A SPAR supermarket in Zug, Switzerland has started accepting Bitcoin for grocery payments. This might not sound like a huge deal at first, but SPAR is no small player — it runs nearly 14,000 stores across 48 countries, serving millions of customers every single day.
Bitcoin Instead of Cash? Yep, It’s Happening
The Zug store recently joined BTC Map, a site where you can find businesses that take Bitcoin. They’ve set up a system using the Bitcoin Lightning Network, which is basically a faster way to send and receive Bitcoin. All you have to do is scan a QR code at checkout — no need for cash or cards.
Rahim Taghizadegan, who’s part of Bitcoin Association Switzerland, visited the store and tested it out. He said the system works smoothly and even posted a quick video to show how easy it is.
It’s Quick and Simple to Use
The store uses something called OpenCryptoPay, made by a Swiss startup called DFX.swiss. It’s designed to make crypto work in everyday life, like when you’re just grabbing groceries. The Lightning Network makes payments happen fast — just a few seconds, really — which is exactly what you want when you’re standing in line.
Switzerland’s Ahead of the Curve
Switzerland’s already pretty far ahead when it comes to crypto. Over 1,000 businesses in the country accept Bitcoin. And back in 2022, the city of Lugano even made Bitcoin and USDT official options for paying things like taxes and public services. They even put up a statue of Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous creator of Bitcoin — talk about commitment.
Education Sector Also Embracing Cryptocurrency
One Store for Now, but More Could Follow
Right now, this Bitcoin payment option is only at one SPAR store. But if it catches on, more locations could roll it out. With thousands of stores around the world, that would mean millions more people could start using Bitcoin for their everyday shopping.
“No cash, no card — just scan a code and go,” someone tweeted recently about the new system.
Other Big Names Are Joining In
SPAR isn’t the first to do this. Some other well-known brands are already on board:
- In South Africa, grocery giant Pick n Pay started accepting Bitcoin back in 2022.
- Ferrari, the luxury car brand, also allows buyers to pay with crypto.
- And in the UK, Lomond School announced it will accept Bitcoin for school fees starting Fall 2025.
Bitcoin: From Investment to Everyday Money
For years, Bitcoin was mostly seen as something you invest in and hope it goes up in value. But that’s changing. More businesses are now letting people use it like regular money — for shopping, tuition, even big purchases.
Switzerland seems to be leading the way, and SPAR’s move is a big sign that crypto might soon be just another payment option at the checkout counter.
