Tech accepting digital currency for online purchasesThe tech giant is accpeting bitcoin, the digital currency, as a form of payment on its US consumer website. Dell is partnering with third party payment processor, Coinbase, on the pilot project.
It is one of the largest companies to accept bitcoin, the world’s most widely used digital currency. Aussie companies Annex Products, Millenniuem Electronics, as well as global giants Expedia and Overstock.com currently accept the digital currency as does Chinese internet giant Baidu.
Once consumers make purchases on Dell.com bitcoin now appears as a payment method. It is offering 10% discount on Alienware purchases made via bitcoin.
“We’re excited to bring you the choice and flexibility this payment option offers, says Laura P. Thomas, Dell’s Chief Blogger.
“We are moving more quickly to meet your needs.”
No word yet on global rollout of Dell’s bitcoin pilot but the tech giant are exploring other ways to offer more functionality on bitcoin payments, said Fred Ehrsam, co-Founder of Coinbase.
To acquire bitcoin, consumers have to create a bitcoin wallet from which to send and receive the currency. Consumers can send payment from the bitcoin wallet by using the generated bitcoin address, scanning the QR code from a smartphone, or by using a Coinbase account.
The Fitzroy pub in Sydney’s Woolmoolloo accepts bitcoin since 2013.
However, bitcoin advocates admit there are some issues surrounding security and fraud, although Dell has dished out some advise on how to counter this.
Expedia and Overstock have also partnered with Coinbase.
