How Many Businesses Accept Bitcoin? [2026]: 21 Important Bitcoin Statistics

Research Summary: Bitcoin’s significance in the financial landscape continues to rise, despite its inherent volatility. Understanding how Bitcoin is reshaping the business environment is crucial, especially as the digital economy evolves. Our comprehensive analysis reveals:

• Approximately 15,174 businesses worldwide now accept Bitcoin, with around 2,300 of those in the U.S.

• As of 2026, there are over 55,000 Bitcoin ATMs across the U.S.

• As of 2023, 40% of American small businesses accept cryptocurrency as a payment method.

• As of 2026, there are around 500,000 Bitcoin transactions per day in the U.S.

• Daily, over $3 million is spent on goods and services using Bitcoin in the U.S.

• Approximately 45% of customers who pay with Bitcoin are new customers, typically spending more than credit card users.

For further insights, we analyzed the data in these categories:
Industry | Location | Over Time | Users

General Bitcoin Acceptance Statistics

As Bitcoin becomes increasingly mainstream, the number of businesses accepting it is expected to rise further. Here are the current statistics regarding Bitcoin acceptance:

1. There are over 55,000 Bitcoin ATMs available in the U.S.

   This marks a dramatic increase from previous years. From January 2022 to January 2026, the number of ATMs surged from around 34,219 to more than 55,000, reflecting a 60% growth rate. Major retailers continue to expand their ATM installations, contributing to this growth.

2. The U.S. holds 87.2% of the world’s Bitcoin assets.

   This significant percentage is primarily concentrated among a handful of major corporations. Canada remains the second-largest holder at approximately 8.5%.

3. Approximately 2,300 businesses now accept Bitcoin in the U.S.

   Notable American companies accepting Bitcoin include Microsoft and AT&T, alongside many food chains like Burger King and Subway. When considering companies that accept at least one cryptocurrency, this figure rises to 40% of small to mid-sized businesses in the U.S.

4. Microsoft is the largest U.S. company that accepts Bitcoin.

   With a market capitalization exceeding $400 billion, Microsoft leads the way, followed by AT&T with a valuation of $350 billion.

Top Industries for Bitcoin Transactions

While the IT sector is a major player in Bitcoin transactions, the leading industries might surprise you. Here are the facts regarding the sectors that engage most with Bitcoin:

1. The top five industries that accept Bitcoin are Gambling, Tourism, Banking, Food, and Retail.

   The Gambling sector leads, with around 50% of all Bitcoin transactions occurring in online gaming. Many online casinos, like Cloudbet, actively promote Bitcoin usage.

2. Binance remains the largest Bitcoin marketplace, boasting around 2,000 active markets.

   With nearly 40 million weekly visitors, Binance plays a significant role in Bitcoin trading and transactions.

3. The Information Technology Industry holds 70% of all Bitcoin assets.

   While not the top industry in transactions, IT has the highest Bitcoin holdings, reflecting its digital nature.

Top Locations for Bitcoin Transactions

The U.S. stands out as the leading hub for Bitcoin transactions. Here’s a look at the top locations for Bitcoin transactions based on our findings:

1. New Mexico has the highest number of Bitcoin ATMs per capita, with one for every 700,000 residents.

   Despite California and Texas having a combined 35% of the U.S. Bitcoin ATMs, New Mexico leads per capita.

2. California is the top state for cryptocurrency, scoring 98 on Google Trends.

   It also ranks as the most crypto-friendly state, with a score of 5.9 out of 10, followed closely by New York and Washington.

3. The U.S. accounts for 25% of global Bitcoin trading volume.

   This translates to over $2 billion in Bitcoin trades. Other significant countries include Russia (15%), the UK (12%), and China (8%).



4. San Francisco leads U.S. cities in Bitcoin transactions.

   This city hosts major cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken and features 500 Bitcoin ATMs. Other top cities include Vancouver and Amsterdam.

Bitcoin Acceptance Over Time

The trend of Bitcoin adoption shows no signs of slowing. Here are some key developments in Bitcoin acceptance:

1. From 2011-2026, Bitcoin’s value has surged from $1 to over $70,000.

   In 2021 alone, Bitcoin’s value increased by over 300%, leading to widespread acceptance and wealth creation for many investors.

2. Crypto exchange users have risen from less than a million in 2014 to over 80 million in 2026.

   This growth spans all continents, with significant increases in countries like Nigeria and Vietnam.

3. Bitcoin deposits grew by 35% in 2021.

   This aligns with a global crypto user growth rate of approximately 20%, driving up Bitcoin trades and deposits.

4. The number of Bitcoin ATMs in the U.S. has skyrocketed by 10,000% since 2016.

   From just 536 ATMs in 2016, the proliferation of Bitcoin ATMs is expected to continue as more retailers adopt this technology.

