In this article, we dive deep into the top crypto payment gateways in 2022. We explore the range of services available, compatible assets, and typical fees involved. Also, we discuss some things to consider before a business decides to integrate a crypto gateway service. But before that, we look at the definition, function, and operation of crypto gateways and their advantages.
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What are Crypto Payment Gateways?
Crypto payment gateways are payment processors akin to traditional transaction gateway services with legacy financial institutions. Specifically, crypto payment gateways act as a facilitator between consumers and business merchants. Thanks to crypto payment gateways, businesses of any size can accept cryptocurrencies as a form of payment. Then, the crypto gateway service will instantly convert the consumer’s crypto payment into the merchant’s preferred currency. In turn, crypto payment gateways allow businesses unsure of cryptocurrency to accept such payments while still receiving local fiat currency. As a result, crypto gateways are a perfect solution for evolving businesses participating in the Web3 evolution. Crypto payment gateways expand market availability while removing the technical burden for businesses.
A typical crypto payment gateway will use the following user pathway. First, a customer chooses to checkout (online, in-app, or in-store), paying in cryptocurrency. Then, they send the transaction’s dollar value using crypto assets. Almost instantaneously, the gateway provider will convert the payment into the merchant’s chosen currency. Funds will remain on the gateway provider’s account until deposited into a business bank account, the intervals of which will vary depending on the service contract. As crypto payment gateways monitor transactions on the blockchain, all payment activity is fully transparent and immutable.
Why Implement a Crypto Payment Gateway?
Now that we understand more about the operations of crypto payment gateways, let’s explore a few reasons why they’re an increasingly favorable option for businesses.
Position Your Business at the Forefront of Developing Technologies
Being able to sell goods and services in exchange for cryptocurrency is a positive public relations (PR) move for most businesses. This is because the crypto industry is still relatively small, with users in the early stages of adoption. As such, integrating crypto payment gateways will show consumers that the business is forward-thinking, progressive, and adaptive. Plus, this could aid in consumers’ idea of longevity and faith in a brand proactively engaging in cutting-edge technologies.
Expand Avenues for International Clientele
Incorporating crypto payment gateways alongside existing payment channels will drastically expand a product’s market potential. As public blockchain networks are borderless, permissionless, and decentralized, anyone with an internet connection can access cryptocurrency assets. Ergo, integrating crypto gateways allows international consumers to purchase goods or services from businesses abroad. Further, crypto payment gateways alleviate any stress or hassle surrounding international payments.
Lower Cost
Traditional payment networks charge merchants extortionate amounts for businesses to use their network. Conversely, the cost-saving efficiencies of blockchain are passed on to businesses with crypto payment gateways. As a result, the cost of using crypto gateways is substantially lower than legacy alternatives.
Accounting Benefits
Introducing crypto payment gateways into an existing business model can offer some accounting benefits as well. With crypto payments, transaction confirmation is almost immediate. Therefore, there is no waiting or holding period, unlike the average 5-day confirmation time with traditional financial networks. This means businesses can account for all transactions at any time without fear of failing or missing payments. In addition, crypto gateways ensure all transactions are immutably secure and mathematically valid, backed by cryptography and computer science. Also, businesses have a choice surrounding the transparency of transactions with public and private hybrid blockchain options.
Top Crypto Payment Gateways for Businesses
For businesses expanding their financial opportunities, there are many crypto payment gateways to choose from. Below, we discuss some of the top crypto payment gateways for businesses, aggregating the top eight services from varying media outlets, listed in alphabetical order.
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ALFAcoins
Catering to legal business entities, ALFAcoins is one of the top-featuring crypto payment gateways in 2022. ALFAcoins makes it easy for businesses to accept crypto payments for their goods and services using its APU, instant payment notification (IPN), payment button, and WordPress plugins. Available worldwide (excluding Iran and North Korea), ALFAcoins supports leading cryptocurrency projects. This includes Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Tether (ERC-20), XRP, Litecoin, and Dash. Furthermore, withdrawal support includes local fiat currencies such as EUR and USD.
