Ultimate First-Time Users' Guide on How To Pay With Bitcoin

Nov. 2, 2024

Author: Bitcoin Magazine Pro Team

Picture this: You’re ready to buy that new gadget you’ve had your eye on for months. You’ve crunched the numbers and saved enough to make the purchase. When you get to the checkout, however, you discover the store doesn’t accept cash or credit cards. Instead, the only payment option available is Bitcoin. You might panic and close the website if you’ve never learned how to pay with Bitcoin. Don’t! Understanding concepts like Bitcoin supply and demand can be helpful. With a little guidance, you can pay with Bitcoin just like any other payment method. This guide will show you how to pay with Bitcoin, so you can feel confident using this digital currency for your next online purchase.

Do you want a hint before we get started? Bitcoin analysis from Bitcoin Magazine Pro offers valuable insights and analysis to help you confidently understand and execute Bitcoin payments. With these tools, you can make secure transactions effortlessly in both online and physical settings.

Can Bitcoin Be Converted To Cash?

Bitcoins on Dollar - How To Pay With Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a digital currency that operates free of any central control or the oversight of banks or governments. Instead, it relies on peer-to-peer software. A public ledger records all Bitcoin transactions; copies are held on servers worldwide. Anyone with a spare computer can set up one of these servers, known as a node.

Every transaction is publicly broadcast to the network and shared from node to node. About every ten minutes, miners collect these transactions into a group called a block and add them permanently to the blockchain, which is Bitcoin’s definitive account book. 

Understanding Digital Wallets, Private Keys, and the Concept of Bitcoin Ownership

In the same way that you would keep traditional coins in a physical wallet, virtual currencies are held in digital wallets and can be accessed from client software or a range of online and hardware tools. Bitcoins can currently be subdivided by seven decimal places: a thousandth of a Bitcoin is known as a million, and a hundred millionth of a Bitcoin is known as a satoshi. 

In truth, there is no such thing as a Bitcoin or a wallet; it is just an agreement among the networks about coin ownership. A private key is used to prove ownership of funds to the network when making a transaction. A person could simply memorize their private key and need nothing else to retrieve or spend their virtual cash—a concept known as a “brain wallet.”  

Can Bitcoin Be Converted to Cash?  

Bitcoin can be exchanged for cash, just like any asset. Numerous exchanges online allow this. Still, transactions can also be carried out in person or over any communications platform, allowing even small businesses to accept Bitcoin. There is no official mechanism built into Bitcoin to convert to another currency. 

Nothing inherently valuable underpins the Bitcoin network. But this is true for many of the world’s most stable national currencies since leaving the gold standard, such as the US dollar and UK pound.  

Why Would Someone Want Bitcoin Instead of ‘Normal’ Money?  

The money we use today is unusual in history because it’s no longer valuable on its own, like gold coins once were. If you look closely at a £10 note, it says, “I promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of ten pounds.” But all that means is that the Bank of England could simply print another note to honor that promise. As more money is created, the value of existing money drops. People may not notice this right away because the amount in their wallets stays the same, but they feel it when everyday things like groceries, dining out, and movie tickets get more expensive.

Bitcoin is different. The supply of Bitcoins is carefully controlled and limited, and no one can create or issue more Bitcoins at will. There will never be more than 21 million Bitcoins; each is divisible into 100 million units, known as Satoshis. This prevents the erosion of value that plagues normal currency (a phenomenon that the residents of Zimbabwe and Venezuela know only too well).

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How to Pay With Bitcoin

Person Holding Bitcoin and Dollars - How To Pay With Bitcoin

Using Bitcoin as a payment method is different from more traditional payment types, like credit cards or cash. Before deciding whether paying via Bitcoin is suitable for you, it's a good idea to understand the basics of this payment method type, including:

  • How secure it is
  • The fees involved
  • How transactions work across borders

Here are some details to consider before you pay with Bitcoin. 

Security

The blockchain verifies Bitcoin payments. It is a public ledger that records all transactions with 100% transparency. Bitcoin transactions are also pseudonymous, linked to your wallet address instead of your identity.     

Transaction Fees 

Paying with BTC will also save on transaction fees associated with traditional payment methods, such as credit card processing fees. Digital currency and Bitcoin payments may be subject to separate fees.   

Global

Bitcoin transactions can be made across borders without currency conversion or intermediaries.     

Simple and Accessible

Bitcoin is available to anyone with an internet connection, opening up opportunities for those without access to traditional banking services.       

