Key Takeaways
- Spar supermarket in Zug now accepts Bitcoin through the Lightning Network.
- Customers can pay using a static QR code at checkout for a seamless experience.
- Over 1,000 Swiss businesses currently accept Bitcoin, including other cities like Lugano.
A Spar supermarket in Zug, Switzerland, has begun accepting Bitcoin payments at checkout, marking a new step in the expansion of Bitcoin use in everyday retail.
Technical implementation
The store’s new payment option utilizes the Lightning Network and was made available via BTC Map, a community platform highlighting Bitcoin-friendly businesses.
The rollout was supported by DFX Swiss, which enables crypto-to-fiat transactions.
Official announcement
DFX Swiss announced in an April 17 LinkedIn post:
This SPAR location is among the first supermarkets in Switzerland where you can pay directly at the checkout using Bitcoin (via LNURL), thanks to our new #OpenCryptoPay solution.
Swiss Bitcoin adoption
Zug joins a growing list of Swiss cities embracing Bitcoin.
In 2023, Lugano began allowing Bitcoin and Tether payments for municipal services.
Nationwide, 1,013 stores and businesses in Switzerland now accept Bitcoin, according to BTC Map.
Customer experience
The process at Spar is designed to be simple and fast.
Customers can pay by scanning a static QR code at the register.
Rahim Taghizadegan, director of Bitcoin Association Switzerland, said:
Just scan a static QR code, send sats, immediate and easy registration by the cashier.
Potential for expansion
Spar operates over 13,900 stores across 48 countries, serving 14.7 million daily customers.
If successful, the Zug model could influence wider adoption within the chain.
Crypto Valley growth
Switzerland’s Crypto Valley also continues to expand, with a reported $593 billion in combined valuation for its top 50 blockchain firms in 2024.
