Quick Overview:
CoinPayments is a leading cryptocurrency payment gateway enabling businesses of any scale to accept payments in over 1,350 cryptocurrencies and stablecoins (including USDT, USDC, EURC). Founded in 2013 in Canada, the platform has evolved into a comprehensive solution with low fees (from 0.5%), advanced security features, and support for modern trends (NFTs, Lightning Network). In this detailed review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about CoinPayments in 2025: features, security, fees, setup, and whether it’s right for your business.
1. CoinPayments in 2025: Key Metrics and Audience
- Global Reach: Over 3.2 million registered merchants across 190+ countries (Q1 2025 data). This confirms its position as one of the largest players in the crypto-gateway market.
- Asset Support: 1,350+ cryptocurrencies and tokens. Key 2023-2025 update: mass adoption of stablecoins (USDT, USDC, DAI, EURC) as primary payment tools due to low volatility, and NFT payments for digital art/collectibles.
- Ideal For:
- Online stores (any CMS: WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, OpenCart, etc.).
- Physical stores and service providers (via POS system or mobile app).
- Freelancers and content creators (accepting crypto payments for services).
- NFT marketplaces and creators (dedicated NFT transaction support).
- Businesses targeting global audiences or wanting innovative payment options.
- Regulatory Status: Actively complying with MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) in the EU. For fiat withdrawals in specific regions (EU, US, Canada, parts of Asia), requires merchant KYC (business identity verification).
2. Deep Feature Breakdown: What Can the Platform Do Today?
2.1 Multicurrency Wallet and Storage Strategies
- Hot Wallet: Automatically created to store all supported assets. Important for beginners: “Hot” means online storage, convenient for frequent transactions but requires enhanced account security (2FA!).
- Vault (Cold Storage): Top security recommendation! Funds moved to CoinPayments’ offline storage. Configurable options:
- Withdrawal delay: 24/48/72 hours or custom. Allows cancellation of unauthorized withdrawals.
- Multi-Signature (Multi-Sig): Optional for Enterprise accounts. Requires approval from multiple trusted parties for withdrawals.
- ASAP/Nightly Payouts: Automatic transfer of received funds directly to your external wallet (e.g., Ledger/Trezor) or bank account (for fiat). Minimizes platform storage risks. Configurable by time or amount.
2.2 Accepting Payments: Online and Offline
- Point of Sale (POS System):
- How it works: Open a unique POS-URL (bookmark on tablet/phone) → Enter amount → Select payment currency → Show QR code/address to customer → Receive payment notification.
- Demo: Available on CoinPayments website (“Merchant Tools” → “POS Demo”).
- 2024 Update: Tap-to-Pay support on compatible iOS/Android devices for NFC payments via crypto wallets.
- Online Payments (Integrations):
- Plugins: Ready-made modules for all major platforms: WooCommerce (WordPress), Shopify, Magento, OpenCart, PrestaShop, WHMCS, and dozens more. Install in minutes, no coding.
- Payment Buttons: Generate code for a “Pay with Crypto” button to embed on any website or email.
- API: Powerful tool for custom integrations into mobile apps or complex systems. Extensive documentation.
- Lightning Network (LN) Support: Key 2023 update! For Bitcoin payments. Advantages: ultra-fast (seconds) and very cheap transactions. Ideal for micro-payments or quick purchases. (Simple explanation: Lightning Network is a “layer” atop Bitcoin that speeds up payments).
2.3 Currency Conversion and Withdrawals
- Auto-Conversion:
- Internal: Instant conversion between cryptocurrencies (e.g., received DOGE → USDT) within CoinPayments. Fee: network fee + ~0.5% service fee.
- To Fiat (Auto-Withdrawal): For merchants in supported regions (expanded 2025 list: EU, US, Canada, UK, Singapore, UAE). Auto-withdraw USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AED to your bank/PayPal. Fees: Gateway fee (0.5%) + fiat partner fee (varies, ~1-3%) + possible bank fee. Important: Requires KYC.
- Manual Conversion/Withdrawal: Via wallet interface anytime.
2.4 Unique and Modern Features
- $PayByName: Super convenient! Replace complex crypto addresses (like
1A1zP1eP5QGefi2DMPTfTL5SLmv7DivfNa
) with a simple $YourName (e.g.,$CoffeeShopNYC
). Payers only need this ID. Secure as it’s tied to your account. - NFT Payment Support (Beta, 2025): Cutting-edge trend! Merchants can accept NFT payments (ERC-721, ERC-1155 on Ethereum/Polygon) for physical/digital goods. Ideal for artists, galleries, collectors. (Simple explanation: NFT = unique “digital certificate of ownership”).
