Bitcoin has become an increasingly popular digital currency and payment system over the past few years. With more and more businesses and services accepting Bitcoin payments, many people are looking for easy and convenient ways to pay or send Bitcoin from their mobile devices.
Luckily, there are a number of great mobile apps that allow you to store, send, and receive Bitcoin from anywhere. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top apps for paying with Bitcoin on both iOS and Android devices.
Advantages of Paying with Bitcoin
Before diving into the apps, let’s first look at some of the key advantages of using Bitcoin for payments:
- No third party: Bitcoin allows peer-to-peer transactions without the need for banks or other intermediaries.
- Lower fees: Bitcoin transaction fees are typically much less than credit card processing fees.
- Faster transactions: Bitcoin payments can be faster to complete compared to bank transfers or checks.
- Increased privacy: Bitcoin payments don’t require disclosing as much personal information as traditional payment methods.
- Accessibility: Anyone with a mobile device can download a Bitcoin wallet app and start sending/receiving funds.
By using Bitcoin to pay for goods, services, bills, or other expenses, you can take advantage of these benefits. Now let’s look at some top apps that make Bitcoin payments easy.
Top Bitcoin Payment Apps for iOS
1. Bitcoin Wallet App
The Bitcoin.com Wallet app is a great choice for iOS users looking for a secure, open source Bitcoin wallet. Features include:
- Easy to use interface
- Generate new wallets or import existing ones
- Supports Bitcoin (BTC) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Transaction fee can be customized
- Touch ID for added security
The Bitcoin Wallet app makes it easy to securely store your Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash as well as pay for transactions using your mobile device.
2. Blockchain Wallet
Blockchain Wallet is one of the most trusted and widely-used crypto wallets worldwide. Key features for iOS include:
- Supports Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Stellar Lumens
- Private keys are encrypted on user’s device
- Buy and sell crypto option
- Transaction notifications in real-time
- Supports over 140 currencies for exchange
Overall, Blockchain Wallet provides exceptional security for your funds while also being easy to use for mobile payments.
3. BRD Bitcoin Wallet
BRD Bitcoin Wallet (formerly BreadWallet) is a popular standalone Bitcoin wallet known for its simplicity and security. Features include:
- Simple interface ideal for Bitcoin beginners
- Touch ID, PIN, or passphrase protection
- Recover wallet via security phrase
- Supports Bitcoin testnet for development
BRD Bitcoin Wallet is free, easy to use, and fast making it a top choice to store Bitcoin securely on your iPhone or iPad.
4. Edge Wallet
Edge Wallet offers enhanced privacy and security with support for multiple cryptocurrencies. Highlights include:
- Supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, and more
- Decentralized app with no account required
- Confidential Exchange hides trade amounts
- In-app buy/sell crypto option
Edge Wallet offers robust features while maintaining an intuitive interface across all supported coins including Bitcoin.
5. Abra Wallet
Abra Wallet provides a simple way to invest in, store, and make payments with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Features include:
- Supports 28 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin
- No verification needed for wallets
- Easy person-to-person crypto transfers
- Earn interest on crypto holdings
Abra Wallet offers an all-in-one crypto app with great functionality for transacting in Bitcoin on iOS devices.
Top Bitcoin Payment Apps for Android
1. Bitcoin Wallet App
Like its iOS counterpart, the Bitcoin.com Wallet app for Android provides a secure and convenient way to store and spend Bitcoin. Benefits include:
- HD security and full node validation
- Supports BTC and BCH coins
- Customizable transaction fees
- QR code compatibility
- Conversion to local currency
Overall, an excellent choice to accept, store, and make Bitcoin payments on Android.
2. Blockchain Wallet
Blockchain Wallet is also available for Android with the same great features including:
- Overs 100M wallets created
- Supports multiple major cryptocurrencies
- Robust privacy and security
- Real-time transaction notifications
- Supports ERC-20 tokens
Blockchain Wallet is one of the top choices overall for those looking for a versatile, highly secure crypto wallet on Android.
3. Mycelium Bitcoin Wallet
Mycelium Bitcoin Wallet for Android focuses solely on Bitcoin but packs a full suite of features:
- Compatible with Bitcoin testnet
- Built-in exchange features
- Hierarchical deterministic addresses
- Supports cold storage wallets
- PIN and fingerprint locking
Mycelium delivers an advanced, easy-to-use Bitcoin experience tailored specifically for Android.
4. BRD Bitcoin Wallet
Like the iOS version, BRD Bitcoin Wallet for Android offers a streamlined Bitcoin experience:
- Clean, minimalist design
- Touch ID, PIN, or paper phrase security
- Recover funds with paper key
- View wallet balances in local currency
BRD Bitcoin Wallet makes storing, spending, and receiving Bitcoin a breeze on Android.
