Bitcoin som betalningsmedel

Sammanfattning: Background: It is written much about the virtual currency in the media. Bitcoin is a virtual currency that is beginning to be used as payment for the purchase of goods and services. There are risks associated with virtual currencies just like traditional payments are, in some ways, these risks are similar, while they aredifferent in other ways. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the risks that may arise when Bitcoin are used to make payments and to analyze how these risks can be managed. I will also analyze how Bitcoin works as payment. Method: Inthis study I has assumed an abductive method. The research approach has been made by triangulation where the aim is answered on the basis of a quantitative and qualitative approach. I have collect empirical data through a literature study, a survey and semi-structured interviews. Conclusion: Bitcoin is still in development stage, because of that I cannot make any conclusion on whether it will exist in the future. Bitcoin as payment is connected with a lot of possibilities in terms of businesses to gain a competitive advantage by offering Bitcoin as payment and financial institutions have a tougher competition. Other benefits of Bitcoin is that transaction costs are low and users' privacy is protected. Some disadvantages of Bitcoin is that it is in a legal gray area, high volatility, high entry barriers and low range of products and services. Keywords: Bitcoin, business, virtual currencies, risks, opportunities, benefits, crypto currency.