Crypto Payment Gateway: 8 Best Options for Small Businesses

A crypto payment gateway works much like a traditional payment gateway, but instead of processing credit cards, it verifies blockchain payments. Here is the basic process:

1. Customer selects crypto at checkout: The customer chooses to pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, or another supported cryptocurrency.
2. Gateway generates the payment request: The system creates a wallet address, QR code, or payment link with the exact amount due.
3. Customer sends the payment: The customer pays from a crypto wallet or supported account.
4. Transaction is confirmed: The gateway verifies the blockchain transaction.
5. Funds are settled: Depending on your settings, the payment is held in crypto, converted to a stablecoin, or deposited as fiat currency.

Most crypto payment gateways also include reporting, invoices, payment links, payment buttons, and ecommerce integrations so businesses can add crypto payments to websites, invoices, or point-of-sale workflows.

A crypto wallet is useful for storing digital currencies, but a crypto payment gateway is better for businesses that need checkout tools, invoices, settlement controls, payment tracking, and ecommerce integrations.

A crypto payment gateway should usually be an added payment option, not a replacement for credit cards, debit cards, or ACH. Most small businesses will still need a traditional payment processor for everyday customer payments.

Crypto payment gateways fall into two main types, depending on who controls the funds and private keys. Custodial options handle everything for you, while noncustodial ones give you full control. Here’s how they compare:

Most small businesses start with a custodial gateway for convenience and compliance, then explore noncustodial options once they’re more comfortable managing wallets and crypto transactions directly.

Crypto payment gateway costs go beyond the advertised transaction fee. Before choosing a provider, compare network fees, conversion costs, payout fees, minimum payout requirements, and refund costs because these can change your true cost per transaction.

• Gateway fee: The provider’s processing fee for each crypto payment
• Network or gas fee: Blockchain fee paid to confirm the transaction
• Conversion fee: Cost to convert crypto to US dollars, stablecoins, or another crypto
• Payout fee: Fee to withdraw funds to a bank account or crypto wallet
• Minimum payout: Minimum balance required before funds can be withdrawn
• Refund cost: Fees or limits tied to refunding a crypto transaction
• Hosting cost: Cost tied to self-hosted options such as BTCPay Server

Accepting cryptocurrency can help small businesses expand their reach, lower processing costs, and modernize checkout options. Here are the main advantages:

• Lower transaction costs: Most crypto gateways charge 0.5% to 2% per transaction, compared with roughly 2.9% or more for credit card processing.
• Faster settlement: Payments are typically confirmed within minutes or hours, rather than several business days, which can improve cash flow for small businesses.
• Fewer chargebacks: Crypto transactions are final and recorded on the blockchain, reducing the risk of payment disputes and fraud.
• Global reach: Crypto payments allow you to sell to international customers who may not have access to major credit cards or traditional banking.
• Automatic conversion: Many gateways instantly convert crypto into US dollars or stablecoins to protect merchants from price volatility.
• Customer convenience: Offering crypto provides a modern payment option that can appeal to tech-savvy and global customers.

Together, these benefits make crypto payments a practical way for small businesses to cut costs and reach new markets without taking on unnecessary risk.

I started with cryptocurrency platforms and traditional payment providers and evaluated each provider based on the factors that matter most when accepting crypto payments: volatility protection, fiat and crypto settlement options, supported cryptocurrencies, payment channels, ecommerce integrations, ease of use, security features, and total fees.

I also considered whether each provider supports invoices, subscriptions, donations, in-person payments, mobile payments, and high-risk merchant needs. Learn more about my full methodology below.

BitPay is one of the earliest and most established cryptocurrency payment platforms, making it a dependable choice for businesses that want to start accepting crypto payments. It supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and allows merchants to automatically convert payments into US dollars, helping reduce exposure to price volatility.

What makes BitPay stand out is its exchange rate lock feature, which secures the conversion rate at the moment a transaction is initiated. This ensures businesses receive the exact value they expect even if cryptocurrency prices fluctuate during payment processing.

BitPay also offers straightforward integrations with major ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, allowing businesses to add crypto payments without complex development work.

