SPAR Switzerland has started allowing shoppers to pay with Bitcoin at checkout. This is a move to apply cryptocurrency to everyday grocery shopping. The launch is already underway in more than 100 SPAR stores, with plans to expand to more than 300 stores nationwide, according to a company announcement and follow-up report.
Store now accepts cryptocurrency
Payment is simple. Customers scan DFX.swiss “OpenCryptoQR” with a supported wallet such as Binance Pay, select a cryptocurrency from a long list, and then confirm the payment on their phone.
According to the report, the system supports over 100 cryptocurrencies and DFX.swiss converts payments to Swiss francs on the spot, so stores will receive fiat currency rather than cryptocurrency.
Source: Shutterstock
Sellers need to cut costs.
Stores can reduce fees by about two-thirds compared to traditional card processing, according to the release. When using Binance Pay in the payment flow, transactions are explained to require no gas, which proponents say provides a faster process for retailers as well as customers.
Now enjoy cryptocurrency payments on the SPAR app! @SPARInt has officially launched Crypto Payments in its new Swiss app!
We believe SPAR is our @OpenCryptoPay Add your solution to your app to make cryptocurrency payments available to everyone.
Getting started is very easy… pic.twitter.com/wBM0k7mUKP
— DFX (@DFX_swiss) December 1, 2025
Bitcoin Lightning piloted in Zug
A more extensive effort follows testing earlier this year. According to the report, SPAR first tried Bitcoin payments at a store in Zug, using the Lightning Network to make micropayments instant and cheap. This pilot was cited as part of what convinced the partners to pursue a larger rollout.
Recent launches: Grocer Giant SPAR announces integration. #Bitcoin Lightning-fast adoption of Swiss apps
It has 13,900 stores across 48 countries. Massive 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qZFbWTS5Zl
— Bitcoin Historian (@pete_rizzo_) December 1, 2025
How shoppers use it
People who already hold cryptocurrency can now use it to buy everyday items like bread and milk. According to a press release, all a shopper needs is a smartphone with wallet app support. For those who prefer stablecoins, the system supports major dollar and euro pegged coins. These coins are converted at checkout, allowing retailers to avoid exposure to price fluctuations.
What to watch for in the coming months
According to the report, the initial rollout will cover more than 100 stores and aims to cover the entire SPAR network of around 300 stores in Switzerland, but a full completion date has not yet been set.
Observers will be tracking how many customers actually use cryptocurrency in supermarkets, how smoothly the transition to Swiss francs is in busy stores, and whether lower fees lead to savings for shoppers or improved margins for stores.
Featured image from Payments Journal, chart from TradingView
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