How to buy a car with Bitcoin (BTC) in 2025

Key takeaways

The benefits of paying with Bitcoin include efficiency, privacy and cost-effectiveness.
Key risks of using BTC as a payment method include volatility, limited acceptance, taxation and irreversibility.
Examples of crypto-friendly dealerships include AutoCoinCars, HGreg, BitCars and Truebil.
Ensure your Bitcoin wallet is insured, verify dealership AML compliance, and consult a financial adviser to navigate potential tax implications before purchasing.

You can buy a car with Bitcoin in 2025; it just depends on where you shop.

Interestingly, the number of manufacturers and dealers accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is expanding year on year. It’s no surprise either; with crypto adoption rising 34% in 2024 alone, it’s a no-brainer to offer payment options that cater to such an audience.

As such, you might want to check with your local dealer whether they accept crypto or have any plans to do so in the near future.

You also shouldn’t forget that the automotive industry is on the clock to modernize, with the European Union phasing out sales of new CO2-emitting cars by 2035. As a result of such close deadlines and the significant changes needed, you might see industry giants across the globe overhauling their existing processes, which could lead to modernization across the board.

However, this article explores why, how and where to buy a car with Bitcoin (BTC).

Benefits and risks of buying a car with Bitcoin

If you’ve got the Bitcoin to spend, you’re only a few steps away from converting it to fiat, either through a peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace or a standard exchange withdrawal.

So, the choice is yours: Buy in fiat or crypto. To help you decide, let’s break down the benefits and risks.

Benefits of paying in BTC

Efficiency: While Bitcoin transactions may be slower compared to some other cryptocurrencies, they’re still significantly faster than traditional bank transfers, which often involve intermediaries and can take several days to process. As a decentralized currency, Bitcoin also facilitates cross-border transactions without the delays caused by currency conversions or international banking protocols. This can be particularly advantageous if you’re purchasing a car from another country and arranging for it to be shipped.
Privacy: Bitcoin transactions don’t require you to share sensitive personal or financial information with the dealer, reducing the risk of data breaches and identity theft. Additionally, while Bitcoin transactions are recorded on the blockchain, personal identities aren’t directly linked. This provides a degree of anonymity compared to traditional payment methods like credit cards or bank transfers.
Cost-effectiveness: Using Bitcoin allows you to utilize your digital assets directly, avoiding the need to convert them into fiat currency, which often incurs fees and tax implications.

Risks of paying in BTC

Volatile: Bitcoin’s value can change rapidly. A significant drop in value after initiating a transaction could mean you effectively pay more than the car’s worth. To address this, some payment gateways offer a feature called guaranteed exchange rates to mitigate slippage risks. This mechanism ensures the exchange rate remains fixed for a specified period, allowing both buyer and seller to transact at a predetermined rate, regardless of market fluctuations.
Niche: Not all dealerships accept BTC, which limits your options and may require extensive research to find willing sellers. If you’re set on paying in crypto, be prepared to invest some time in your search. However, given the trajectory of crypto adoption, this issue is likely to diminish in the near future as more dealerships begin accepting digital currencies.
Taxable: While paying in BTC can sometimes be cheaper than using fiat, it can also trigger taxable events depending on your jurisdiction. In the United States, the Internal Revenue Service classifies cryptocurrency as property. Using Bitcoin to purchase goods or services, including cars, is considered a taxable event. If your Bitcoin has increased in value since you acquired it, you may owe capital gains tax. Similarly, in the European Union, capital gains taxes apply if there’s an increase in your crypto’s value since its acquisition. It’s essential to understand your local tax laws to avoid surprises.
Irreversible: Sending funds to the wrong address or falling victim to fraud can result in permanent loss of your funds. Unlike credit card payments, Bitcoin doesn’t offer chargebacks or dispute resolution mechanisms. This places greater responsibility on the buyer to ensure the legitimacy of the transaction and the trustworthiness of the seller.

Did you know? In May 2024, a cryptocurrency trader lost nearly $70 million worth of Wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC) due to an “address poisoning” scam. The trader inadvertently copied a fraudulent address from their transaction history, leading to the misdirected transfer of 1,155.28 wBTC.

Dealerships accepting Bitcoin in 2025

So long as you accept the risks of using crypto as a payment method, the next step is to start researching dealers near you. Here are a few examples:

Prestige Cars Kent (United Kingdom)

Prestige Cars Kent is an independent dealership specializing in prestige vehicles. Since April 2024, it has accepted various cryptocurrencies, including BTC, Ether (ETH) and XRP (XRP), for its wide selection of over 300 luxury cars. It offers direct crypto transactions without extra fees, ensuring a seamless and secure car-buying experience.

Additionally, the dealership accepts part-exchanges and provides flexible payment options, allowing customers to combine crypto payments with traditional methods or financing.

HGreg (US)

HGreg.com, a major dealership chain in North America, has been accepting Bitcoin since 2021. It offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles, allowing customers to make purchases directly with BTC.

With its large inventory and early adoption of cryptocurrency, HGreg has positioned itself as a preferred option for crypto users. In 2024, the dealership expanded its crypto payment options to include high-end models such as the Lamborghini Revuelto.

