Transaction costs– most of the payment gateways don’t require monthly subscriptions but charge a transaction fee of between 0.5% – 1%. Make sure to check for any hidden fees and costs carefully.

Compliance with regulations – KYC regulations require businesses to verify the identity of their customers to prevent fraud and other illegal activities. This typically involves collecting and verifying customer information such as name, address, and government-issued identification. AML regulations, on the other hand, aim to prevent the use of financial systems for money laundering or financing criminal activities. A reputable Ethereum payment gateway should have robust KYC and AML processes in place to protect both your business and your customers.

Security – it is one of the most important things to consider when choosing an Ethereum payment gateway. Ensure the provider uses strong encryption protocols, offers secure wallet storage options, and has advanced fraud detection and prevention systems. Features like two-factor authentication and regular security audits further enhance the safety of your funds and customer data, helping you maintain a secure and trustworthy transaction environment. If you are not sure how they handle this don`t be afraid to ask their support about how they take care of the security measures.

Customer Support – prompt, knowledgeable, and friendly support ensures that any potential issues with transactions or integration are resolved quickly and efficiently, minimizing disruptions to your business and enhancing the overall customer experience. It is best to check their reviews on 3rd party platforms such as Trustpilot or G2. Good customer support may be the difference between a seamless experience and an excellent one.

Additional features – some providers offer additional features such as settlement in FIAT currency or Stablecoins of your choice. It is a great option to take advantage of the crypto payment benefits while avoiding its volatility. Also, detailed and easy-to-read reporting can be very helpful when evaluating the impact of implementing ETH payments for your business. Bear in mind that some cryptocurrency payment gateway providers offer white label solutions which allows you to brand and customize the entire check-out process.

Which is better – accept crypto payments by yourself or use a crypto payment gateway?

Both options for accepting Ethereum payments have their pros and cons, but at Coinlabz, we recommend using a payment gateway for most businesses. Managing payments by yourself aligns with the core cryptocurrency ideology of avoiding intermediaries, but it can be impractical and challenging to handle security, privacy, order matching, and accounting.

On the other hand, a crypto payment gateway takes care of the security, reporting, KYC and AML regulations, and real-time conversion of cryptocurrencies, providing a more seamless experience for both you and your customers. While fees and integration requirements might vary between providers, choosing a reputable gateway with robust security measures, excellent customer support, and additional features tailored to your needs will likely provide a more reliable and user-friendly solution for accepting Ethereum payments.

Not to mention that some cryptocurrency payment gateway providers, such as Nowpayments, are non-custodial, meaning they do not hold your crypto gains. Rather than that, they act as an intermediary between your business and your clients. All payments processed by such providers go straight to your wallet address, so you still have full control over your coins.

What to consider before accepting payments in Ethereum for your business?

If you want your customers to be able to pay with Ethereum, there are a few things you have to consider.

Taxes when getting paid in ETH

Make sure to understand the tax implications of receiving Ethereum payments in your jurisdiction. Consult with a tax professional to ensure you comply with income tax, capital gains tax, or other applicable tax regulations. For example, in the USA, the IRS taxes cryptocurrency like property and investments, not currency. This means all transactions, from selling coins to using cryptos for purchases, are subject to the same tax treatment as other capital gains and losses.

If you held a particular cryptocurrency for more than one year, you’re eligible for tax-preferred, long-term capital gains, and the asset is taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on your taxable income and filing status.

• If you’re in the 10% or 12% tax brackets based on your filing status, you’ll generally pay a 0% capital gain rate.
• If you’re in the 22%, 24%, or 32% tax brackets based on your filing status, you’ll generally pay a 15% capital gain rate.
• If you’re in the 35% and 37% income tax brackets, you’ll generally pay a 20% capital gain rate.

Regulations

Stay informed about the evolving regulatory landscape around cryptocurrencies. Ensure that your business complies with any Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements. Keep in mind that such regulations are subject of rather frequent change so you need to keep an eye on them.

The volatility of ETH

Even though Ethereum is considered a reliable cryptocurrency, be prepared to manage its price volatility. Ethereum reached its all-time high on the 9th of November 2021, when it was valued at $4815, compared to March 2023, when its price is around $1780. Consider using stablecoins or converting ETH to local currency to minimize the impact of market fluctuations on your earnings.

The unpredictable future of Ethereum

Ethereum’s transition to Proof of Stake (PoS) on September 15, 2022, combined with the crypto bear market, has created some uncertainty about its future. Stay informed about Ethereum’s development and be prepared to adapt your business practices as needed.

Customer education

Educate your customers about the benefits and risks of using Ethereum as a payment method. Provide clear instructions on how to make payments and handle any potential issues, such as refunds or underpayments.

Record-keeping

Maintain accurate records of your Ethereum transactions, including dates, amounts, wallet addresses, and any conversions to local currency. Proper record-keeping will help you stay compliant with tax regulations and provide valuable insights into the impact of accepting Ethereum payments on your business.

How to spend your ETH

You have to consider what to do with your ETH carefully. Staking, holding, converting to FIAT, or acquiring other cryptocurrencies with it are the main options. It can be gathered into staking pools, or you can think of a way to pay directly with ETH, settle with your business partners, or cover your expenses. Check our guide on What to buy with Ethereum

Final thoughts

As we’ve explored throughout this article, accepting Ethereum payments offers numerous advantages for businesses. These benefits include lower transaction costs, faster payment processing, increased accessibility to a global customer base, and the potential to tap into the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies.

By embracing Ethereum payments, you are positioning yourself at the forefront of an emerging financial revolution. The world of digital currencies is evolving rapidly, and integrating crypto payments into your operations now can give you a competitive edge in the market. As more people adopt cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, businesses and individuals that accept Ethereum will be better positioned to benefit from this growing trend.

The financial landscape is changing, with cryptocurrencies like Ethereum playing an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of money and commerce. Ethereum’s innovative technology, such as smart contracts and decentralized applications, has the potential to transform industries and create new opportunities for growth and prosperity. By accepting Ethereum payments today, you are not only preparing for the future of finance but actively participating in its development.