When people think of cryptocurrencies, the first that comes to mind is Bitcoin, followed by Ethereum and then a variety of other altcoins. While investments and profit opportunities are often the main focus when considering cryptocurrencies, digital coins are also used for everyday purchases. This article compares Bitcoin with other altcoins to determine which cryptocurrencies consumers most often use for shopping.
Bitcoin: the queen of “crypto shopping”
Those who owned Bitcoin since 2014 were among the luckiest: thanks to the low price of Bitcoin at that time, many were able to accumulate significant amounts in their personal crypto wallets.
Bitcoin is accepted for nearly everything, from marketplace gift cards like those for Amazon.com to vouchers for cruise lines such as Carnival. Numerous physical stores, restaurants, and hotels accept the queen of “crypto shopping”. The site https://coinmap.org catalogs businesses that accept Bitcoin.
Dash, digital cash designed for shopping
From the beginning, Dash developers envisioned the cryptocurrency as a digital cash solution suitable for online shopping. Dash positions itself as an ideal coin for purchases: transactions are inexpensive and fast thanks to a transaction management system that differs significantly from Bitcoin. For more about Dash, consult the guide.
Dash offers a merchants map for users (https://discoverdash.com), and the official site includes a dedicated section for merchants listing payment services that provide plugins and extensions for e-commerce platforms.
In Portsmouth, New Hampshire (USA), a small shopping district has emerged where 20 businesses accept Dash, and in many cases they do not accept Bitcoin.
In Venezuela, the GetFreeDash project gained recognition for helping the local community buy essential goods. In Caracas, plans have been made for a market where 250 merchants will accept Dash, to be known as Dash Mall.
Having breakfast with TRON
The phrase “having breakfast with TRON” may sound odd, but for months visitors to a café in Málaga, Spain, have been able to pay with TRON. It’s not the only example in the area: a taxi driver on the Costa del Sol accepts TRON for rides from the airport to downtown.
Buying TRON to have breakfast in Spain may partly be a publicity stunt; the platform is primarily aimed at other forms of entertainment rather than food services. From a practical standpoint, it remains easier to buy Bitcoin and continue shopping, because Bitcoin still offers broader acceptance and more opportunities.
Bitcoin Cash for shopping
Merchants should consider Bitcoin Cash as a payment option too: it is faster than Bitcoin and has very low transaction fees. The number of businesses accepting Bitcoin Cash for goods and services is growing. Consumers can consult a world map of accepting merchants in development at this URL: https://www.coinline.co.nz/marco-coino/.