12Switzerland has always been at the forefront of financial innovation, and now one of its most recognizable supermarket chains is making headlines. SPAR Switzerland has officially rolled out crypto and stablecoin payments across hundreds of its stores, allowing customers to pay for groceries and daily essentials using digital currencies.The move, powered by a partnership with Binance Pay and DFX.swiss, makes SPAR Switzerland a leader in retail cryptocurrency adoption. Currently live in over 100 locations, the payment option will expand to 300 stores nationwide in the coming months. This development is more than just a tech upgrade—it signals a major shift in how shoppers and merchants think about payments.In this article, we’ll break down what this initiative means, how it works, the benefits for both customers and retailers, and why it could set a new standard for payments in Switzerland.What Is SPAR Switzerland’s New Payment Initiative?SPAR Switzerland now lets customers pay for groceries using more than 100 types of cryptocurrencies. This includes well-known ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins that keep their value linked to the US dollar or the euro.This isn’t just a small test; it’s a plan for the whole country. Earlier this year, SPAR tried out crypto payments in a few stores, such as in Zug and Kreuzlingen, where people are already open to using digital money. The trial was a success, and with more customers wanting this option, SPAR decided to bring it to hundreds of stores across Switzerland.The system works through Binance Pay, an international crypto payment service, and DFX.swiss, a Swiss crypto provider. These partners make sure payments are quick, secure, and easy. The cryptocurrency is instantly changed into Swiss francs, so SPAR doesn’t have to worry about price changes in the crypto market.How Crypto Payments Work at SPAR StoresPaying with crypto at SPAR is straightforward. When it’s time to pay, you just tell the cashier you’d like to use cryptocurrency. Then, open the Binance Pay app on your phone, scan the QR code shown at checkout, and choose which cryptocurrency you want to use. The system, powered by DFX.swiss, immediately changes your crypto into Swiss francs—without adding any extra network (gas) fees.This setup is possible thanks to SPAR’s partnership with Binance Pay, a global service for crypto payments, and DFX.swiss, a Swiss company that provides the payment technology. Because the crypto is converted instantly, SPAR receives the payment in Swiss francs, so they don’t have to worry about sudden changes in crypto prices.Merchants Could Cut Two-Thirds of Card Fees with CryptoOne of the most attractive benefits of SPAR Switzerland’s new crypto payment system is the big savings on transaction fees. Normally, when customers pay with debit or credit cards, the store has to give a percentage of the sale to the payment processor. In Switzerland, this fee is usually between 1.5% and a little over 3% of the purchase amount. At first glance, that might not seem like much, but it adds up quickly—especially for smaller purchases.To put it into perspective, one Swiss shop owner shared an example: on a small sale worth CHF 1.80, the amount they actually receive after the card company takes its cut can drop to around CHF 1.12. Multiply that by hundreds or thousands of transactions a week, and the lost revenue becomes significant.By introducing crypto payments through Binance Pay and DFX.swiss, SPAR can avoid most of those charges. Payments made with cryptocurrency are processed more efficiently and with lower fees, meaning the store keeps more of each sale. According to André Scherrer, SPAR Switzerland’s Managing Director, this approach could reduce commission costs by as much as two-thirds compared to traditional card payments.These savings aren’t just extra profit for the company—they can be reinvested to benefit shoppers directly. With lower operating costs, SPAR has more room to improve store facilities, invest in better technology, offer special promotions, or even keep prices more competitive. In the long run, a payment method that’s cheaper for the business can create a better shopping experience for customers as well.Supported Cryptocurrencies and StablecoinsSPAR’s new payment system is designed to give customers real choice at the checkout counter. Instead of being limited to just one or two digital coins, shoppers can choose from a wide list of more than 100 different cryptocurrencies.This includes major names like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH)—the two most widely recognized and used digital currencies in the world. These coins are well known for their large user base, strong network security, and global acceptance. For people who already invest in or use crypto regularly, being able to spend these coins directly at a supermarket makes them far more practical in everyday life.Alongside these well-known coins, SPAR also accepts a variety of stablecoins—digital currencies that are linked, or “pegged,” to traditional money such as the US dollar or the euro. Examples include Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), and euro-based tokens. The value of these stablecoins doesn’t jump up and down like Bitcoin or Ethereum can. Instead, they are designed to remain close in value to the currency they track, meaning one USDT usually equals about one US dollar.Why SPAR Switzerland Adopted Crypto PaymentsSPAR Switzerland, a major supermarket chain, has started accepting cryptocurrency payments in its stores, marking a significant step toward digital payment adoption in the retail sector. Here’s why they made this move:1. Meeting Customer Demand for Modern Payment OptionsMore customers, especially younger shoppers, are interested in using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for daily purchases.By offering crypto payments, SPAR aims to attract tech-savvy customers and create a modern shopping experience.2. Lower Transaction Costs Compared to Credit CardsTraditional card payments charge 2–3% commission fees.Crypto payments can reduce these costs by up to two-thirds, allowing merchants to save money and potentially offer better prices.3. Instant and Secure TransactionsBlockchain technology ensures secure, transparent, and irreversible payments.Funds are transferred instantly, reducing the risk of chargebacks and fraud.4. Partnership with Payment Technology ProvidersSPAR Switzerland has partnered with Worldline and Bitcoin Suisse to enable crypto payments at checkout.This integration allows customers to pay directly in Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH).5. Expanding Digital Transformation in RetailAccepting cryptocurrency fits into SPAR’s broader strategy of digital innovation.It aligns with the growing global trend of businesses adopting Web3 and blockchain-based solutions.6. Attracting Global Customers & TouristsSwitzerland is a popular tourist destination, especially for visitors familiar with crypto payments.Offering this payment option makes it easier for international customers to shop without currency conversion hassles.7. Staying Ahead of CompetitorsBeing one of the early adopters of cryptocurrency payments in the supermarket sector helps SPAR stand out.This move positions SPAR as an innovative and forward-thinking brand.
