Cryptocurrency payments are becoming increasingly popular among businesses. Companies want easy and safe ways to accept digital payments. NOWPayments is one service offering this possibility. It’s a payment gateway that lets businesses accept crypto payments and withdraw funds to their wallets.
Choosing a reliable payment solution is a step for a business. Mistakes in this area can lead to financial losses, customer issues, and legal risks. Companies should consider transaction security, payment processing speed, and the quality of customer support.
The main question is whether NOWPayments is a reliable partner. How convenient is it for businesses? And should it be used in 2025? In this review, we will look at the main features and fees. We will also discuss the security level. Additionally, we will explore alternative solutions.
What is NOWPayments and How Does It Work?
Company History and Founders
NOWPayments was launched in 2019 as a solution to simplify cryptocurrency payments. The project was created by a team affiliated with the ChangeNOW ecosystem. ChangeNOW is a well-known platform for instant cryptocurrency exchanges. This allowed the service to use reliable technologies. It also supported a wide range of assets from the beginning. This helped the service grow quickly.
Over the years, NOWPayments has gained popularity among businesses. Today, NOWPayments supports over 300 cryptocurrencies. The company works with businesses worldwide, including e-commerce, gaming sectors, and subscription platforms.
Main Operating Principle of the Service
NOWPayments acts as an intermediary between the customer and the business. When a customer pays with cryptocurrency, the service processes the payment automatically. Then, it transfers the funds to the seller’s wallet. The company provides various withdrawal options. Payments can be received in the same cryptocurrency. They can also be converted to another cryptocurrency.
NOWPayments does not store customer funds. All transactions go through the service, but businesses receive payments immediately after processing. This reduces risks and simplifies working with cryptocurrencies.
How Cryptocurrency Payments Are Processed
- The customer selects a cryptocurrency. The business website or app allows payments with supported coins.
- The system generates a payment address. NOWPayments creates a unique address or QR code for the transfer of funds.
- The payment goes through the blockchain. The customer sends the cryptocurrency, and the transaction is confirmed in the network.
- The service processes the payment. NOWPayments records the incoming funds and sends them to the seller.
- The business receives the payment. The funds are credited to the specified wallet in the chosen currency.
This process is automated and takes just a few minutes. The processing speed may vary depending on the cryptocurrency. NOWPayments offers automatic conversion. Businesses can instantly convert received payments into stablecoins or other assets.
Key Features and Capabilities of NOWPayments
| Feature | Description |
| Supported Cryptocurrencies | Over 300 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT. New assets are regularly added. |
| Transaction Processing Speed | Confirmation usually takes a few minutes, depending on the network. Instant transactions are available on some networks. |
| Withdrawal and Conversion Options | Payments in the original cryptocurrency or automatic conversion to mitigate volatility. |
| Multi-Currency Payment Support | Accepting different cryptocurrencies within a single integration without additional solutions. |
| Recurring Payments and Subscriptions | Businesses can set up subscriptions and automatic payments. This is useful for SaaS, streaming services, and other companies. It helps them receive payments regularly without manual processing. |
| Invoicing and Billing | You can create invoices with fixed amounts and payment terms. This is useful for B2B transactions and freelancers, as it simplifies the payment process. |
NOWPayments Integration for Business
Integration with E-Commerce Platforms
NOWPayments supports integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, OpenCart, and PrestaShop. Businesses can accept cryptocurrency payments by adding a plugin. After that, they need to set it up. This process is simple and quick. They don’t need to develop their payment system, as the service takes care of everything.
API and Developer Plugins
For businesses requiring deeper integration, NOWPayments offers a flexible API. Developers can add crypto payments to apps, marketplaces, and gaming platforms. It also works for other digital services. The API helps create custom payment solutions. It also manages transactions and automates the payment process.
NOWPayments offers ready-to-use plugins for popular CMS and e-commerce platforms. These plugins simplify integration, making it easy to accept crypto payments. Businesses don’t need a technical team, making the service accessible to everyone.
Flexibility of Configuration and Customization Level
Businesses can customize NOWPayments to fit their needs. Various options are available, including:
- Choosing cryptocurrencies for payment acceptance;
- Automatic conversion to stablecoins;
- Setting up notifications for incoming payments;
- The fee structure is flexible. Businesses can either pass the fees on to customers or cover them themselves.
NOWPayments is good for both small online stores and large platforms. It works well for businesses with high customization needs. The features meet the needs of different types of platforms.
Fees and Cost of Using NOWPayments
Transaction Processing Fee
NOWPayments charges a base fee of 0.5% per transaction without currency conversion. If the monthly turnover exceeds 50 BTC, the fee drops to 0.45%. For turnover above 100 BTC, the fee decreases to 0.4%.
Fees for Cryptocurrency Withdrawal and Conversion
If currency conversion is required, an additional fee of 0.5% is charged. Therefore, the total transaction fee with conversion is 1%. If a business wants payments in fiat currency, the transaction fee is between 1.5% and 2.3%. The exact transaction fee depends on the transaction amount.
Each transaction also has a network fee. The fee, which depends on the cryptocurrency and network traffic, is paid by the sender and is not controlled by NOWPayments.
Comparison of Fees with Competitors
When you compare NOWPayments' fees to others, you’ll notice some differences. The fees are usually competitive. However, each service has its fee structure:
- BitPay charges a 1% transaction fee, without additional network fees.
- Coinbase Commerce sets a transaction fee ranging from 0% to 0.5%, depending on the volume, plus network fees.
- CryptoCloud charges a transaction fee starting at 0.4%. Sellers can pass the transaction fee onto the customer, making the service almost free for them.
NOWPayments' fees are average compared to other services. They offer favorable terms, especially for businesses with high transaction volumes.
Security and Regulation of NOWPayments
Transaction Protection Level
NOWPayments uses several modern security methods. These methods protect transactions and ensure secure payments. All payment data is sent through secure channels and protected with SSL encryption to reduce the risk of interception. The system also uses two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorized access to user accounts.
NOWPayments also verifies cryptocurrency wallet addresses. This helps prevent sending funds to incorrect or fake addresses, adding an extra layer of security. It also reduces the risk of loss in case customers make errors.
KYC/AML Policy
Currently, NOWPayments does not require KYC (Know Your Customer) verification for most users. This simplifies the registration and usage process for businesses. However, it is essential to note that the service adheres to an AML policy. The company may perform extra checks for suspicious transactions. This applies to large sums as well. These measures are in place to follow international anti-money laundering rules. They also help prevent the financing of terrorism.
For businesses operating in certain jurisdictions, additional verification may be required.
Possible Risks of Using NOWPayments
Like any other cryptocurrency platform, NOWPayments is not immune to certain risks:
- Cryptocurrency volatility
- Fraud risks
- Changes in legislation
Support for Refunds and Fraud Protection
NOWPayments verifies transactions for authenticity, but cryptocurrency transfers cannot be automatically refunded. Refunds can only happen if the seller and buyer agree. This is not a standard feature. A refund requires agreement from both parties. Businesses need to check data and confirm payments to lower risks. The service provides essential protection. However, the business owner is still responsible for securing transactions. It's essential to take additional steps to protect payments. The owner must ensure the security of their transactions.
User Experience and Customer Support
Entrepreneur and Business Reviews
NOWPayments gets good reviews from business owners. Entrepreneurs, especially those with small to medium-sized businesses, like the service. They appreciate how easy it is to use and integrate. Many users say that setting up payments is simple. This makes the platform a good choice for businesses new to cryptocurrency. It’s easy to get started with.
Among the positive reviews, the following stand out:
- Quick integration with popular e-commerce platforms
- Flexibility and customization options for different types of businesses
- The ability to receive payments in various cryptocurrencies
However, some entrepreneurs feel that customer support and the refund system need improvement. In cryptocurrency transactions, there is no automatic chargeback feature. This complicates the resolution of disputes and increases risks for businesses.
Support Channels and Their Effectiveness
NOWPayments offers several support channels for users:
- Email. This is the main channel for contacting support.
- Real-time Chat. Allows users to quickly get assistance.
- Knowledge Base and FAQ. The platform has a section with frequently asked questions and helpful articles.
Some users report delays in responses to complex questions. This may be due to high demand or specific issues. The support is good for standard tasks. However, technical issues may take longer to address.
How Convenient Is the Service for Business Scalability
NOWPayments is a flexible solution for businesses of various sizes. The service offers:
- Scalable integrations.
- Support for a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
- Automatic currency conversion and multi-currency account support.
However, larger companies may face limitations. The service lacks advanced analytics and customization tools, making it harder to manage payment flows. It also offers fewer integration options with corporate financial systems, which could be a disadvantage compared to competitors.
Alternatives to NOWPayments: What to Choose for Your Business?
0xProcessing: Advantages and Features
One of the prominent alternative cryptocurrency payment services is 0xProcessing. This service has several key advantages. These benefits can be especially helpful for businesses using cryptocurrencies.
- Automatic conversion to stablecoins. 0xProcessing converts crypto into stablecoins so that businesses receive a fixed amount — without price swings or unexpected losses.
- Direct withdrawals to fiat. 0xProcessing makes it easy to convert cryptocurrency into fiat money. Businesses can withdraw funds directly to bank accounts. This helps companies get local currency quickly.
- Security and protection. The company ensures transaction security through its proprietary infrastructure, which helps protect funds and data from fraud and third-party risks. Multi-factor authentication is also used for additional account protection.
- High acceptance rate. 0xProcessing maintains a high acceptance rate, which means most transactions are successfully processed without errors or delays. This ensures a smoother payment experience for both businesses and their customers.
Other cryptocurrency payment gateways and their differences
There are other payment gateways besides NOWPayments. Some alternatives include BitPay, CoinGate, and CoinPayments. These platforms also offer crypto payment solutions. Here are their main differences:
- BitPay is one of the oldest and most well-known cryptocurrency payment services. It is designed for businesses with high transaction volumes. The platform supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and several fiat currencies. One of its key advantages is the ability to automatically convert crypto payments into fiat. However, for companies that prefer to operate entirely in cryptocurrency, this feature may simply be unnecessary.
- CoinGate supports both popular and rare cryptocurrencies, offering users more options. The service is good for businesses that use many cryptocurrencies. It works with e-commerce platforms for easy integration. However, its fees are higher than some other gateways.
- CoinPayments is a platform that supports over 2,000 cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. Its main focus is on global payments and international transactions. The service offers good customization options. However, it has higher fees for some operations. This may be important to consider for your business.
How to Choose the Best Service for Your Business
When choosing a cryptocurrency payment gateway, consider a few essential factors.
- Fees. Check the service fees for processing transactions and withdrawals. Lower fees offer better conditions for your business. Compare the fees of NOWPayments with alternatives like 0xProcessing and BitPay. This will help you make an informed decision.
- Supported Cryptocurrencies. If your business works with different cryptocurrencies, choose a service that supports them. 0xProcessing offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies, providing more flexibility. Other gateways may only support a few popular ones.
- Security Level. Security is a priority for any business. Check the service's security features. Look for things like two-factor authentication, fraud protection, and data encryption. These measures help keep your transactions safe.
- Fiat Withdrawals Support. If your business needs to convert crypto to fiat, pick a service with fast withdrawal options. Make sure it's easy to use. This will save you time. 0xProcessing offers a key advantage over competitors. It allows businesses to withdraw funds directly to a bank account, converting the money into fiat currency.
- Scalability. For a growing business, it's essential to choose a service that scales easily. Platforms like CoinGate and 0xProcessing offer flexible solutions for handling many transactions and support various integrations, which is helpful as your business grows.
The best choice depends on your business needs. Consider the cryptocurrencies you use and how fast you want your business to grow.
Conclusion: Should Businesses Use NOWPayments?
Final Assessment of the Service
NOWPayments is one option for accepting cryptocurrency payments. It supports many coins and is easy to integrate. However, the service lacks advanced payment management tools. Its security only includes basic transaction checks. This may not be enough for some businesses. High-volume companies may struggle with analytics and financial tracking.
Who is NOWPayments Suitable For, and Who Should Consider Alternatives
NOWPayments can work well for small businesses and online platforms. It’s a good choice if you need to accept cryptocurrency payments. If your business handles large transactions, NOWPayments might not be the best fit. It’s better to look for alternatives. These could offer more automation and better tools for large-scale operations. Customization options are limited. There are no corporate solutions. The basic security system may not be enough for complex businesses.
Why It's Important to Choose a Reliable Cryptocurrency Partner
A business should not only accept cryptocurrency easily but also ensure secure transactions. A good payment gateway keeps transactions safe, offers flexible settings, and provides reliable withdrawal options.
0xProcessing is one such partner. This solution is designed for businesses. It offers static wallets, automates transactions, and protects against volatility. Designed for corporate clients, the service includes advanced analytics and accounting system integration. This makes it ideal for companies needing stable cryptocurrency payments and better control over transactions.
