Starbucks and Bitcoin Strategy

An article in The Block yesterday includes the following statement: “Only U.S. customers will be able to pay in bitcoin initially.” They’re referring to Starbucks’ recent deal with Bakkt, the great hope of the crypto industry, which might manage to pull off the first crypto ETF. The deal gives Starbucks significant equity in Bakkt, but at no point does it actually require Starbucks to accept Bitcoin. And, for its part, Starbucks reportedly has no intention of doing so – at least not in the conventional manner.

Starbucks: We’ll Help You Convert Crypto to Cash

The company told The Next Web that rather than accept crypto directly, it will create more ways for customers to convert bitcoin and other assets into fiat, which can then be used at their stores (emphasis added):

Our role as the flagship retailer for Bakkt is to consult and develop applications for customers to convert their digital assets into US dollars, which can then be used in our stores. We anticipate that a range of cryptocurrencies will gain traction with customers and, through our work with Bakkt, we will be uniquely positioned to constantly consider and offer customers new and unique ways to pay seamlessly, at Starbucks. As we continue to move forward with this work, we anticipate we’ll have more to share in the coming months

So, some type of gift card situation is what’s brewing at Starbucks. Some kind of Bakkt-powered seamless payment platform seems possible. As regards the Seattle-based coffee giant, however, the notion of a Bitcoin QR code at checkout seems far-fetched.