- AirDrops & Forks: Platform guarantees crediting of tokens from airdrops (distributions) or forks (blockchain splits, e.g., Bitcoin Cash from Bitcoin) if supported. Eliminates complex manual claiming.
- Mobile App (iOS/Android): Full account management: view balances, accept payments (POS), convert funds, track transactions. 2025 ratings: 4.1 on Google Play, 4.3 on App Store. Responsive support.
3. CoinPayments Fees in 2025: Full Transparency + Comparison
CoinPayments positions itself as one of the most affordable gateways. Full breakdown:
- Payment Processing (Core Fee): 0.5% per transaction. No minimum. Cheaper than many competitors (see table below).
- Auto-Conversion (Internal): Blockchain network fee + ~0.5% (CoinPayments service fee). Example: Converting 0.1 BTC → ETH.
- Crypto Withdrawal: Only blockchain network fee. CoinPayments charges zero extra withdrawal fees. Important: Network fees fluctuate during congestion (especially ETH, BTC).
- Fiat Withdrawal (Auto-Withdraw):
- CoinPayments fee: 0.5% (crypto processing).
- Fiat Partner fee: ~1-3% (conversion + bank transfer, depends on partner/amount).
- Possible recipient bank fee.
- Wallet Deposits: Free up to $25,000 monthly equivalent. Above: 0.5%.
- $PayByName Registration: Paid service. Cost varies by name demand.
Fee Comparison With Major Competitors (June 2025):
Feature | CoinPayments | BitPay | NOWPayments | Stripe Crypto |
---|---|---|---|---|
Processing Fee (%) | 0.5% | 1.0% | 0.5% | 0.8% + $0.10 |
Cryptocurrencies | 1,350+ | ~15 (Major) | 1,000+ | ~10 (Major) |
Lightning Network | Yes | No | Yes (via LNURL) | No |
NFT Payments | Yes (Beta) | No | Limited | No |
Auto Fiat Withdrawal | Yes (Many reg.) | Yes (US/EU) | Via partners | Yes (Integrated) |
Crypto Withdrawal Fee | 0% (gas only) | 0% (gas only) | 0% (gas only) | Varies by asset |
Minimum Fee | None | $0.50 | None | $0.10 |
(Table 1: Key differences and fees. CoinPayments bolded where leading or competitive)
Fee conclusion: CoinPayments remains highly competitive for processing fees (0.5%) and leads in asset diversity. Fiat withdrawals have additional fee layers (industry standard). For frequent micro-payments, Lightning Network offers significant savings.
4. CPS Token: Is It Useful in 2025? (Ecosystem, Staking, Value)
Launched in 2018, the CPS token continues playing a role but isn’t a “killer” advantage.
- Foundation: Built on Syscoin Blockchain (not Ethereum!). Requires SYS for transaction fees (“gas”).
- Key 2025 Utilities:
- 50% Fee Discount: Any CPS balance gives 50% discount on processing fees (0.5% → 0.25%). Top perk for active merchants!
- Enhanced Referral Program: Paying referral bonuses in CPS boosts standard commissions (25% of referral fees) to 50%.
- $PayByName Purchases: Registration requires CPS.
- Staking (New in 2024!): Lock CPS to earn bonuses (discounts on platform services, higher referral rates). Low APY (~2-5%), primarily incentivizes token use.
- Where to Buy/Sell? CPS trades on DEXs (Uniswap V3, PancakeSwap) and 2-3 mid-sized CEXs. Moderate liquidity, average volatility. Current price (June 2025): ~$0.15-$0.20.
- Do You Need CPS? If you actively process payments ($5-10k+/month), buying CPS for 50% fee discounts pays off quickly. For small/occasional users, benefits are marginal.
5. Security Above All: How CoinPayments Protects Your Funds in 2025
Security is critical for financial services. CoinPayments significantly strengthened protections after a 2017 incident (XRP stolen from hot wallets; all users reimbursed within 6 months).
Current Security Measures (2025):
- Multi-Factor Authentication (2FA): Mandatory! Use authenticators (Google Authenticator, Authy) or hardware keys (YubiKey). SMS not recommended (SIM-swap risks).
- Cold Storage (Vault): Top recommendation! Up to 95% of user funds stored offline in secured vaults. Access controlled via delays/multi-sig.
- Encryption: All data/transactions secured with industrial encryption (AES-256).
- Regular Audits: Annual security audits by independent firms (e.g., Hacken). Summarized reports published.
