How to Accept Bitcoin Payments? Learn To Get Paid in Bitcoin

As global interest in Bitcoin continues to grow, more businesses are exploring ways to embrace BTC as a legitimate payment method. 

The Federal Reserve’s 2023 survey of Household Economics and Decision Making indicated 3% of U.S. adults (about 7.8 million) used crypto for buying or payments that year, with estimates suggesting about 70% was for online shopping. 

Another relatively recent study of Crypto.com‘s users has shown that the number of people that would like to pay with crypto is multiple times bigger than the number of merchants willing to accept it. To be more precise, only 4% of surveyed merchants accept cryptocurrency payments, while 40% of surveyed consumers already use bitcoin and other digital assets for shopping online. 

Accepting Bitcoin offers several benefits: access to international customers, faster settlements, reduced transaction costs, and an edge over competitors. But despite these advantages, many businesses are unsure where to start.

This guide offers a clear, step-by-step approach for businesses looking to accept Bitcoin payments with minimal friction. Whether you run an online store, a subscription-based service, or a brick-and-mortar business, you’ll find practical methods and real examples to help you get started with how to accept Bitcoin payments.

Quick Answer: How can a business accept Bitcoin payments?

Businesses can accept Bitcoin through several streamlined methods such as crypto payment gateways like CoinGate, which offer tools like eCommerce plugins, API integrations, email invoicing, Point-of-Sale systems, and customizable payment buttons. 

Key Takeaways

• Choosing a reliable Bitcoin payment processor can streamline operations and reduce risks such as volatility or chargebacks.
  
• This guide explores four easy integration methods, from no-code solutions to custom setups.
  
• According to CoinGate data, 22.8% of retail crypto transactions were made using BTC in 2024, with the rest split among USDT, LTC, TRX, BNB, and others.
  
• Key considerations when choosing a provider include fees, settlement options, wallet compatibility, and regulatory compliance.

Why Are Businesses Looking to Get Paid in Bitcoin?

The demand for BTC payments is growing fast, yet most merchants haven’t caught up. As mentioned in the introduction, there’s a significant market gap between those who spend and those who accept—one your business could step in to fill.

Industries leading the way in Bitcoin adoption include:

• Travel and tourism
• Automotive
• Digital media and content creation
• Hospitality
• VPN services
• Hosting providers
• Proxy service providers
• RDP
• Gaming and gambling platforms

By becoming an early adopter, businesses not only attract a broader, often global audience—they also gain a competitive edge in industries where crypto-friendly merchants are still rare.

To explore more reasons behind this shift, check out more about the benefits of cryptocurrency.

Why Do Customers Want to Pay with Bitcoin?

From the customer’s perspective, Bitcoin is a meaningful alternative to traditional payment methods. Here’s why more consumers are opting for BTC:

• Privacy & pseudonymity – Personal details are not required to complete transactions.
• Data protection – Fewer third parties involved reduces the risk of data leaks.
• Global accessibility – No bank? No problem. Bitcoin is borderless and open to all.
• Lower fees – when using the Lightning Network, it’s especially beneficial for international transactions.
• Fast transactions – Especially when compared to traditional payment systems or using solutions that optimize for confirmation times.
• Financial inclusion – Ideal for users in underbanked or unbanked regions.

These advantages make Bitcoin an attractive payment option for tech-savvy, privacy-conscious customers—and a smart choice for businesses ready to evolve with them.

How to Accept Bitcoin as a Business

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to accepting Bitcoin payments—and that’s a good thing. 

You might be running an eCommerce store, offering subscription-based services, or accepting in-person payments, it doesn’t matter – there’s definitely a method that fits your business model.

In this section, we’ll walk through four proven ways to accept Bitcoin payments as a business, covering everything from plug-and-play solutions to fully customizable integrations.

These options include:

1. E-commerce Bitcoin plugin integration
2. One-time Bitcoin email or direct link billing
3. Bitcoin API connection for maximum customization
4. Bitcoin payment buttons for quick checkout

Each method includes a simple step-by-step guide, highlighting the setup time, technical skills required, and best-fit business types—so you can find the right path for your business, fast.

E-commerce Bitcoin Plugin Integration

For online stores, integrating a Bitcoin payment method can be as easy as installing a plugin. This is the most accessible way for merchants to start accepting BTC, especially those using popular eCommerce platforms.

Why choose this method?