Decentralization

Bitcoin operates on a decentralized network, meaning no single entity or government controls it. This makes it more insulated against political and economic fluctuations, which may incentivize merchants.    

How Do I Use Bitcoin as a Payment Method?

Since its start in 2009, Bitcoin has come a long way. Initially regarded as a speculative venture, it has matured into a practical payment method accepted by an increasing number of retailers and enterprises worldwide. This article will walk you through the steps to use Bitcoin as a payment method, whether for online shopping, money transfers, or other financial transactions.     

How to Pay with Bitcoin

1. Get Some Bitcoin  

Before you can pay in Bitcoin, you need to get some. 

Here are the main ways to get Bitcoin:  

  • Bitcoin Exchanges: Websites like Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken where you can buy Bitcoin with regular money like USD or EUR.  
  • Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Platforms: Websites like LocalBitcoins and Paxful where you can buy Bitcoin directly from other people.
  • Bitcoin ATMs: Special machines in some cities where you can exchange cash for Bitcoin. 
  • Mining: Using powerful computers to solve math problems and earn Bitcoin. This is difficult and requires special equipment.  

After getting Bitcoin, you need a digital wallet to store it safely.   

2. Choose a Bitcoin Wallet

A Bitcoin wallet is like a digital wallet for storing, sending, and receiving Bitcoin. 

There are different types:   

  • Software Wallets: Apps you can install on your computer or phone, like Electrum (for computers) and Trust Wallet (for phones).  
  • Hardware Wallets: Small devices that store your Bitcoin offline, like Ledger Nano S and Trezor.  
  • Paper Wallets: A piece of paper with your Bitcoin address and private key printed on it.  
  • Online Wallets: Wallets provided by some websites, like those offered by exchanges. 

These are easy to use but need to be more secure for long-term storage. 
Pick a wallet that fits your needs. Back up your wallet’s recovery seed or private key and keep it safe.    

3. Make Payments with Bitcoin

Once your Bitcoin is in your wallet, you can use it to pay in Bitcoin:    

  • Online Shopping: When checking out, choose Bitcoin as your payment method. You’ll get a Bitcoin address or a QR code. Use your wallet to send the Bitcoin to that address.  
  • In-Person Payments: At stores that accept Bitcoin, open your wallet app, scan the store’s QR code, and confirm the payment.   
  • Peer-to-Peer Transactions: To send Bitcoin to a friend, open your wallet app, enter their Bitcoin address, and the amount to send, then confirm.  
  • Invoice Payments: If you get a bill that can be paid with Bitcoin, it will have a Bitcoin address or a QR code. Use your wallet to send the payment.    

4. Confirm and Track Transactions  

After you make a Bitcoin payment, you can track its status:    

  • Blockchain Explorer: Enter your transaction ID or wallet address on a Blockchain Explorer website to see your payment status.  
  • Confirmations: Bitcoin transactions are confirmed when they are added to the blockchain. This process can take some time, and the number of confirmations needed can vary.     

5. Understand Transaction Fees

Bitcoin payments include small fees for those who process transactions (miners).

Fees depend on the size of the transaction and how busy the network is:      

  • Priority Fees: Higher fees make your transaction faster but cost more.  
  • Regular Fees: Lower fees cost less but might take longer to process, especially when many people use Bitcoin.

Choose the fee based on how quickly you need your payment.  

6. Stay Safe and Informed

To keep your Bitcoin safe and use it wisely, follow these tips:  

  • Secure Your Wallet: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep your wallet app updated.  
  • Stay Informed: Keep up with Bitcoin news and trends to make good decisions.  
  • Regulatory Compliance: Learn the legal and tax rules for using Bitcoin in your area. If you're unsure, ask a tax professional.  
  • Backup Regularly: Back up your wallet’s recovery seed or private key and store it securely.  
  • Avoid Scams: Be careful of fake websites and scams. Always check that services are legitimate before sharing your information or making payments.  

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How To Accept Bitcoin As A Business (2024 Guide)

Bitcoin on Dollar - How To Pay With Bitcoin

Business owners can save on credit card processing fees by accepting Bitcoin payments. Credit card processing fees usually range between 3 and 4 percent. For every $10,000 a business earns, $300 goes straight to fees. Owners are incentivized to find ways to cut these costs. Bitcoin transactions don’t require a processing fee, though payment gateway merchants will charge around 1 percent. Another reason to accept Bitcoin payments is to transact with new and international customers.

