Imagine grabbing your groceries and paying with Bitcoin instead of cash or a card. Sounds like the future? Not in Switzerland. It’s already happening.
One of the world’s largest supermarket chains, SPAR, has officially started accepting Bitcoin payments at a store in Zug, thanks to the Lightning Network—a tech upgrade that makes Bitcoin payments faster and cheaper. The rollout was quietly highlighted by DFX Swiss, a crypto-to-fiat payment firm, in a recent X post.
“This SPAR location is among the first supermarkets in Switzerland where you can pay directly at the checkout using Bitcoin,” DFX shared, adding that it’s all powered by their OpenCryptoPay solution, a peer-to-peer standard for real-world crypto payments.
Scan, Send, Done: No More Tech Headaches
If you’ve ever tried using crypto for daily purchases, you know it can be… tricky. Long wallet addresses, network fees, delays—it’s not exactly “grab-and-go” friendly. But SPAR is changing that narrative.
Because of Lightning Network compatibility, paying at SPAR is as simple as scanning a static QR code. According to Rahim Taghizadegan, a university lecturer and director at the Bitcoin Association Switzerland, it’s quick and smooth.
“You just scan the QR, send your sats (Bitcoin), and the cashier sees the confirmation instantly. I used the Phoenix Wallet, but most Lightning wallets work just fine,” he explained in a LinkedIn post. “If enough people start using it, it could roll out across Switzerland.”
Switzerland Becomes Crypto-Friendly
Switzerland isn’t new to crypto. It’s been one of Europe’s most blockchain-forward nations for years. In fact, Lugano, a city in the south, in 2023 made headlines for accepting Bitcoin and Tether for municipal fees. At that time, it was a rare move for a city government anywhere in the world.
And the crypto footprint in the country is only growing. Over 1,000 businesses in Switzerland already accept Bitcoin, according to BTCMap. That includes everything from coffee shops to clothing stores, and now, your local grocery aisle.
Meanwhile, Switzerland’s own Crypto Valley, a blockchain business hub is continues to thrive. As of early 2024, the ecosystem reached a whopping $593 billion valuation, with 17 companies achieving unicorn status, valued at over $1 billion. Big names like Cardano, Ethereum, and Casper are just a few of the projects tied to this Swiss innovation zone.
“This industry reflects vision and resilience,” said Mathias Ruch, founder and CEO of CV VC. “Our top 50 companies have funding medians that even surpass global averages.”
What Does it Tell?
Now that an international retail giant like SPAR is embracing crypto in its checkout lanes, it’s not just a novelty, and it’s a sign that crypto is reaching everyday life.
SPAR isn’t just any chain. It has over 13,900 stores across 48 countries, serving 14.7 million shoppers a day. Now, SPAR’s embrace of Bitcoin sends a strong message: crypto is not going anywhere; rather, it's ready for the mainstream.
So next time you’re in Zug, don’t forget your reusable bag and maybe your Bitcoin wallet too.
