How do businesses accept crypto payments?

Businesses accept crypto payments mostly through a crypto payment processor, also called a payment gateway. The customer pays from a crypto wallet at checkout, and the processor confirms the payment and pays the business in regular currency, stablecoins or crypto. A business can also publish its own wallet address, but that leaves it to handle pricing, records and security itself.

How does a crypto payment gateway work?

At checkout, the customer picks a crypto option, connects or scans with a wallet, and approves the transfer. Stripe, for example, sends shoppers to a page where they choose a stablecoin and network, connect a wallet and confirm. The payment then settles in the business's Stripe balance in local currency. As of October 2026, Stripe's docs list USDC on several networks, including Ethereum, Solana, Polygon and Base, and a limit of $10,000 per customer transaction.

Coinbase Business takes USDC from many networks and USDT on Ethereum. Funds arrive as USDC and can be converted to dollars or sent to a bank. Large platforms have added similar options. PayPal lets US merchants accept more than 100 cryptocurrencies and pays them in dollars, and Shopify offers USDC payments with local-currency payouts by default. For why stablecoins are popular here, see what a stablecoin is and USDT vs USDC.

What are typical crypto payment fees?

Fees are usually a percentage of each sale. BitPay lists 2% plus 25 cents per transaction for monthly volume under $500,000, falling to 1% plus 25 cents above $1 million, with higher rates for high-risk industries. PayPal's crypto checkout launched with a 0.99% promotional rate for the first year, then 1.5%. Coinbase Business charges a fee per completed payment, plus a separate fee for automatic bank withdrawals. Customers may also pay network fees, explained in what gas fees are.

Can crypto payments be charged back?

Generally not in the card sense. Crypto transfers are final once confirmed on the blockchain. Coinbase says stablecoin payments have no chargebacks, and Stripe says its stablecoin payments do not lead to disputes that pull funds back. Refunds are still possible, but the business has to send them. Stripe returns refunds as stablecoins to the customer's original wallet.

How are crypto payments taxed for a business?

In the US, the IRS treats crypto as property. Its FAQ says crypto received for services is ordinary income measured at its fair market value in dollars when received, and that value becomes the cost basis. If the business later sells or spends that crypto, a further gain or loss can arise. Businesses that settle straight into dollars avoid holding the asset, but still need records. The guide on crypto tax forms covers reporting.

Rules differ by country and change often. Check the tax authority or a qualified professional for your own situation.