Bitrefill simplifies the use of Bitcoin in daily life. With it, you can purchase gift cards from a wide range of stores and services or even top up your mobile phone quickly and effortlessly using Bitcoin.
For those looking to live on Bitcoin without relying on conversions to fiat currency, this is an excellent alternative.
Imagine being able to pay for services from major brands like Amazon, Netflix, iFood, and many more—all using just Bitcoin. That’s exactly what Bitrefill offers.
In this article, we’ll explain how the platform works, its benefits, and, most importantly, how you can use it to buy gift cards with Bitcoin in just a few easy steps.
Whether for personal use or as a gift, Bitrefill provides a super simple and accessible way to purchase services with Bitcoin.
Table of contents
What is Bitrefill?
Bitrefill is a platform that lets you use Bitcoin to buy gift cards, top up mobile phones, and pay bills.
Founded in 2014, the company offers a wide range of products, including gift cards, eSIMs, mobile top-ups, travel services, gaming-related items, and even bill payment options in certain countries.
The platform’s primary advantage is making Bitcoin usable as a currency, eliminating the need to convert it into fiat currencies like USD or BRL.
The platform accepts both shitcoins and Bitcoin, either on-chain or via the Lightning Network. The Lightning option is particularly advantageous for those seeking speed and minimal fees.
As we have mentioned, one notable feature is its partnerships with major global brands like Amazon, Uber, Airbnb, Google Play, and more, depending on availability in each country.
Additionally, Bitrefill offers a rewards program called “sats back,” where users earn a percentage of their purchase value back in satoshis (fractions of Bitcoin).
This cashback-like feature incentivizes users to engage with the platform while enjoying valuable bonuses.
In summary, Bitrefill simplifies Bitcoin usage, allowing Bitcoiners to spend their satoshis on items, pay bills, and access everyday services seamlessly.
How does Bitrefill work?
Using Bitrefill is simple. You access the platform, choose the gift card, top-up, or service you need, and select Bitcoin as your payment method.
After selecting the gift card or top-up value, proceed to payment, which can be made with Bitcoin or altcoins. A standout feature is the option to pay via the Lightning Network, offering lightning-fast transactions with minimal fees.
Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive the gift card code or top-up confirmation by email, typically within minutes. You can then use the gift card at the store to purchase your desired product or service.
It’s that easy!
Which wallets and exchanges can I use with Bitrefill?
Bitrefill is compatible with most wallets and exchanges, making it highly accessible for all users.
You can use mobile wallets, hardware wallets, and exchange accounts that support transfers to complete your transactions on the platform.
Here are some popular options:
- Exchanges: Binance, Kraken, Coinbase, Bitfinex, and Bitstamp. These exchanges allow transfers to external addresses, enabling you to send funds to Bitrefill.
- Lightning Network Wallets: Muun, Wallet of Satoshi, and Phoenix — these LN wallets are great options for using Bitrefill, allowing Lightning Network payments for instant transactions.
- Cold Wallets: Jade and Trezor — ideal for those who prefer the security of a cold wallet and want to use offline funds to send to Bitrefill.
This flexibility with wallets and exchanges lets you choose the option that best suits your needs, whether sticking with one you already use or creating a new account for daily Bitcoin transactions.
Buying gift cards with Bitcoin on Bitrefill (in practice)
As mentioned earlier, buying gift cards on Bitrefill with Bitcoin is a quick and straightforward process.
Here, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to purchasing gift cards using the Lightning Network, as it offers the best rates. For this example, we’ll use the Muun Wallet.
Step-by-step guide
Muun Wallet is an excellent option for using Bitrefill, so we’ll demonstrate the process with this Lightning wallet. If you don’t already have the Muun Wallet, simply download the app from the official website.
Once you’ve installed the Muun app, follow these steps:
Download the app or visit the website. For this guide, we’ll use the website, but the process is the same on the Bitrefill app.
Sign up using your Gmail or create a new email account (e.g., Proton Mail for added privacy). No KYC is required—just an email address.
After that, click on “Create account” and you will see the home panel of the app.
Search for the desired service. Look for the gift card or service you want. In this example, we’ll purchase a Best Buy gift card.
