keys in different geographical regions, making it much more difficult for an attacker to access the funds.

https://bitpay.com/blog/understanding-smart-contracts/

Even when carefully written, traditional contracts can sometimes land the signing parties in court to settle a dispute over terms. Smart contracts, on the other hand, allow even two people who have never met to trustlessly conduct a payment or other business arrangement with no third-party intervention. This is achieved through automated scripts coded into the contracts, which self-execute once certain conditions have been met. Because smart contracts live on the blockchain, completed transactions are fully trackable and unable to be modified in any way. Ahead, we’ll talk about the history, use cases and functionality of smart contracts.

What are smart contracts?

Smart contracts represent a big leap forward for cryptocurrency’s role in the world of business and finance. They’re also a pillar of the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, made popular on the Ethereum blockchain.

Simply put, smart contracts are computer programs written on the blockchain that automate the execution of a contract or business agreement between two or more disparate parties. The code contained in smart contracts ensures terms are clearly defined and carried out, without the need for intermediaries of any kind. Once deployed, a smart contract automatically does what it was programmed to do, and cannot be manipulated or altered.

The history of smart contracts

Computer scientist Nick Szabo coined the term “smart contract” in 1994 in a now-famous paper in which he outlined the concept and its potential uses. He defined a smart contract as “a computerized transaction protocol that executes the terms of a contract” designed to “minimize exceptions both malicious and accidental, and minimize the need for trusted intermediaries.”

Szabo’s paper predated the creation of the first decentralized blockchain by well over a decade. But what he envisioned first emerged with the advent of Bitcoin, and became fully realized soon after with the launch of Ethereum. Today, smart contracts are an essential component of Web3, with millions deployed every quarter.

Key features of smart contracts

In order to be effective, smart contracts must have certain capabilities. For instance, they have to be self-enforcing, automatically ensuring an agreement is strictly adhered to before executing. They also have to be tamper-proof, preventing malicious actors from altering them in their favor. These first two capabilities enable the next and perhaps most important feature: eliminating the need of any third-party to enforce terms. Therefore, a smart contract must be completely autonomous once deployed, and capable of self-verifying and self-executing.

How smart contracts work

The execution of a smart contract depends on a simple “if-then” statement. If conditions are met in accordance with the contract terms, then it executes as programmed. Vending machines are a common example used to illustrate how smart contracts work. If you insert a dollar into the bill acceptor and choose an item that costs that much or less, then the machine dispenses it. The terms of the contract are clear and indisputable, with no outside involvement required.

To illustrate the idea further, consider an agreement between parties for a home renovation project. The homeowner locks their payment into a smart contract, which is only to be released when the contractor performs his or her duties as promised. When the contractor completes the job, the funds are immediately and automatically released. If the contractor fails to fulfill their obligations, the contract is canceled and the homeowner gets their money back, also automatically. There’s no need for any form of dispute resolution because of the smart contract’s self-executing, self-enforcing design.

Since smart contracts’ binary nature eliminates the need for outside parties, saving both time and money in all kinds of real-world situations historically handled through traditional contracts. Retaining professionals like lawyers, brokers or agents is not only expensive, it can often drag out processes associated with a contract. That’s why industries ranging from retail and real estate to medical research and music royalties all stand to benefit from smart contracts.

The role of smart contracts in crypto payments

The primary purpose of Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies is to facilitate peer-to-peer (P2P) payments on the blockchain without outside interference from banks or governments. But for most P2P transactions, best safety practices require the parties on either side of a transaction to know or trust each other. With smart contracts, trust is taken completely out of the equation. In fact, the parties don’t even have to know each other’s names or where they live and can still be certain that the transaction will execute precisely as expected.

Smart contracts are not some pie-in-the-sky future use case for blockchain technology. They’re very much in use today, including by major institutional organizations like banks and insurance companies. Not to mention the hundreds of thousands of crypto users who deploy them each and every month. Bitcoin was created to up-end the status quo around global payments. By the same token (no pun intended), smart contracts were introduced to transform how businesses and individuals make and execute financial agreements. No lawyers, no intermediaries. Just a self-governing contract that executes only when both parties do what they promised they would.

https://bitpay.com/blog/september-23-cryptie-newsletter/

Welcome once again to our monthly blockchain bulletin! As always, BitPay is here to bring you the latest and greatest from the world of cryptocurrency. In addition, we’re excited to highlight featured merchants from our crypto ecosystem. Let’s delve into this month’s top stories!