• No coding or technical knowledge required
• Fast setup—live in under an hour
• Seamless checkout experience for customers
• Automatically generated Bitcoin payment addresses & invoices
• Option to settle in fiat or BTC

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Register a merchant account with a Bitcoin payment gateway like CoinGate.
2. Download and install the plugin compatible with your eCommerce platform.
3. Log in to your CoinGate dashboard to generate your API credentials.
4. Paste your credentials into the plugin settings on your website backend.
5. Set your payout currency—you can receive settlements in BTC, EUR, USD, or others.
   Activate the payment method and test a transaction to ensure everything works smoothly.

Supported Platforms (with guides):

• Woocommerce
• WHMCS
• OpenCart
• PrestaShop
• WIX
• Magento 2

Setup Time:

15–60 minutes

Technical Skills:

None required

Best For:

• Online stores
• Dropshipping businesses
• Digital goods 

If you’re wondering how to accept bitcoin as an eCommerce merchant, this method is the easiest way to start.

Recurring or One-Time Bitcoin Email Billing

For service providers, SaaS platforms, or any business that sends regular invoices, Bitcoin email billing is a flexible, low-effort method to collect payments in BTC—no website integration required.

Why choose this method?

• No website or coding needed
• Works with one-time and recurring payments
• Ideal for subscriptions or on-demand services
• Can send invoices to individuals or bulk send to hundreds at once
• Enables QR code payments and branded email templates

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sign up for a merchant account on a Bitcoin payment gateway platform like CoinGate.
2. Navigate to the Billing or Invoicing section in your dashboard.
3. Create a new invoice, adding the payment amount, customer email, and due date.
4. Send the invoice—your customer will receive an email with a payment link and QR code.
5. Track payment status in real-time via your dashboard.

Supported Platforms:

Any (this method is platform-independent)

Setup Time:

10 minutes

Technical Skills:

Minimal to none

Best For:

• Freelancers and consultants
• SaaS & subscription-based services
• Hosting, VPNs, and digital product providers

To learn more, check out Bitcoin email billing guide for a deeper look at how this feature works and how to make the most of it.

Bitcoin API Connection for Maximum Customization

For businesses that need complete control over the payment experience, Bitcoin API integration offers the most flexibility. It allows you to build a custom Bitcoin and other crypto payment flow tailored to your platform, branding, and backend systems.

Why choose this method?

• Full control over UX and payment logic
• Ideal for custom-built websites, apps, and marketplaces
• Enables advanced management of features like automated settlements, refunds, and order management
• Integrates with internal systems (accounting, CRM, etc.)
• Supports 15+ cryptocurrencies with one integration

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Register a CoinGate merchant account and navigate to the API section in your dashboard.
2. Generate your API credentials, including API keys and webhook URLs.
3. Follow the API documentation to implement endpoints for creating orders, handling callbacks, and confirming payments.
4. Customize your checkout using your branding and user flow preferences.
5. Test transactions in sandbox mode before going live.
6. Launch your integration and monitor via the CoinGate dashboard.

Supported Platforms:

Any (fully customizable integration)

Setup Time:

1 hour to 1 day

Technical Skills:

Developer involvement required

Best For:

• Marketplaces & aggregators
• High-volume businesses
• SaaS platforms with custom backends
• Businesses asking: how to accept bitcoin on my website

With API integration, you get complete flexibility while still benefiting from CoinGate’s infrastructure for security, scalability, and reliability.

Utilize Bitcoin Payment Buttons

For businesses that want to add a quick and simple payment option to their website or landing page, Bitcoin payment buttons are an excellent choice. They’re easy to create, fully customizable, and require zero backend integration.

Why choose this method?

• Easiest way to start accepting Bitcoin online
• Ideal for donations, single-item sales, or pay-what-you-want models
• No coding required—just copy & paste a code snippet
• Customizable appearance, pricing, and payment options
• Can include payment fields, notifications, and QR codes

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Log in to your CoinGate merchant dashboard and head to the “Payment Buttons” section.
2. Create a new button, setting your price, description, and any optional fields.
3. Customize the button style—you can upload logos, set branding colors, and add optional customer input fields.
4. Choose your preferred currencies for settlement and display.
5. Copy the generated HTML code and paste it into your website or blog.
6. Go live—visitors can now click the button and pay in Bitcoin or other supported cryptocurrencies.

Supported Platforms:

Any (just requires HTML embedding)

Setup Time:

10 minutes

Technical Skills:

None

Best For:

• Digital creators & freelancers
• Online tipping or donations
• One-time product purchases
• Landing pages & blogs

To learn more, sign in to CoinGate and set up your first one today.

