Spar has announced the rollout of cryptocurrency and stablecoin payments across its supermarket network in Switzerland, becoming the first retailer in the country to launch a nationwide digital asset payment service.

Partnership with Binance Pay and DFX.swiss

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with Binance Pay and Swiss fintech firm DFX.swiss, enabling customers to pay with over 100 cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. According to the company, this represents a major step towards integrating digital currencies into everyday retail transactions.

The service is currently active in 100 Spar stores and will gradually expand to all 300 Swiss outlets in the coming months. However, a full national rollout across the entire Spar network does not yet have a confirmed completion date.

First Nationwide Crypto Payment Rollout in Swiss Retail
Spar’s move marks the first time a retail chain in Switzerland has introduced cryptocurrency payments on a national scale. The company believes the adoption could strengthen mainstream trust in digital currencies and inspire other retailers to follow suit. Switzerland already ranks among Europe’s most crypto-friendly nations, with more than 1,000 shops accepting Bitcoin according to BTCmap data.

In 2023, the Swiss city of Lugano became the first in the world to accept Bitcoin and Tether USDt for all municipal fees, further cementing the country’s leadership in crypto adoption.

Lower Fees and Future of Retail Payments
André Scherrer, managing director of Spar Switzerland, said that cryptocurrency transactions could help merchants save up to two-thirds of the commission fees charged by traditional card payment systems. He noted that “smart wallet payment solutions” are becoming increasingly important due to rising customer demand for flexible payment methods.

Payments made at Spar will be processed via the DFX.swiss interface, gas-free, and settled in Swiss francs or other currencies on request. Customers will complete transactions by scanning a QR code in the Binance Pay app, with the selected cryptocurrency automatically converted into Swiss francs for the retailer.

Growing Adoption Among Major Brands
The integration of crypto payments by Spar reflects a broader trend of large brands exploring and adopting blockchain-based payment solutions, particularly in Switzerland. The country’s supportive regulatory environment and public openness to digital assets have positioned it as a global leader in crypto innovation.

With Spar’s expansion of the service in the coming months, the move is expected to bring cryptocurrency payments further into the mainstream, making digital currencies a viable and everyday payment option for Swiss consumers.