Nov 20, 2025

Accepting Crypto Payments for Dev Work

Accept payments globally without middlemen. Learn how development shops can accept USDT, USDC, Bitcoin, and Ethereum via PassimPay integration - including setup, benefits, tax implications, and when crypto makes sense for your dev agency.

Why Dev Shops Should Consider Crypto Payments

Your development agency just landed a client in Singapore. They love your work. But when it's time to pay:

Traditional Payment Problems:

Wire transfer: $45 fee + 3-5 business days
Stripe international: 3.9% + $0.30 + 1% currency conversion = 4.9% total
PayPal international: 4.4% + currency conversion + withdrawal fees
$10,000 invoice = $490 in fees

Crypto Payment Alternative:

USDT on Tron: ~$1-2 transaction fee
Settlement time: 2-30 minutes
$10,000 invoice = ~$2 in fees
Savings: $488 (98% less in fees)**

But It's Not Just About Fees:

✅ Global Access - Accept payments from anywhere without banking restrictions
✅ Fast Settlement - Minutes instead of days
✅ No Chargebacks - Blockchain transactions are final
✅ Client Preference - Many tech companies prefer crypto
✅ Marketing Advantage - "We accept crypto" attracts crypto-native clients

The Trade-offs:

❌ Volatility Risk - Bitcoin/Ethereum prices fluctuate (use stablecoins to avoid)
❌ Tax Complexity - Crypto income requires additional reporting
❌ Learning Curve - Team needs to understand basics
❌ Limited Adoption - Not all clients ready to pay with crypto (yet)

The Bottom Line: Crypto payments aren't right for every dev shop. But for agencies with international clients, crypto-native startups, or high invoice volumes, the savings and speed can be game-changing.

Understanding Cryptocurrency Payment Options

The Four Main Cryptocurrencies for Business

Bitcoin (BTC) - Digital Gold

Best For: Large invoices ($10k+), clients specifically requesting Bitcoin
Fee: $1-10 per transaction (varies with network congestion)
Settlement: 10-60 minutes (6 confirmations)
Volatility: High (5-10% daily swings)

Pros:

Highest brand recognition
Best store of value long-term
Most widely accepted crypto

Cons:

Slow confirmation times
High fees during network congestion
Price volatility risk

When to Use:

Client specifically wants to pay in Bitcoin
Invoice amount is large ($10k+) making fees negligible
You're comfortable holding Bitcoin long-term

Ethereum (ETH) - Smart Contract Platform

Best For: Mid-sized invoices ($2k-10k), tech-savvy clients
Fee: $5-50 per transaction (gas fees vary widely)
Settlement: 2-15 minutes (12 confirmations)
Volatility: High (similar to Bitcoin)

Pros:

Faster than Bitcoin
Strong developer community
Programmable money (smart contracts)

Cons:

Variable gas fees (can spike during network congestion)
Still volatile
More complex than Bitcoin

When to Use:

Client is in crypto/Web3 space
Mid-sized invoices where percentage fee matters
Client prefers Ethereum ecosystem

USDT (Tether) - US Dollar Stablecoin

Best For: ALL invoicing (recommended for most dev shops)
Fee: $1-2 per transaction (Tron network)
Settlement: 2-5 minutes
Volatility: None (pegged to $1 USD)

Pros:

No price volatility (always $1)
Extremely low fees on Tron network
Fast settlement
Widely accepted and liquid

Cons:

Requires trust in Tether company
Regulatory scrutiny (though widely used)
Not as "pure crypto" as BTC/ETH

When to Use:

You want crypto benefits without volatility
International clients (avoid FX fees)
Fast settlement needed
This should be your default crypto option

USDC (USD Coin) - Regulated Stablecoin

Best For: Compliance-focused clients, US clients
Fee: $0.01-1 on Polygon, ~$5-20 on Ethereum
Settlement: 2-5 minutes (Polygon)
Volatility: None (pegged to $1 USD)

Pros:

Fully regulated and audited
No volatility
Strong compliance framework
Backed by Circle (reputable)

Cons:

Slightly less liquid than USDT
Network choice matters for fees

When to Use:

Client wants regulated stablecoin
Compliance is critical
You prefer US-based issuer
Great alternative to USDT

Recommended Setup for Dev Shops

Start Simple:

USDT (Tether) - Your primary crypto option (no volatility)
USDC - Alternative for clients who prefer regulated stablecoins

Add Later if Needed: 3. Bitcoin (BTC) - For clients who specifically request it 4. Ethereum (ETH) - For Web3/crypto clients

Why Start with Stablecoins:

Zero volatility risk (always $1)
Lowest fees (~$1-2 per transaction)
Fastest settlement (2-5 minutes)
Easiest to understand for accounting

Setting Up PassimPay Integration

What is PassimPay?

