You may feel anonymous while surfing the web, but the truth is you probably aren’t. Paying for VPN services with Bitcoin gives the privacy conscious crypto consumer yet another layer of anonymity. Let’s take a look at how to get started.
Every time you use the internet you’re potentially leaving a trail of data breadcrumbs that can be hoovered up by essentially any entity that wants to take a closer look. This data can include everything from your location and search history to sensitive financial information. Whether it’s hackers, corporations or government agencies attempting to invade your privacy, you can put a stop to their snooping with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer security features like anonymous browsing, location obscuring and data encryption, all designed to protect your privacy online.
How to pay for VPN with crypto
Privacy is a core component of both cryptocurrency and VPNs, so in a sense the technologies are cut from the same cloth. As a result, many of the largest and most established VPN providers accept crypto payments. You can use your crypto to buy VPN services in two main ways:
- Pay directly from your crypto wallet
- Use the BitPay Card, which you can load up to spend crypto as easily as cash at millions of global merchants
VPN providers that accept crypto payments
BitPay partners with the the top VPN providers to accept crypto payments:
ExpressVPN
A popular full-featured VPN targeted at home and individual users. It offers fast speeds, strong encryption and enables users to anonymously surf the web. One of its most-utilized features is the ability to watch region-locked video content on streaming devices from anywhere in the world.
FrootVPN
Sweden-based FrootVPN is a powerful and highly secure VPN that helps users enhance their browsing privacy with a low monthly cost.
CyberGhost VPN
A leading VPN provider that emphasizes the user-friendliness of its app. It uses industry-leading security features, including 256-bit encryption and zero browser movement logging.
Private Internet Access
Keeping internet connections private and secure since 2009, Private Internet Access is owned by Kape Technologies, the owner of CyberGhost VPN. It offers one of the lowest monthly prices available for a VPN subscription.
How to pay a VPN invoice from your crypto wallet
BitPay makes it easy to pay VPN invoices from any wallet using Bitcoin and other top cryptocurrencies.
Step 1: At checkout, select BitPay as your payment method.
BitPay is the safest and most secure way to pay online.
Step 2: Select Begin Payment.
Depending on the merchant you are paying or the transaction amount, you may be prompted to verify for BitPay ID. Don't have a BitPay ID? Sign up to get started. BitPay ID is a simple way to manage your payments information with BitPay and simplify logins for multiple BitPay products. All that is required is an email and password. The one-time verification requirement is for people making BitPay merchant or prepaid payments of $3,000+, initiating refund requests for amounts of $1000+, or receiving BitPay payouts.
Step 3: Select your wallet.
BitPay supports over 100 of the most popular cryptocurrency wallets.
Step 4: Select your cryptocurrency.
BitPay supports the most popular cryptocurrencies. We are constantly evaluating and adding more. You may be asked to enter your email address if you did not already sign in with your BitPay ID. Your email will be used to receive payment information and process refunds.
Step 5: Scan the QR code with your wallet app or input the merchant’s receiving wallet info manually into your wallet to complete the transaction.
You'll see the payment reflected on the invoice instantly once you validate the payment in your wallet. Remember to send your payment during the 15-minute payment window.
How to use the BitPay Card to pay for a VPN subscription
With the BitPay Card, you’re free to spend your crypto as easily as cash anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including VPN service providers. Simply load up your card using the BitPay Wallet app and swipe or or enter your card details in the VPN provider’s online checkout experience.
Which cryptocurrencies can I use to pay for VPNs?
Given their shared emphasis on privacy, VPN providers know crypto users make up a sizable chunk of their user base, so many accept direct payments in a variety of cryptocurrencies. Currently BitPay supports payments made with the following cryptocurrencies:
Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Litecoin (LTC), ApeCoin (APE), Polygon (MATIC), Dai (DAI), USD Coin (USDC), Binance USD (BUSD), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Pax Dollar (USDP), Gemini Dollar (GUSD) and Euro Coin (EUROC). We are constantly evaluating and adding support for new coins.
Which wallets can I use to pay for VPN with crypto?
You can pay for VPN services with just about any crypto wallet. BitPay supports a huge selection of crypto wallets, including the BitPay Wallet, Trezor, Electrum, Ledger, Coinbase, Kraken, Bitcoin Core, Trust Wallet and nearly 100 others. A more complete listing of the wallets that BitPay supports can be found right here.
The best crypto wallet for payments
Benefits of paying for VPNs with crypto
It’s secure and easy to pay for VPN with cryptocurrency, giving you peace of mind that your data and privacy are being protected. Some of the most common benefits cited by crypto users include:
Prioritizing privacy
It’s virtually impossible to identify the participants on either side of a crypto transaction, offering maximum privacy. Buying VPN service with crypto will keep your data and personal information secure, both during the transaction itself and while browsing.
Cheaper and faster payments
Slash charges to virtually nothing and settle payments instantly when you pay for VPNs with Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency instead of credit cards or bank transfers.
No bank account needed
No bank account? No problem! Maybe you don’t have a traditional checking account, or perhaps you simply don’t want to share your banking info with a third party. Whatever the case, you can easily buy VPN services with cryptocurrency instead.
Other services you can pay for with crypto
Now you know how easy it is to pay for a VPN with crypto. But there are many other web services you can also pay for with crypto, including:
Servers
Web servers store and protect your website’s data, and display content to site visitors. Those storage fees can add up depending on your website traffic, so it’s convenient to have the option to pay in crypto. Learn how to buy servers with crypto.
Web Hosting
Web hosting services manage site files and provide a platform for businesses or individuals to publish content on the internet. See trusted web hosts that accept crypto payments.
Domain names
Domain names, often called web addresses, are how visitors find your website on the internet. There are many options for paying in crypto when buying your next domain. Read how easy it is to score the perfect domain name using crypto.
DDoS protection
Protect your website from hacks and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks with an automatic security monitoring service, paid for with crypto.