In This Issue:

BitPay in the News

Check out the latest news from BitPay this month:

• BitPay Enables PayPal USD Payments, Xsolla Among First Merchants to Adopt
• BitPay CFO, Jagruti Solanki, shares her advice and insights into best crypto tax practices

Stay in the Know

Read top stories published by BitPay:

• How to use PayPal’s new token, PayPal USD (PYUSD), a US dollar-backed stablecoin on the Ethereum network supported by BitPay.
• How to purchase gold using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through reputable dealers partnered with BitPay.
• How to securely receive Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency payments using a self-custody wallet.
• How to purchase Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies using an American Express card through BitPay in a swift and secure manner.
• BitPay’s support for PIX payments via Ramp, enabling the crypto community in Brazil to easily buy cryptocurrencies using PIX as a payment method.

Industry News

Read news from across the blockchain industry:

• Europe has introduced its first Bitcoin ETF via Jacobi Asset Management on Euronext Amsterdam, marking a pivotal shift in merging traditional finance with cryptocurrency.
• Coinbase’s layer-2 network, Base, briefly surpassed leading layer-2 networks like Arbitrum and Optimism in activity, primarily driven by the web3 crypto social media platform Friend.Tech, which allows users to trade Twitter account shares.
• The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) now allows residents to use cryptocurrency as a payment method for online renewals of driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and other DMV services.
• During a record heatwave in Texas, Bitcoin miner Riot Platforms earned $31.7 million in energy credits from the state’s power grid operator, ERCOT, by voluntarily reducing its energy consumption.

Merchant Spotlight: Wrist Aficionado

Wrist Aficionado offers an exquisite array of luxury timepieces, all available for purchase with cryptocurrency via BitPay. Whether you’re captivated by the timeless elegance of Rolex or the intricate craftsmanship of Patek Philippe, Wrist Aficionado allows you to skip the waitlist and acquire the watch you truly deserve. Their collection showcases renowned brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, and more, with each piece reflecting unparalleled luxury.

Wrist Aficionado has embraced modern payment methods and proudly accepts cryptocurrency via BitPay, offering both convenience and flexibility.

Shop online or in-person at one of its locations in Miami and New York City. Wrist Aficionado’s collection new and exciting watches like:

Richard Mille Bubba Watson Tourbillon RM38-02

Patek Philippe Nautilus Platinum Grey Dial Diamond Bezel 5711/110P-001

Charitable Spotlight: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer-fueled organization dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases.

Crohn’s & Colitis Giving Day is September 30, honoring 56 years since the Foundation was established in September 1967. Now through 9/30, all gifts up to a total of $56,000 will be matched! PLUS: Donate $56+ and receive an exclusive Giving Day hat!

Donate to Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation with Crypto →

Word of the Month: Coins and Tokens

Coins and tokens are both types of cryptocurrencies, but they serve different purposes and have distinct origins. Coins, like Bitcoin or Ethereum, are native to their own blockchains and primarily function as a store of value or medium of exchange. In contrast, tokens are built on existing blockchains (like Ethereum’s ERC-20 tokens) and can represent a wide range of assets or utilities, from governance rights to digital art.

Product Spotlight: BitPay supports PayPal USD (PYUSD)

BitPay has announced its support for PayPal’s new stablecoin, PayPal USD (PYUSD), allowing users to spend PYUSD at supported merchants, hold it in BitPay’s self-custody wallet, and even use it to buy gift cards. This integration aims to bridge traditional fiat currency with the Web3 environment, offering both consumers and businesses a stable and digitally native asset for transactions. Read more about BitPay’s support for PayPal USD (PYUSD).

Travel with Crypto

BitPay Travel is now open to all! In collaboration with Xeni, BitPay Travel allows crypto users to pay for flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities with their cryptocurrency. Get great prices on all of your travel bookings and get the added benefit of paying straight from your cryptocurrency wallet.

Merchant Shoutouts

• Explore APMEX’s vast collection of silver, gold, and pop culture collectibles, offering unique and valuable items for enthusiasts.
• Dive into Jomashop’s luxury range, featuring top brands in watches, beauty, and more, all backed by unparalleled customer service.
• Get started with OneGold to gain direct ownership of securely vaulted gold, silver, and platinum, ensuring a tangible and safe investment.
• Secure your online presence by registering a memorable domain with Namecheap, known for its affordability and reliability.
• Enhance your Shopify store’s payment options by integrating cryptocurrency transactions seamlessly with the BitPay app.
• With Vultr, deploy high-performance cloud servers and solutions, and as a bonus, new users receive $100 to explore the platform’s capabilities.
• Stand out in the market by naming your business innovatively and effectively using BrandBucket’s curated list.Shop your favorite items from US stores and rely on Qwintry for efficient international shipping, ensuring your purchases reach you safely.

Not a current merchant?

Get in touch with a BitPay representative today