- Monitoring & Anti-Fraud: Advanced real-time suspicious activity detection.
- Educational Resources: User security guides (2FA setup, phishing recognition).
- Insurance Fund (New!): Covers theoretical losses from platform failures (not user key loss!) since 2024. Fund size undisclosed.
User Recommendations:
- Always enable hardware 2FA.
- Store most funds in Vault with withdrawal delay (min 24 hours).
- Use a unique, strong password.
- Regularly update software (browser, OS).
- Stay vigilant against phishing emails/sites impersonating CoinPayments.
- For large sums, use ASAP/Nightly Payouts to your self-controlled cold wallet.
6. Step-by-Step Guide: Account Setup and Accepting Payments (for Beginners)
Step 0: Preparation (What You Need)
- Valid email
- Mobile phone (for 2FA)
- Decide which cryptocurrencies to accept
- (Optional) External wallet for ASAP payouts or bank details for fiat
Step 1: Account Registration
- Go to https://www.coinpayments.net/.
- Click “Sign Up”. Choose account type: Personal (freelancers/small biz) or Enterprise (corporate/large volumes).
- Complete form: Name, Email, Password (strong!). Accept terms.
- Verify Email: Open CoinPayments email, click activation link.
- Initial Login: Enter email/password. Input email verification code sent to you.
- Set Up 2FA IMMEDIATELY! (Recommendation: Google Authenticator). Critical step! Save backup codes.
Step 2: Merchant Account Setup (Payment Acceptance)
- In dashboard, go to “Merchant Tools”.
- Select “Create Merchant Account”.
- Choose Payment Acceptance Method:
- All Coins: Accept ALL 1,350+ cryptos. Pro: Max customer choice. Con: Illiquid token risk; complex accounting.
- Selected Coins: Recommended! Pick 5-20 major coins (BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, LTC + niche-relevant). Manageable/secure. Click “Add Coins” to select.
- Auto-Convert to Coin: Convert ALL payments to one crypto (e.g., USDT) or fiat. Pro: Simplified accounting. Con: Extra conversion fees; potential exchange loss.
- Fiat Settlement: Auto-convert to fiat (USD, EUR etc.) and withdraw to bank/PayPal. Requires KYC!
- Configure Core Settings:
Merchant Name
: Your business name (visible to customers).Currency
: Base pricing currency (USD, EUR etc.).Automatic Coin Rate
: Crypto exchange rate method (Recommendation: “Use Best Rate”).
- Click “Create Account”.
Step 3: Integration Setup (How Customers Pay)
- Option A: Website (Plugin):
- In dashboard, go to “Merchant Tools” → “Plugins”.
- Find your platform (e.g., WooCommerce) → Download plugin.
- Install plugin → Enter
Merchant ID
andIPN Secret
(found in “Account” → “Merchant Settings”). - Configure payment settings → Save. Done! “CoinPayments” option appears at checkout.
- Option B: Payment Button (Website/Email):
- Go to “Merchant Tools” → “Payment Buttons”.
- Click “Create New Button”.
- Fill: Item description, Price (in your currency), Payment currency.
- Click “Create Button” → Copy HTML code → Paste into website/email.
- Option C: POS (Physical Store):
- Go to “Merchant Tools” → “POS Sales”.
- Click “Create New POS”.
- Configure: POS name, Payment currencies.
- Save → Get unique POS URL (e.g.,
https://www.coinpayments.net/index.php?cmd=pos&id=YOUR_ID
). - Bookmark this URL on a store tablet/phone. Open during sales.
Step 4: Withdrawal Setup (Where Funds Go)
- ASAP/Nightly Payouts (Security Recommended!):
- Go to “Balances” → “Payout Settings”.
- Click “Add Payout Address”.
- Select cryptocurrency → Enter your EXTERNAL wallet address (Ledger, Trezor, etc.) or fiat details (if enabled).
- Set conditions:
Payout Threshold
(min amount, e.g., 0.01 BTC) orNightly
(daily payout at ~23:00 UTC). - Save. Funds auto-transfer from your CoinPayments hot wallet.
- Manual Withdrawal: Go to “Balances” → Select currency → “Withdraw” → Enter address/amount → Confirm via 2FA.
Step 5: Test Payment and Launch!
- Make a test payment! Use a small amount via your chosen method (plugin, button, POS).
- Confirm payment appears in “Transaction History”.
- Verify funds withdraw correctly (ASAP/Nightly or manual).
- Display “CoinPayments Accepted” logo on site/store (download here).
- Inform customers! (Social media, email, signage).
