Physical Bitcoin coin on top of other popular cryptocurrency coins.

How to Accept Crypto Payments as a Business

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Crypto is a popular payment method for many online customers, especially in certain verticals. Accepting crypto payments can be an easy win for your business. However, it’s not for every business.

Find out the most popular industries that should accept crypto payments, how to do it, and crypto’s potential benefits for your business.

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Why Your Business Should Accept Crypto Payments

Embracing cryptocurrency payments can give your business a competitive edge. Here’s why now is the perfect time to start accepting crypto.

Crypto Payment Options are Widely Available

Good news! Many of the payment processors and gateways you already use, like PayPal, Stripe, and Square, have jumped on the crypto bandwagon. They now offer seamless cryptocurrency payment options alongside traditional methods.

Enabling crypto payments is often as simple as flipping a switch in your account settings.

Customers are Eager to Pay with Crypto

As cryptocurrency goes mainstream, a growing number of your customers likely prefer to pay with digital currencies. Some enjoy the anonymity that crypto transactions provide, while others are excited to embrace the future of money.

And of course, many simply appreciate having the freedom to pay with their preferred method. By accepting crypto, you cater to these diverse customer preferences and show that your business is forward-thinking and customer-centric.

Tap into New Customer Segments

Accepting crypto payments can help you tap into entirely new customer segments. Crypto enthusiasts and early adopters are always on the lookout for businesses that align with their values and payment preferences.

By welcoming crypto payments, you effectively hang an “Open for Business” sign for this tech-savvy and often high-spending crowd. You may be surprised by the new business and loyalty you attract simply by saying “yes” to crypto.

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Types of Businesses That Commonly Accept Crypto

Cryptocurrency adoption is surging across various industries, with forward-thinking businesses eagerly embracing this digital payment revolution. Let’s explore some of the trailblazers leading the charge.

CBD and Marijuana Businesses

The CBD and marijuana industry has wholeheartedly embraced crypto payments. Many businesses in this sector have turned to digital currencies to circumvent traditional banking restrictions and provide their customers with discreet, convenient payment options.

By accepting crypto, these businesses can streamline transactions and tap into a tech-savvy customer base that values privacy and innovation.

Crypto Exchanges

Unsurprisingly, crypto exchanges are at the forefront of accepting digital currency payments. These platforms, which allow users to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, often accept a wide range of digital assets for their services.

Subscription Services

From streaming platforms to monthly box deliveries, subscription-based businesses are jumping on the crypto bandwagon. By accepting cryptocurrency payments, these businesses offer their subscribers a flexible, cutting-edge payment option.

Crypto enthusiasts can easily manage their subscriptions using their preferred digital assets, ensuring uninterrupted access to the products and services they love.

Gaming and Gambling Sites

The online gaming and gambling industry is no stranger to digital currencies. Many platforms now accept crypto payments, allowing players to easily deposit funds and withdraw winnings.

By embracing crypto, these sites attract a global player base and provide a seamless, secure gaming experience. With crypto payments, players can enjoy their favorite games without worrying about traditional banking limitations or delays.

Charities and Non-Profits

Forward-thinking charities and non-profit organizations are also harnessing the power of crypto payments. By accepting digital currency donations, these organizations can tap into a new pool of generous supporters who value transparency and innovation.

Crypto donations offer a fast, secure, and low-cost way for global supporters to make a difference, empowering charities to focus on their mission and maximize their impact.

Metaverse Businesses

As the metaverse continues to expand, businesses operating within virtual worlds are naturally embracing cryptocurrency payments. From virtual real estate to digital fashion and accessories, crypto payments are the lifeblood of the metaverse economy.

By accepting digital currencies, metaverse businesses create immersive, seamless experiences for their users, blurring the lines between the virtual and the real world.

YOUR BUSINESS WILL BENEFIT FROM CRYPTO

How to Start Accepting Crypto Payments

Ready to dive into the world of cryptocurrency payments? Follow these simple steps to start accepting crypto at your business.

Check Your Current Payment Processor

First, check if your current payment processor already supports cryptocurrency payments. Many major players like PayPal, Stripe, and Square have embraced crypto, making it incredibly easy for you to get started.

Simply log into your account and look for cryptocurrency options in your settings. Enabling crypto payments might be as simple as flipping a switch!

Open a Dedicated Crypto Merchant Account

If your current processor doesn’t support crypto, don’t worry. You can easily open a dedicated crypto merchant account. These accounts specialize in cryptocurrency transactions and offer user-friendly interfaces to get you up and running quickly.

Sign up for an account, complete the necessary verification steps, and you’ll be ready to accept crypto payments in no time.

Integrate Crypto into Your Checkout Flow

Now that you have a crypto-enabled payment processor or dedicated merchant account, it’s time to integrate cryptocurrency options into your checkout flow. You have several options to make this happen.

  • Hosted Checkout Pages: Many crypto payment gateways offer hosted checkout pages that handle the entire payment process for you. Simply link to these pages from your website, and let the gateway take care of the rest.
  • Payment Buttons and Widgets: Integrate pre-built payment buttons or widgets into your website to enable crypto payments. These snippets of code are typically provided by your chosen payment gateway and can be easily added to your site with minimal technical knowledge.
  • Custom Integration via API: For more advanced customization, leverage your payment gateway’s API to seamlessly integrate crypto payments into your existing checkout process. This option offers the most flexibility but may require some development work.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to accepting cryptocurrency payments at your business. Remember, the world of crypto is constantly evolving, so stay informed about new developments and best practices to ensure a smooth and secure payment experience for your customers.

ACCEPT CRYPTO ON YOUR CHECKOUT PAGE

Which Cryptocurrencies Should You Accept?

When deciding which cryptocurrencies to accept at your business, focus on the coins that will provide the most value and convenience for your customers. Here’s how to curate your crypto payment options.

Prioritize the Most Popular Coins

Start by accepting the most widely used and recognized cryptocurrencies:

  • Bitcoin (BTC): As the original and most well-known cryptocurrency, Bitcoin is a must-have for any business accepting crypto. It has the largest market cap and is considered the “gold standard” of the crypto world.
  • Ethereum (ETH): Ethereum is the second-largest cryptocurrency and powers a wide range of decentralized applications. Accepting ETH opens your business up to a tech-savvy customer base.
  • Bitcoin Cash (BCH): Bitcoin Cash is a popular Bitcoin offshoot designed for faster, more affordable transactions. It’s widely accepted and can help you cater to customers seeking low-fee payment options.

Embrace Stablecoins for Price Stability

Consider accepting stablecoins like Tether (USDT) to mitigate the volatility often associated with cryptocurrencies. Stablecoins are pegged to stable assets like the US dollar, offering your business and customers a more predictable payment experience.

Curate Your Coin Selection

Don’t feel pressured to accept every obscure altcoin on the market. Instead, curate a thoughtful selection of reputable, high-volume cryptocurrencies that align with your business needs and customer preferences.

Regularly review and adjust your supported coins based on factors like customer demand, market trends, and transaction volumes. By staying agile and responsive, you can optimize your crypto payment options to drive sales and customer satisfaction.

Remember, the goal is to offer a seamless, value-added crypto payment experience for your customers. By focusing on the most popular coins, embracing stablecoins, and curating your selection, you’ll be well-positioned to reap the benefits of accepting cryptocurrency payments.

The future of payments is here, and crypto is undeniably part of that future. Embrace cryptocurrency payments today to stay ahead of the curve, delight your customers, and unlock new growth opportunities for your business. The crypto revolution is knocking at your door—will you answer?

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About the author

As President of DirectPayNet, I make it my mission to help merchants find the best payment solutions for their online business, especially if they are categorized as high-risk merchants. I help setup localized payments modes and have tons of other tricks to increase sales! Prior to starting DirectPayNet, I was a Director at MANSEF Inc. (now known as MindGeek), where I led a team dedicated to managing merchant accounts for hundreds of product lines as well as customer service and secondary revenue sources. I am an avid traveler, conference speaker and love to attend any event that allows me to learn about technology. I am fascinated by anything related to digital currency especially Bitcoin and the Blockchain.