Bitcoin Mainstream Adoption Gains Momentum as Bakkt-Backed Starbucks Reloading Hits Milestone

Bakkt has enabled users to convert Bitcoin into U.S. dollars for reloading Starbucks cards, marking another step towards mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies in retail.

The platform, which involves Microsoft, Intercontinental Exchange, and BCG, allows customers to load their Starbucks cards using Bitcoin, although a Starbucks spokesperson clarified that this does not enable direct cryptocurrency spending at retail locations.

Leveraging the Lightning Network, a second-layer payment system built for scalability and speed, has seen significant growth in recent months. In November 2025, Lightning Network volume hit $1.17 billion, representing a 266% increase over the previous year.

A key player in this space is Strike, a Bitcoin-first payments app that uses the Lightning Network to enable fast and secure transactions between users. With fees as low as 0.15%, Strike has seen 600% year-over-year growth in transaction volume, making it an attractive option for those looking to use cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases.