Frequently Asked Questions
How do I handle cryptocurrency volatility as a merchant?
Configure instant stablecoin settlement: when a payment is detected and confirmed, the gateway automatically converts the received cryptocurrency to USDC or USDT. The merchant sees a payment in USDC — stable value, no volatility risk. This conversion happens on a DEX or via exchange API within seconds of payment confirmation. The conversion fee is typically 0.3–0.5%, much less than the volatility risk of holding native crypto.
What happens if a customer underpays?
Underpayment is common — users send from exchanges where the fee is deducted from the amount, or they miscalculate decimal places. Your payment gateway should support configurable tolerance: strict mode (exact amount required, payment address stays open), tolerance mode (accept payments within X% of required), or partial credit (credit what was received, send a follow-up payment link for the remainder). We configure the mode that matches your business model and risk tolerance.
How does Bitcoin Lightning payment work?
Lightning Network is a payment channel network built on top of Bitcoin. Instead of on-chain transactions (10–60 minute confirmation), Lightning payments are instant (sub-second) with near-zero fees. The gateway generates a Lightning invoice (a payment request with embedded routing information). The customer's Lightning wallet pays the invoice, and the gateway receives instant confirmation. Channel capacity limits individual payment size. Best for frequent, small payments — micropayments, subscriptions, gaming credits.
Which cryptocurrencies should I accept as a merchant?
Start with: Bitcoin (BTC) — highest brand recognition, trust from new users; Ethereum (ETH) — largest DeFi ecosystem, ERC-20 token support; USDT/USDC on Ethereum or Tron — stablecoin payments that eliminate volatility with instant settlement; and one fast/cheap chain like Polygon or BNB Chain for small transactions where Ethereum gas is prohibitive. Accepting 15+ currencies adds engineering complexity and compliance burden without proportional volume. Start narrow, add currencies as demand is confirmed.
How do crypto payment gateways handle compliance?
Compliance varies by jurisdiction and business type. At minimum: KYC for high-value transactions (typically over $1,000–$3,000), transaction monitoring for AML (screen wallets against sanctions lists like OFAC, EU, UN), record-keeping for tax reporting (payer wallet address, amount, timestamp, exchange rate). For regulated merchants (financial services, gambling, exchanges), full VASP registration may apply. We integrate Chainalysis or Elliptic for real-time wallet risk scoring and build SAR (Suspicious Activity Report) filing workflows for regulated clients.
What is the difference between a custodial and non-custodial payment gateway?
Custodial gateway: the provider holds the private keys and manages wallets on your behalf. Simpler for merchants — no key management, instant fiat conversion. Risk: the provider controls your funds (similar to keeping money in an exchange). Examples: Coinbase Commerce, BitPay. Non-custodial gateway: payments go directly to wallets you control. No counterparty risk, but you are responsible for key management, hardware security modules, and on-chain transaction monitoring. We build non-custodial gateways for clients who need full control of customer funds.
Can I accept crypto payments on my existing e-commerce platform?
Yes. We build gateway integrations for major e-commerce platforms: Shopify (via checkout extension), WooCommerce (WordPress plugin), Magento, and custom-built storefronts. Integration delivers: a payment option at checkout, a unique payment address per order, real-time payment detection, automatic order confirmation on receipt, and webhook events to your backend (payment.received, payment.confirmed, payment.expired). Integration time for a standard platform: 2–4 weeks. Custom storefronts: 4–8 weeks.
How do I convert crypto payments to fiat currency?
Three routes: (1) Off-ramp API — integrate a service like Banxa, Wyre, MoonPay or a local exchange API to auto-convert on confirmation. Typical fees: 1–2.5%. (2) Exchange withdrawal — accumulate crypto on-exchange and withdraw as fiat via bank transfer. Lower fees but manual process. (3) Stablecoin settlement — convert to USDC/USDT on-chain (0.3–0.5% fee) and hold as a stable store of value, converting to fiat when convenient. Route 1 is best for merchants who need immediate fiat. Route 3 is best for businesses that operate globally and want currency flexibility.
