Crypto has been on everyone’s lips for years and is repeatedly the focus of (financial) policy discussions worldwide. Although awareness and use of crypto in the UK are growing more slowly compared to other countries, it is growing nonetheless. Even though many people are already actively investing in all kinds of cryptocurrencies, the trend is not yet very pronounced, and many are still unclear about where they can use their digital assets in real life. So, what does the crypto boom mean in practical terms for people who live in Yorkshire or are visiting here? Where can people spend their digital currency locally, and what should they bear in mind when doing so?
Is Yorkshire Crypto-Friendly?
The answer is yes and no. According to Statista, in 2021, London was the city with the most companies that accepted cryptocurrency in the UK. Manchester, however, had a larger number of companies in comparison to other cities of the same size. Yorkshire and other UK cities, on the other hand, are not yet densely populated with crypto-friendly businesses. Although some companies in Yorkshire accept crypto payments, you often have to search for them. While large online services, chains, and international retailers have been offering crypto payments for a long time, they are still a novelty at the bakery around the corner or your local pub.
Restaurants Accepting Crypto
Nevertheless, there are a few businesses in Yorkshire that accept crypto. However, these are mainly large franchises with locations around the world where crypto adoption is already more widespread than in the UK. Chain restaurants where payment with crypto is possible in Yorkshire include Burger King, Starbucks, KFC, and Subway. Interestingly, Subway was one of the first to accept crypto payments back in 2014. However, crypto payments are usually only possible indirectly in the form of gift cards or gateway payment systems. To do this, users first need to install a gateway app, which they can top up with cryptocurrency and then use to pay.
Spending Crypto Online
Since the number of physical restaurants and stores that accept crypto payments is rather low, online shopping offers an excellent alternative for Yorkshire residents to spend their digital assets.
Large international retailers, from fashion stores to streaming services such as Netflix or travel agencies that deal extensively with international customers, offer crypto as an alternative payment option. While some retailers already offer the most common cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, directly as a payment method on their websites, others often provide the option via third-party providers such as PayPal or gift cards that can be topped up with crypto.
Online Entertainment
Next to streaming services, online entertainment industries like online casinos and gaming platforms are among the largest crypto adopters worldwide. Games of all genres in all their variations, from shooters to poker and slots, have become some of today’s most popular pastimes.
Since online gambling platforms attract users from all over the world and are responsible for handling large sums of money, they must ensure that funds are stored and transferred securely. Additionally, players expect deposits and withdrawals to be processed as quickly as possible and don’t want to wait long for their winnings. Analyzing this growing demand, casino expert Wilna van Wyk highlights a comparison of crypto casinos here and explains that, in addition to offering bigger and fairer bonuses, these providers also ensure secure and transparent payments through crypto.
The introduction of cryptocurrencies as a payment option has significantly improved the industry: Unlike traditional banking solutions, they don’t charge transaction fees or currency transfer fees, which isn’t only convenient for residents in Yorkshire but even more so for international users.
Crypto as an Investment Option
The main reason why people in Yorkshire own crypto is to use the currency as an investment strategy to build long-term wealth. According to expert Alexis Wilson-Barrett, cryptocurrencies are one of the top 6 investment options. Successful cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have significant potential for appreciation, making them popular investment options for diversifying investment portfolios. While cryptocurrencies operate independently of traditional banks and offer security through cryptography, they are still volatile and therefore carry risks. This means it is important to be well-informed about the currency in question and not to make rash decisions.
Banks that Support Crypto in the UK
Since the direct use of crypto is still limited in the UK, joining a crypto-friendly bank is a perfect solution for cryptocurrency holders. Banks are probably the first to feel the global boom in crypto, which is why there are already several banks in the UK that are expanding their services to include crypto in order to retain customers and attract new ones. An article by Pony explains the advantages of a crypto-friendly bank, which include the ability for users to make payments to a crypto exchange, purchase cryptocurrency using their debit card, withdraw money from their crypto wallet, and deposit it in their current account.
According to Pony, banks that support crypto within the UK include Revolut, Royal Bank of Scotland Business (RBS), Monzo Bank, Wirex, Lloyds Banking Group, Greengage, Xace, Cashaa, Orounda, and Barclays. This means, that anyone who wants to use their crypto assets for everyday purchases simply needs to open an account with one of these banks, and even the limited crypto payment methods will no longer be an obstacle, as crypto is easily converted into real fiat currency when paying by card or making a withdrawal.
Crypto Ownership is Booming in the UK
Recent studies and surveys show that the UK saw the biggest year-on-year growth in crypto ownership. This means that not only has the number of UK crypto owners risen sharply within a year, but it also puts the UK at the forefront of crypto owner growth according to its population, where it will even overtake the US in 2025 and catch up with other European countries. According to crypto platform Gemini, the proportion of crypto owners in the US rose by only 1% and in France from 18% to 21%. The UK is overtaking both with 18% last year and 24% in April 2025.
The reasons for this are a better regulatory framework in Europe, which is increasingly creating confidence in the market through the EU’s MiCa regulation. In addition, according to PR Newswire, a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” is to be implemented in the US, which will also strengthen the visibility of the coin outside of America and boost confidence in its growth.
Final Thoughts: Is it Worth Bringing Your Crypto to Yorkshire?
Even though crypto is not yet a replacement for cash or cards in Yorkshire, there is a steady upward trend in crypto adoption in the UK noticeable. Considering the current data, it is safe to assume that this crypto wave will soon reach Yorkshire. Although the transition to crypto-friendly solutions can often take time for businesses, people in Yorkshire still have the option of joining a crypto-friendly bank or using third-party providers when purchasing a product or service.
