What does this research mean for the field?

Retailers can implement cryptocurrency payments through three primary methods: card-rail conversion, crypto payment gateways, and direct stablecoin acceptance, each with distinct cost models and compliance requirements. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.METHODOLOGICAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This guide aims to assist merchants in understanding how to accept cryptocurrency payments effectively.

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February 21, 2026Open Access

Crypto Payments for Retail: Implementation & Cost Guide

Key Points

This guide aims to assist merchants in understanding how to accept cryptocurrency payments effectively.
Explains three ways to accept cryptocurrency: card-rail conversion, payment gateways, and direct stablecoin acceptance.
Covers cost models and settlement mechanics for each method.
Discusses compliance requirements such as PCI DSS and AML/CFT.
Provides implementation checklists for both in-store and e-commerce setups.
Includes a benchmark comparison of various payment processors.
Outlines the advantages and drawbacks of each crypto payment method.
Suggests compliance strategies tailored for retail environments.
Highlights cost differences among different payment gateways.

Abstract

A merchant-first guide explaining three ways to "accept crypto" in retail—card-rail conversion, crypto payment gateways, and direct stablecoin acceptance. Covers cost models, settlement mechanics, refunds vs. chargebacks, compliance (PCI DSS, AML/CFT), and implementation checklists for in-store and e-commerce. Includes benchmark comparison of BitPay, CoinPayments, NOWPayments, OpenNode, and CoinGate using official sources.

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