- The SPAR supermarket in Zug now accepts Bitcoin payments using the Lightning Network.
- Customers simply scan a QR code to pay with sats at SPAR checkout
The SPAR supermarket in the Bahnhofstrasse area of Zug, Switzerland, is now accepting Bitcoin payments directly at the checkout. Not through a third-party app or a digital currency conversion to fiat, but directly with Bitcoin via the Lightning Network.
Customers simply scan a static QR code, then send “sats”—the smallest unit of BTC—and that’s it. The technology behind this convenience is LNURL, which works in conjunction with DFX Swiss’ OpenCryptoPay system. So if you’re shopping for milk or bread and only have crypto in your wallet, you can rest easy.
💥BREAKING:
GLOBAL GROCERY GIANT SPAR IN SWITZERLAND NOW ACCEPTS $BTC PAYMENTS pic.twitter.com/J672dFL2q4
— Crypto Rover (@rovercrc) April 18, 2025
SPAC: Buying Bread, Paying with Bitcoin? Now You Can
It’s not just a marketing gimmick, SPAR is really serious about crypto adoption. They’re even considering expanding this payment system to all stores in Switzerland if the response is positive. And indeed, this move comes at an interesting time.
On April 16, 2025, the Swiss government announced that people will now be able to buy Bitcoin with cash at many train stations across the country. Just imagine, buying a train ticket and buying BTC at the same time. The effect was immediate: BTC/CHF trading volumes rose 42% in one day, and the “Fear & Greed” index also shot up from 50 to 62.
On the other hand, Switzerland is also making progress in terms of blockchain infrastructure. BX Digital, a subsidiary of the Stuttgart Stock Exchange in Switzerland, received permission from FINMA on March 18 to operate a blockchain-based trading system.
The platform allows trading and transferring tokenized assets such as stocks and bonds without intermediaries. Everything runs on Ethereum, which obviously speeds up transaction settlements and cuts costs.
Swiss Banks Stay Cautious While Crypto Firms Move Fast
While crypto adoption is growing among retail investors, the Swiss central bank’s approach remains cool. Swiss National Bank President Martin Schlegel has reiterated—as CNF previously reported—that Bitcoin will not be considered as a central bank reserve asset.
The reasons are quite classic: extreme price fluctuations and cybersecurity risks. Understandable, given that stability is a top priority for the central bank. Still, the contrast is stark.
Interestingly, while big financial institutions are still pulling and pulling, the private sector is moving fast. Bitcoin Suisse AG recently announced a collaboration with SSI Wealth Management AG. The goal? Bridging access between crypto investments and traditional financial services.
Clients of the two companies can now enjoy a hybrid investment product—crypto and traditional—with a more flexible approach. It’s not unusual for this kind of service to become the new standard in the next few years.
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