The best alternatives to BitPay
BitPay’s rigid fee structure and mandatory buyer KYC push merchants toward alternatives that cut costs and reduce checkout friction. European providers like CoinGate offer lower entry tiers, broader asset support, and non-custodial options without per-transaction surcharges. For EU-based teams, data residency and GDPR compliance often seal the decision to switch.
European alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Why do merchants switch away from BitPay?
The main reasons are high processing fees, mandatory buyer KYC for larger transactions, and checkout friction from proprietary payment flows. Merchants also cite slow support response times and custody risks as key pain points.
Do European BitPay alternatives offer GDPR-compliant hosting?
Yes. Providers like CoinGate and Salamantex process and store data within the EU, aligning with GDPR requirements. This avoids exposure to non-EU jurisdictions like the US CLOUD Act, which applies to BitPay.
How difficult is it to migrate from BitPay to a European provider?
Migration is often straightforward. Open-source alternatives like BTCPay Server are designed to be API-compatible with BitPay, allowing merchants to switch by updating endpoint URLs. Managed providers like CoinGate offer dedicated onboarding support.
Are European BitPay alternatives cheaper?
Generally, yes. While BitPay charges a percentage plus a fixed fee per transaction, European providers like CoinGate often offer lower percentage fees without additional surcharges. Some, like BTCPay Server, even provide free self-hosted options.
Which European BitPay alternative supports the most cryptocurrencies?
CoinGate supports a broad range of assets, including major cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, as well as newer altchains. This makes it a strong choice for merchants needing wider coverage than BitPay provides.
Do European alternatives avoid custodial risks?
Yes. Providers like CoinGate and Salamantex offer non-custodial solutions, allowing merchants to receive payments directly to their own wallets. This eliminates third-party custody risks entirely.