ALFAcoins charges 0.99% on every successful transaction. However, businesses have the option to absorb this cost or to let the customer pay. ALFAcoins offers a range of customizable configurations with a fee-free, auto-withdrawal feature that transfers assets to merchants’ wallets. Overall, ALFAcoins has a positive reputation and promises businesses zero friction with integrating a crypto payment gateway. However, it is worth noting that ALFAcoins currently only supports a relatively small number of coins.
BitPay
As one of the longest-standing crypto payment gateways, BitPay has been processing crypto transactions for world-leading companies since launching in 2011. Further, BitPay provides multi-user facilities in over forty languages with multilingual support features. Its services include an open-source e-commerce plugin, BitPay debit cards, and a highly interactive application programming interface (API)-based platform with a two-factor authentication system. In addition, BitPay offers a QR code invoicing system for retail payments. Businesses can begin accepting crypto payments online by simply downloading the BitPay mobile app. Moreover, BitPay’s fees begin at a 1% charge per transaction.
Voted as one of the top crypto payment gateways in 2022, BitPay boasts support from global entities, including Mastercard, Amazon, and Delta. Further, BitPay supports a wide range of crypto assets and offers businesses the merchants to receive crypto or fiat payouts. However, a minimum account balance is required before withdrawals can be made.
Blockonomics
For businesses seeking permissionless crypto payment gateways, Blockonomics is a top choice! Supporting over 10,000 e-commerce sites worldwide, Blockonomics offers a seamless crypto checkout experience with its easy-to-integrate API. As a permissionless service, Blockonomics doesn’t require KYC (know your customer) documentation nor use third-party authentication. Businesses can provide a crypto payment gateway for customers using payment buttons, links, or QR codes. As such, Blockonomics makes it super easy for any business to accept Bitcoin (BTC) or Bitcoin Cash (BCH) as a medium of exchange for products and services.
Further, Blockonomics offers an integrated service with ShapeShift. ShapeShift is a decentralized, non-custodial, multi-chain springboard platform offering pathways to DeFi applications. The collaborative business model means Blockonomics can facilitate a wide range of crypto payments beyond Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash. The crypto payment gateway charges a 1% transaction fee, with a welcome offer of the first 20 payments being free.
Coinbase Commerce
With Coinbase, a world-leading crypto exchange, Coinbase Commerce is considered one of the top crypto payment gateways in 2022. Coinbase Commerce is a fast, direct, and convenient option for businesses looking to accept cryptocurrencies. By providing a near-instant crypto-to-fiat payment conversion, Coinbase Commerce’s reputation boasts reliable security measures against price volatility. Available in over 100 countries, Coinbase Commerce supports a range of payout methods, including bank deposits, PayPal, debit cards, and more.
Coinbase Commerce is fully compatible with well-known e-commerce CMS platforms such as Shopify, OpenCart, and WooCommerce, among others. Plus, the crypto gateway service supports many popular assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Coin, and Dogecoin. Coinbase Commerce offers two merchant plans, each starting with a 1% transaction fee. However, be sure to critically consider the benefits and payoffs for each plan and what is best for your business.
CoinGate
Next on our list of top crypto payment gateways is CoinGate. Unlike most gateway services, CoinGate allows merchants to accept crypto and fiat currencies rather than being a crypto-specific add-on or plugin service. Charging a flat 1% transaction fee, CoinGate sits comfortably in the average cost range for a crypto payment gateway service. Furthermore, CoinGate supports over 70 different cryptocurrencies thanks to an integration with the DeFi protocol, ShapeShift. Plus, CoinGate stores most of its assets in secure cold storage offline.
Popular in countries such as Brazil, Japan, and Belgium, CoinGate offers an intuitive application programming interface (API) for businesses to integrate into their existing websites with ease. Moreover, its API and plugin range are compatible with leading e-commerce platforms such as Magento and WooCommerce. CoinGate’s withdrawal methods include bank transfers, SEPA, and a wide range of cryptocurrencies. However, it may incur a fee or a minimum withdrawal amount. That said, CoinGate is a reputable crypto payment gateway and offers a range of business management services.
GoURL
Founded in 2014, GoURL is a permissionless, open-source crypto payment gateway explicitly focusing on the anonymity of its users. As such, GoURL abstains from using direct bank transfers as a withdrawal method. However, there is a selection of alternative withdrawal and payment gateway methods, and the signup process is completely free. GoURL offers a free Bitcoin WordPress plugin that allows sites to accept Bitcoin (BTC) payments with zero monthly fees. There is a paid-for subscription service as well. Plus, if merchants choose to send and receive GoURL’s crypto asset, Speedcoin, this will not incur any charge. However, there is a varying 1.5% transaction fee with other assets.
