Bitcoin was always meant to be spent—so why has it been so hard?
Bitcoin was designed to be a borderless, digital currency—a way to exchange value without banks, delays, or restrictions. But for most of its history, actually using Bitcoin has been complicated. People wanted to spend it, but they had to juggle multiple apps, deal with complex conversions, and navigate frustrating delays.
Bitcoin spending is on the rise. Long-term holders, once known for accumulating BTC, are now actively using it, a trend linked to bullish market behaviour in the cryptosphere. Meanwhile, new financial instruments, like Bitcoin ETFs, are bridging the gap between traditional finance and the crypto economy, making Bitcoin more accessible than ever.
These developments are encouraging, but Xapo Bank is making spending Bitcoin easy and convenient right now. We believe that Bitcoin should be as easy to spend as traditional currency. That’s why we’ve developed seamless access, instant payments, and a global debit card to remove the barriers and let you use Bitcoin quickly, securely, and effortlessly.
Melting down digital gold
Why has spending Bitcoin been such a challenge?
Limited merchant acceptance
Bitcoin adoption is growing, but businesses have not accepted it as payment for most of the currency’s history. That’s changing—many forward-thinking companies are taking the vanguard, and the list of goods and services you can buy with it is growing faster than ever.
Slow and expensive transactions
Traditional Bitcoin transactions can take 10 minutes or more and have high network fees during congestion. That’s a long time to wait at checkout, whether buying a coffee or booking a flight.
Security and fraud protection
As Bitcoin adoption grows, so do security risks and fraud attempts. That’s why secure, compliant, and protected transaction methods are essential for Bitcoin to work as everyday money.
How Xapo Bank breaks down Bitcoin’s barriers
Xapo Bank is redefining Bitcoin banking by offering a seamless, secure, and global way to spend your BTC.
Instant Bitcoin payments with the Lightning Network
Xapo Bank integrates the Lightning Network, allowing members to send and receive Bitcoin in seconds with near-zero fees. Spending your Bitcoin is as fast as tapping your card—just as it is for fiat currency.
Spend Bitcoin anywhere with the Xapo Bank global debit card
Xapo Bank’s card lets you spend Bitcoin anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. Thousands of Xapo Bank customers already do so. Here’s how they’re using their cards to integrate Bitcoin into their everyday financial lives.
77% of Xapo Bank members have an active global debit card, allowing them to access their funds easily and securely
Restaurants, Grocery Stores, Travel and Hotels are the top spending categories among Xapo Bank members. With free unlimited FX, Xapo card is often a preferred card used by our members while travelling
Xapo Bank card transaction volume has grown by +73% in the past year, with card acceptance constantly improving across all merchant types globally
Unlike traditional banks, Xapo Bank removes hidden conversion fees for hassle-free global spending.
Earn Bitcoin when you spend
Xapo Bank offers up to 1% cashback in Bitcoin on purchases made with the Xapo Bank debit card, turning everyday spending into an opportunity to grow your BTC holdings. Whether you're paying for travel, shopping, or dining, you'll automatically receive Bitcoin rewards - no conversions, no extra steps.
Secure, compliant Bitcoin transactions
Security is a top concern—that’s why we built Xapo Bank to protect transactions. We’re a fully licensed and regulated bank with protected fiat deposits of up to €100,000. We provide real-time transaction alerts and two-factor authentication for every Bitcoin transaction. We’re leveraging the best of defi, so we don’t rely on centralised exchanges, reducing counterparty risk.
Xapo Bank and its members have proven that Bitcoin is a genuine global currency—our members are already spending Bitcoin in the real world. What does this tell us? It’s fulfilling its promise as a currency in action.
The future of Bitcoin banking is here
Bitcoin isn’t just for hodling anymore—it’s for spending too. And with Xapo Bank, you can do it all seamlessly
Spend BTC instantly without slow confirmations.
A secure way to transact without centralised exchanges.
Earn cashback in BTC while spending.
Join Xapo Bank today and start using Bitcoin on your terms.