Who should use BitPay

BitPay is best for small businesses that want a reliable, easy-to-integrate crypto payment gateway with fiat settlement, digital invoices, QR code checkout, and ecommerce integrations.

When not to use BitPay

BitPay may not be the best fit if you want the lowest possible transaction fee, a fully noncustodial setup, or a free crypto payment gateway. Crypto.com Pay may be better for low merchant fees, while BTCPay Server is better for noncustodial Bitcoin payments.

Pricing

• 2% + 25 cents processing fee per transaction for monthly volume under $500,000
• 1.5% + 25 cents processing fee for $500,000-$999,999 monthly volume
• 1% + 25 cents processing fee for $1,000,000+ monthly volume
• Higher fees apply to high-risk merchants

Key features

• Accepts major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and stablecoins
• Automatic crypto-to-fiat conversion to protect against price volatility
• Exchange rate lock (volatility protection) for invoices
• Hosted checkout pages and payment buttons
• Digital invoicing tools
• QuickBooks integration for accounting
• Ecommerce plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and more
• QR code payments for online and in-person transactions
• Multi-user merchant dashboard
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) for account security

BitPay allows businesses to accept cryptocurrency payments through several methods, including hosted checkout pages, payment buttons, and digital invoices. When a customer selects crypto at checkout, BitPay generates a payment request with a QR code or wallet address and calculates the equivalent cryptocurrency amount based on the current exchange rate.

After the payment is confirmed on the blockchain, BitPay can either deposit the funds into your crypto wallet or automatically convert the payment into fiat currency and transfer it to your bank account. Settlements are typically processed within one business day.

For in-person transactions, businesses can use BitPay’s Quick Checkout for Web, which generates QR-code payment requests that customers scan with their crypto wallets.

How to add crypto payments with BitPay

To start accepting crypto with BitPay, create a merchant account and connect it to your ecommerce store or payment workflow. BitPay provides plugins for platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce, making integration relatively simple.

Once connected, you can generate payment buttons, invoices, or QR-code checkout pages directly from the BitPay dashboard. Businesses accepting in-person payments can open BitPay’s Quick Checkout page on a tablet or phone to generate QR-code invoices at the point of sale.

Coinbase Commerce makes it easy for businesses to accept cryptocurrency payments online without complicated setup. Merchants can start accepting payments quickly with just an email address and a crypto wallet.

One of Coinbase Commerce’s biggest advantages is its multicurrency support. Customers can pay using hundreds of cryptocurrencies through Coinbase’s Onchain Payment Protocol, while merchants can settle payments in crypto or stablecoins like USDC.

The platform also offers flexible checkout tools, including hosted checkout pages, payment buttons, and shareable payment links. These tools allow businesses to add crypto payments to an online store or invoice workflow without requiring extensive development work.

Who should use Coinbase Commerce

Coinbase Commerce is best for small businesses that want to accept a wide range of cryptocurrencies with a simple, developer-friendly checkout setup.

When not to use Coinbase Commerce

Coinbase Commerce may not be the best fit if you need the broadest plugin support, in-person POS tools, or the most hands-off fiat settlement setup. BitPay may be simpler for fiat settlement, while NOWPayments may offer more payment tools.

Pricing

• Processing fee: 1% per transaction (flat rate)
• Currency conversion: Free for USDC settlements
• Account types:
• • Self-managed: Merchant controls private keys and receives payments directly in crypto or USDC
  • Managed (Coinbase Account): Coinbase manages custody and enables optional fiat conversion/withdrawals in supported regions
• Setup cost: $0 (you can sign up with just an email address)
• Settlement options: USDC (default), supported crypto assets, or fiat via managed Coinbase account

Key features

• Accepts 150+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins
• Multiple settlement options: crypto, USDC, or fiat through Coinbase
• Hosted checkout pages and payment buttons
• Shareable payment links and invoices
• APIs and webhooks for custom integrations
• Integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other ecommerce platforms
• Two-factor authentication and enterprise-grade security

Coinbase Commerce allows businesses to accept crypto payments directly on their website or through payment links and invoices. When a customer selects crypto at checkout, Coinbase generates a payment request showing the exact cryptocurrency amount required.

