Definition and Core Mechanics
A crypto payment gateway is a software service that allows merchants to accept cryptocurrency from customers. The process involves several automated steps. First, the gateway generates an invoice or a QR code for the customer. Once the customer initiates the payment, the gateway verifies the transaction on the blockchain. It then calculates the real-time exchange rate and, depending on the merchant's preference, can automatically convert the crypto to fiat before sending it to the merchant's bank account.

Why Merchants Accept Crypto Payments
Businesses are increasingly adopting crypto payments for three main reasons. First, it offers lower fees by eliminating the expensive interchange fees of traditional banks. Second, it provides global reach, attracting a large base of crypto holders without foreign exchange barriers. Finally, on-chain transactions are immutable, which means there are no chargebacks and eliminates fraudulent refund disputes.