Swiss Retail Giant Digitec Galaxus Now Accepts Cryptocurrency Payments

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Switzerland continues to solidify its reputation as a forward-thinking hub for digital innovation, particularly in the realm of blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption. In a significant move for mainstream crypto integration, Digitec Galaxus AG, the country’s largest online retail operator, has officially launched cryptocurrency payments across its two major e-commerce platforms: Digitec and Galaxus.

This development marks a pivotal moment in the convergence of traditional retail and decentralized finance, offering customers greater payment flexibility while signaling growing institutional confidence in digital assets.

Embracing the Future of Digital Payments

Starting this week, shoppers on both Digitec and Galaxus can now pay for goods using 10 supported cryptocurrencies, including:

The service is available for purchases exceeding 200 Swiss francs (CHF), making it ideal for high-value transactions such as electronics, home appliances, or bulk household essentials.

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According to Claudio Schaad, leader of the Team Spectre technology unit at Digitec Galaxus AG, the company has been actively exploring cryptocurrency integration for some time. Rather than building an in-house solution, they partnered with Coinify, a Denmark-based crypto payment processor known for secure and seamless transaction handling.

“Simple and secure — that was our goal,” Schaad wrote in a blog post announcing the rollout. “We didn’t want to reinvent the wheel by creating wallets or managing private keys. Instead, we focused on delivering a smooth user experience through trusted partners.”

How It Works: A Seamless Checkout Experience

When checking out on either Digitec or Galaxus, customers selecting cryptocurrency as a payment method are redirected to a secure Coinify gateway. There, they’ll see the total amount due displayed in BTC by default — shown via a scannable QR code.

While BTC is the primary display currency, users can choose from any of the 10 supported coins. For payments made in non-BTC cryptocurrencies, an additional step requires customers to provide a refund address. This ensures funds can be returned if something goes wrong during processing.

Once initiated, the quoted price remains locked for 15 minutes, protecting buyers from short-term market volatility during checkout.

Payment confirmations typically take just a few minutes. As per the official announcement, Digitec Galaxus does not charge any fees for crypto transactions. However, Coinify applies a 1.5% conversion fee on the purchase amount, plus minimal network transaction fees that vary depending on blockchain congestion and selected cryptocurrency.

Two Platforms, One Vision: Broadening Access to Crypto Commerce

Digitec and Galaxus operate under the same parent company but serve distinct markets:

Together, they represent a comprehensive ecosystem where everyday consumers can now use digital assets for real-world purchases — a major leap toward crypto normalization.

Oliver Herren, co-founder and Chief Information Officer of Digitec Galaxus AG, emphasized the company’s long-term vision:

“Cryptocurrencies are compelling. We want to support this evolution because they could become a relevant payment method in e-commerce.”

This pilot initiative was developed in collaboration with Datatrans AG, a Swiss leader in electronic payment solutions, ensuring compliance with local financial regulations and data security standards.

Why This Matters for the Crypto Ecosystem

The adoption of cryptocurrency by a major national retailer like Digitec Galaxus sends a powerful signal to businesses and regulators alike. Unlike niche online stores or luxury brands experimenting with crypto, this is a mass-market platform serving millions of regular consumers.

Key implications include:

Moreover, by partnering with established payment gateways instead of managing assets directly, Digitec Galaxus mitigates operational risk — a model other companies may emulate.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which cryptocurrencies are accepted at Digitec and Galaxus?
A: The supported cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Bitcoin SV (BSV), Binance Coin (BNB), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), NEO, OmiseGO (OMG), TRON (TRX), and Ripple (XRP).

Q: Is there a minimum purchase amount for crypto payments?
A: Yes, customers must spend at least 200 Swiss francs (CHF) to use cryptocurrency as a payment method.

Q: Are there any extra fees when paying with crypto?
A: Digitec Galaxus itself does not charge additional fees. However, the payment processor Coinify applies a 1.5% conversion fee plus small network transaction fees based on the chosen cryptocurrency.

Q: What happens if my crypto transaction fails?
A: If you're paying with a non-BTC cryptocurrency, you'll be asked to provide a refund address. In case of failure or error, funds will be returned to that address.

Q: How fast are crypto payments processed?
A: Most payments are confirmed within minutes. However, processing times may vary slightly depending on network congestion and the specific blockchain used.

Q: Does Digitec Galaxus hold my cryptocurrency?
A: No. The company receives payments in Swiss francs through Coinify’s conversion system. They do not store or manage any digital assets directly.

The Road Ahead: Mainstream Adoption Accelerates

With Switzerland’s progressive regulatory environment and strong fintech infrastructure, initiatives like this position the country as a leader in practical blockchain applications. The Digitec Galaxus model — combining user-friendly design, strategic partnerships, and risk-minimized implementation — offers a blueprint for scalable crypto adoption in retail.

As more consumers gain confidence in using digital currencies for daily purchases, we may soon see similar rollouts across Europe and beyond.

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For now, Swiss shoppers have a rare opportunity: using their crypto holdings to buy everything from sneakers to sourdough starters — all without leaving the comfort of a trusted online marketplace.

This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about building a future where digital money works seamlessly in real life.

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