Dell UK begins accepting payments in Bitcoins

Computer giant Dell has begun accepting payments via Bitcoin in its UK online stores.

Following a successful launch in the US last summer, Dell is now accepting payments with Bitcoin in its online stores in the UK. A partnership with payment processor Coinbase will bring the technology to the UK, and also Canada, which will make Dell the largest retailer in the UK to accept Bitcoin as a form of payment.

To coincide with the announcement, Dell have released a special video guide to aid curious customers through the new process - where shoppers can add items to their cart and simply choose to use the cryptocurrency as the payment method.

“Through the expansion of Bitcoin we’re enabling new levels of convenience for our customers, making it easier for them to do business with Dell,” said Paul J. Walsh, chief information officer at Dell.

“We’re hearing from our customers around the world that they want the option to use Bitcoin when buying Dell products, so we are excited to deliver Bitcoin as a payment method on Dell.com to our customers in Canada and the UK.”

Dell was previously the largest merchant to accept Bitcoin payments until December, when it was usurped by Microsoft. The software giant quietly added the option to its payments information page which was shortly followed by an official unveiling when Microsoft’s Athima Chansanchai revealed the decision in a post on their blog.

It seems the move to accept digital currencies is all about offering choice and flexibility to consumers. Especially since the use of digital wallets is increasing in the UK as more users search for easier ways to make payments, particularly in the online world.  

"We will offer Bitcoin as long as our customers demand it – it is one method of payment available to them to make purchasing products and solutions from Dell easier and meet them on their terms," said Mr Walsh.