Good news for crypto fans in Switzerland! Global retail giant Spar is now accepting Bitcoin as payment at their supermarket in Zug, thanks to a recent announcement from DFX.swiss, the Swiss company making it happen.

The payment system developed by DFX.swiss lets shoppers pay right at the checkout using Bitcoin over the Lightning Network via LNURL, which is a straightforward system for crypto payments in physical stores.

For those curious, LNURL (Lightning Network URL) is essentially a protocol that makes using the Bitcoin Lightning Network simpler. It makes payments, withdrawals, and even account logins smoother using special web addresses or QR codes.

Bitcoin advocate and economist Rahim Taghizadegan shared a video showing how easy it is for customers to pay with Bitcoin right at the checkout, simply by scanning a QR code with their phones. Payments are lightning fast, taking just seconds!

First Bitcoin payment at a supermarket in Switzerland – Spar in Zug, impressive implementation by @DFX_swiss. Just scan a static QR code, send sats, immediate and easy registration by the cashier. If enough people use it, it may be rolled out in the whole country. pic.twitter.com/v9N0ZHoDGn

— Rahim Taghizadegan (scholarium.at) (@scholarium_at) April 15, 2025

Spar is a major name in European retail, boasting over 13,900 stores across 48 countries and serving customers for over six decades. Impressively, they serve over 14 million shoppers every single day.

Now, by embracing crypto, Spar joins a growing list of over 1,013 businesses across Switzerland already accepting Bitcoin, according to BTCmap, a site tracking Bitcoin adoption. Taghizadegan noted that this is Spar’s first foray into crypto payments in Switzerland, hinting it might not be the last.

“If enough people use it, it may be rolled out in the whole country,” said Taghizadegan.

Switzerland is well-known as one of Europe’s most crypto-friendly places. Thanks to its clear and supportive regulations, Switzerland has become a hub for DeFi projects and digital asset funds.

Interestingly, the Swiss city of Lugano has been allowing residents and businesses to pay for city services and taxes using Bitcoin and Tether since December 2024. These payments are processed using a Swiss QR-bill system, powered by Bitcoin Suisse’s automated technology.

For private crypto investors, Switzerland is also one of the most tax-friendly countries in Europe because capital gains are tax-free, and there’s only a minor wealth tax to consider.

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