PassimPay is a cryptocurrency payment gateway that:

Supports BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, and other cryptocurrencies
Integrates with invoicing platforms via API
Provides automatic payment verification via webhooks
Handles blockchain complexity on your behalf
Offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Alternative Options:

Coinbase Commerce - Good for US businesses
BitPay - Oldest and most established
BTCPay Server - Self-hosted (for technical teams)
CoinPayments - Supports 2,000+ cryptocurrencies

Why PassimPay for Dev Shops:

Simple API integration
Automatic webhook notifications
Competitive fees
Supports major cryptocurrencies
Good for international payments

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Create PassimPay Account

Visit PassimPay.io
Click "Sign Up for Business Account"
Provide business information:
- Company name
- Business registration number
- Country of operation
- Business email
Complete email verification
Submit KYC (Know Your Customer) documents:
- Business registration certificate
- Proof of address
- Director identification
Wait for account approval (typically 2-3 business days)

Step 2: Configure Payment Settings

Once approved, configure your account:

Dashboard → Settings → Cryptocurrencies
- Enable USDT (recommended)
- Enable USDC (recommended)
- Optionally enable BTC, ETH
Dashboard → Settings → Settlement
- Choose: "Hold in crypto" or "Auto-convert to fiat"
- If auto-convert: Select your bank account
- Set conversion threshold (e.g., convert when balance >$1,000)
Dashboard → Settings → Notifications
- Enable email notifications for payments
- Set up webhook URL (we'll configure this next)

Step 3: Generate API Credentials

Dashboard → Developers → API Keys
Click "Create New API Key"
Name it: "Corcava Integration"
Copy and save securely:
- API Key: pk_live_...
- API Secret: sk_live_...
- Webhook Secret: whsec_...

⚠️ Important: Store these in a password manager. You'll need them for integration.

Step 4: Connect to Corcava

In your Corcava account:

Navigate to: Settings → Integrations → Payment Gateways
Click "Add PassimPay Integration"
Enter your credentials:
- API Key: [paste from PassimPay]
- API Secret: [paste from PassimPay]
- Webhook Secret: [paste from PassimPay]
Select enabled cryptocurrencies:
- ✅ USDT (Tether)
- ✅ USDC (USD Coin)
- ☐ BTC (Bitcoin) - optional
- ☐ ETH (Ethereum) - optional
Click "Test Connection"
If successful, click "Save Integration"

Step 5: Configure Webhook URL

Corcava will provide you with a webhook URL like: https://app.corcava.com/webhooks/passimpay/[your-team-id]

Copy this and add it to PassimPay:

PassimPay Dashboard → Developers → Webhooks
Click "Add Endpoint"
Paste webhook URL
Select events to receive:
- ✅ payment.succeeded
- ✅ payment.failed
- ✅ payment.confirmed
Save webhook endpoint

Step 6: Test the Integration

Create a test invoice in Corcava
Set amount to $10
Send to your own email
Click "Pay with Crypto"
Select USDT
Complete payment from your personal wallet
Verify invoice auto-updates to "Paid"

If everything works, you're ready to accept crypto payments! 🎉

Creating Crypto-Enabled Invoices

Automatic Crypto Option

Once PassimPay is connected, every invoice automatically includes crypto payment option. No additional configuration needed.

What Your Client Sees:

When you send an invoice, client receives:

Professional invoice PDF (as usual)
Payment options:
- Pay with Card (via Stripe)
- Pay with Crypto (via PassimPay)
- Pay with Bank Transfer
Clear instructions for each payment method

Client Payment Experience

Step 1: Client Clicks "Pay with Crypto"

They see:

List of accepted cryptocurrencies (USDT, USDC, BTC, ETH)
Current invoice amount in USD
Equivalent amount in each cryptocurrency

Step 2: Client Selects Cryptocurrency

Example: Client chooses USDT

They see:

Exact amount to send: 10,000 USDT
Payment address: (unique for this invoice)
QR code for mobile wallet scanning
Timer: Payment valid for 30 minutes

Step 3: Client Sends Payment

From their crypto wallet:

Paste payment address OR scan QR code
Enter exact amount (10,000 USDT)
Confirm and send transaction
Wait for blockchain confirmation

Step 4: Automatic Confirmation

PassimPay monitors blockchain:

Detects incoming transaction
Waits for blockchain confirmations (2-5 minutes)
Sends webhook to Corcava
Invoice auto-updates to "Paid"
Both parties receive email confirmation

No manual intervention required!

