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Crypto Merchant Accounts
Clarify whether you need a merchant account for a crypto-related business, cryptocurrency checkout, or fiat-to-crypto conversion. These are different payment arrangements with different responsibilities.
Discuss your business
Separate the business activity from the payment method
An ordinary retailer accepting digital assets differs from an exchange, broker, custodial wallet or on-ramp operator. Describe the service sold, who holds customer funds and whether the business exchanges or transfers assets for others. A crypto payment gateway is not interchangeable with a card acquiring account.
Make the movement of funds reviewable
Show the full path from payer to merchant or customer wallet, including conversion and any third parties. Identify supported assets and networks, custody responsibilities, transaction monitoring and exceptions. Address mistaken-network payments, underpayments, refunds and the evidence available to support disputes.
Assess market access and settlement explicitly
Document the relevant registrations or permissions and the markets served. FATF guidance provides an international risk framework for virtual assets and service providers; local implementation still requires market-specific review. Confirm settlement asset, timing and reconciliation requirements with the proposed provider. Digital assets do not bypass merchant eligibility requirements.
Questions before you apply
Is a crypto merchant account the same as a wallet?
No. A wallet holds or controls digital assets. A merchant acquiring arrangement concerns payment acceptance and settlement. Your application should identify the service you actually need.
Can you guarantee card acquiring for an exchange?
No. The exact exchange model, jurisdictions and risk controls require assessment, and provider approval is not automatic.
Reference: FATF: virtual assets and service providers. Review the rules that apply to your exact activity and markets.
Availability is subject to business assessment, lawful activity, destination-market requirements and provider approval. No industry or payment method is approved automatically.
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Discuss your crypto merchant account requirements
Share your business model, customer markets and processing requirements for an initial assessment.