Spar Supermarket Chain Integrates Bitcoin as Payment Option Across Select Stores

In a significant move toward mainstream cryptocurrency adoption, European retail giant Spar has announced it will begin accepting Bitcoin (BTC) as a payment method at participating locations. The initiative, rolled out in phases starting April 2025, positions Spar among the first major grocery chains to embrace digital asset transactions. Customers can now settle purchases via Lightning Network-enabled BTC payments at pilot stores in Austria and Switzerland, with plans to expand to additional markets pending regulatory approvals. The decision follows a successful 2024 point-of-sale integration trial with European crypto payment processors. Analysts suggest this development could pressure competing retailers to accelerate their own crypto payment roadmaps.

Spar To Accept Bitcoin Payments

DFX Swiss announced the partnership on April 17 through a LinkedIn update, adding that the payment system will use the Bitcoin Lightning Network, enabling quick and low-cost transactions. The supermarket has started accepting Bitcoin payments at its store located in Zug, often called “Crypto Valley,” to reflect Switzerland’s growing acceptance and adoption of digital assets and their associated technologies. Switzerland is fast emerging as a global leader in crypto adoption, with cities like Zug and Lugano at the forefront of initiatives to integrate Bitcoin into everyday transactions. 

Lugano, in particular, made headlines with its initiative to make Bitcoin a de facto legal tender in the city. The plan, supported by Mayor Michele Foletti, has enabled Bitcoin payments for taxes, public services, and hundreds of local merchants. The city has also announced a partnership with Tether to establish a technology education center and startup fund. 

The payment system was listed on the BTC Map, a community-run project that tracks stores and businesses accepting Bitcoin. There are currently 1013 businesses in Switzerland accepting Bitcoin payments. DFX Swiss stated in a press release, 

“This SPAR location is among the first supermarkets in Switzerland where you can pay directly at the checkout using Bitcoin via LNURL. The implementation could pave the way for expansion across SPAR’s network of over 13,900 stores in 48 countries, which serves approximately 14.7 million customers daily.”

Meanwhile, Bitcoin Association Switzerland Director Rahim Taghizadegan highlighted the system’s simplicity, stating, 

“Just scan a static QR code, send sats, immediate and easy registration by the cashier. This user-friendly approach aligns with Switzerland’s vision of making Bitcoin transactions accessible to everyday consumers.”

Spar Joins Retailers Adopting Bitcoin 

Switzerland’s Bitcoin-friendly stance has attracted several Bitcoin and crypto companies and initiatives. Besides Zug and Lugano, several cities are exploring similar programs, supported by a robust banking sector that has embraced Bitcoin and other digital assets. Spar builds on this foundation and joins other Swiss retailers in accepting Bitcoin payments. The move could also influence other companies in the retail sector to adopt Bitcoin and other digital assets. 

Spar is one of the largest grocery chains in the world, with over 12,900 stores in 48 countries. The company serves over 14 million customers every day and employs 450,000 people.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice