Free 30-min Web3 Consultation
Book Consultation
Smart Contract Security Audits
View Audit Services
Custom DeFi Protocol Development
Explore DeFi
Full-Stack Web3 dApp Development
View App Services
Free 30-min Web3 Consultation
Book Consultation
Smart Contract Security Audits
View Audit Services
Custom DeFi Protocol Development
Explore DeFi
Full-Stack Web3 dApp Development
View App Services
Free 30-min Web3 Consultation
Book Consultation
Smart Contract Security Audits
View Audit Services
Custom DeFi Protocol Development
Explore DeFi
Full-Stack Web3 dApp Development
View App Services
Free 30-min Web3 Consultation
Book Consultation
Smart Contract Security Audits
View Audit Services
Custom DeFi Protocol Development
Explore DeFi
Full-Stack Web3 dApp Development
View App Services
LABS
Comparisons

BitPay vs CoinGate: A Technical Analysis for Merchant Adoption

A data-driven comparison of BitPay and CoinGate, two leading crypto payment processors. We evaluate fee structures, supported blockchains, settlement options, and developer tooling to help technical decision-makers select the optimal platform for their business.
Chainscore © 2026
introduction
THE ANALYSIS

Introduction: The Battle for Merchant Crypto Payments

A data-driven comparison of BitPay and CoinGate, the two dominant gateways for enterprise crypto commerce.

BitPay excels at enterprise-scale Bitcoin and stablecoin settlements due to its deep liquidity, direct bank integrations, and robust compliance framework (BitPay Merchant Tools, BitPay Send). For example, its BitPay Dashboard provides detailed reporting and supports automated settlement to bank accounts in over 38 countries, a critical feature for high-volume merchants processing millions in transactions.

CoinGate takes a different approach by prioritizing payment method diversity and blockchain agnosticism. This results in support for over 70 cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon) and advanced features like Lightning Network and NFT checkout. The trade-off is a less rigid settlement structure, offering more flexible payout options in crypto or fiat.

The key trade-off: If your priority is high-volume, compliance-first Bitcoin/stablecoin processing with direct fiat settlement, choose BitPay. If you prioritize maximum payment method flexibility, support for altcoins/Layer 2s, and crypto-native payout options, choose CoinGate.

tldr-summary
BitPay vs CoinGate

TL;DR: Key Differentiators at a Glance

A data-driven breakdown of strengths and trade-offs for enterprise payment processors.

01

BitPay: Enterprise & Crypto-Native Focus

Specific advantage: Deepest integration with Bitcoin and Bitcoin Lightning Network. This matters for merchants prioritizing crypto-native customers and large-ticket B2B transactions. Offers direct settlement in BTC, USDC, or fiat with $1B+ processed annually.

02

BitPay: Merchant Control & Security

Specific advantage: Non-custodial model where merchants control their private keys. This matters for financial autonomy and security compliance. Includes BitPay Shield for transaction monitoring and dispute resolution, reducing fraud risk.

03

CoinGate: Altcoin & Web3 Ecosystem

Specific advantage: Supports 100+ cryptocurrencies, including major altcoins (ETH, SOL, MATIC) and niche tokens. This matters for gaming, NFT, and DeFi merchants seeking broader customer reach. Offers direct plugins for WooCommerce, PrestaShop, and OpenCart.

04

CoinGate: Fiat Flexibility & Payout Speed

Specific advantage: Instant conversion to EUR, USD, or other fiat with next-business-day payouts to bank accounts. This matters for SMBs and e-commerce stores requiring predictable cash flow. Lower barrier to entry with simpler KYC and no monthly fees.

HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON

BitPay vs CoinGate Feature Matrix

Direct comparison of key metrics and features for enterprise payment gateway selection.

Metric / FeatureBitPayCoinGate

Transaction Fee (Merchant)

1%

1%

Supported Cryptocurrencies

15+

70+

Direct Fiat Settlement

Non-Custodial Settlement

Lightning Network Support

POS & E-commerce Plugins

WooCommerce, Shopify, etc.

WooCommerce, Magento, PrestaShop, etc.

API First Design

Merchant Account Required

pros-cons-a
BitPay vs CoinGate

BitPay: Strengths and Weaknesses

A data-driven comparison of two leading crypto payment processors, highlighting key differentiators for enterprise integration.

01

BitPay's Strength: Enterprise-Grade Security & Compliance

Bank-level security and regulatory clarity: Operates as a licensed Money Services Business (MSB) in the US, with SOC 2 Type II certification. This matters for regulated businesses (e.g., SaaS, fintech) requiring strict KYC/AML adherence and institutional-grade custodial solutions for settlement.

SOC 2 Type II
Certification
02

BitPay's Weakness: Limited Crypto & Chain Support

Narrow asset and blockchain focus: Primarily supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a handful of major assets (e.g., Dogecoin, Shiba Inu). Lacks support for major ecosystems like Solana, Polygon, or Layer 2 rollups. This matters for merchants wanting to accept payments from a broader, multi-chain user base or leverage low-fee networks.

