Switzerland continues to solidify its reputation as a forward-thinking hub for digital innovation, especially in the realm of blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption. In a significant move for mainstream crypto integration, Digitec Galaxus AG—operator of Switzerland’s two largest online retail platforms, Digitec and Galaxus—has officially launched support for cryptocurrency payments across its e-commerce sites.
This development marks one of the most prominent real-world applications of digital currencies in European retail, signaling growing confidence in blockchain-based transactions among major consumer brands.
👉 Discover how top retailers are reshaping the future of digital payments.
A Major Step Toward Crypto Mainstreaming
Starting this week, customers shopping on Digitec.ch and Galaxus.ch can pay for goods using ten supported cryptocurrencies. These include:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Bitcoin SV (BSV)
- Binance Coin (BNB)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- NEO
- OmiseGO (OMG)
- TRON (TRX)
- Ripple (XRP)
The service is available for purchases exceeding 200 Swiss francs (approximately $220 USD), ensuring that smaller transactions remain efficient while higher-value orders benefit from expanded payment flexibility.
Claudio Schaad, head of the Team Spectre technical unit at Digitec Galaxus AG, emphasized the company’s cautious yet optimistic approach: “We’ve been closely following developments in the crypto space,” he wrote in a blog post. Instead of building an in-house solution, the company partnered with Coinify, a Denmark-based cryptocurrency payment processor known for its secure and scalable infrastructure.
By integrating with Coinify, Digitec Galaxus avoids direct exposure to crypto price volatility. While customers pay in digital assets, the retailer receives the equivalent amount in Swiss francs—providing a seamless bridge between decentralized finance and traditional commerce.
Two Stores, One Vision: Bridging Tech and Daily Life
Digitec and Galaxus serve complementary roles within Switzerland’s e-commerce ecosystem.
- Digitec specializes in IT equipment, consumer electronics, and telecommunications products—from gaming PCs to smart home devices.
- Galaxus, often referred to as Switzerland’s largest online department store, offers a vast catalog of everyday essentials, including household items, apparel, beverages like wheat beer, and even niche tools like shoe horns.
Together, they offer around 2.7 million products, catering to both tech-savvy early adopters and general consumers. This broad reach makes their decision to accept crypto particularly impactful.
Oliver Herren, co-founder and Chief Information Officer of Digitec Galaxus AG, explained the strategic motivation: “Cryptocurrencies are fascinating. We want to support this evolution because they could become a relevant payment method in e-commerce.”
His statement reflects a broader trend: retailers are no longer waiting for regulatory clarity or mass adoption before experimenting with blockchain technology. Instead, they’re testing the waters through pilot programs designed to gauge user interest and technical feasibility.
How Crypto Payments Work on Digitec and Galaxus
The checkout experience is designed to be user-friendly, even for those new to digital currencies.
When selecting cryptocurrency as a payment option during checkout, customers are redirected to a secure page hosted by Coinify. There, they see the exact amount due—displayed as a QR code in BTC value, regardless of which coin they choose to pay with.
Here’s how it works step by step:
- Choose crypto at checkout (for orders over 200 CHF).
- Get redirected to Coinify’s payment gateway.
- Select your preferred cryptocurrency from the list of ten.
- Scan the QR code or copy the wallet address to send funds.
- The displayed price is locked for 15 minutes to protect against market swings.
For payments made in non-Bitcoin cryptocurrencies, users must provide a refund address. This precaution ensures that if something goes wrong—such as an incorrect transaction or network delay—the funds can be returned securely.
While BTC transactions typically confirm within minutes, other coins may experience slight processing delays depending on network congestion. However, Coinify states that confirmations generally happen quickly under normal conditions.
Importantly, Digitec Galaxus does not charge any additional fees for using cryptocurrency. The cost is absorbed through Coinify’s 1.5% conversion fee on the transaction value, plus minor blockchain network fees that vary by currency and confirmation speed.
👉 See how easy it is to use digital assets for real-world purchases.
Why This Matters for the Future of E-Commerce
This initiative isn’t just about offering another payment option—it’s part of a larger shift toward financial inclusivity and technological openness in retail.
Switzerland, already home to the “Crypto Valley” in Zug, has long encouraged innovation in blockchain and fintech. Now, with one of its biggest online retailers adopting crypto payments, the country is setting an example for others in Europe and beyond.
Key implications include:
- Increased legitimacy for digital currencies as a viable payment method.
- Enhanced customer choice, especially among younger, tech-oriented demographics.
- Lower barriers to entry for global customers who prefer transacting in crypto.
- Encouragement for other retailers to explore similar integrations.
Moreover, the partnership with Datatrans AG, a Swiss leader in electronic payment systems, adds credibility and local expertise to the project. It underscores that successful crypto adoption often relies on collaboration between blockchain startups and established financial infrastructure providers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which cryptocurrencies are accepted at Digitec and Galaxus?
A: Ten digital assets are supported: BTC, BCH, BSV, BNB, ETH, LTC, NEO, OMG, TRX, and XRP.
Q: Is there a minimum purchase amount for crypto payments?
A: Yes, orders must be over 200 Swiss francs to use cryptocurrency at checkout.
Q: Do I need a wallet to pay with crypto?
A: Yes, you’ll need access to a compatible wallet to send the required amount to the provided address.
Q: Are there extra fees for using cryptocurrency?
A: Digitec Galaxus charges no additional fees. However, Coinify applies a 1.5% conversion fee, plus standard network transaction costs.
Q: What happens if my transaction fails or gets stuck?
A: For non-BTC payments, you must provide a refund address. Most issues can be resolved within 15 minutes due to price lock guarantees.
Q: Does the retailer hold cryptocurrency after I pay?
A: No. All crypto payments are instantly converted into Swiss francs via Coinify, so the company doesn’t retain any digital assets.
👉 Start using your crypto for everyday purchases today.
Final Thoughts
The integration of cryptocurrency payments into Switzerland’s largest online retail platforms represents more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a cultural shift toward embracing decentralized finance in daily life.
With strong partnerships, clear user guidelines, and no added costs for consumers, Digitec and Galaxus have set a high standard for how traditional businesses can adopt blockchain technology responsibly and effectively.
As more companies observe this model’s success, we may soon see similar rollouts across Europe—and eventually worldwide—bringing us one step closer to a truly borderless digital economy.
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