Customers send the payment from their wallet, and the transaction is verified on the blockchain. Once confirmed, the funds are credited to your Coinbase Commerce account, where they can be held in crypto, converted to USDC, or withdrawn to fiat through a linked Coinbase account.

How to add crypto payments with Coinbase Commerce

Getting started with Coinbase Commerce requires only a few steps. Create an account using your email address, then connect a crypto wallet or link your Coinbase account.

Once set up, you can install ecommerce plugins for platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, add payment buttons to your website, or generate payment links and invoices from the dashboard. Customers can then pay using a wide range of cryptocurrencies, and payments are automatically recorded in your merchant dashboard.

NOWPayments stands out because it supports more cryptocurrencies than almost any other payment gateway, with over 300 coins available for merchants to accept. This makes it a good option for businesses that want to accommodate customers using less common tokens or alternative cryptocurrencies.

The platform is also noncustodial by default, meaning payments go directly to your crypto wallet instead of being held by the gateway. This gives businesses full control of their funds and can reduce custody risks.

NOWPayments offers several ways to accept payments, including hosted checkout pages, payment buttons, invoices, and a web-based POS interface. These tools make it easy for ecommerce stores, digital service providers, and nonprofits to start accepting crypto without building a custom payment system.

Who should use NOWPayments

NOWPayments is best for online businesses that want to accept a wide range of cryptocurrencies with flexible payment tools and low processing fees.

When not to use NOWPayments

NOWPayments may not be the best fit if you want the simplest beginner setup, the most familiar brand for customers, or built-in fiat settlement without using an off-ramp provider.

Pricing

• Service (processing) fee: 0.5% for same-coin (“mono-currency”) payments; 1% when you use conversion or fixed-rate checkout
• Network fees: Blockchain miner/gas fees apply on transfers (passed through at cost)
• Custody/payouts: Custodial accounts enable mass payouts; no extra service fee on payouts (network fee only)
• Fiat off-ramp/on-ramp: Fees depend on the provider (KYB required). Example from Guardarian: ~1.5% + $2 on certain flows

Key features

• Accepts 300+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and stablecoins
• Flexible settlement options (receive payments directly in crypto or convert coins)
• Hosted checkout pages, payment buttons, and payment links
• Digital invoices and donation tools
• Web-based POS for in-person crypto payments
• Ecommerce integrations for WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, OpenCart, and more
• Full REST API for custom integrations

NOWPayments works by generating a unique payment address or QR code for each transaction. When a customer selects crypto at checkout, the gateway calculates the correct cryptocurrency amount and displays payment instructions.

Once the payment is sent from the customer’s wallet, the transaction is verified on the blockchain. Funds are then delivered directly to your crypto wallet or converted into another cryptocurrency depending on your settings.

Businesses can accept payments through hosted checkout pages, ecommerce plugins, payment buttons, or invoices created within the NOWPayments dashboard.

How to add crypto payments with PayPal

You can integrate NOWPayments in several ways depending on your technical setup:

• Plugins (no coding required): Install the official plugin for ecommerce platforms such as WooCommerce or Shopify and follow the setup guide to connect your store.
• API integration: Developers can create an API key, add a payout wallet address, and use the NOWPayments API to generate checkout pages, payment links, and QR codes for transactions.
• Payment links, invoices, and POS: Businesses can create payment links or invoices directly from the dashboard. For in-person sales, you can display a QR code on a tablet or phone for customers to scan and complete the payment.

Once connected, you can embed crypto checkout on your website, include payment links in invoices or emails, and accept QR-code payments at the point of sale. Processing fees start at 0.5% for same-coin payments or 1% for conversions or fixed-rate payments, plus standard blockchain network fees.

Crypto.com Pay is one of the few crypto payment gateways that advertises zero merchant processing fees for accepting cryptocurrency payments. This makes it an appealing option for businesses that want to reduce payment costs while offering customers a crypto checkout option.

The platform supports a variety of cryptocurrencies and allows merchants to accept payments through hosted checkout pages, payment links, or QR codes. These features make it suitable for ecommerce businesses, online service providers, and merchants that occasionally accept in-person payments.

Crypto.com Pay also integrates with several ecommerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, making it relatively easy for businesses to add crypto payments without building a custom payment system.

Who should use Crypto.com Pay

Crypto.com Pay is best for small businesses that want to accept crypto payments with minimal merchant processing fees.

When not to use Crypto.com Pay

Crypto.com Pay may not be the best fit if you need broad fiat settlement options, advanced reporting, or availability in every US state. It also requires merchants to review payout fees and minimum withdrawal requirements.

Pricing

• Monthly fees: $0
• Processing/transaction fees to accept payments: $0 (customers paying from non-Crypto.com wallets may incur network/gas fees)
• Payout/withdrawal (merchant side):
• • Fiat settlements: Bank transmittance/wire fees may apply and vary by intermediaries; minimum payout amounts: USD 100, EUR 130 (SEPA), GBP 100, AUD 150
  • Crypto settlements: Network fees may apply; minimum payout amounts include BTC 0.01, ETH 0.1, CRO 500, USDC 100

Key features

• Supports 30+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins
• Hosted checkout pages and payment links
• QR code payments for online and in-person transactions
• Ecommerce plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and OpenCart
• Invoicing and recurring payment support
• Merchant promotions through the Crypto.com Pay marketplace

Crypto.com Pay works by generating a payment request when a customer chooses crypto at checkout. The system converts the purchase amount into the equivalent cryptocurrency value and displays a QR code or payment link for the customer to complete the transaction.

Customers can pay using the Crypto.com app or a supported external wallet. Once the payment is confirmed on the blockchain, the funds are credited to your Crypto.com Pay merchant account.

Merchants can choose to keep the funds in cryptocurrency or withdraw them to a supported bank account, depending on the settlement options available in their region.

How to add crypto payments with Crypto.com Pay

To start accepting payments with Crypto.com Pay, apply for a merchant account and complete the onboarding process. Once approved, you can integrate the gateway using ecommerce plugins, payment links, or APIs.

Merchants using platforms such as Shopify or WooCommerce can install the official plugin and connect their store to the Crypto.com Pay dashboard. After setup, customers can pay using supported cryptocurrencies by scanning a QR code or completing payment through a hosted checkout page.

BTCPay Server is one of the most trusted noncustodial crypto payment gateways, meaning merchants maintain full control of their funds and private keys. Unlike custodial processors that hold or convert funds on your behalf, BTCPay Server sends payments directly to your wallet.

Another advantage is its zero processing fees. Because it is open-source software rather than a traditional payment processor, merchants only pay standard blockchain network fees.

BTCPay Server is especially popular among businesses that want privacy, control, and independence from third-party payment processors. It supports both Bitcoin and Lightning Network payments, which can enable faster and lower-cost transactions compared with traditional blockchain transfers.

Who should use BTCPay Server

BTCPay Server is best for businesses that want full control over their cryptocurrency payments and prefer a noncustodial, open-source payment gateway.

When not to use BTCPay Server

BTCPay Server may not be the best fit if you want automatic fiat conversion, simple onboarding, managed customer support, or a beginner-friendly setup. It gives you more control, but you also take on more responsibility.

Pricing

• No processing fees
• Only blockchain network fees apply
• Hosting costs may apply if you run your own server or use a managed host

Key features

• Fully noncustodial payment gateway
• Accepts Bitcoin and Lightning Network payments
• Hosted checkout pages and payment buttons
• Invoicing and payment request tools
• Web-based POS interface for in-person payments
• Integrations with WooCommerce, Shopify (via plugins), Magento, and other ecommerce platforms
• Open-source software with customizable integrations
• Self-hosted or available through managed hosting providers

BTCPay Server generates a payment request when a customer selects Bitcoin at checkout. The system displays a wallet address or QR code with the exact amount due, which the customer sends from their crypto wallet.

Once the transaction is confirmed on the blockchain, the funds are delivered directly to your wallet without passing through an intermediary payment processor. If you enable Lightning Network payments, transactions can be confirmed almost instantly with lower fees.