Handling Tax Implications

How Crypto Income is Taxed

In Most Jurisdictions:

Cryptocurrency received as payment for services is treated as ordinary business income at the fair market value when received.

Example:

Invoice: $10,000
Client pays 10,000 USDT
Fair market value at receipt: $10,000
Taxable income: $10,000

If You Hold Crypto:

Later sell 10,000 USDT for $10,200
Gain: $200
This is a capital gain (separate from business income)

Record-Keeping Requirements

For Each Crypto Payment, Record:

Date and time of receipt (blockchain timestamp)
Cryptocurrency type (BTC, ETH, USDT, etc.)
Amount received (in crypto)
Fair market value in USD (at time of receipt)
Blockchain transaction ID (for audit trail)
Client invoice number (link to original invoice)

Corcava Does This Automatically:

Records timestamp of payment
Stores cryptocurrency type and amount
Fetches and saves USD equivalent at payment time
Links to invoice
Stores blockchain transaction ID

You Can Export:

Monthly crypto payment reports
Transaction history with USD values
Data formatted for tax filing

Tax Reporting Tips

Simplify with Stablecoins:

Using USDT/USDC makes taxes easier:

Always valued at $1
No capital gains/losses to track
Simple: $10,000 USDT received = $10,000 income

If You Accept BTC/ETH:

Track two events:

Receipt: Business income at FMV when received
Disposal: Capital gain/loss when sold

Example:

Jan 15: Invoice for $10,000
Jan 15: Receive 0.25 BTC (worth $10,000)
        → Report $10,000 business income

Feb 1: Sell 0.25 BTC for $11,000
       → Report $1,000 capital gain

Tax return:
- Business income: $10,000
- Capital gain: $1,000

Work with a Tax Professional:

Crypto taxation is complex and varies by jurisdiction. Consult a CPA familiar with cryptocurrency before filing.

Client Communication Strategy

Introducing Crypto Payments

Email Template to Existing Clients:

Subject: New Payment Option: Cryptocurrency (Save on Fees)

Hi [Client Name],

We've added cryptocurrency as a payment option for your invoices. 

Why this matters for you:
• Lower fees: ~$2 vs $290 on a $10k invoice
• Faster settlement: 2-5 minutes instead of 3-5 days
• No currency conversion fees (for international payments)

We accept:
• USDT (Tether) - Recommended for most clients
• USDC (USD Coin) - Regulated alternative
• Bitcoin & Ethereum - If you prefer

How it works:
1. Receive invoice as usual
2. Click "Pay with Crypto"
3. Send payment from your wallet
4. Invoice auto-updates within minutes

Questions? I'm happy to walk you through it.

This is optional - all traditional payment methods still available.

Best,
[Your Name]

Handling Client Questions

Q: "Is it safe?"

A: "Yes. Cryptocurrency payments use blockchain technology - the same tech securing billions in transactions daily. The payment goes directly from your wallet to ours, confirmed by the blockchain network. PassimPay (our payment processor) handles the technical details securely."

Q: "Do I need to buy cryptocurrency first?"

A: "If you already hold cryptocurrency, you can pay directly. If not, you can:

Buy crypto on an exchange (Coinbase, Kraken, Binance)
Send to us directly from exchange
Or use traditional payment methods - crypto is optional!"

Q: "What if the price changes between invoice and payment?"

A: "We use stablecoins (USDT/USDC) which are always $1. A $10,000 invoice = 10,000 USDT, always. No price fluctuation risk. For Bitcoin/Ethereum, the amount is calculated when you click 'Pay with Crypto' and locked for 30 minutes."

Q: "Can I get a discount for paying with crypto?"

A: "We're saving significant fees ($290 vs $2 on a $10k invoice), so we're happy to pass some savings to you:

Pay within 7 days with crypto: 2% discount
Pay within 24 hours with crypto: 3% discount

This applies to invoices over $5,000."