Real Examples of Businesses Paid in Bitcoin

More businesses are embracing Bitcoin and cryptocurrency payments to enhance privacy, expand their global reach, and offer flexible payment options. Let’s explore how NordVPN, Cherry Servers, and MoreMins have successfully integrated crypto payments with CoinGate.​

NordVPN: Expanding Global Reach with Crypto Payments

NordVPN, a leading VPN provider, integrated crypto payments to better serve its global customer base. Since partnering with CoinGate, they’ve received crypto payments from 176 countries, with an average annual growth of 13% in crypto transactions. 

This strategic move has solidified their position as a globally accessible service provider. Read the full case study.​

Cherry Servers: Streamlining Infrastructure Payments

Cherry Servers, known for their dedicated server solutions, adopted cryptocurrency payments to cater to a global clientele, including the unbanked population. 

By accepting crypto, they eliminated the need for customers to disclose personal information, enhancing user privacy. With this approach, not only they simplified transactions but also attracted more customers worldwide, leading to increased sales. Discover their journey.​

MoreMins: Revolutionizing Telecom Payments

MoreMins, a telecommunications company, integrated crypto payments to offer more flexibility to their users. Currently, 10% of all MoreMins’ transactions are made using cryptocurrency, with Bitcoin alone accounting for one-third of these payments. 

The volume of cryptocurrency payments at MoreMins has been doubling each year. This strategic move has positioned MoreMins as a forward-thinking leader in the telecom industry. Learn more about their experience.​

For more companies embracing digital payments, check out who accepts Bitcoin as payment or our CoinGate’s merchant directory.

Tips for Choosing the Right Bitcoin Payment Provider

Not all Bitcoin payment processors are created equal. While some may promise fast setup or low fees, it’s crucial to evaluate them based on what truly matters for long-term reliability and growth. 

Here are the key factors to consider when choosing your Bitcoin payment gateway:

Transparent Pricing (No Hidden Fees)

Make sure the provider discloses all fees upfront. Some services pass hidden costs onto your customers or include unnecessary surcharges in transactions. A standard, flat fee (like 1%) is ideal.

Wallet Compatibility

Avoid gateways that force customers to use specific wallet protocols (e.g., BIP70 only). This creates friction and limits accessibility. Look for a provider that supports standard wallet formats and a wide variety of wallets.

Fiat & Crypto Settlement Options

The best providers allow you to settle in BTC, EUR, USD, or stablecoins depending on your business needs. If your provider doesn’t offer fiat payouts, it may complicate your accounting and financial operations.

Robust Compliance

Choose a processor with strong AML, KYC, and GDPR compliance. This not only reduces legal risks but also builds trust with your customers and financial partners.

Extra Features That Add Value

Look beyond basic checkout functionality. Ask:

• Can I issue refunds easily?
• Is Lightning Network supported for faster payments?
• Can I send Bitcoin email invoices?
• Are payment buttons available?
• Does it include tools for accounting and fund management?

If you’re looking for a solution that checks all these boxes, once again, we recommend exploring Bitcoin payment gateway provider, CoinGate.

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Ready to start? Create an account with CoinGate. 

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Bitcoin Payment Adoption Doesn’t Stop at Integration

Integrating Bitcoin payments is just the beginning. To truly benefit from this new capability, it’s essential to support it across your organization and marketing channels. Here’s how to ensure your team and your customers are fully on board:

1. Train Your Team for Success

Make sure your staff knows what crypto is, how it works, and how to manage your CoinGate account. 

Everyone from your support team to customer-facing roles should be confident in answering basic questions and guiding customers through the payment process.

We also recommend:

• Giving your team resources to learn the basics of Bitcoin and crypto.
• Training your team on how to navigate your CoinGate dashboard.
• Knowing where to get help—CoinGate’s support team is always available to assist you and your customers.

This internal alignment will reduce friction, build trust, and ensure a seamless experience from the first payment onward.

2. Educate Customers on Your Website

Having educational content about crypto payments on your website helps build trust and improves your discoverability online. Consider:

• Creating a dedicated landing page or blog post explaining how to pay with crypto.
• Including step-by-step instructions, visuals, or FAQs.
• Optimizing the content for search engines so customers who are curious will find it when searching whether your business accepts crypto.

This kind of content not only informs but also attracts traffic from crypto users actively looking for places to spend.