How to add crypto payments with BTCPay Server

To start using BTCPay Server, you need to install the software on your own server or use a managed hosting provider that offers BTCPay Server deployment. After installation, connect your Bitcoin wallet and configure your payment settings.

Once set up, you can integrate BTCPay Server with your ecommerce platform using plugins or APIs. Businesses can then accept Bitcoin payments through hosted checkout pages, invoices, or QR code payments displayed at the point of sale.

Stripe is one of the most widely used payment platforms for online businesses, and it has recently expanded into cryptocurrency payments through stablecoin support and on-chain payment tools. This allows merchants to accept crypto payments while still managing transactions within the familiar Stripe ecosystem.

Instead of supporting hundreds of cryptocurrencies like traditional crypto gateways, Stripe focuses mainly on stablecoins such as USD Coin (USDC). This approach reduces volatility and allows businesses to receive payments that maintain a stable value relative to the US dollar.

Stripe also offers powerful developer tools and APIs, making it a strong choice for SaaS companies, ecommerce platforms, and startups that want to integrate crypto payments into a custom checkout flow.

Who should use Stripe

Stripe is best for businesses already using Stripe for payments that want to add stablecoin or crypto payment options without switching payment platforms.

When not to use Stripe

Stripe may not be the best fit if you want to accept many cryptocurrencies, need a crypto-native checkout, or want a dedicated crypto payment gateway with broad coin support.

Pricing

• Custom pricing depending on payment setup
• Standard Stripe transaction fees may apply
• Blockchain network fees may apply depending on the payment method used

Key features

• Accept stablecoin payments (USDC)
• On-chain payment support through Stripe integrations
• Powerful APIs for custom checkout experiences
• Built-in fraud protection and payment management tools
• Integrates with major ecommerce platforms and website builders
• Unified dashboard for managing both traditional and crypto payments

Stripe enables businesses to accept crypto payments by supporting stablecoin transactions within its payment infrastructure. When a customer chooses a supported cryptocurrency at checkout, Stripe processes the payment and settles the funds according to the merchant’s configured payout settings.

Because Stripe focuses on stablecoins like USDC, businesses can accept crypto payments while minimizing exposure to price volatility.

How to add crypto payments with Stripe

Businesses already using Stripe can enable crypto or stablecoin payments through the Stripe dashboard or developer tools. Depending on the integration, merchants can add crypto payment options to their checkout pages, apps, or ecommerce stores.

Developers can use Stripe’s APIs and payment tools to build custom checkout flows that support stablecoin payments alongside traditional payment methods such as credit cards or digital wallets.

PayPal now lets US merchants accept crypto at checkout via Pay with Crypto. Customers can pay with 100+ cryptocurrencies, and PayPal automatically converts the payment to PYUSD (PayPal USD stablecoin) or fiat for the merchant, delivering near-instant settlement and significantly lower fees (introductory ~0.99% for merchants, with “up to 90%” cost reductions on some cross-border transactions).

PayPal also supports a legacy flow, Checkout with Crypto, where a customer’s crypto is converted to fiat at checkout with no extra fee to the customer; merchants in that flow pay PayPal’s standard online pricing.

Because PayPal is already widely recognized and easy to add as an additional payment method on most sites, existing PayPal merchants can enable crypto with minimal changes to their checkout. And with PYUSD, PayPal provides a built-in stablecoin option to help mitigate price volatility between the customer’s crypto and your settlement.

Who should use PayPal

PayPal is best for merchants already using PayPal Business who want a familiar checkout and easy crypto acceptance.

When not to use PayPal

PayPal may not be the best fit if you want direct crypto wallet settlement, more control over custody, or lower fees from a crypto-native provider.

