Spar Switzerland, one of the nation’s leading supermarket chains, recently announced the nationwide rollout of bitcoin payments across all its Swiss locations following a successful pilot program.
This landmark initiative, powered by DFX Swiss AG’s OpenCryptoPay platform, positions Spar as one of the first major European retailers to integrate bitcoin into everyday consumer transactions, accelerating Switzerland’s reputation as a global hub for digital currency innovation.
In Zug, Switzerland, the Spar supermarket has started accepting bitcoin payments
— Defi Wave (@DefiWave_) April 19, 2025
The payment can be made via the Lightning Network.
It is unlikely that such an investment asset will be exchanged en masse for food😄🍕 , but it is certainly another step towards adoption ✅#BTC pic.twitter.com/9wMTGE3mbz
Spar’s Seamless Transactions via Lightning Network
Shoppers at Spar stores will now have the option to pay for groceries and goods using bitcoin through the Lightning Network, enabling instant, low-cost transactions. The process leverages static QR codes at checkout, processed via DFX Swiss’s OpenCryptoPay system—a peer-to-peer platform designed for secure, real-world payments.
The rollout follows trials at SPAR’s Zug and Kreuzlingen locations, where customer feedback highlighted the system’s ease of use and efficiency.
Switzerland’s Digital Currency Leadership Amid Global Momentum
Spar’s expansion into bitcoin payments underscores Switzerland’s progressive stance on digital currency integration. Over 600 businesses in the country now accept bitcoin, according to community platform BTC Map. The city of Zug—dubbed “Crypto Valley”—has accepted bitcoin for tax payments since 2020, while Lugano permits residents to settle municipal fees in bitcoin and Tether (USDT).
However, the move arrives amid ongoing debate about bitcoin’s role in national policy. At last week’s Swiss National Bank (SNB) shareholder meeting, Chairman Martin Schlegel reiterated skepticism, claiming bitcoin remains “too volatile” for inclusion in national reserves.
In contrast, a citizen-led constitutional initiative seeks to mandate the SNB to hold bitcoin alongside gold, potentially advancing to a referendum if supported by 100,000 signatures.
Global Retail Trends and Future Outlook
Spar’s decision aligns with a growing global shift toward digital currency-enabled commerce. Recent legislation in Panama City allows residents to pay taxes and fees via bitcoin, ethereum, and stablecoins, while El Salvador continues to expand bitcoin adoption since its 2021 legal tender mandate.
Spar Switzerland confirmed that customer adoption metrics will guide further enhancements, including potential integration of additional digital currencies.
About SPAR Switzerland
Spar Switzerland operates over 200 supermarkets nationwide, offering fresh produce, household goods, and innovative services. Committed to technological advancement, Spar continues to lead in retail innovation across Europe.
About DFX Swiss AG
DFX Swiss AG specializes in bridging traditional finance with decentralized technologies. Its OpenCryptoPay platform enables businesses to accept digital currencies risk-free, supporting bitcoin, ethereum, and stablecoins with instant fiat conversion.
