CoinGate Alternatives: Top 5 Payment Gateways

As cryptocurrencies gain mainstream traction, more businesses want to accept them as payment. Payment gateways make this possible by acting as a bridge between cryptos and fiat currencies. CoinGate is one of the most popular crypto payment gateways, but what alternatives exist? This article evaluates the top 5 CoinGate alternatives based on fees, usability, mobile support, customer service, safety, and supported coins.

How do we evaluate alternatives?

When comparing crypto payment gateways, key factors include:  

1. Transfer fees - The percentage cut taken from each transaction. Lower is better. 
2. User interface - Is the dashboard easy to navigate? Can you access all features easily?
3. Mobile app - Does it offer a mobile app to manage payments on-the-go?
4. Customer support - What support channels are available? Are agents helpful?
5. Safety - Does the platform offer standard security features like 2FA and SSL encryption?  
6. Supported coins - The number and variety of cryptocurrencies supported. More is better.

Top Alternatives & Competitors

PassimPay

PassimPay is a non-custodial payment gateway supporting over 50 cryptocurrencies including major ones like BTC, ETH, XRP, stablecoins, and altcoins. It charges a flexible deposit fee regardless of volume. Its intuitive dashboard allows easy invoicing, payment reconciliation, and payouts. Mobile apps enable tracking payments and managing orders on the go. Support is available 24/7 via live chat, phone, email, and an online knowledge base. Security features include 2FA, address whitelisting, and seamless integration with hardware wallets.

Pros:

• Wide variety of supported cryptocurrencies
• Low & flexible transaction fee
• User-friendly interface
• Multiple support channels available 24/7

Cons:

• As a relatively newer platform, lacks brand recognition

PassimPay enters an increasingly competitive field by leading with breadth over 50 supported cryptocurrency assets beyond established tokens. Such expansive coverage entices users exploring emerging use cases. The low deposit fee simplifies cost projections though additional integrations and features incur variable pricing.

The dashboard prioritizes actionable merchant data like order reconciliation rather than trading tools. While PassimPay delivers baseline functionality for small businesses, larger players may desire custom branded experiences, tailored compliance controls, and dedicated account management - usually for a premium.

Seeking to differentiate, PassimPay promises responsive 24/7 multi-channel customer support via phone, live chat, email, and wikis instead of relying solely on slower trouble ticketing systems. However scaling available assistance alongside business growth often proves an industry wide challenge lately given crypto's rising popularity.

BitPay

Founded in 2011, BitPay supports BTC, BCH, ETH, various stablecoins, and some altcoins. BitPay takes a 1% cut from payments, competitive with other gateways. The user interface is clean but lacks some features like invoicing. Mobile apps allow managing payments and checking transaction history. Support options are limited to email tickets. Security-wise, BitPay leverages 2FA and encrypts wallets.

Pros: 

• Low 1% transaction fee
• Supports many major cryptocurrencies 

Cons:  

• User interface lacks some features
• Customer service needs improvement

While BitPay draws praise for its competitive 1% fee and support of major cryptos like Bitcoin and Ethereum, its interface omits key functions other rivals offer. For example, the inability to generate payment invoices or embed checkout options directly into a website limits ecommerce applications. Though BitPay does offer mobile apps, they act as mostly companion wallet/transaction trackers rather than full-featured dashboard replacements. 

Regarding customer service, BitPay only provides email-based ticket support which can suffer from slow, form-laden responses. As more nuanced payment and integration questions arise for businesses, email tickets prove restrictive. Lack of live chat, phone support creates barriers in resolving issues quickly.

That said, BitPay deserves its sterling reputation on the security front. The platform rightly incorporates authentication mechanisms like two-factor authorization to prevent unauthorized access. Sensitive wallet keys remain encrypted while at rest for additional assurance. As a larger, more established player since 2011, BitPay has so far avoided major breaches or safety issues across its operational history as well - an important prerequisite for handling transactions.

Coinbase Commerce

As a large US-based crypto company, Coinbase Commerce supports BTC, ETH, LTC, and various stablecoins. Its 0% transaction fee makes it cheaper than rivals. The dashboard allows monitoring payments and creating refunds easily. Its mobile app enables on-the-go access. Phone, chat, and email support is available but can be slow. Security features include 2FA, SSL encryption, and insurance for crypto holdings.  

