# Coffee Cryptocurrency Payments Starbucks Hong Kong Now Accepts Bitcoin Payments By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-05-05 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bitcoin-payments References: [newsbtc](http://www.newsbtc.com/2015/04/24/hong-kong-starbucks-branches-accepting-bitcoin-payments/) & [coffee.foldapp](https://coffee.foldapp.com/) Now that the use of virtual currency is on the rise, there are a number of merchants that are realizing the importance of being able to accept Bitcoin payments. In Hong Kong, [Starbucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-1) is staying on top by doing just this, as well as adding incentive for customers who do. This initiative is being launched through the Fold app, which was created by a startup that's affiliated with the [Bitcoin Association of Hong Kong](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/course-payments). When the Fold app is used to make Bitcoin payments, consumers are given a personal Starbucks code, which can be loaded with $5 or $10. When it comes time to pay, all a barista has to know is that a consumer plans to pay by gift card. By using the Fold app, Starbucks visitors are eligible to take advantage of a 20% discount. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Virtual Currency Payments:** As the use of virtual currencies is on the rise, more and more merchants are accepting Bitcoin payments, leading to opportunities for startups in developing payment platforms. - **Mobile Payment Apps:** Apps that facilitate mobile payments, especially those that integrate with existing loyalty programs, can allow for convenient transactions, setting the stage for disruption within the payments industry. - **Blockchain Loyalty Programs:** Integrating blockchain technology into loyalty programs can increase transparency and security, potentially disrupting traditional rewards programs. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Retail:** Retailers can integrate Bitcoin payments and mobile payment apps into their existing systems to improve customer experience and capture a new demographic. - **Finance:** Startup companies can provide innovative payment platforms and blockchain-based loyalty programs, that potentially disrupt the traditional finance industry. - **Technology:** Developers can create and improve mobile payment and virtual currency platforms to facilitate seamless and secure transactions, potentially disrupting the existing market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Blockchain Loyalty Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-1.md) - [Cryptocurrency Fast Food Payments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexa-platform.md) - [Beer Bitcoin Payments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pubinno.md) - [Cafe NFT Loyalty Rewards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-odyssey.md) - [Crypto Payment Conversion Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastercard.md) - [Crypto-Gifting Payment Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cryptogifting-payment-app.md) - [Cryptocurrency Payment Acceptance Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cryptocurrency-payment-acceptance.md) - [Cryptocurrency Payment-Compatible Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cryptocurrency-payment.md) - [Crypto Space Exploration Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unistellar.md)