03

CoinGate's Strength: Multi-Chain & Altcoin Flexibility

Extensive blockchain and token support: Processes payments across 50+ blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, and 70+ Layer 2 networks/altcoins. This matters for crypto-native businesses (e.g., NFT platforms, GameFi) targeting diverse communities and minimizing user friction from chain switching.

50+
Blockchains
04

CoinGate's Weakness: Less Mature Enterprise Tooling

Simpler API and fewer enterprise features: While robust for SMBs, lacks BitPay's depth in merchant of record services, detailed tax reporting tools, and direct fiat settlement to bank accounts in as many regions. This matters for large-scale e-commerce platforms needing complex invoicing, accounting integrations, and global cash-out options.

pros-cons-b
BitPay vs CoinGate

CoinGate: Strengths and Weaknesses

A data-driven comparison of two leading crypto payment processors. Use this matrix to evaluate which platform aligns with your business's scale, token strategy, and geographic focus.

01

BitPay's Enterprise Edge

Established enterprise integration: Processes over $1B annually with direct support for major e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. This matters for large-scale merchants requiring battle-tested, PCI DSS compliant settlement directly to bank accounts.

$1B+
Annual Volume
02

BitPay's Limited Token Support

Narrow cryptocurrency focus: Primarily supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a handful of major Layer 1 tokens (e.g., Dogecoin, Shiba Inu). This is a trade-off for businesses targeting niche communities or requiring payments in newer altcoins or Layer 2 solutions.

03

CoinGate's Altcoin & Lightning Advantage

Broadest crypto acceptance: Supports 70+ cryptocurrencies, including niche altcoins and Bitcoin Lightning Network payments. This matters for businesses catering to crypto-native users, NFT communities, or those needing sub-second, low-fee microtransactions.

70+
Cryptocurrencies
04

CoinGate's Geographic & Payout Constraint

Regional payout limitations: While accepting global payments, fiat settlement to bank accounts is primarily available for EU/EEA businesses. This is a critical trade-off for merchants in North America or APAC seeking direct EUR/USD bank transfers.

CHOOSE YOUR PRIORITY

Decision Framework: Choose Based on Your Use Case

BitPay for Enterprise

Verdict: The established, compliant choice for large-scale B2B and B2C operations. Strengths:

  • Regulatory Compliance: Full KYC/AML integration, SOC 2 Type II certification, and dedicated compliance support.
  • Enterprise-Grade Support: 24/7 priority support, dedicated account managers, and SLAs for uptime.
  • High-Volume Settlement: Optimized for processing millions in transaction volume with robust reporting and reconciliation tools.
  • Fiat Integration: Direct settlement to bank accounts in multiple currencies, reducing crypto volatility exposure. Best For: Traditional e-commerce platforms, SaaS companies, and large merchants requiring bank-grade compliance and fiat payouts.

CoinGate for Enterprise

Verdict: A flexible, crypto-native alternative with superior altcoin support. Strengths:

  • Altcoin Breadth: Supports 70+ cryptocurrencies, including niche assets like Monero (XMR), appealing to a broader crypto-native audience.
  • API Flexibility: Highly customizable checkout flows, webhooks, and plugin integrations (WooCommerce, Magento, PrestaShop).
  • Crypto-to-Crypto Focus: Stronger infrastructure for businesses that wish to hold revenue in crypto, with easy conversion between assets. Best For: Crypto-first businesses, exchanges, and platforms targeting altcoin communities or those prioritizing payment flexibility over traditional banking rails.
verdict
THE ANALYSIS

Final Verdict and Recommendation

A data-driven conclusion on selecting the right cryptocurrency payment processor for your business.

BitPay excels at enterprise-grade security and deep merchant integrations because of its established history and focus on compliance. For example, it processes over $1 billion annually for clients like Microsoft and AT&T, offering direct settlement in fiat to bank accounts with robust fraud protection and a dedicated merchant dashboard. Its support for major blockchains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Polygon provides a solid foundation for high-volume businesses.

CoinGate takes a different approach by prioritizing flexibility and altcoin accessibility. This strategy results in a trade-off between enterprise polish and broader crypto-native reach. CoinGate supports over 70 cryptocurrencies, including niche assets and Lightning Network payments, and offers unique features like crypto-to-crypto checkout and a non-custodial solution via its Merchant API. This makes it ideal for businesses targeting the crypto-savvy market.

The key trade-off: If your priority is risk mitigation, fiat settlement, and integration with traditional finance, choose BitPay. Its compliance-first model and enterprise track record are paramount for large-scale, regulated operations. If you prioritize crypto-native features, altcoin support, and developer flexibility, choose CoinGate. Its extensive asset list and API-driven tools are better suited for businesses deeply embedded in the Web3 ecosystem.

ENQUIRY

Get In Touch
today.

Our experts will offer a free quote and a 30min call to discuss your project.

NDA Protected
24h Response
Directly to Engineering Team
10+
Protocols Shipped
$20M+
TVL Overall
NDA Protected Directly to Engineering Team
BitPay vs CoinGate | Merchant Payment Processor Comparison | ChainScore Comparisons