Choose the gift card value: after selecting the Best Buy gift card, choose the amount you wish to purchase. In our example, we selected $5. Now, just click on ‘add to cart’ and then, click on ‘checkout’.
Select Bitcoin or Lightning as the payment method: At checkout, choose Bitcoin or Lightning as your payment method. For this guide, we’ll use Muun Wallet, which supports the Lightning Network. If you’re using a non-Lightning wallet, simply select Bitcoin.
Open your wallet app to complete the payment or scan the QR code. As I already have the Muun app installed, I clicked on “Open in Muun” and made the payment directly in the wallet app.
Confirm the payment: After reviewing the amount and confirming the payment, the transaction will be processed in seconds.
As soon as Bitrefill confirms the payment, the gift card code will be released to your account.
This same process applies to all other gift cards available on Bitrefill, which we’ll explore further in the next section.
Which stores can I buy gift cards for with Bitcoin?
Bitrefill enables you to purchase gift cards for a wide array of stores and services using Bitcoin, including:
- Uber: For rides and deliveries with Bitcoin.
- Airbnb: For booking accommodations worldwide with BTC.
- Disney: For enjoying Disney parks and products using Bitcoin.
- iFood: For ordering food and paying with BTC.
- Google Play: For purchasing apps, movies, and other digital content.
- Shopee: For buying a variety of products online.
- Netflix: For subscribing to or renewing the streaming service.
Other popular options include Amazon, Starbucks, Apple, eBay, Roblox, Spotify, and many more.
With Bitrefill, using Bitcoin for daily purchases becomes more accessible, allowing transactions without the need for fiat money or credit cards.
Using Bitrefill in Brazil and the USA
Bitrefill in practice in Brazil
As shown in the video below, Carol demonstrated purchasing a hamburger at McDonald’s and paying with Bitcoin. She achieved this using gift cards bought through Bitrefill.
In the example, Carol opened the app, selected the McDonald’s option, and chose the amount she wanted to load in BTC.
The app automatically connected to her wallet, and the balance was used to purchase the McDonald’s gift card directly within the Bitrefill app.
Super cool, right? Watch the video below to see how it works!
Using Bitrefill in practice in the USA
In the video below, I demonstrate how to buy products and services through Bitrefill, an app available in several countries. I recorded this demonstration while I was in the United States.
I show how to make a purchase at CVS, a well-known pharmacy chain in the USA, using Bitcoin. First, I select “United States” in the app and search for CVS.
I choose a value—$50 in this case—and the app automatically displays the equivalent amount in satoshis. I add it to the cart and proceed to checkout.
At checkout, I confirm my email to receive the gift card, agree to the terms, and continue. The app offers several payment options, but I choose to pay with Bitcoin via the Lightning Network.
The app provides a 29-minute window to complete the transaction. I copy the Lightning invoice, open my wallet, and once the transaction is detected, I complete the payment.
After the payment is processed, the $50 gift card appears on the screen, ready to use. I head to the store to redeem the gift card generated by Bitrefill.
At the cashier, I open the app, click “Redeem Gift Card,” and present the $50 code. The transaction is quick, and I pay for my purchases seamlessly.
Is it worth buying gift cards with Bitcoin on Bitrefill?
Yes, buying gift cards with Bitcoin on Bitrefill is definitely worth it. The platform offers a wide variety of gift cards, making it both practical and secure to use your Bitcoin.
Bitrefill has several advantages, particularly for those looking to use Bitcoin in their daily lives rather than relying solely on fiat currencies. Its ease of use is a key feature, allowing anyone—even without technical knowledge—to use Bitcoin seamlessly through gift cards.
Another benefit of this platform is its wide range of services, covering various companies and industries such as gaming, travel, and more. This diversity expands the possibilities for users, creating a more complete and enjoyable experience.
Bitrefill significantly enhances Bitcoin’s usability worldwide. Buying gift cards with Bitcoin on Bitrefill is an excellent option for those who want to use Bitcoin in a practical and secure way.
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Founder of Area Bitcoin, one of the largest Bitcoin education projects in the world, she is a marketer, passionate about technology, and a full-time hands-on professional. She has participated in major Bitcoin conferences such as Adopting Bitcoin, Satsconf, Surfin Bitcoin, and Bitcoin Conference.
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