What is BTCPay Server?
BTCPay Server is an open-source, self-hosted cryptocurrency payment processor designed to enable individuals and businesses to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies directly, without intermediaries, fees, or third parties. Here is a detailed overview based on available information and what can be found on btcpayserver.org
BTCPay Server Overview
BTCPay Server is a free platform that allows merchants, content creators, and individuals to accept payments in Bitcoin (both on-chain and via Lightning Network) and select altcoins, with a focus on privacy, security, and censorship resistance. Unlike centralized payment processors like BitPay, BTCPay Server is non-custodial, meaning users retain full control over their private keys and funds—payments go directly into their wallets.
The project was founded in 2017 by developer Nicolas Dorier, who, dissatisfied with BitPay’s policies during the “Blocksize War” in the Bitcoin community, decided to create an alternative that supports decentralization and self-sovereignty. Since then, BTCPay Server has become a significant tool in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Key Features
Free and Open-Source – No usage fees (aside from network transaction fees), and the code is publicly available for review and improvement under the MIT license.
Self-Hosting – You can set up BTCPay Server on your own server, VPS, or even use third-party hosting instances. This provides full control over data and the payment process.
Privacy and Security – No KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements, no address reuse (each invoice generates a new address), and users can run a full Bitcoin node for transaction validation.
Lightning Network Support – Enables fast and low-cost payments via Lightning, with integration options for LND, c-lightning, and other implementations.
Integrations – Supports connections with popular e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, Odoo, and more. It also has a BitPay-compatible API for easier migration.
Applications – Includes built-in tools such as Point of Sale (POS) for physical stores, donation buttons, crowdfunding campaigns, and invoice management.
Hardware Wallet Support – Allows integration with hardware wallets (e.g., Ledger, Trezor) for secure fund management.
Flexibility – Suitable for various users—from merchants and donors to those looking to run their own payment processor for a community.
How It Works
Wallet Connection – The merchant connects a wallet to their BTCPay Server store using an extended public key (xpub). The platform automatically generates new addresses for each transaction.
Invoices – Invoices are created, which customers pay by scanning a QR code or sending funds to the displayed address. Payment status is tracked in real-time.
Management – The built-in wallet allows sending and receiving funds, while Lightning Network integration adds speed and scalability.
Customization – Users can adjust the payment page design, set exchange rates for crypto-to-fiat conversion, and manage multiple stores within a single server.
How to Get Started
Setup – Install BTCPay Server on your own hardware, use cloud solutions like Azure or LunaNode, or join an existing host. Docker is commonly used for automated installation.
Configuration – After installation, create an account, connect a wallet, and set up a store or application as needed.
Testing – A demo version is available at mainnet.demo.btcpayserver.org for testing functionalities.
Supported currencies
BTCPay Server primarily supports Bitcoin (BTC) as the main cryptocurrency, including payments on the blockchain and via the Lightning Network. However, it also allows support for certain altcoins, but the list depends on how the server is configured and on community contributions, as the BTCPay team does not actively maintain all altcoins.
Here is a list of cryptocurrencies that BTCPay Server can support, according to official documentation and common integrations:
- Bitcoin (BTC) – The default and primary currency, with support for on-chain transactions and Lightning Network (LND, c-lightning, Eclair).
- Litecoin (LTC) – A frequently used altcoin with broad support.
- Monero (XMR) – Supported through community-maintained integrations.
- Liquid Bitcoin (LBTC) – Includes support for Liquid Tether (USDt) via the Liquid Network.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – Available as an option through community contributions.
- Dash (DASH) – Supported in some configurations.
- Bitcoin Gold (BTG) – Occasionally included in the list of supported currencies.
- Bitcoin Plus (XBC) – A lesser-known altcoin, but mentioned in some implementations.
- Bitcore (BTX) – Another altcoin with limited support.
Note on Altcoins:
Support for altcoins is not automatic – it must be manually added during server setup (e.g., through variables in the Docker configuration, such as BTCPAYGEN_CRYPTO2=”ltc” for Litecoin).
The BTCPay team focuses on Bitcoin, while altcoins are maintained by their respective communities. If a certain altcoin is not actively supported or tested, it may be removed in future versions.
A maximum of 9 cryptocurrencies can be supported in a single instance (from CRYPTO1 to CRYPTO9 in the configuration).
Additional Options via Plugins
Through plugins like FixedFloat or SideShift, users can accept a wider range of cryptocurrencies (e.g., Ethereum (ETH), ERC-20 tokens, Ripple (XRP), etc.), which are automatically converted into Bitcoin or another supported currency during payment. These services depend on external providers and include small fees paid by the buyer.
How to Check or Add Support?
If you are setting up your own BTCPay Server, you can check the currently supported currencies in the documentation at docs.btcpayserver.org under “Altcoins FAQ” or add a new currency by modifying the code and Docker images, which requires technical knowledge.
Useful links and sources
Here are some useful links where you can find information about support for Monero (XMR), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Liquid Bitcoin (LBTC) in the context of BTCPay Server. These links are mainly from the official documentation and related sources:
Official BTCPay Server Documentation – Altcoins FAQ
Link: docs.btcpayserver.org/FAQ/Altcoins
This is a key page that describes support for altcoins, including XMR, LTC, DOGE, and LBTC. It explains how to add support for these currencies and notes that Bitcoin is the primary focus, while altcoins are maintained by their respective communities.
Guide for Setting Up Monero (XMR) on BTCPay Server
Link: sethforprivacy.com/posts/accepting-monero-via-btcpay-server/
A detailed guide by Seth for Privacy on integrating Monero into BTCPay Server, including steps for setup and node synchronization.
GitHub BTCPay Server – Monero Integration
Link: github.com/btcpayserver/btcpayserver/issues/160
A GitHub discussion on the requests and progress of Monero integration. You can find technical details and status updates here.
How to Add LTC, DOGE, and Other Currencies via Docker
Link: github.com/btcpayserver/btcpayserver-docker
A repository for BTCPay Server’s Docker installation, describing variables (e.g., BTCPAYGEN_CRYPTO2="ltc" or BTCPAYGEN_CRYPTO3="doge") for adding Litecoin, Dogecoin, and other currencies.
Liquid Bitcoin (LBTC) Support in BTCPay Server
Link: github.com/btcpayserver/btcpayserver/issues/1282
A discussion on how to enable LBTC and Liquid assets (such as USDt) in BTCPay Server, including instructions for generating a wallet and using confidential transactions.
General Information on Supported Currencies at btcpayserver.org
Link: btcpayserver.org
On the official site, you can find basic information about support for BTC, LTC, XMR, and LBTC through the “Features” section or documentation.
If you want to explore further, I recommend checking out communities on Reddit (e.g., r/Monero or r/litecoin), where users often share experiences with BTCPay Server. For example:
Official links:
BTCPay Website: https://btcpayserver.org/
BTCPay Slack: https://slack.btcpayserver.org/
BTCPay Github: https://github.com/btcpayserver/btcpayserver
BTCPay on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BtcpayServer
BTCPay on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpG9WL6TJuoNfFVkaDMp9ug