3. Promote Your Crypto Payment Option

Don’t let your crypto payment method go unnoticed. Make it visible across your marketing channels:

• Add crypto payment badges or banners on your website.
• Announce the new option on social media, newsletters, or blog posts.
• List your store in merchant directories, like the CoinGate merchant directory, where crypto-savvy customers go to discover businesses that accept Bitcoin and other digital assets.

Visibility is key—especially when tapping into a global audience that actively seeks out crypto-friendly merchants.

Will Bitcoin Payments Live Up to the Hype?

Bitcoin has long been hailed as the flagship cryptocurrency for payments. Yet, the 2024 crypto payments data report revealed a notable shift in how it’s being used at checkout. 

For the first time on CoinGate, Bitcoin was surpassed by USDT as the most-used cryptocurrency, with BTC’s share dropping from 35.6% in 2023 to 22.8% in 2024. This shift prompts a critical question: is Bitcoin still the future of everyday payments, or has its role started to change?

Bitcoin’s New Role in the Crypto Economy

While Bitcoin’s relative share has declined, it’s important to view this in context. Bitcoin is not fading—it’s evolving. The growth of stablecoins like USDT has changed user preferences, especially in markets that demand low fees and fast settlements.

 However, Bitcoin still maintains a strong foothold among merchants and tech-savvy users looking for more than just speed.

In fact, 7.92% of all merchant settlements in 2024 were in BTC, suggesting that a significant segment of businesses continue to see it as a valuable asset worth holding—not just a transactional tool.

Lightning Network Lights the Way

One area where Bitcoin showed impressive momentum is in scalability. The Lightning Network (LN)—Bitcoin’s layer 2 solution—processed 15.4% of all BTC transactions in 2024, effectively doubling its share from the previous year. 

This spike peaked in December, with nearly 20% of Bitcoin payments routed through LN. It’s a clear signal that when given the right tools, Bitcoin can still compete on speed and cost-efficiency.

The Verdict: Bitcoin Is Adapting

Bitcoin may no longer dominate payment volume charts, but it’s far from obsolete. Instead, it’s finding its niche—moving from being the only option to becoming one of several smart choices, especially when paired with innovations like the Lightning Network. 

For businesses and users who value decentralization, long-term value, and security, Bitcoin still lives up to the hype—just in a more refined, strategic way.

Are You Ready to Accept Crypto Payments?

If you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly serious about innovating how your business collects payments. Whether you’re drawn to Bitcoin for its global reach, low fees, or fraud protection, there’s never been a better time to start.

CoinGate offers a simple way to test the waters or go all in—whether through eCommerce plugins, payment buttons, and API connections.

Ready to take the leap? Start by registering your merchant account with CoinGate and unlock the full potential of Bitcoin payments for your business.

It’s fast, secure, and built for businesses that think ahead.

Still Confused? Let’s Clear It Up!

Is accepting Bitcoin payments legal?

Yes, in most countries around the world. However, regulations can vary, so it’s important to ensure your business complies with local laws. Reputable payment providers like CoinGate offer built-in compliance features to keep you on the safe side.

How do I convert Bitcoin into fiat currency?

With CoinGate, you can automatically convert received BTC into EUR, USD, or other currencies and withdraw them to your bank account. This helps minimize exposure to volatility and simplifies bookkeeping.

Can I accept Bitcoin without a payment processor?

Technically, yes—you can generate a wallet and share addresses manually. But this method lacks automation, security checks, and conversion tools. Using a processor streamlines payments, improves customer experience, and reduces operational risk.

How do I handle Bitcoin’s price volatility?

CoinGate lets you instantly convert BTC to fiat at the time of the transaction, locking in the exchange rate. You can also choose to receive stablecoins (like USDT) or mix crypto and fiat settlements depending on your strategy.

What if a customer overpays or underpays in Bitcoin?

Professional payment gateways handle this automatically. Overpayments can be refunded, and underpayments can trigger an alert or payment request for the remaining amount—no manual intervention needed.

Do I need a special bank account to accept Bitcoin?

No. While you don’t need a crypto-specific bank account, it’s helpful to work with a crypto-friendly bank if you plan to withdraw fiat regularly. CoinGate can settle in both fiat and crypto depending on your needs.

Can I accept Bitcoin payments if my business is online-only?

Absolutely. CoinGate supports eCommerce plugins, API integration, email billing, and payment buttons—all perfect for online stores, SaaS platforms, and freelancers.