by jowie costantine 
Users have the option of using a payment processor that serves as an online crypto payment gateway or paying bills with bitcoin straight from their cryptocurrency wallet.
Bitcoin $17,774 was the first decentralized cryptocurrency created by Satoshi Nakamoto, who described it as “a peer-to-peer electronic payment system.” According to the white paper for Bitcoin, a peer-to-peer version of electronic cash would allow internet payments to be conducted directly from one party to another without going through a financial organization.
Having said that, Bitcoin may be used to make purchases of goods and services in addition to serving as a medium of exchange or a store of value. Other cryptocurrencies, such as Dogecoin $0.08, can also be used to pay online bills.
This post will cover how to use cryptocurrencies as payment, how to buy things with Bitcoin on a daily basis, and many methods to use your bitcoins to pay your mobile phone, gas, and grocery bills.
How can I use a cryptocurrency to make a payment?
To start using cryptocurrency as payment, one must first buy a crypto asset like Bitcoin. Users may trade fiat for money (or vice versa) and keep their private keys securely on exchanges like Coinbase and Binance. However, if you don’t trust outside parties with your private keys, self-custody may be an option.
To pay your bills directly from your cryptocurrency wallet, the next step is to register for a wallet of your choosing. There are several ways to transfer bitcoin payments, including hardware, software, online, and paper wallets. As was already noted, bitcoin exchanges provide customers with wallets to hold their private keys. Make sure, nevertheless, that the wallet you select is appropriate for your preferred coins.
Finally, find out from your utility company if you may pay your bills using cryptocurrency. Many companies have already started taking payments in cryptocurrencies as a result of retailers’ increased embrace of blockchain technology. For example, Amazon accepts payments in Cardano ADA $0.355, BTC, and Ether $1,219 currencies. Companies may register a business account and begin collecting ETH through its application by using a payment processor (i.e., an online cryptocurrency payment gateway) like BitPay.
What expenses can I pay using cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrencies may be used by users to pay for a variety of services, including phone, energy, and internet bills as well as rent or mortgage payments. Since most banks do not yet accept cryptocurrencies as payment options, consumers may not be able to pay their rent or mortgage directly using cryptocurrencies. However, they can convert cryptocurrencies into fiat using crypto debit cards provided by payment processors.
Customers may use bitcoins to pay their cell bills with companies like AT&T. Similar to this, several local governments start to accept payments in ETH, BTC, and other currencies. In addition, one may use a cryptocurrency debit card or their cryptocurrency wallet to pay for things like gym memberships, school loans, energy, and credit card payments.
It’s crucial to confirm if using cryptocurrency is legal in your country of residence before opting to do so. For instance, Switzerland recognizes cryptocurrencies as an asset class, allowing people to conduct transactions in the digital currency. On the other hand, since 2019, bitcoin exchanges have been legally forbidden in China. Having said that, stay away from using cryptocurrencies if they are not accepted as valid payment methods in your nation.
Can you use Bitcoin to pay your bills?
Many companies, including as Microsoft, Wikipedia, Travala, Shopify.com, and others, accept Bitcoin as a form of payment. For instance, Xbox gift cards may be purchased through Bitcoin exchanges and used to make purchases at the Microsoft Store online, on Windows, and on Xbox. As covered in the subsections below, there are several distinct kinds of cryptocurrency-based payment systems for paying bills:
debit cards for bitcoin
Similar to prepaid debit cards supplied by banks, bitcoin debit cards may be filled with cryptocurrency to pay bills. In order to complete crypto payments for purchases while using a Bitcoin card at a merchant’s location, stored BTC or other cryptocurrencies are converted to the appropriate fiat money.
A Bitcoin debit card may also be used to withdraw cash from ATMs using any fiat currency that the card supports. Users may need to register for a digital wallet and an account with an exchange that offers such cards in order to apply for a Bitcoin debit card. In order to adhere to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, customers might also have to go through a Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process.
So where may a Bitcoin debit card be used? Bitcoin debit cards are created in partnership with major credit card providers like Visa and Mastercard and may be used for both online and offline purchases. For instance, the Shift Bitcoin Debit Card makes using BTC as simple as using dollars and cents by allowing users to link their current accounts and make payments everywhere Visa is accepted. Users may start paying their bills with cryptocurrency using the BitPay card everywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Additionally, some cards allow users to convert BTC (or any cryptocurrency) to foreign fiat currency and support both cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies. This is not to argue that Bitcoin debit cards are without drawbacks, despite these advantages. For instance, when money is moved from a wallet to a company that provides debit card services, there is a possibility of a cyberattack.
Services for paying bills using Bitcoin
Bill-pay businesses like Coinsfer in the US allow BTC to pay for subscriptions, bills, and merchandise on behalf of their clients in addition to Bitcoin debit cards. Buyers must email URLs to the things they wish to buy using bitcoin, and Coinsfer will then give them the entire order price (including shipping charges). Coinsfer pays for the customers’ order that they can trace after Bitcoin payment from the clients.
Paying using bitcoin directly
Ask the retailers if they take Bitcoin while purchasing in person or online, or check their website for further information. Microsoft, Whole Foods, Overstock, Virgin Airlines, and Save the Children are just a few businesses that accept Bitcoin payments. Direct payments to BTC-accepting businesses remove conversion and service fees. Additionally, if one picks a bill payment service, there are less tasks to complete.
Businesses that accept Bitcoin as a form of payment
Additionally, several governments, like Colorado in the US, have begun accepting BTC via PayPal for tax payments, enabling citizens to make direct Bitcoin payments. Additionally, when Bitcoin was recognized as legal cash in El Salvador, businesses like McDonald’s and Starbucks began to accept it as payment.
Benefits of paying bills using cryptocurrency
One can handle their funds without having to worry about government interference because to the pseudonymous nature of cryptocurrencies. However, if individuals so want, information can be made accessible through wallet address. Additionally, utilizing a peer-to-peer blockchain network, one may immediately pay their bills using cryptocurrency (where applicable).
Additionally, to send and receive bitcoin payments globally, all you need is a working internet connection. Additionally, unbanked or low-income individuals can pay using cryptocurrencies such as BTC, ETH, DOGE, and others through online marketplaces.
Cons of utilizing cryptocurrencies for bill payment
To receive and pay invoices in cryptocurrency, blockchain networks incur transaction fees, which one may desire to avoid paying. Additionally, some nations do not regulate cryptocurrencies, so if money is lost, it cannot be recovered. Additionally, consumers may not have enough cryptocurrency accessible if prices decline or may need to pay large payments if prices rise due to the extreme volatility of cryptocurrencies.
Users are responsible for keeping track of their private keys and seed phrases, which are required to access their cash. If they lose them, there is no way to retrieve them. The price fall of a cryptocurrency you hodled might cause financial loss in addition to the loss of your keys. Furthermore, a trade made using a cryptocurrency cannot be reversed since it is recorded in the blockchain, unless there is an error or mistake and the receiver voluntarily wishes to return the money.
