Today, Bitcoin is more than just a digital currency—it is recognized as a financial innovation offering new opportunities for small businesses.
Restaurants, cafés, hotels, and wellness services can especially benefit from accepting Bitcoin as a payment method and holding it long term. While some remain concerned about Bitcoin’s price volatility, this article will show how that risk can be managed with a long-term perspective, and how holding Bitcoin has historically brought real benefits.
We’ll also briefly introduce how to adopt Bitcoin payments through decentralized, privacy-friendly platforms like AkaSha.
A Smart Choice for New Customers and Revenue
Accepting Bitcoin isn’t just for tech-savvy enthusiasts. Recent surveys show:
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85% of merchants believe crypto payments help attract new customers.
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77% cite lower transaction fees as the main reason.
Visa’s global survey revealed that, as of 2022, 24% of retailers worldwide planned to accept Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Clearly, Bitcoin payments are no longer an experiment—they are becoming a strategic choice for the future.
For small businesses, offering Bitcoin payments builds a forward-looking brand image. Tech-friendly younger customers, global travelers, and crypto holders are drawn to shops that accept Bitcoin. For example, hotels and cafés in tourist areas can boost revenue by catering to international visitors who already hold crypto. From airlines to supermarkets, major companies around the world now accept Bitcoin—small businesses can ride the same wave.
Low Fees and Instant Settlement
For small businesses, fees and settlement speed directly affect net profit. Compared to traditional credit cards, Bitcoin payments have clear advantages:
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Lower fees: Credit card transactions often charge 3–4%. Lightning Network micro-payments cost almost nothing—sometimes just a few satoshis. For merchants, receiving Bitcoin is essentially fee-free, since the sender covers the cost. This is especially beneficial for cafés and restaurants where margins are thin.
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Instant settlement: Bitcoin payments are finalized immediately—no need to wait for bank transfers or credit card settlements. Even cross-border payments arrive instantly, improving cash flow.
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No chargebacks: Once a Bitcoin transaction is confirmed, it cannot be reversed. Merchants avoid fraudulent chargebacks, a major issue for online orders and delivery services.
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Privacy and security: Bitcoin payments don’t involve sensitive card details or EMV terminals, reducing data breach risks. Customers can also pay without exposing personal information, appealing to privacy-conscious users.
In short, Bitcoin lowers costs, improves security, and ensures merchants keep more of what they earn. Setup can be as simple as using an open-source gateway or a reliable payment processor. Once in place, it can even double as a savings strategy if part of the revenue is held in Bitcoin.
Overcoming Volatility with a HODL Strategy
Price swings often make small business owners hesitate. But the key is viewing volatility over time. Within the Bitcoin community, there’s a saying: “Hold for four years and you’ll never lose.”
Historically, anyone who held Bitcoin for at least four years has seen positive returns. Even those who bought at peaks and held through downturns experienced an average annual return of over 25%. Despite sharp drops (e.g., -80% in 2018), Bitcoin has always recovered to set new highs. Most recently, after falling 70% in 2022, Bitcoin rebounded to reach $120,000 in 2025, its highest price ever.
This is why the term HODL—originally a typo of “hold”—has become Bitcoin slang for “Hold On for Dear Life.” Long-term holders understand that volatility fades with time, and gains dominate over years, not days.
From a business standpoint, you don’t have to hold all Bitcoin revenue. Convert what you need for expenses into cash, and keep only a portion in Bitcoin. This balanced approach reduces risk while allowing you to benefit from Bitcoin’s long-term growth.
Bitcoin vs. Fiat: A 5–10 Year Perspective
Inflation constantly erodes the value of fiat currencies. Holding cash in the bank means losing purchasing power every year. Bitcoin, by design, is a scarce digital asset—only 21 million will ever exist.
From 2015 to 2025:
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$10,000 held in cash lost about 40% of its purchasing power.
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The same $10,000 invested in Bitcoin grew into over $1.1 million (270x growth).
This stark contrast shows why many investors call Bitcoin “digital gold.” While past performance does not guarantee future returns, Bitcoin’s deflationary structure and halving cycles make it a compelling hedge against inflation.
Decentralization, Privacy, and Philosophy
Bitcoin was born as a decentralized currency, free from banks and governments. Accepting Bitcoin as a business means embracing its core philosophy of censorship resistance and financial freedom.
Through platforms like AkaSha, businesses can set up direct, peer-to-peer payments. Customer payments go straight into the merchant’s wallet—no intermediaries, no central servers storing transaction data, and no risk of account freezes. For freelancers, independent stores, or businesses burdened by high fees, Bitcoin can be a liberating solution.
Of course, compliance with tax and accounting regulations is still necessary. But technically, Bitcoin enables greater independence and privacy than traditional payment systems.
Sustainable Growth with Bitcoin
At its core, every business seeks sustainable growth and stability. Accepting Bitcoin—and holding part of it long term—can support that goal.
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Short term: Lower fees, faster settlements, new customer bases, stronger brand image.
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Long term: Potential appreciation of Bitcoin holdings, serving as both a savings and investment strategy.
Even small businesses can prepare for the future by setting aside a fraction of earnings in Bitcoin. Just as merchants in the past stored gold coins as a hedge, today’s entrepreneurs can accumulate Bitcoin as “digital gold.”
The Role of AkaSha
AkaSha supports businesses on this journey by providing a global map platform where Bitcoin-friendly stores can connect with worldwide customers. With Lightning Network integration, merchants can receive instant, peer-to-peer payments, while attracting a growing global community of Bitcoiners.
✨ AkaSha encourages your business to embrace innovation, overcome fear of change, and grow together with Bitcoin.