Another aspect of GoURL is its free “Bitcoin Monetiser Online” service. Using GoUrl Monetiser Online, freelancers and individuals can sell digital assets in exchange for cryptocurrency, even if they don’t have a website. That said, charges are considerably higher with a 3.5% transaction fee.
NOWPayments
NOWPayments is a frequently featured name in lists of top crypto payment gateways, and it’s a non-custodial, permissionless service launched in 2019. Alongside facilitating crypto gateway services, NOWPayments offers fiat conversions, application programming interfaces (APIs), plugins, and management solutions, including a mass payments feature. Accordingly, NOWPayments offers a seamless service with leading e-commerce CMS platforms (e.g., Shopify, OpenCart, WooCommerce, etc.).
NOWPayments is a favorable option for businesses who wish to accept and hold cryptocurrencies on the balance sheet. For this service, there is no additional charge. However, if a merchant wishes to accept one currency and receive another, there is a fee for the exchange. Nonetheless, NOWPayments promises a maximum fee of 1% for each payment split between charges per transaction and auto exchange. As one of the top crypto payment gateways, NOWPayments supports payments with more than 100 different cryptocurrencies.
SpicePay
Another popular choice of crypto payment gateways in 2022 is SpicePay, consistently voted a top contender each year since its launch in 2009. Providing a permissionless service, SpicePay aids in online donations and fundraising in cryptocurrencies with mobile and desktop applications. Also, SpicePay is a convenient choice for businesses with frictionless crypto-to-fiat conversions and withdrawal methods. This includes bank transfers, PayPal, SEPA, and debit cards. Plus, available fiat currencies include USD, CAD, EUR, and GBP.
SpicePay offers a flat fee of 1% of each transaction with a welcoming offer including free payments for a limited period. In addition, SpicePay includes a range of useful open-source plugins to make business management easier, including email, invoice, and hosting solutions.
Considerations for Implementing Crypto Payment Gateways
If you’re a business owner that’s concluded using crypto payment gateways is a wise move, carrying out extensive due diligence is critical. For example, consider how easy the integration with a payment gateway will be with your existing processing channels. In addition, look at whether “volatility shielding” is an option. With the exception of (most) stablecoins, cryptocurrencies are notoriously volatile. As such, some crypto payment gateways provide a price stabilization feature. This provides a guarantee of receiving the value quoted at the point of sale. Another aspect to evaluate is the breadth of multi-currency support. Some crypto gateways specialize in a sleek checkout experience with few cryptocurrencies available. Conversely, other crypto gateways offer a multi-utility service with a wide range of compatible assets.
Furthermore, businesses should be aware of crypto gateway custodial options. For example, crypto payment gateways can offer either custodial or non-custodial accounts. This means merchants have the option of physically owning the crypto assets paid by consumers. Or, businesses can choose to solely gain price exposure to the assets without the responsibilities of custody. In addition, be sure to explore all the relevant costs involved. The average cost for using crypto gateways is around 1%. However, other costs may occur, including payouts, conversions, and network fees. Plus, check out other features available with crypto payment gateways. Gateways may include services such as accounting functions, mass invoicing or payments, and recurring payments.
Finally, critically consider the reputation of your chosen crypto payment gateway service. As an evolving industry with desultory regulatory proposals, it is vital businesses research laws and guidelines within their local jurisdiction.
Exploring Top Crypto Payment Gateways 2022 – Summary
There is a wide choice of crypto payment gateways to choose from, each with its own unique selling point. Crypto payment gateways are ideal for businesses to expand their market capacity and ameliorate the accounting inefficiencies of traditional finances. Moreover, crypto payment gateways allow merchants unfamiliar or uneducated around cryptocurrencies to remain relevant in an evolving cutting-edge industry. In addition, incorporating a crypto gateway service will likely be a profitable alternative to legacy gateway solutions. However, each service comes with its own risks and benefits, and it is crucial for businesses to be due diligent with the services they integrate.
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