POOLE’S cosmetics giant Lush is to accept payment in the digital currency Bitcoin.

It has added Bitcoin to its payment method at its online store.

Lush Digital UK joins the likes of Expedia, Microsoft and Steam in accepting the “cryptocurrency”.

Lush said: “It allows payment in a decentralised currency that is unaffected by the global foreign exchange fluctuations, meaning that customers from all over the world all pay the same for a product.

Finance manager Mike West said: “Accepting Bitcoin is very exciting for Lush. With Bitcoin, customers from all around the world will pay the same for our products, free from volatile currency fluctuations and lofty bank charges.

“Cryptocurrencies are the future of global trade and we want to ensure that we are prepared to move into this new digital era.”

Lush said it hoped the move would help it develop new ways to work with customers as well as global suppliers and charity groups who are often based in small communities across the world. Bitcoin allows more transparent and secure transactions without hefty charges, exchange rates or fees, it said.