5. Edge Wallet
Edge Wallet is also available for Android with robust functionality including:
- Supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash & more
- Enhanced privacy and no account needed
- In-app cryptocurrency purchase option
- Supports ERC-20 tokens
Edge provides an all-in-one secure multi-currency wallet and exchange for transacting in Bitcoin on Android.
Other Notable Bitcoin Payment Apps
There are a few other solid Bitcoin payment apps worth mentioning:
- Copay – Open source, multi-signature HD wallet
- Breadwallet – Simple standalone Bitcoin wallet
- Airbitz – Feature-rich wallet supporting edge security
- Jaxx Liberty – Supports dozens of crypto assets
- BitPay – Popular Bitcoin wallet and debit card
Each of these Bitcoin wallets has something unique to offer for payments so be sure to compare them thoroughly.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bitcoin Payment App
With so many options available, it’s important to weigh the key factors that will impact your experience using a Bitcoin payment app:
- Platforms supported – iOS, Android, desktop, web
- Security – wallet encryption, private keys, 2FA
- Privacy – AML/KYC policies, data sharing
- Supported currencies – Bitcoin, other coins
- Ease of use – intuitive UI, easy payments, contacts
- Fees – transaction fees, exchange rates
- Features – merchant tools, DeFi, staking
Evaluate apps based on the features most important for how you want to use Bitcoin. For some, privacy is paramount, while others may prioritize platform support or tools for merchants.
How to Get Started with a Bitcoin Payment App
Once you’ve chosen the right Bitcoin payment app, here are some tips for getting started:
- Download and install the app on your device.
- Follow the setup prompts to secure your wallet.
- Optional: Buy Bitcoin directly in the app using your bank account.
- Transfer Bitcoin into your wallet from an exchange or external wallet.
- Browse the interface and make some small transactions to get familiar.
- Use the app to scan any Bitcoin QR codes from businesses.
- Pay bills or invoices by entering the recipient’s Bitcoin address.
It may take some time to get fully comfortable with managing your Bitcoin wallet. But top apps are designed to make the process easy even for beginners.
Paying for Goods & Services with Bitcoin Apps
More and more businesses today accept or even exclusively use Bitcoin payments. Here are some common goods and services people typically use Bitcoin payment apps to purchase:
Online Shopping
Many online stores and retailers now accept Bitcoin as a payment method. When checking out, look for the option to pay with Bitcoin or QR code.
VPNs
Virtual Private Network (VPN) services have embraced cryptocurrency payments. Scan their billing QR code or enter the Bitcoin address at checkout.
Gift Cards
Major gift card marketplaces like eGifter and Gyft allow purchasing gift cards from various retailers using Bitcoin.
Casinos
Bitcoin’s pseudo-anonymity makes it a natural fit for online gambling. Top Bitcoin casinos allow fast deposits and withdrawals.
Travel Booking
Secure your next flight or hotel stay using Bitcoin on travel booking sites like CheapAir, Destinia, and XTrip.
Food Delivery
Major food delivery platforms like Seamless, GrubHub, Eat 24, and Foodler accept Bitcoin payments for orders.
As Bitcoin gains traction, expect more everyday goods and services to support mobile wallet payment options.
Tips for Using Bitcoin Payment Apps
To safely and effectively leverage Bitcoin payment apps, keep these tips in mind:
- Enable app security features like PIN or biometrics.
- Write down your wallet recovery phrase and keep it very safe.
- Start by transacting small amounts to test the process.
- Compare exchange rates across apps to get the best deal.
- Always double check the recipient address before sending.
- Track your transaction history for records.
Following security best practices helps protect your funds and personal information when using Bitcoin payment apps.
The Future of Bitcoin Payments
Bitcoin has already come a long way in its relatively brief history. But in many ways, the age of Bitcoin payments is still just getting started. Some key trends to watch for include:
- More user-friendly payment apps
- Greater merchant adoption
- Integration with traditional finance
- Large corporations accepting Bitcoin
- More payment/transaction options
- New point-of-sale systems
The number of payment scenarios in which Bitcoin can be used stands to greatly expand. From paying bills to buying coffee to funding international money transfers, expect to keep seeing Bitcoin payment adoption accelerate.
Conclusion
Paying for goods, services, and other expenses using Bitcoin continues to grow more convenient thanks to user-friendly mobile wallet apps. Popular options for both iOS and Android make it easy for anyone to get started with Bitcoin payments.
When choosing a Bitcoin payment app, look for an option that aligns with your priorities whether that is versatility, security, privacy, or ease of use. Consider factors like supported coins, platform availability, fees, and special features.
Leading apps like Bitcoin Wallet, Blockchain Wallet, BRD, Mycelium, and Edge provide great all-around Bitcoin payment functionality. But don’t hesitate to branch out and test alternatives to see which feels best for your needs.
As Bitcoin gains momentum, paying people or businesses in crypto is only going to get faster, cheaper, and more widespread. Mobile wallet apps enable you to get in on the action and start unlocking the advantages of using Bitcoin for transactions and purchases.