Webjet customers can now book holidays without opening their wallets, after the online travel agency became the first in Australia to accept Bitcoin.
Customers can purchase travel deals using the crypto currency software on their smartphones.
The payment option is being trialled on Webjet Exclusives – the holiday package arm of the global travel booking website – and could soon be introduced for flights, accommodation and insurance.
Launched in 2009, Bitcoin is a decentralised, digital currency system that uses a global peer-to-peer network over the internet.
Backers argue the e-money is fast and anonymous, but others criticise its volatility and vulnerability to drug crimes and money laundering.
Bitcoin’s value soared above $US1,200 ($AUD1,538) in 2013, but sunk below $US230 on Wednesday.
CEO of Webjet Exclusives Paul Ryan said the company had more new payment methods in the pipeline in the realm of mobile wallets.
“The personal electronic wallet market is still pretty small but it’s growing rapidly around the world because of the perceived security,” he said.
