10 creative ways to use bitcoin in 2016

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It’s been only 2 months into 2016, and bitcoin already seems to be off to a tumultuous start. With Mike Hearn denouncing the bitcoin and bringing to light rivalries between different developer factions, it seemed like bitcoin was going to be brought down by politics and bureaucracy.

Yet, it still remains. Let’s skip the political, theoretical arguments and tell you how, genuinely and actionably, bitcoin can improve your life and health (of your wallet).

1. Get amazing discounts on Amazon

Here’s from one shopaholic to another.

Purse.io, which recently raised $1 million in seed round from Digital Assets Group, lets you get anything on Amazon at a 20-30 percent discount when you buy it with bitcoins. What happens here is that people who would like to purchase items from Amazon but have bitcoins, are connected to people who have Amazon credits but want bitcoins. While these sound like niche groups, the marketplace is growing fast, especially so in Japan and India, said Andrew, CEO of Purse.io. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to save those dollar bills.

Plus, for those who organise bulk orders on Amazon, this neat hack will save you tons of money. You’re welcome.

2. Value transfer (micro-remittances)

Far from the usual image of toppling the Western Union or big banks, bitcoin can create quicker pathways for bank to bank transfers.

Last year, CoinHako provided a way for students from the National University of Singapore Overseas College (NOC) to transfer small sums of money between the US and Singapore.

When doing micro-remittances, bank exchange rates and bank fees seem unfavorable in comparison. On top of this, transactions using bitcoins can be settled within half a day, a speed that cannot be matched by any other method.

Alternatively, there is the choice not to deal with bitcoins directly. Bitcoin apps like CoinPip allow enterprises to send fiat money via the bitcoin network while they handle everything in-between. This has been increasingly used to send money to remote contractors, vendors and employees.

3. Save money on Starbucks

Calling all pumpkin spice latte lovers. #nojudgements.

Fold allows bitcoin users to load coins into their cards to purchase Starbucks beverages. With this, you can shave 20 percent off your frappuccino, any coffee or tea you’d fancy.

4. Pay Alibaba suppliers with bitcoins

5. Buy gift cards at a discount

6. Pay bills and top up phone cards

7. Gaming + bitcoin

8. Use bitcoins for foreign exchange

9. Invest in Kanye

10. Own it