7. Pros and Cons: Objective Platform Assessment
Pros:
- Huge cryptocurrency selection (1,350+), including stablecoins and NFTs.
- Very low payment processing fee (0.5%).
- Robust security tools (Vault, ASAP Payouts, enforced 2FA).
- Seamless integration with major CMS platforms (plugins).
- Lightning Network support for fast/cheap BTC payments.
- Convenient offline solutions (POS, mobile app).
- Auto-fiat withdrawals (supported regions).
- Unique $PayByName convenience.
- Reliable mobile app.
Cons:
- Fiat withdrawals incur extra fees (~1-3%) and require KYC.
- Auto-conversion adds fees (~0.5%).
- NFT support still in Beta (limitations apply).
- Fiat withdrawals unavailable in some regions.
- CPS token mainly benefits large merchants (limited liquidity).
- Support primarily ticket-based (live chat/phone for Enterprise only).
8. CoinPayments vs. 2025 Competitors: Who Is It For? (Decision Summary)
Criterion | Choose CoinPayments If… | Consider Competitors If… |
---|---|---|
Cryptocurrency Variety | You need max support (1,350+), NFTs, LN. | You only need major coins (BTC, ETH, USDT). |
Processing Fees | 0.5% flat fee is critical. | You’ll pay ~1% for brand/integration. |
Security/Control | You want Vault, ASAP Payouts, strict 2FA. | Platform storage is sufficient. |
Integration (Plugins) | You use WooCommerce, Shopify, etc. | You need deep custom API integration. |
Offline Sales (POS) | You need a simple browser-based POS. | You need dedicated POS hardware. |
Fiat Withdrawals | Your region is supported (EU, US, etc.). | Your region lacks support or you need lower rates. |
Support | Ticket-based support is acceptable. | You need 24/7 live chat/phone. |
Top 2025 Alternatives:
- BitPay: High brand recognition, strong in US. Fewer coins, 1% fee, no LN/NFT.
- NOWPayments: 1,000+ coins, 0.5% fee. Great for DeFi, but complex UI.
- Stripe Crypto: Seamless Stripe integration. Few coins, 0.8% + $0.10 fee, no LN/NFT/POS.
- Binance Pay: Ideal if clients use Binance. Low fees, but tied to Binance ecosystem.
9. Current Reviews and Reputation (2024-2025)
Analysis of Trustpilot, Capterra, Reddit over 12-18 months shows:
- Positive Trends (4/5):
- Praised for: Huge coin selection, low fees, easy plugins, $PayByName, LN speed.
- Noted improvements: Mobile app quality, support response times (avg 12-24h/ticket).
- Negatives (2-3/5):
- Complaints: Fiat withdrawal delays in some regions (Africa, South America), unclear conversion fees, rare transaction delays during network congestion.
- Top pain point: Ticket-only support. No live chat for urgent issues (except Enterprise).
- Overall Rating: 3.8 – 4.2 / 5 on major platforms. Reputation is stable and positive, especially among tech-savvy merchants valuing coin diversity.
10. Conclusion and Recommendations: Does Your Business Need CoinPayments?
Final Verdict (June 2025):
CoinPayments remains a powerful, flexible, and cost-effective solution for crypto payment acceptance. Key strengths — unmatched asset diversity (1,350+), low fees (0.5%), advanced security (Vault, ASAP), and seamless integrations — make it ideal for:
- Online stores (especially WooCommerce/Shopify).
- Businesses targeting global customers.
- NFT/digital goods sellers.
- Freelancers/content creators.
- Enterprises prioritizing fund control.
May Not Suit:
- Businesses needing 24/7 live support (consider Enterprise or competitors).
- Merchants in unsupported fiat regions (check current list!).
- Businesses satisfied with 10-15 major coins seeking simplicity (BitPay/Stripe may suffice).
Our Recommendations:
- Use Vault and ASAP Payouts: Avoid storing large sums in hot wallets.
- Enable 2FA (Hardware Preferred!): Non-negotiable first step.
- Start with “Selected Coins”: Pick 5-10 liquid coins (BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, LTC).
- Test Lightning Network: Offer LN for small/fast BTC payments.
- Calculate Fees Rigorously: Factor in auto-conversion/fiat withdrawal costs.
- Consider CPS for Discounts: If processing $5-10k+/month, CPS can pay off.
- Verify Fiat Support: Confirm regional availability before onboarding.
CoinPayments in 2025 is a mature, feature-rich solution proven reliable in the fast-evolving crypto payments market. If your business needs maximum coin diversity, security control, and low fees — it’s a top contender.
Ready to start? Sign up for CoinPayments and test the demo!