Which Cryptocurrencies Can You Use to Pay in Stores in 2026?

The question comes up constantly: among the thousands of cryptocurrencies in existence, which ones can you actually use to pay in real life — in shops, restaurants, hotels, online? The answer has shifted dramatically in 2025–2026. Here is the current state of the market and what Lyzi accepts across its network of 1 million+ points of sale.

Cryptocurrencies Accepted for In-Store and Online Payment

Bitcoin (BTC) — The universal benchmark

Bitcoin remains the most recognised and most accepted cryptocurrency in physical commerce. Its global liquidity and brand recognition make it the first instinct for crypto holders wanting to pay in-store. On the Lyzi network, Bitcoin is accepted natively across all partner terminals — Ingenico, Verifone, Nepting, Sylq, Yavin and more.

Ethereum (ETH) — The Web3 payment standard

Ethereum is the second most used cryptocurrency for payments, driven by its DeFi and NFT ecosystem and its massive user base. Highly favoured by premium and tech-forward profiles, it is fully supported by Lyzi across 10 blockchains.

EU-Regulated Stablecoins — The real shift of 2025–2026

This is where the most significant evolution has happened. Regulated stablecoins have become the most suitable crypto payment method for physical commerce, for one structural reason: they eliminate volatility on both sides — for the customer and for the merchant.

Lyzi exclusively supports stablecoins issued by EU-regulated actors:

• EURC (Circle) — MiCA-compliant euro stablecoin, the institutional reference
• USDC (Circle) — the world's most liquid regulated dollar stablecoin
• EURCV (Société Générale Forge) — euro stablecoin issued by a European systemic bank
• EURE (Monerium) — regulated euro stablecoin

These stablecoins allow the customer to pay from their wallet in seconds, while the merchant receives settlement in euros or directly in stablecoins to their bank account — with zero volatility exposure.

300+ Cryptocurrencies — The full ecosystem

Beyond Bitcoin, Ethereum and stablecoins, Lyzi accepts 300+ cryptocurrencies across 10 blockchains from 500+ compatible wallets: MetaMask, Binance, Trust Wallet, WhitePay and the full range of consumer and institutional wallets.

Why Not All Cryptos Work for Everyday Payments

Of the thousands of cryptocurrencies in existence, only a fraction is suitable for real-world commerce. The criteria are strict:

• Sufficient liquidity for instant conversion to euros at the moment of payment
• Relative stability or integrated conversion mechanism to protect the merchant
• Transaction speed compatible with the point-of-sale experience — a few seconds maximum
• Regulatory compliance — essential for operating within the European legal framework (AML/KYC)

This is why Lyzi has built a selection infrastructure: the crypto holder can use 300+ assets, but the merchant always receives euros or regulated stablecoins — never unverified speculative assets.

How to Pay in Crypto In-Store with Lyzi

• The customer selects "Pay in crypto" on the terminal or at checkout
• A QR code is generated instantly
• The customer scans from their wallet — MetaMask, Binance, Trust Wallet or any compatible wallet
• The transaction is confirmed in seconds
• The merchant receives settlement in euros or stablecoins to their bank account

The experience is identical to a contactless card payment for the merchant. No digital asset management, no volatility risk, automated bank reconciliation.

Are You a Merchant? Accept 300+ Cryptos Without Changing Your Terminal

Lyzi integrates natively on existing terminals — Ingenico, Verifone, Nepting, Sylq, Yavin, Sunmi, Famoco, Landi — with no hardware replacement and no POS software change. AML/KYC compliance is carried by Lyzi (ACPR payment agent, REGAFI n°26900 · KNF VASP).

Brands including Printemps, Porsche, Lamborghini, Fitness Park, Barrière Group and SBM Monaco have already activated crypto payment via Lyzi.

→ Activate crypto payment on my terminal→ Explore the retailer solution→ Add crypto to my e-commerce checkout

Are You a Crypto Holder? Find Where to Pay Near You

More than 1 million points of sale across France and Europe already accept crypto payment via Lyzi — retail, restaurants, hospitality, e-commerce, leisure.

→ Discover the Lyzi network

Learn more: How to pay with USDC via Lyzi · Lyzi at EthCC Cannes: 130+ merchants · PSP & Banking integration

‍