BitCars (Europe)

BitCars, based in Europe, specializes in high-end cars, yachts and luxury goods, accepting cryptocurrency as its exclusive payment method. The dealership provides worldwide shipping and exclusively deals with digital assets such as BTC, ETH and Tether’s USDt (USDt). It caters to crypto enthusiasts looking for premium and exotic vehicles, making it a go-to destination for luxury crypto transactions.

GTA Cars (UAE)

Located in the heart of the United Arab Emirates, GTA Cars specializes in buying and selling quality pre-owned automobiles. The dealership is renowned for its extensive inventory, competitive pricing and exceptional customer service. In 2022, it started accepting cryptocurrencies as a payment method for its cars.

With a team boasting over 100 years of combined automotive experience, GTA Cars assists clients with purchasing, selling or trading vehicles, as well as providing financial assurance and car registration services.

How to purchase a car with Bitcoin

Here’s a step-by-step guide to purchasing a car with Bitcoin using one of the dealers from the list above (HGreg.com).

For this article, a modest, used hybrid motor with a recent price drop has been selected.

Preparation

For this car, you’d be looking at around 25 BTC as of Dec. 12, 2024. Ensure your balance is slightly higher to cover network fees, potential spread and any applicable taxes. Having a buffer helps avoid complications during the transaction.

Reach out to the dealership to confirm its acceptance of Bitcoin as payment for the Lamborghini Revuelto and its availability. Ask for specific details about the dealership’s crypto payment process, including supported wallets and payment platforms. This ensures your wallet and its system are compatible.

As with any car purchase, verify the vehicle’s condition, warranty terms, mileage, whether it’s been safety inspected and so on.

Completing necessary documentation

You can’t avoid the admin with crypto. The steps here are likely to be pretty familiar.

Provide identification: Submit any required documents, including government-issued ID, proof of insurance and any additional paperwork necessary for registering the vehicle.
Sign agreements: Carefully review and sign the sales contract and any supplementary documents to finalize the purchase.
Arrange delivery or pickup: Coordinate with HGreg.com to schedule the delivery of your Lamborghini Revuelto or arrange a pickup. Discuss and clarify shipping fees or logistics if applicable.

Payment

Here’s where the steps change slightly. It starts with receiving the dealership’s wallet address.

Confirm wallet address accuracy: Before transferring the full amount, conduct a test payment of a small sum — e.g., 0.01 BTC — to ensure the wallet address provided by HGreg.com is accurate and functional. However, some exchanges have minimum send requirements, so it’s crucial to check if your transaction meets the minimum threshold.
Make the transfer: Once the test payment is confirmed, proceed with transferring the full amount. Use your wallet to send the required Bitcoin and include any necessary memos or reference codes requested by HGreg.com.
Transaction confirmation: Monitor the blockchain to confirm the payment’s progress. Bitcoin transactions typically require several confirmations — e.g., three to six — before being fully processed. Most wallets and platforms will update you as the transaction progresses.
Obtain acknowledgment: After the transaction is confirmed, request a formal acknowledgment from HGreg.com, such as a receipt or written confirmation that the payment has been received.

Did you know? In 2018, a Bugatti Chiron and a Pagani Huayra were purchased together for approximately $6 million worth of Bitcoin. This transaction, conducted by a dealer in Newport Beach, California, involved around 340 BTC at the time.

Tips for a smooth Bitcoin car purchase

Consider some additional tips to make sure you don’t encounter any unwanted surprises in the process:

Insure your Bitcoin wallet: To add an extra layer of security, consider insuring your Bitcoin wallet, especially if you’re holding large amounts for high-value purchases. Wallet insurance services can protect you against cyberattacks, theft or unforeseen events that may lead to the loss of funds. This is particularly important when dealing with transactions of significant value.
Understand dealership AML policies: Dealerships accepting Bitcoin must comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and transaction monitoring practices. To ensure a smooth transaction, use blockchain analysis tools like Chainalysis or Elliptic to check that your Bitcoin address is free of any red flags. Additionally, be prepared to provide proof of Bitcoin ownership or wallet transaction history if the dealership requests it as part of their compliance requirements.
Consider a crypto loan: A crypto-backed loan is a smart way to purchase a car without selling your Bitcoin, allowing you to retain your investment and potentially benefit from future price increases. By using Bitcoin as collateral, you can borrow fiat currency — e.g., USD — to complete the purchase, avoiding taxable events such as capital gains. Once the loan is repaid, your Bitcoin is returned to you, preserving your portfolio. Platforms like Ledn provide secure and reputable options for leveraging your crypto while maintaining exposure to the market.
Consult a financial adviser: Bitcoin transactions can have tax implications, such as triggering capital gains tax if Bitcoin’s value has appreciated since acquisition. Consulting a financial adviser can help you navigate these obligations, understand local tax laws, and optimize your tax strategy to avoid surprises during tax season. Their guidance ensures that your purchase is both financially and legally sound.

The bottom line

In 2025, purchasing a car with Bitcoin has become more accessible, with an increasing number of dealerships worldwide accepting cryptocurrency payments.

This development offers buyers enhanced efficiency, privacy and cost-effectiveness. However, it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks, including market volatility, limited acceptance, tax implications and the irreversible nature of crypto transactions.

By conducting thorough research, choosing reputable dealerships and following best practices, you can navigate the process confidently and securely.

Here’s to finding the perfect ride!

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.