Pros:

• No transfer fees 
• Robust mobile app
• Good security features

Cons:  

• Limited payment coin options 
• Mediocre customer support

Coinbase Commerce tempts first-time crypto merchants with an intriguing 0% transaction processing offer unrivaled amongst competitors. However, users need to contextualize associated qualifiers to make an informed choice. For example, the 0% rate applies strictly to on-chain transactions involving the platform's native stablecoin USDC. Intra-wallet payments within Coinbase avoid on-chain fees but limit real world utility.  

Accepting other cryptos like Bitcoin and Ethereum triggers a variable network fee up to 2% based on market conditions. So the true cost depends on a merchant's desired coin mix visibility. While Coinbase Commerce touts crypto insurance for custodied deposits, requiring exchange accounts counteracts the inherent decentralized benefits of peer-to-peer transactions.

On interface design and mobile presence, Coinbase Commerce delivers adequately though trails behind more purpose-built payment processors. The dashboards and charting tools focus heavily on exchange trading functions rather than business-centric payment reconciliation. While workable, businesses must adapt their workflows more heavily to Coinbase's existing retail user paradigm.  

The mobile application provides similar exchange-first capabilities that overwhelm non power users. Though responsive, customer service suffers persistent complaints about delayed response times across all traditional contact avenues from its rapid customer base expansion. As with BitPay, relying upon email and chat conversations poses certain business operation risks. 

NOWPayments

NOWPayments is a non-custodial gateway charging a 0.5%-2% transaction fee depending on volume. It supports 100+ cryptocurrencies including major ones like BTC, ETH, XRP, and various stablecoins. Its dashboard allows simple payment management and payouts. Mobile apps help track payments and balances. Support options include 24/7 live chat, email and phone. NOWPayments uses address whitelisting, 2FA, and other security protections.

Pros:

• Extremely wide coin acceptance
• Good fees at higher volume 
• Multiple support channels

Cons: 

• Higher fees at low volume
• Slightly complicated interface

Where NOWPayments shines is its breadth of crypto acceptance spanning over one hundred assets across both majors like Bitcoin and niche tokens. Such expansive coverage entices users eagerly exploring emerging use cases. The non-custodial wallet infrastructure ensures intermediaries cannot restrict deposits and withdrawals - a core tenet of cryptocurrency decentralization.

However, NOWPayment's flexibility translates into pricing model complexity with nine tiered pricing bands based on 30 day volume. Casual merchants face over 2% fees while the largest transfers dip slightly below 0.5% at the $250,000+ level. Comparing applicable rates challenges prospective users not already handling significant throughput.

Optimistically the multi-channel 24/7 customer service options via live chat, phone, and tickets alleviate confusion for hands-on assistance. But some users report uneven experiences depending on representative assignment much like traditional financial services. As NOWPayouts courts more merchants transitioning from fiat payments, the information dense dashboards pose initial hurdles without sufficient guided onboarding. But the platform's open design and lack of mandatory accounts holds promise for small businesses wary of restrictive user agreements.

Cryptomus

Cryptomus is an Australian exchange and payment gateway charging between 0.5% and 1% per transaction depending on volume. It supports only BTC, ETH, and XRP currently. The user interface is easy to navigate with payment tracking and invoicing capabilities. It lacks a distinct mobile app however. Support is available via live chat, email and phone. Security features include 2FA, address whitelisting, and others.

Pros:

• Simple, easy-to-use interface
• Multiple support channels

Cons: 

• Very limited coin selection
• No mobile application 

As a descendant of early Australian Bitcoin brokerage CoinTree, Cryptomus shares a similar crypto-first heritage orientation despite its spartan buyer facing facade. The streamlined Cryptomus UI focuses exclusively on core payment processing utilities like order management and transaction event tracking rather than market data cruft. Such thoughtful simplification assists punctual user tasks though limits overall visibility.

The standalone lack of mobile applications for monitoring or push notifications poses a significant limitation however. Though responsive when accessed via browsers, the web dashboards pale as fully functional replacements. Businesses instead continue relying on desktop experiences which impede mobility.

Furthermore Cryptomus trials merchant interest behind only supporting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP as base trading pairs. Their reasoning cites sufficient liquidity for cashing out into fiat compared to exotic altcoins. But such restrictive coin filtering precludes capturing transactions from devoted niche communities.

