How can I actually spend crypto in real life?

[Strongkored]

I would really like to hear how others are using their crypto in real life, or if most people are still just holding onto it.

So far, my experience using Bitcoin or stablecoins has been when purchasing domains and renewing VPN subscriptions.
A few years ago, there was a platform in my country that offered mobile phone credit purchases, but it seems Bitcoin's volatility forced them to stop using Bitcoin.
If you want to use Bitcoin for everyday purposes, you can exchange it for Fiat, as its use is currently very limited.

[Z-tight]

The most preferred way would be to pay directly with BTC. But depending on where you live, you may find it very difficult to get a merchant who would be willing to to accept BTC, they'll say it is too volatile. If i am not going to pay directly with BTC, then i prefer to just use an exchange and convert BTC to fiat. I choose that option over debit cards or gift cards, because it is not like you are spending BTC directly when you use them.

[joniboini]

I also used crypto primarily for VPNs and other digital products, like digital games top-up. It's quite good so far, although most merchants are overseas since my country doesn't allow crypto for payments. Fees are not an issue so far. I used a crypto debit card too in the past, although most of them stopped working or require KYC now, so I don't think it's worth it anymore. The fees are quite expensive, too. Selling my crypto for fiat is probably better compared to it.

[robelneo]

I would really like to hear how others are using their crypto in real life, or if most people are still just holding onto it.

My PayPal was always restricted because of transacting with unverified accounts, and cryptocurrency is heaven-sent for many webmasters because they can buy and renew their domain and webhosting, and subscribe to their VPN. You have to explore various marketplaces for your needs where cryptocurrency is accepted.
If cryptocurrency is legal in your country, chances are you have local merchants that accept it; you just have to explore.
 

[348Judah]

And if a place does not accept crypto, is buying gift cards basically the main workaround?

There are so many platforms that accepts the use of cryptocurrency in making payment on their sites, so you may not have to be tied on using a particular one only, try on others, gift card is only an alternative and something quit different form the use of bitcoin or any crypto in making payment, some may have to take a look on places like these https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5467964.msg62902489#msg62902489
 as already discussed.

[joniboini]

My PayPal was always restricted because of transacting with unverified accounts,

Are you suggesting they block users' wallets if they use them to pay some random merchants? I only use PayPal for one merchant so far, simply because they don't accept crypto, and I have no other way to spend there. I'm not sure if they're "verified" or not, but hearing stories like this makes me think I should urge the merchant to add other options soon. Sadly, I don't think they'll add crypto because of regulations. They're too big to go with "niche" options like crypto.

[Lucius]

~snip~
I used a crypto debit card too in the past, although most of them stopped working or require KYC now, so I don't think it's worth it anymore. The fees are quite expensive, too. Selling my crypto for fiat is probably better compared to it.

If you're not in a country that bans the use of cards, then you still have a solid selection of NO KYC virtual cards that can be purchased for cryptocurrencies. Such services come at a price, but it's not too much, although again everyone has their own opinion about it.

You have a topic about crypto cards in this board, so you can see if there is something acceptable for you.

[bitbollo]

One of the best uses of bitcoin (and in some cases crypto) could also as a collateral for a loan.
This allow you to have access to credit and not spend in the same time your coins. If you can have a strategy this can become one of the best way to spend crypto in real life.
I can understand suggestions about "no kyc" and random cards. this is also based on what you have to do and in your funds.
Likewise in some countries you can't use all credit/debit cards....just to mention one "situation" you have to follow in a real life situation...

[Z-tight]

One of the best uses of bitcoin (and in some cases crypto) could also as a collateral for a loan.
This allow you to have access to credit and not spend in the same time your coins. If you can have a strategy this can become one of the best way to spend crypto in real life.

How does using your BTC as a collatetal on a loan count as spending it? I admit i am having a hard time understanding what you mean here. I wouldn't use my BTC as collateral on a loan, but that's just by the way and i don't want to get into that. However, it sounds weird to count this as a way to spend BTC.

If all things go to plan and you repay your loan, i believe you get your coins back, so that surely doesn't count as spending.

[internetional]

I'd separate two different actions: spending BTC vs borrowing against BTC. If you use BTC as collateral and repay the loan, you still keep your BTC exposure (minus interest/fees), so that is not the same as spending coins. It's more like unlocking temporary fiat liquidity while staying long BTC. Real spending is when BTC is actually sold or transferred irreversibly for goods or services.

[aioc]

I would really like to hear how others are using their crypto in real life, or if most people are still just holding onto it.

There are very few merchants here in our country that accept Cryptocurrency, but I paid my bills coming from my profit from cryptocurrency. I just changed it to our local exchange, and on the same exchange, I can pay my internet and electric bill. Cryptocurrency is legal in our country, but the system for accepting cryptocurrency is not yet set up or adopted.

There are very few instances when I use Cryptocurrency to purchase online, and mostly codes on Netflix and software, but it's a peer-to-peer transaction and not coming from merchants.