Pricing

• PayPal Business account: $0 monthly (standard account)
• Optional services:
• • Virtual Terminal: $30/month
  • Recurring Billing: $10/month
  • Recurring Payments Tool: $30/month
  • Payflow Gateway: $0-$25/month (for advanced integrations)
• Standard online transactions: 3.49% + $0.49 per transaction (U.S. domestic)
• Chargeback fee: $20 per dispute
• Pay with Crypto: Introductory ~0.99% merchant fee, up to 90% lower than some cross-border card fees
• Conversion: Crypto payments are automatically converted to PYUSD or fiat for merchants; customers pay no extra conversion fee

Key features

• Accept crypto payments through PayPal Checkout
• Automatic crypto-to-fiat or stablecoin (PYUSD) conversion
• No crypto wallet management required for merchants
• Access to PayPal’s global network of hundreds of millions of users
• Works alongside other payment methods such as cards and digital wallets
• Customizable checkout through PayPal APIs and payment buttons

When a customer chooses to pay with crypto through PayPal Checkout, the option appears automatically if their PayPal account holds a cryptocurrency balance or PYUSD. At checkout, the selected cryptocurrency is converted into fiat currency or PYUSD at the current exchange rate.

Merchants do not receive cryptocurrency directly. Instead, PayPal completes the conversion and deposits the payment into the merchant’s PayPal account in USD or PYUSD. This protects businesses from cryptocurrency price volatility and eliminates the need to manage crypto wallets.

How to add crypto payments with PayPal

Enabling crypto checkout requires no special setup for PayPal Business users. Simply keep PayPal Checkout active. Customers with a crypto balance or PYUSD will automatically see “Pay with Crypto” as an option at checkout. Merchants receive settled funds in USD or PYUSD, depending on their account setup.

Traditional Checkout with Crypto transactions fall under PayPal Payments Online, which carries the standard 3.49% + $0.49 fee. The new Pay with Crypto program, however, offers a reduced introductory ~0.99% fee for eligible merchants.

PaymentCloud specializes in merchant accounts for high-risk industries, making it a practical option for businesses that are often rejected by traditional payment processors. Through partnerships with crypto payment providers such as RocketFuel Blockchain, PaymentCloud merchants can add cryptocurrency acceptance alongside credit cards and other payment methods.

Instead of acting as a standalone crypto payment gateway, PaymentCloud functions as a merchant services provider that connects businesses with suitable processors and payment solutions. This can help high-risk merchants access crypto payment tools that might otherwise be difficult to obtain.

PaymentCloud is also known for its hands-on onboarding process, where merchants work with specialists to set up payment processing, integrations, and compliance requirements.

Who should use PaymentCloud

PaymentCloud is best for high-risk businesses that want to accept cryptocurrency payments but may have difficulty getting approved with standard payment processors.

When not to use PaymentCloud

PaymentCloud may not be the best fit if you want instant setup, transparent published pricing, or a standalone crypto payment gateway. It is best for businesses that need merchant account support and hands-on setup.

Pricing

• Monthly account fee: $10 to $45
• Virtual terminal: $15 to $45 per month
• Payment gateway: $15 per month
• Low-risk transaction fee: 2% to 3.1%
• Medium-risk transaction fee: 2.3% to 3.4%
• High-risk transaction fee: 2.7% to 4.3%

Please note that PaymentCloud’s pricing is custom for each solution and that the above are estimates provided by PaymentCloud.

Key features

• Merchant accounts for high-risk industries
• Cryptocurrency payments via third-party gateway integrations
• Ecommerce and POS payment processing
• Recurring billing and invoicing tools
• Access to a network of payment gateways and processors
• Dedicated account managers and onboarding support

PaymentCloud enables crypto acceptance through partner integrations with cryptocurrency payment providers. When a customer chooses to pay with crypto at checkout, the payment gateway generates a wallet address or QR code for the transaction.

Once the payment is confirmed on the blockchain, the funds can be settled in cryptocurrency or converted into fiat currency, depending on the integration used.

Because PaymentCloud specializes in high-risk merchants, this setup can allow businesses in regulated or restricted industries to add crypto payments alongside traditional card processing.

How to add crypto payments with PaymentCloud

To start accepting crypto payments with PaymentCloud, merchants must first apply for a merchant account. The company reviews business details, risk profile, and payment requirements during the onboarding process.

Once approved, PaymentCloud helps configure the appropriate payment gateway and crypto integration. After setup, businesses can add crypto checkout options to their ecommerce store or POS system through the connected payment provider.