Offering Bitcoin as a payment method will open your business to new customers. It will also make it easy to transact with international customers without paying steep international fees. The more payment options you have, the more accessible customers can pay you. When it comes to chargebacks, Bitcoin works similarly to cash. All payment is final. As a merchant, you will not have to worry about paying steep chargeback fees (usually around $25 per chargeback) or dealing with payment disputes. 

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Bitcoin Payments

Bitcoin payments have pros and cons. On the plus side, Bitcoin offers fewer transaction fees and no risk of chargebacks. It may also attract more customers who prefer Bitcoin as a payment method. Holding Bitcoin in an account could serve as an investment opportunity, and it simplifies international transactions, making it easier for customers to purchase from you without high exchange fees.

On the flip side, Bitcoin isn’t widely used. Accepting Bitcoin payments offers no fraud protection for merchants, and Bitcoin transactions can take time to process (ten minutes or more) depending on the current network activity. There’s also no merchant support to answer questions, and you’ll need to keep up with regulation.

Bitcoin Payments vs. Credit Card Payments 

Accepting Bitcoin payments will require paying fewer fees than credit card payments. There is a higher learning curve for accepting Bitcoin, requiring patience to set up. Bitcoin is a decentralized payment method. This means if there’s an error, you cannot call anyone to resolve it. There is a higher responsibility on the merchant, as opposed to a credit card processor, where you can get your questions answered by phone. While credit card processors typically side with the customer in a dispute, and merchants pay a chargeback fee, Bitcoin functions more as cash.

Once the payment has gone through, no third party can intervene with the transaction. While Bitcoin transactions are usually instant, depending on network activity, they can sometimes take time to confirm and reach the sender. However, once payment is initiated through the network, it cannot be reversed. On the other hand, credit card payments are processed immediately, but customers can dispute payments after they’ve been processed.

Bitcoin Payment Providers

Bitcoin is volatile. If you accept it as a business owner, you’ll want to quickly convert your payment to U.S. dollars or hold it as part of a long-term investment plan. These payment gateways can convert your BTC payments to cash automatically. Coinbase charges a 1 percent transaction processing fee. The exchange rate is locked for customers from initiating the payment until checkout. Coinbase also integrates with popular e-commerce platforms, including Shopify and WooCommerce, to make the experience more seamless for merchants and clients.

Merchants can opt to have their Bitcoin automatically converted to cash or initiate an exchange manually through Coinbase Exchange. BitPay charges a 1 percent transaction fee to process payments. When a customer begins a payment, BitPay locks in an exchange rate that is available to the customer for 15 minutes. PayPal makes it easy for customers to pay using their Bitcoins. PayPal will automatically convert your BTC to U.S. dollars for the merchants. This option is geared toward offering more payment options for customers while still allowing the merchant to deal exclusively in fiat currency.

How to Accept Bitcoin Payments in 5 Steps

The process of accepting Bitcoin payments for your business will vary slightly depending on which online platforms you already use. Here are the basic steps to follow: 

1. Understand Bitcoin Regulations in Your Area

Speak to an accountant so you understand the tax implications of accepting Bitcoin, as regulations vary by state and country. Regulations may change how you plan to record Bitcoin payments in your overall accounting systems. 

2. Set Up a BTC Wallet or Gateway

You’ll want to set up a wallet or gateway. A wallet will keep your money, while a payment gateway will allow you to exchange Bitcoin for U.S. dollars easily. Gateways are a more accessible option that offers more flexibility since you can keep your Bitcoin or convert it. 

The downside is that a payment gateway charges transaction fees (usually around 1 percent). In contrast, a wallet does not charge any fees to process transactions (though remember that you may still eventually have to pay fees if you convert your Bitcoin). 

3. Enable Bitcoin Payments on Your Checkout Process

Setting up Bitcoin payments in your online store could be as simple as downloading a plug-in or app on your e-commerce platform. If this option is unavailable, you can integrate payments with HTML code from your wallet (both BitPay and Coinbase provide this). 

4. Integrate Bitcoin Payments With Your Accounting Software

You’ll want to ensure your Bitcoin payments are recorded on the same platform where you account for the rest of your business transactions. Integrating Bitcoin transactions with your current accounting software can easily be set up. 

5. Prepare for Volatility by Converting Bitcoin to Cash 

The price of Bitcoin is constantly changing and, historically, can be volatile. If you plan to accept Bitcoin for your business, either plan for huge price fluctuations or convert Bitcoin payments to cash immediately when you receive them. This will shield you from potential price drops. 

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