It turns out that Bitcoin ($BTC) isn’t just for the tech bros anymore but also for businesses, hamburger lovers, and everyday spenders — aka, everyone.
Yesterday, Square, a payment platform by Block Inc., announced that it’ll soon enable businesses to accept $BTC and other crypto.
In other news, the popular American fast-food chain Steak ‘n’ Shake started accepting $BTC for payments two weeks ago.
Each of these developments highlights how $BTC is rapidly evolving from a speculative investment instrument to a practical currency built for real-world commerce.
Square’s new hardware feature will enable merchants to accept cost-friendly and near-instant $BTC payments using the Lightning Network.
It began accepting $BTC payments at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas (May 27 – 29). However, a full rollout is expected by the end of the year as part of its plan to reach all eligible sellers by 2026.
This isn’t Square’s first $BTC rodeo. It launched a Bitcoin Conversions feature last year, allowing merchants to automatically convert a portion of their daily sales into $BTC.
Additionally, its Cash App already lets you buy, sell, and send $BTC easily, and its self-custody crypto wallet, Bitkey Wallet, also supports the OG coin.
It has also launched Proto, which consists of Bitcoin mining tools and services, and Spiral, which supports open-source projects that promote $BTC as a tool for economic empowerment.
Square isn’t the only one on a mission to put $BTC to work in the real world. Stake ‘n’ Shake now accepts $BTC payments, claiming they’re faster and cheaper than traditional credit card payments.
Following the new payment method’s early success, Stake ‘n’ Shake is now pondering other ways to embrace cutting-edge technology to modernize its food service. Ideas include cyber-chefs, robotaxis, and drones.
It’ll let anyone spend their crypto holdings in Best Wallet seamlessly at brick-and-mortar retailers.
Once launched, you can use your Best Card to spend $BTC and other digital assets for everyday purchases – from coffee to cab rides – without the friction of exchanges or conversions.
$BTC is no longer just a store of value, but increasingly a payment method for everyday life.
With Square enabling low-cost $BTC payments, Stake ‘n’ Shake slashing fees by accepting crypto at the counter, and Best Wallet preparing to launch a fully-fledged crypto card, the future is here.
These developments highlight how $BTC is being integrated into real-world commerce to cut costs and give you more financial freedom. Whether for buying a burger or growing an investment portfolio, $BTC is going mainstream.
But as always, do your research before making any crypto investments; this article is not financial advice.
