How the World Has Changed: Living on Crypto Then vs. Now

In 2014, CNN ran an experiment: Could someone survive an entire day using only Bitcoin? The results? Frustrating at best. The reporter struggled to find places that accepted Bitcoin, dealt with clunky transactions, and often had to rely on workarounds. It was like trying to pay for gas with Monopoly money—good luck explaining that at the checkout. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has completely transformed. Crypto payments are more accessible, faster, and far more convenient, thanks to platforms like SpendCrypto.

Let’s revisit the key challenges faced in that 2014 experiment and see how SpendCrypto and modern crypto solutions have turned those struggles into seamless experiences.

The Early Challenges vs. Today’s Solutions

Getting Bitcoin: Then vs. Now

• 2014: Bitcoin ATMs were hard to find, unreliable, and slow to process transactions.
• Now: Crypto exchanges, wallets, and apps like Binance, Coinbase, Crypto.com, and LocalCoinSwap allow instant purchases and transfers. No more dealing with ATMs—because let’s face it, that’s basically a boomer relic at this point.

Buying Food: Then vs. Now

• 2014: The reporter struggled to find restaurants that accepted Bitcoin. The rare ones that did had confusing QR code payment systems that often failed.
• Now: SpendCrypto gift cards cover a wide range of restaurants, or for even greater flexibility, you can use DoorDash and Apple Pay to pay at various eateries. These gift cards offer a seamless way to pay, and if you're ordering from home, prepaid debit cards from SpendCrypto let you check out effortlessly. Midnight taco cravings? Solved—no complicated transactions required.

Transportation: Then vs. Now

• 2014: Public transit required cash or credit cards. The only Bitcoin-friendly option was an expensive limo service that barely managed to process the transaction.
• Now: SpendCrypto gift vouchers allow balance top-ups for Uber and Lyft. Some cities even let you reload transit cards via Apple Pay, making commuting effortless. No more relying on limo services just because they were the only ones accepting Bitcoin back in 2014.

Shopping & Entertainment: Then vs. Now

• 2014: Buying gifts or flowers required overpaying at niche online retailers. Local shops didn’t accept Bitcoin, and finding businesses that did was a headache.
• Now: SpendCrypto gift cards cover stores like Amazon, Best Buy, and Macy’s. Otherwise, you can use prepaid credit/debit cards available on SpendCrypto to pay for your Sabrina Carpenter concert—because what’s the point of financial freedom if you can’t jam out to your favorite artist?

The Present: Crypto’s Evolution into Everyday Life

What was once an uphill battle is now an effortless experience. With crypto debit/credit cards, gift cards, and direct payments, living on crypto is easier than ever.

• Buying essentials? Handled.
• Paying for transportation? No problem.
• Dining out and entertainment? Stress-free.
• Shopping and gifting? Simplified.

Crypto is no longer just an experiment—it’s a viable and practical way to pay. While some still doubt its practicality, the world of payments is evolving, and digital assets are leading the charge.

So, is it possible to live on crypto today? Absolutely. The only question is—are you ready to give it a try, or are you still writing checks at the grocery store like it's an episode of Seinfeld?

References:
[1]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DNkFaBOZ5g "CNN Bitcoin Experiment (2014)"