Crypto payments for small businesses: Benefits, risks and how to get started

Key takeaways

• Accepting crypto payments reduces transaction fees, eliminates chargebacks, and enables seamless global transactions.
• Businesses of all sizes, from e-commerce to real estate, are integrating cryptocurrency payments to attract new customers.
• Risks like price volatility and regulatory compliance can be managed with trusted payment processors like BitPay, CoinsPaid and Coinbase Commerce.
• Setting up crypto payments is easier than ever, with zero upfront costs and user-friendly integration options for small businesses.
• The rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies has led businesses of all sizes to increasingly embrace digital currencies like Bitcoin as a legitimate payment method.

And it’s not just a rehash of old news. For years, you might have seen luxury brands like Gucci and telecommunications companies like AT&T accepting Bitcoin. But today, crypto payments are much more than an easy bit of PR — they’re seamlessly integrating into e-commerce, hospitality, travel and even your neighborhood coffee shop.

What started as a niche trend in the early 2010s has accelerated over the years. As of 2025, over 659 million people worldwide — roughly 1 in 13 individuals — are using cryptocurrency. Moreover, approximately 15,000 businesses globally accept Bitcoin (BTC), including around 2,300 in the United States.

While there are considerations to keep in mind, many view accepting BTC and other cryptocurrencies, even as a small business, as a win-win. The benefits often outweigh any challenges, with minimal downsides and significant potential rewards.

The following sections explore the whos, the whys and the hows.

What companies are currently accepting cryptocurrencies?

As briefly touched upon, it’s not only niche crypto-specific sectors that are accepting Bitcoin payments. Here are some sectors that you might not have considered, with accompanying case studies.

E-commerce

• Shopify enables merchants to accept cryptocurrency payments through various payment gateways, including BitPay and Coinbase Commerce.
• Newegg accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for electronics purchases, integrating crypto payments into its checkout process.
• Rakuten Japan allows users to convert Rakuten Points into Bitcoin, Ether (ETH) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH), effectively incorporating crypto into its rewards ecosystem.

Food and beverage

• Subway accepts Bitcoin at selected locations, with franchises in Europe and North America processing crypto payments.
• Burger King franchises in Brazil and Venezuela allow customers to pay for meals with Bitcoin and select altcoins.
• Starbucks supports Bitcoin payments through the Bakkt app, enabling customers to reload their Starbucks cards with cryptocurrency.

Retail

• Home Depot accepts Bitcoin payments via Flexa, allowing customers to use cryptocurrency for home improvement purchases.
• Whole Foods processes crypto payments through the Spedn app, which enables Bitcoin and other digital currency transactions at checkout.
• Nordstrom integrates crypto payments into its in-store and online shopping platforms, supporting purchases with Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Real estate

• In Miami, a $22.5-million penthouse in the Arte Surfside complex was purchased entirely with Bitcoin, one of the largest real estate transactions involving cryptocurrency.
• Magnum Real Estate Group sold a retail condo in Manhattan for $15.3 million in Bitcoin, marking one of the first large-scale commercial real estate deals in crypto.
• Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty in Texas completed a home sale using Bitcoin, expanding crypto transactions into the residential property market.

Hospitality and travel

• Mirai Flights processes cryptocurrency payments for private jet charters, catering to high-net-worth individuals.
• Travala accepts BTC, ETH and other cryptocurrencies for hotel and flight bookings, partnering with major travel service providers.
• Expedia facilitates crypto payments for hotel bookings through Travala, offering Bitcoin payment options on select accommodations.

Advertising

• Claimr, a Web3 marketing platform, processes approximately 8 million euros annually, with the majority of transactions conducted in cryptocurrency.
• Accessible.org began accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in 2025, allowing clients to pay for digital accessibility services with crypto.
• Black Iris Social Club in Richmond accepts Bitcoin for event bookings and memberships, integrating cryptocurrency into its operations.

Did you know? The first-ever real-world transaction using Bitcoin took place on May 22, 2010, when programmer Laszlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 BTC. Today, those 10,000 BTC would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, making it one of the most expensive pizza orders in history. This event is now celebrated annually as Bitcoin Pizza Day in the crypto community.

Why are businesses accepting crypto payments?

So, all the big brands are in. But what’s driving this trend, and can small businesses benefit, too?

One of the most significant advantages is lower transaction fees. Traditional payment processors and credit card companies typically charge businesses between 2% and 4% per transaction, while crypto payment gateways often reduce this to less than 1%. For businesses processing high volumes of transactions, these savings can be substantial.

