The one hard feature of BTC is of course the robust software protecting its digital integrity. As an asset it is indeed similar to gold...entirely dependent on belief to maintain its value. Neither gold nor BTC has demonstrated a practical value in line with its current price. As Duuude points out, credit cards and banks simply bury BTC in ease, speed, and security for purchase transactions. This doesn't mean that BTC is doomed to collapse, the shaky perception of gold's value has lasted for centuries, but forewarned, perceptions change;)