Sheetz to begin accepting cryptocurrency payments at select stores

Sheetz will begin accepting digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin and Dogecoin through digital currency payment company Flexa.

The Altoona-based restaurant and convenience chain announced on Thursday that it will be the first convenience store chain to accept bitcoin when it begins accepting payments through Flexa this summer.

When available, customers will be able to use a variety of cryptocurrencies to pay for items in select Sheetz’ convenience stores. Later in the year, Sheetz also intends to begin accepting Flexa payments at its fuel pumps.

Sheetz currently operates 622 stores in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland.

“…We are constantly innovating and exploring new offerings to truly give our customers what they want, when they want it, 24/7/365 — that includes accepting many forms of payment,” said Linda Smith, payments manager for Sheetz. “We’re very excited to be working with Flexa to roll out support for cryptocurrencies and other types of digital assets at our stores.”

Flexa, based in New York City, offers cryptocurrency payments through a number of apps including Gemini, BRD and Coin List. The company also enables Flexa in other company’s apps.

To enable Flexa’s instant authorization process for digital currency payments, Sheetz worked with its point-of-sale technology partner, NCR.

“With interest in digital currencies reaching all-time highs, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that there are real, tangible benefits for the merchants who accept them—not only reduced fraud and cost savings, but also a better and more mobile customer experience,” said Trevor Filter, co-founder of Flexa.