Another key factor is the ability to access a global market without the restrictions of currency exchange rates and international banking fees. Cryptocurrency payments enable seamless cross-border transactions, allowing businesses to serve international customers without friction. This is especially beneficial for industries like travel, luxury goods and digital services, where cross-border commerce is common.

Security and fraud prevention also play a role. Cryptocurrency transactions are final, eliminating chargebacks — something that costs businesses billions of dollars annually in fraudulent disputes. This makes crypto payments particularly appealing to merchants in industries where chargebacks are common, such as e-commerce and online services.

Did you know? In 2025, chargeback fraud, particularly friendly fraud, has become a significant concern for merchants. Notably, a recent survey revealed that 55% of Generation Z and 49% of Millennials earning over $100,000 annually admitted to engaging in digital shoplifting — a form of first-party fraud where consumers falsely claim issues with online orders to secure refunds or avoid payments. 

Additionally, businesses recognize that accepting cryptocurrency aligns with the preferences of a growing demographic of crypto users. Companies integrating crypto payments position themselves as forward-thinking and innovative, appealing to solvent, tech-savvy consumers who prefer digital transactions over traditional banking systems.

Finally, some businesses are drawn to the potential of holding crypto as an asset. While many use payment processors that instantly convert cryptocurrency into fiat currency to avoid volatility, others see it as an opportunity to gain exposure to a growing asset class. With major corporations like Tesla and MicroStrategy holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets, smaller businesses are following suit, recognizing the potential long-term value.

Small businesses stand to benefit the most here, as accepting crypto payments is an easy way to carve out a niche for the brand, reaching far more customers than would be possible by offering only fiat payments. The strategy might well mean the difference between failure and success in a competitive startup environment.

Did you know? A survey by Deloitte found that 85% of merchants see crypto payments as a way to reach new customers.

Risks of accepting cryptocurrency payments

While accepting crypto payments is often seen as a win-win, businesses must also be aware of potential risks in doing so on their own, without proper accounting systems and crypto processing partners.

Price volatility

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are known for significant price fluctuations. For example, in early 2025, Bitcoin’s price dropped from $109,071 to around $80,000 — a nearly 25% decline within a short period. Such volatility can impact the value of received payments if not promptly converted to stable currencies.

Regulatory and tax compliance

The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies varies by jurisdiction and is continually evolving. For example, in the United States, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) classifies cryptocurrencies as property, not currency, which introduces complexities in tax reporting and compliance. Businesses must stay informed about applicable regulations to ensure adherence to tax obligations and avoid potential legal issues.

Security concerns

Accepting cryptocurrencies necessitates the use of digital wallets and exchanges, which can be susceptible to cybersecurity threats.
Without robust security measures, businesses risk unauthorized access and theft of digital assets. Implementing strong cybersecurity protocols is essential.

Technical barriers

Integrating cryptocurrency payment systems requires technical knowledge that some small business owners may lack. Establishing digital wallets and navigating digital currency exchanges can be challenging, potentially leading to operational inefficiencies or errors. Investing in employee training or consulting with experts may be necessary to overcome these hurdles.

Market acceptance and perception

Despite growing adoption, cryptocurrencies are not universally accepted or understood. Some customers may be hesitant to use digital currencies due to concerns about security or unfamiliarity, potentially limiting the perceived benefits of offering crypto payment options. Businesses should assess their customer base to determine if accepting cryptocurrencies aligns with their clientele’s preferences.

Use a crypto payment provider 

It’s unlikely that, as a small business, you’ll take this road alone — especially when leading crypto payment processors offer zero up-front integration costs:

• These processors offer immediate conversion services, transforming volatile cryptocurrencies into stable fiat currencies upon receipt, thereby shielding businesses from price fluctuations.
• They also assist in navigating complex regulatory landscapes by providing tools for accurate tax reporting and ensuring compliance with evolving laws.
• To address security concerns, reputable processors implement robust cybersecurity measures, safeguarding digital assets against potential threats.
• Additionally, they offer user-friendly platforms that simplify the technical aspects of cryptocurrency transactions, making integration accessible even for those with limited technical expertise.

The next section will explore a number of crypto processing providers that you may wish to choose from as a small business.

Which crypto payment gateway to choose in 2025 BitPay

Founded in 2011, BitPay is a pioneering cryptocurrency payment processor. As of 2024, it holds a 6.26% market share in the Bitcoin payment processing sector, serving over 523 customers. 

BitPay caters to a diverse clientele, including retailers, investment banking firms, and nonprofit organizations. The company offers direct crypto-to-fiat settlements, helping businesses avoid volatility while ensuring seamless integration with existing accounting systems. 

Its security infrastructure includes two-factor authentication (2FA) and encrypted transactions, making it a trusted option for enterprises looking to accept cryptocurrency payments.

CoinsPaid

Established in 2014, CoinsPaid has grown into a comprehensive crypto payment gateway, processing over 41 million transactions worth 23 billion euros. The company facilitates approximately 8% of all onchain Bitcoin transactions, making it a major player in the crypto payments sector. 

Supporting over 30 cryptocurrencies, CoinsPaid serves industries such as IT, marketing, financial services, real estate and gambling. The platform offers a business wallet, an over-the-counter (OTC) desk for large-volume transactions and software-as-a-service solutions tailored for crypto integration. 

CoinsPaid is licensed in Estonia and complies with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations while undergoing regular independent security audits to maintain its reputation for secure and compliant processing.

Coinbase Commerce

Launched in 2018 by Coinbase, Coinbase Commerce enables merchants to accept multiple cryptocurrencies directly into a user-controlled wallet. It provides seamless integration with major e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce, allowing businesses to accept ETH, Litecoin (LTC) and USDC (USDC). 

Notably, in February 2024, Coinbase Commerce ended support for Bitcoin and other unspent transaction output (UTXO)-based coins. To make Bitcoin payments, users will need a Coinbase account. The decision comes as Coinbase faces challenges in implementing updates to its Ethereum Virtual Machine payment protocol for Bitcoin.

While specific market share data is limited, Coinbase Commerce is widely used by small to mid-sized businesses across sectors such as computer software, utilities and telecommunications. 

The platform offers a straightforward setup with no transaction fees apart from standard network costs, making it an attractive option for businesses looking for a simple crypto payment solution without intermediaries.

Binance Pay 

Binance Pay, introduced by Binance, is a cryptocurrency payment solution that enables merchants and users to conduct transactions using various cryptocurrencies. It supports over 30 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH and BNB (BNB), allowing for versatile payment options. 

The platform offers zero transaction fees for both merchants and users, making it an attractive option for businesses aiming to integrate crypto payments without incurring additional costs. Binance Pay also emphasizes security by incorporating features such as 2FA and encrypted transactions, ensuring safe and reliable payment processing.

Step-by-step guide to set up a crypto payment gateway 

Despite a run-in with the Lazarus Group last year, CoinsPaid continues to operate as a major crypto payment gateway, maintaining competitive setup costs and fees. As such, this section will walk you through the steps you’d be expected to take when integrating any crypto payment processor, using CoinsPaid’s flow as an example.

• Request a consultation: Businesses can begin by submitting a request on the CoinsPaid website. A CoinsPaid representative will promptly reach out to schedule a meeting and discuss requirements.
• Receive a free demo and proposal: The CoinsPaid team provides a detailed demonstration of the system, answers any questions, and prepares a tailored proposal based on the company’s specific needs.
• Onboarding: To finalize the agreement, businesses must complete the Know Your Business (KYB) verification by submitting the necessary documents for compliance with regulatory standards.
• Integration: CoinsPaid’s team assists in integrating the payment gateway into the company’s existing infrastructure, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup.
• Start accepting crypto: Once integration is complete, businesses can begin offering cryptocurrency payments, providing customers with an additional payment option while potentially expanding their market reach.

By following these steps, you can effectively integrate CoinsPaid into your business, offering your customers the option to pay with cryptocurrencies. 

Integrating cryptocurrency payments is a forward-thinking investment

With lower transaction fees, access to a global customer base and protection from chargebacks, crypto payments provide clear advantages over traditional payment methods.

The risks associated with crypto payments — such as volatility, regulatory compliance and security concerns — are easily mitigated by using a trusted payment processor like CoinsPaid, BitPay or Coinbase Commerce. These platforms handle everything from instant fiat conversion to security and compliance, making the transition to crypto seamless and low-risk.

With major brands already embracing digital currencies, there’s no reason for small and medium-sized businesses to be left behind. Crypto payments are fast, borderless and cost-effective, making them a no-brainer for any forward-thinking business. 

Whether you’re a startup looking to gain a competitive edge or an established company seeking new revenue streams, integrating cryptocurrency payments is an investment in the future.

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.