Q: "What about taxes? Is this legal?"

A: "Yes, accepting cryptocurrency is legal in [your jurisdiction]. We report all crypto income to tax authorities, same as traditional payments. You'll receive a proper invoice and receipt as usual."

Marketing Crypto Acceptance

On Your Website:

Add a badge or mention:

Payment Methods Accepted:
✓ Credit/Debit Cards
✓ Bank Transfer
✓ Cryptocurrency (USDT, USDC, BTC, ETH)

International clients: Save on fees with crypto payments!

In Proposals:

Payment Terms:
• Net 30 days from invoice date
• Credit card (3% processing fee)
• Wire transfer (no fee, 3-5 days)
• Cryptocurrency (no fee, instant) ← Recommended for international

Social Media:

"We now accept cryptocurrency payments! Tech clients can pay invoices with USDT, USDC, Bitcoin, or Ethereum. Faster settlement, lower fees, global access. #Web3 #CryptoPayments #DevShop"

When Crypto Makes Sense vs. Traditional Payments

Use Crypto Payments When:

✅ International Clients

Avoid wire fees ($45+ per transfer)
Avoid currency conversion fees (1-3%)
Settle in minutes, not days

✅ High-Value Invoices ($5k+)

Fee savings are substantial
Percentage fees hurt less with larger amounts
$10k invoice: Save $288 (Stripe) vs $2 (USDT)

✅ Crypto-Native Clients

Web3 startups and blockchain companies
Clients who prefer/request crypto payments
Building trust with crypto community

✅ Recurring Clients

Once set up, payments are effortless
Build track record of crypto transactions
Predictable fee savings over time

✅ Countries with Banking Restrictions

Clients in countries with limited banking access
Areas with capital controls
Enables business where traditional payments difficult

Stick with Traditional Payments When:

❌ Small Invoices (<$500)

Crypto setup overhead not worth it
Traditional payment fees are minimal
Stripe fee on $500 = $14.80 (still manageable)

❌ Non-Tech Clients

Learning curve may cause friction
Prefer familiar payment methods
Don't want to educate on crypto

❌ You're Not Comfortable with Crypto

Don't accept it just because others do
Learning curve for your team
Tax complexity may not be worth it

❌ Client Explicitly Prefers Traditional

Never force crypto payments
Offer as option, not requirement
Respect client payment preferences

The Hybrid Approach (Recommended)

Best Practice:

Offer crypto as an option, not requirement
Keep all traditional payment methods
Let clients choose what works for them
Highlight crypto benefits (lower fees, faster) without pushing

Invoice Payment Options:

Credit/Debit Card (Stripe) - 2.9% + $0.30
Bank Wire - $45 fee, 3-5 business days
Cryptocurrency - ~$2 fee, 2-5 minutes ← Save 2% with crypto!

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Web Development Agency (International Client)

Client: Singapore-based SaaS startup
Project: 3-month development project
Monthly Invoice: $15,000

Traditional Payment (Wire Transfer):

Fee: $45 per wire
Time: 3-5 business days
Currency conversion: ~$150 (USD to SGD to USD)
Total cost: $195 per month
3-month total: $585

Crypto Payment (USDT):

Fee: ~$2 per transaction
Time: 3 minutes
Currency conversion: $0
Total cost: $2 per month
3-month total: $6

Savings: $579 over 3 months

Outcome: Agency offered 2% discount for crypto payments ($300/month). Client saved $300/month, agency saved $193/month in fees. Win-win.

Example 2: Development Shop (Web3 Client)

Client: NFT marketplace startup
Project: Smart contract development
Invoice: $25,000

Client Request: "Can we pay in ETH?"

Agency Response: "Absolutely! We accept ETH, USDT, USDC, and BTC. Given the invoice size, we recommend USDT to avoid volatility, but we're happy to accept ETH if you prefer."

Payment: Client paid 25,000 USDT via Polygon network.

Transaction fee: $0.10
Settlement time: 2 minutes
Client happy: Paid from existing crypto holdings
Agency happy: Minimal fees, instant settlement

Outcome: Built strong relationship with Web3 client. Client referred 3 more Web3 projects, all paying with crypto.

Example 3: Consulting Firm (Mixed Clients)

Setup:

20 active clients
5 international clients
3 crypto-native clients
12 traditional US clients

Crypto Adoption:

International clients (5): 100% crypto payments
Web3 clients (3): 100% crypto payments
Traditional clients (12): 0% crypto payments

Results After 6 Months:

40% of invoices paid with crypto
$4,200 saved in payment fees
Faster cash flow (2 minutes vs 3-5 days)
Attracted 2 new clients specifically because of crypto acceptance

Lesson: Not all clients will use crypto, but having the option:

Saves significant fees on international payments
Attracts crypto-native clients
Provides competitive advantage
Doesn't hurt traditional client relationships

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Accepting Only Bitcoin

The Problem: Bitcoin has high fees and slow confirmation times. For a $1,000 invoice, $10 fee = 1% (expensive).

Better Approach: Start with stablecoins (USDT/USDC):

No volatility
Low fees ($1-2)
Fast settlement
Easy accounting

Add Bitcoin later if clients specifically request it.

Mistake 2: Holding Volatile Crypto

The Problem: Receive $10,000 in Bitcoin. Price drops 10% next day. Now worth $9,000.

Better Approach:

Accept payment in stablecoins, OR
Use PassimPay's auto-convert feature (crypto → USD immediately)
Don't hold volatile crypto unless you're comfortable with risk

Mistake 3: Not Tracking USD Value at Receipt

The Problem: Tax time arrives. You have crypto payments but no record of USD value when received. Nightmare for accountant.

Better Approach: Use a platform (like Corcava) that automatically:

Records USD value at payment time
Stores blockchain transaction ID
Generates tax reports

Mistake 4: Complicating the Process

The Problem: Send clients complex instructions about wallets, networks, and gas fees. Clients give up and pay with card.

Better Approach:

Use a payment gateway (PassimPay) that handles complexity
Client just sees "Pay with Crypto" button
All technical details handled automatically
Make it as easy as credit card payment

Mistake 5: Forcing Crypto on Clients

The Problem: "We only accept crypto now!" → Clients leave for competitors.

Better Approach: Crypto should be an option, not a requirement:

Keep all traditional payment methods
Offer crypto as alternative
Highlight benefits (lower fees, faster)
Let clients choose

Getting Started: Implementation Checklist

Week 1: Research and Decision

Review this article and crypto payment pros/cons
Discuss with team and accountant
Decide which cryptocurrencies to accept (recommend: USDT + USDC)
Research tax implications in your jurisdiction
Get team buy-in

Week 2: Setup

Create PassimPay account
Complete KYC verification
Configure cryptocurrencies and settings
Generate API credentials
Connect PassimPay to Corcava
Test the integration with small payment

Week 3: Communication

Draft client email about new payment option
Update website to mention crypto acceptance
Add crypto option to proposal templates
Prepare FAQ for client questions
Train team on how to help clients

Week 4: Soft Launch

Send announcement to existing clients
Start including crypto option on new invoices
Monitor first few crypto payments
Gather feedback from clients who use it
Refine process based on feedback

Month 2+: Optimize

Review adoption rates and savings
Consider offering discount for crypto payments
Track tax implications and accounting
Market crypto acceptance to attract new clients
Continuous improvement based on data

Conclusion: The Future of Global Payments

Cryptocurrency payments aren't a gimmick for development agencies. They're a practical solution to real problems:

✅ Lower Fees - Save $288 on a $10k invoice
✅ Faster Settlement - Minutes instead of days
✅ Global Access - Work with clients anywhere
✅ No Chargebacks - Final settlement, no disputes
✅ Competitive Advantage - Attract crypto-native clients

Start Simple:

Accept USDT and USDC (stablecoins - no volatility)
Use PassimPay integration (handles complexity)
Offer as option alongside traditional payments
Track adoption and savings

As You Grow:

Add Bitcoin/Ethereum if clients request
Optimize for tax reporting
Market crypto acceptance
Build crypto-native client base

Ready to accept crypto payments for your dev work?

Corcava's PassimPay integration makes it simple:

Connect in 10 minutes
Accept USDT, USDC, BTC, ETH
Automatic invoice updates
Built-in tax reporting

Next Steps:

Sign up for PassimPay - Get API credentials
Connect to Corcava - 5-minute integration
Send your first crypto invoice - Test with small amount
Monitor results - Track fees saved and adoption rate

The future of global payments is here. Don't let your dev shop get left behind.

Related Resources:

Ready to start accepting crypto?Sign up for Corcava and connect PassimPay today.