Bitcoin ATMs in the U.S. 2016-2026

Bitcoin User Statistics

With Bitcoin’s value consistently over $50,000, you might wonder how it is being utilized. Here are some key statistics on Bitcoin spending:

1. Approximately 45% of customers who pay with crypto are new customers.

   These customers typically spend significantly more than traditional credit card users, indicating a potential for higher revenue.

2. Crypto-linked card usage reached over $2 billion in the first half of 2022 alone.

   This trend reflects a growing acceptance of cryptocurrency, as 85% of American and Canadian consumers plan to use crypto or other new payment technologies in the upcoming year.

Bitcoin FAQ

1. Can a small business accept Bitcoin?

   Yes, small businesses can accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. To start, create a branded cryptocurrency wallet and register with a Bitcoin exchange like Coinbase or Gemini, allowing you to convert received payments into cash or other currencies. Adding a payment button on your website or a QR code in your store will facilitate Bitcoin payments for your customers.

2. Does Bitcoin still have a future?

   Yes, Bitcoin’s future remains promising, despite some uncertainties. Major banks like Citi have expressed concerns over Bitcoin’s volatility, especially following significant price fluctuations. However, many financial institutions recognize Bitcoin’s potential for mainstream acceptance, reflecting the evolving nature of digital currencies in our economy.

3. What are the risks of accepting Bitcoin?

   Accepting Bitcoin comes with certain risks. Bitcoin can be highly volatile, with values fluctuating dramatically. If you hold onto Bitcoin payments, there’s a risk of value depreciation. Additionally, Bitcoin transactions are irreversible, which could deter customers who lack trust. Lastly, depending on your location, Bitcoin transactions may be subject to capital gains tax and other regulations.

4. Why do businesses accept cryptocurrencies?

   Businesses embrace cryptocurrencies for several key benefits. These include:

   • Lower Transaction Fees: Unlike traditional payment processors, Bitcoin transactions typically incur minimal fees, benefiting businesses financially.

   • Enhanced Security for Merchants: Crypto transactions, being decentralized, protect merchants from fraudulent chargebacks, making them similar to cash transactions.

   • Expanded Sales Opportunities: As Bitcoin is accessible globally, businesses can reach a broader customer base without excessive international transaction fees.

5. What countries use cryptocurrencies the most?

   The leading countries in cryptocurrency usage, based on the number of crypto owners, are:

   • India: 280.8 million crypto owners (20.45% of the population).

   • United States: 46 million (13.74%).

   • Pakistan: 26.4 million (11.50%).

   • Nigeria: 22.3 million (10.34%).

   • Vietnam: 20.2 million (20.27%).

   • China: 19.9 million (1.33%).

   • Brazil: 16.6 million (7.75%).

   • Russia: 14.6 million (10.10%).

   • Indonesia: 12.2 million (4.45%).

   • South Africa: 7.7 million (12.45%).

Conclusion

As Bitcoin continues to gain traction, an increasing number of businesses are expected to embrace its use. Currently, there are 15,174 businesses globally accepting Bitcoin, with around 2,300 in the U.S. The number of Bitcoin ATMs has surpassed 55,000 and is on an upward trajectory.

With 40% of American small businesses now accepting cryptocurrency, it’s clear that the U.S. has become a central hub for Bitcoin. In fact, the U.S. accounts for 87.2% of global Bitcoin holdings and 25% of trading volume.

As you consider incorporating Bitcoin into your business strategies, be aware that while there are opportunities, each comes with its own set of risks!

References

1. CoinTelegraph. “The number of Bitcoin ATMs in the US rose 177% over the past year.” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

2. 99 Bitcoins. “Who Accepts Bitcoin as Payment?” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

3. LinkedIn. “Top 5 Industries That Accept Cryptocurrencies.” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

4. CoinMarketCap. “Top Cryptocurrency Spot Exchanges.” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

5. TAB. “Top ten companies with most bitcoin hold over 204,000 in total.” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

6. CoinDesk. “The Top 5 US States for Bitcoin ATMs.” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

7. RewardExpert. “Top States Where Cryptocurrency Is Catching On.” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

8. C#Corner. “Top 10 Countries With The Most Cryptocurrency Holders.” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

9. Investopedia. “10 Cities That Are Bitcoin Hotspots.” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

10. Google Finance. “Bitcoin to United States Dollar.” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

11. Medium. “12 Graphs That Show Just How Early The Cryptocurrency Market Is.” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

12. Crypto.com. “Measuring Global Crypto Users.” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

13. Deloitte. “The rise of using cryptocurrency in business.” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

14. CNBC. “Visa says crypto-linked card usage tops $1 billion in first half of 2021.” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

15. CoinATMradar. “Bitcoin ATM Installations Growth.” Accessed on June 24th, 2026.

Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.