On the plus side, competitive 0.5%-1% fees schedule commingled with a dedicated account management model more reminiscent of traditional banking relationships. Client Services representatives actively advise on optimal setup and transaction routing as sales volume grows.

Such white glove orientation proves either blessing or curse though depending on individual preferences around privacy and control. But the underlying technical infrastructure leaves much to be desired at present until further maturation.
Conclusion

While CoinGate leads in some areas, competitors like Coinbase Commerce and NOWPayments outshine it in others like fees and coin selection. Cryptomus and BitPay also have strengths around simplicity and brand recognition. For best rates and features, businesses should consider their specific payment flow needs and capabilities to integrate.

Most major payment gateways now provide the core functionality to accept crypto, but ancillary factors like support quality, mobile experience, and asset breadth create differentiation. Passing cost savings to customers via lower fees and supporting innovation both encourage crypto adoption over time - payment gateways constitute the on-ramps for this ecosystem evolution through simplifying access.

CoinGate

CoinGate is a European gateway supporting 65+ coins including BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, and stablecoins. Fees range from 0.5% to 2.5% based on volume. Its dashboard enables easy invoicing, payment management, and liquidation to euros or US dollars. A mobile app allows tracking payments and controlling the account. Support options include email, ticket system and sometimes phone. Security features include 2FA, address whitelisting, and cold storage of funds.

Pros:

• Good variety of supported assets  
• Easy to use dashboard and liquidation
• Reasonable fees

Cons:  

• Support can be slow/unreliable
• Higher fees than some rivals

As one of the more visible crypto payment incumbents since 2014, Lithuania based CoinGate provides a well rounded core platform to meet small business needs. Though not matching NOWPayment's sheer cryptocurrency breadth at 65+ coins, CoinGate strikes a balance across UX, features, security markers and pricing. The 0.5% - 2.5% variable fee schedule simplifies projections based on sales intervals rather than opaque volume tiers. 

The dashboard clearly surfaces actionable data for finances, invoices, payment reconciliation more attuned to merchant operations than trading. Streamlined fiat off-ramps through SEPA Euro transfers or VISA debit cards simplify liquidity management alongside real time conversion rates. About the only sore lacking for merchants involves CoinGate's mixed customer service reputation and lack of 24/7 multi-channel support compared to NOWPayments.

However in CoinGate's defense, securing and scaling available support staff remains an industry wide challenge lately given crypto's popularity surge. For most merchants, CoinGate's middle ground status among rivals probably suits daily requirements until justifying enterprise grade solutions.  

What are the advantages of crypto payment services using PassimPay as an example?

As the examples illustrate, mainstream crypto payment gateways afford key benefits yet also pose certain limitations or barriers. Excitingly, PassimPay offers an easier, faster, and more affordable alternative for beginners based on common pain points.

Convenient functions

The intuitive PassimPay interface allows effortlessly generating invoices, tracking payments, managing balances, and liquidating to fiat seamlessly. Unlike custodial gateways, users remain in total control over their coins at all times rather than relying on intermediaries.

Wide range of supported cryptocurrencies

It supports numerous established cryptos like BTC, ETH, XRP and stablecoins as well as emerging niche tokens based on user requests. State-of-the-art security features foster safe transactions for businesses and buyers alike.
Instant connection and no moderation 

PassimPay enables immediate connections between users without the need for a third-party moderator. Transactions occur seamlessly, fostering a swift and efficient payment experience

Safety Precautions

PassimPay employs state-of-the-art security measures, ensuring a secure environment for both businesses and buyers. Robust safety precautions safeguard against potential threats, enhancing overall transactional safety.
Guarantee of anonymity

PassimPay prioritizes user privacy by providing a guarantee of anonymity. Users can engage in transactions without compromising their personal information, reinforcing a confidential and discreet payment process.

Multi-cryptocurrency wallet function

PassimPay's multi-cryptocurrency wallet function allows users to manage various digital assets in one platform. This feature enhances convenience, offering a unified solution for users with diverse cryptocurrency holdings.

 

The passionate PassimPay team actively enhances the product through collaborative user feedback to meet the latest industry demands.For any business, PassimPay delivers the easiest, most affordable entry point into the world of crypto payments thanks to its balance of features, performance and support.