BTCPay Server

BTCPay Server is a free, open-source, self-hosted cryptocurrency payment processor. It enables merchants to accept Bitcoin payments directly, with no transaction fees, no middlemen, and complete control over their funds. Unlike hosted processors, BTCPay Server runs on your own server or cloud instance.

How BTCPay Server Works

BTCPay Server is software, not a company. You install it on your own server (or use a third-party host), connect your Bitcoin wallet (public key only), and start generating payment invoices. Payments go directly from the customer to your wallet — there is no intermediary holding funds, charging fees, or requiring KYC.

The software monitors the blockchain for payment confirmations, handles invoice status, and provides tools for refunds, accounting, and reporting. It supports both on-chain Bitcoin and the Lightning Network for instant, low-cost payments.

Key Features

• Zero fees: No transaction fees, subscription fees, or processing fees (only standard blockchain network fees)
• Non-custodial: Funds arrive directly to your wallet. BTCPay Server never holds your private keys or funds
• Self-hosted: Run on your own hardware, cloud VPS, or use a third-party hosting provider
• Lightning Network: Built-in support for LND, Core Lightning, and Eclair implementations
• Point-of-sale app: In-person payment interface for retail stores
• Crowdfunding: Built-in crowdfunding and donation campaign tools
• Payment requests: Generate long-lived invoices for services
• Tor support: Enhanced privacy with Tor network integration
• Payjoin: Privacy-enhancing payment protocol support
• Multi-store: Run multiple stores from a single instance
• BitPay-compatible API: Easy migration from BitPay with a compatible API

Fee Structure

BTCPay Server is completely free. The only costs are:

• Server hosting: $5–$20/month for a cloud VPS (or free if self-hosted on existing hardware)
• Blockchain network fees: Standard Bitcoin network fees paid by the customer
• Lightning routing fees: Minimal fees (typically fractions of a cent) for Lightning payments

There are no merchant fees, no subscription fees, and no transfer fees. This makes BTCPay Server the most cost-effective option for merchants comfortable with technical setup.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

BTCPay Server is primarily a Bitcoin processor. The core software supports Bitcoin on-chain and Lightning Network. A community-maintained altcoin build is available for merchants who want to accept additional cryptocurrencies, but the primary focus and strongest feature set is Bitcoin-only.

Best For

BTCPay Server is ideal for technically capable merchants, privacy advocates, and businesses that want full sovereignty over their payment infrastructure. It’s particularly popular among:

• Bitcoin-only businesses
• Privacy-focused merchants (VPNs, hosting, etc.)
• Developers who want full customization
• Merchants in regions with restrictive financial regulations
• Nonprofits and open-source projects
• Retail stores using the built-in POS app

Important Considerations

• Technical setup required: Self-hosting requires comfort with server administration, Docker, or cloud deployment
• No automatic fiat conversion: You receive Bitcoin directly; converting to fiat requires a separate exchange
• No KYC: No identity verification required, but merchants are responsible for their own compliance
• Maintenance: Self-hosted instances require occasional updates and server maintenance
• Third-party hosting: Several providers offer managed BTCPay hosting for a monthly fee if you prefer not to self-host
• Bitcoin-focused: While altcoin support exists, the primary development focus is Bitcoin and Lightning

Getting Started

To start using BTCPay Server, you can:

1. Self-host: Deploy on your own server using Docker or manual installation
2. Cloud VPS: Rent a VPS ($5–$20/month) and deploy using automated scripts
3. Third-party host: Use a managed hosting provider (free or paid options available)
4. Hardware device: Run on a dedicated hardware device like a Raspberry Pi

The BTCPay Server documentation provides extensive guides for all deployment options.