How to pay with bitcoin: a plain-English walkthrough
To pay with bitcoin, open a bitcoin wallet that holds some bitcoin, choose bitcoin at checkout, scan the QR code the shop shows you, check the amount and confirm. Lightning payments settle in seconds with tiny fees; on-chain payments suit larger amounts. A bitcoin payment cannot be reversed, so check before you send.
Pay in four steps
- 1
Get a wallet with some bitcoin
Any bitcoin wallet app works, including a money app that holds bitcoin for you. If you have no bitcoin yet, some money apps can pay a Lightning invoice from a dollar balance.
No bitcoin yet? Pay with Lightning → - 2
Choose bitcoin at checkout
Online, pick bitcoin, Lightning or 'pay with crypto' as the payment method. In a shop, tell the cashier you are paying with bitcoin. You get a QR code, an invoice or an address, often with a countdown timer.
- 3
Scan the QR code with your wallet
Open your wallet, tap Send or Scan and point it at the QR code. Most wallets tell on their own whether it is a Lightning invoice or an on-chain address. Online, you can copy and paste instead.
- 4
Check the amount and confirm
Check the amount and the first and last characters of the address, then confirm. Wait until the checkout shows paid or confirmed. A bitcoin payment cannot be undone.
We do not recommend one wallet or app over another, and this page has no affiliate or referral links.
Lightning or on-chain?
| Lightning | On-chain | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Seconds | About 10 minutes per confirmation, sometimes longer |
| Fees | Usually a tiny fraction of a cent to a few cents | Set by network demand; can be dollars when blocks are busy |
| Best for | Everyday and small payments | Larger amounts, or when it is the only option shown |
| What the code looks like | An invoice that usually starts with lnbc, and can expire | An address that usually starts with bc1, 1 or 3 |
No bitcoin yet? Pay a Lightning invoice from a dollar balance, or read how to buy bitcoin.
Ready to shop?
Frequently asked
How do you pay with bitcoin?
To pay with bitcoin, open a bitcoin wallet that holds some bitcoin, choose bitcoin at checkout, scan the QR code the shop shows you, check the amount and confirm. Lightning payments settle in seconds with tiny fees; on-chain payments suit larger amounts. A bitcoin payment cannot be reversed, so check before you send.
Should I use Lightning or on-chain?
Use Lightning for small, everyday payments: it settles in seconds and fees are tiny. Use on-chain for larger amounts or when the shop only shows a bitcoin address. Most wallets detect which one a QR code is.
How do I pay with bitcoin in a shop?
The cashier shows a QR code on a screen or terminal. Open your wallet, tap Send or Scan, scan the code, check the amount and confirm. Wait for the terminal to show the payment as received.
How do I pay with bitcoin online?
Choose bitcoin or Lightning at checkout, then scan the QR code with your phone or copy the invoice into your wallet. Pay before the timer runs out, and keep the page open until it says paid.
How do I pay a person with bitcoin?
Ask them for a Lightning invoice, a Lightning address or a bitcoin address. For a large amount, send a small test first and ask them to confirm it arrived. Double-check the first and last characters before you send.
Can I pay with bitcoin without a wallet?
You need something that can send bitcoin. That can be a money app that holds bitcoin for you rather than your own wallet. Some money apps can also pay a Lightning invoice from a dollar balance. With an app that holds your bitcoin, you are trusting the app.
Is paying with bitcoin safe?
Payments cannot be reversed, so check the amount and address before sending. Watch for fake QR stickers placed over a shop's code, and never send bitcoin to someone who promises to unlock, double or refund money. Keep your wallet's backup words offline and private.
Do I owe tax when I spend bitcoin?
In the US, spending bitcoin can count as selling it, which may be a taxable event. See the IRS digital assets page and a tax professional. This guide is not tax advice.
Where can I spend bitcoin?
The Galaxy Mind directory lists shops that take bitcoin, each checked by a person and dated. Big chains change their payment options, so check the store's own checkout.
Updated 2026-10-28. Educational, not financial or tax advice. Tax info: IRS digital assets.