X

Tesla officially accepts Bitcoin, Musk says

Whether you're buying a new Model S, Model 3, Model X or Model Y, new option for the cryptocurrency will appear on Tesla's checkout page.

Tesla Model Y - rear three-quarter view
Enlarge Image
Tesla Model Y - rear three-quarter view

Yep, you can now buy a Model Y with Bitcoin.

Tesla

Around two months ago, 's CEO Elon Musk made waves by saying consumers would soon be able to buy a new Tesla with Bitcoin. Today is that day. Musk announced on Twitter early Wednesday the company now accepts the cryptocurrency, adding, "Bitcoin paid to Tesla will be retained as Bitcoin, not converted to fiat currency."

When buyers finish building their ideal Tesla, be it Model S, Model 3, Model X or Model Y, the automaker's website checkout page now includes a Bitcoin button to make a deposit payment. The option to pay with a card remains as well. The $100 deposit converts to about 0.0018376 BTC.

Last month, Musk and Co. invested $1.5 billion in Bitcoin to maximize cash returns, which pushed Bitcoin up 13% at the time. While Musk's been outspoken about crypto in recent weeks, including the joke cryptocurrency "Dogecoin," Tesla said in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing on its Bitcoin investment it occasionally will "hold digital assets from time to time or long-term." No one at Tesla, including Musk, has suggested the automaker will accept any other cryptocurrency in the future (including Dogecoin, to be clear).

Bitcoin stock (BTC) was up nearly 2.5% in early Wednesday trading.

Tesla Model 3 barrels through the snow in Track Mode

See all photos
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.

Article updated on March 24, 2021 at 8:08 AM PDT

Our Experts

Written by 
Sean Szymkowski
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Why You Can Trust CNET
174175176177178179180+
Experts Interviewed
030405060708091011121314+
Companies Reviewed
108109110111112113+
Products Reviewed

We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards.