Cryptocurrencies are the future of online sales; you can accept them in your online store. It’s a great way to grow your business, build brand loyalty and create new customer opportunities. Cryptocurrencies are a decentralized digital currency not issued by a central bank. The most popular cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, which is the first and most widely used cryptocurrency in the world.
Any government or central bank does not regulate most cryptocurrencies, so it can be difficult to know how safe they are as an investment. However, Bitcoin has proven itself time and time again as a safe investment with its consistent growth over the years. Besides, considering crypto vs. fiat payments, crypto is fast to process and verify. This is unlike fiat payments, which take some time to process.
Here are ways to accept cryptocurrency payments on your e-commerce platform;
Bitpay: Bitpay is a payment processor that accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. It’s a good choice if you have an online store because it allows you to take cryptocurrency payments without worrying about dealing with cryptocurrency’s technical aspects.
Coinbase: Coinbase is another way to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment on your online store. Coinbase allows you to accept payments for your products or services in any currency you choose, including Bitcoin, as long as you’re willing to pay Coinbase’s 1% fee on each transaction. You don’t need to provide personal information, just an email address, so Coinbase can send you an invoice when someone buys something from your store with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency.
CoinGate: CoinGate is the most popular gateway for accepting cryptocurrencies online. It has an easy-to-use interface that allows you to accept more than 50 different coins and tokens. CoinGate also offers its payment processor, which means you can accept all your customers’ payments with just one click in a single transaction.
PayPal: PayPal is the most popular payment processor for online stores. It has many payment options and integrations with popular platforms, including Shopify. PayPal allows you to accept Cryptocurrencies in your store as long as you have a bank account with them. You can also use their API to integrate the payment processing system into your website directly.
Stripes: Stripe is a popular payment processor for online stores, and it allows you to accept payments in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. You can use Stripe’s API to integrate your store with the Stripe platform and accept crypto payments.
Payza: Payza offers e-commerce solutions for companies looking to accept cryptocurrencies as a form of payment on their websites, apps, and more. The platform also features a built-in wallet that enables you to sell your crypto assets directly from your website or app. It’s easy to get started with Payza’s platform; the only requirement is having a Payza account with funds available in either USD or Euro currency accounts.
Blockchain for E-Commerce
Since the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009, blockchain has become a buzzword among businesses. The underlying technology behind Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, blockchain, is a decentralized ledger that securely records information. It’s also known as “distributed ledger technology” (DLT). Blockchain is the backbone of cryptocurrencies, digital currencies that can be used to purchase online or in real life. Hence, there are several benefits of blockchain for e-commerce.
Why You Should Accept Cryptocurrency Payments on Your E-Commerce Platform
Here are some reasons why you should consider accepting cryptocurrency payments:
Global Reach: Cryptocurrencies operate on a decentralized network, allowing you to accept payments from customers worldwide without the need for traditional banking systems. This can expand your customer base and potentially increase sales from international markets.
Lower Transaction Fees: Cryptocurrency transactions often have lower fees compared to traditional payment methods such as credit cards or bank transfers. Accepting cryptocurrencies can reduce transaction costs and increase your profit margins.
Faster Settlement: Cryptocurrency transactions can be settled quickly, often within minutes or seconds, depending on the blockchain network. This enables faster order processing and reduces the time you need to wait for funds to clear.
Security and Fraud Prevention: Cryptocurrencies are built on advanced cryptographic technology, making them highly secure. Transactions cannot be reversed or altered, reducing the risk of chargebacks and fraud, which can be common with traditional payment methods.
Access to Tech-Savvy Customers: By accepting cryptocurrency payments, you attract a tech-savvy customer base who prefer using digital currencies. This can position your business as innovative and forward-thinking, appealing to customers who actively seek out businesses that embrace emerging technologies.
Competitive Advantage: As cryptocurrencies become more mainstream, accepting them as a payment option can give you a competitive edge over businesses that have not yet adopted this technology. It shows you are willing to embrace new payment methods and adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Key Takeaway
Cryptocurrencies are digital assets stored online in a virtual wallet that can be accessed and transferred between users without needing an intermediary like a bank or government. Banks or governments do not protect cryptocurrencies; no one except the owner can confiscate them.
