PayNow is an innovative cryptocurrency payment platform that allows users to send, receive, buy, and swap crypto using an easy-to-remember sub-domain such as shop.paynow.com for their PayNow Wallet address. It offers the same capabilities as a Coinbase Smart Wallet, mapped via DNSSEC records, and always operates at a low-cost to users.
Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a reserve asset, typically the US Dollar. PayNow uses USDC (USD Coin) because it's backed 1:1 by US Dollar reserves, making it much less volatile than other cryptocurrencies; the volatility of USDC is nearly non-existent. This means when you receive $100 in USDC through PayNow, you have the equivalent of $100 in value, providing the stability of traditional currency with the efficiency of blockchain technology.
Crypto payments through PayNow offer several advantages: lower transaction fees (often 90% less than credit cards), faster settlement times (minutes vs. days), no chargebacks, global accessibility without currency conversion fees, and enhanced security through blockchain technology. Additionally, businesses can tap into the growing crypto-native customer base and potentially benefit from the programmable nature of digital assets for automated payments and smart contracts.
Traditional credit card processors typically charge businesses 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, plus potential additional fees for chargebacks and monthly service charges. PayNow's crypto payments on the Base Network operate with minimal network fees (often under $0.01) and no percentage-based charges, potentially saving businesses hundreds or thousands of dollars monthly depending on their transaction volume.
PayNow uses the Base Network because it offers the perfect balance of speed, scalability, and ultra-low fees - making it ideal for high-volume, stablecoin-based transactions. Built as a Layer 2 (type of blockchain built on top of others) solution on Ethereum and backed by crypto giant Coinbase, Base provides the security of ETH with significantly lower gas costs, often under a penny. This allows PayNow to deliver fast, final settlements without passing high fees onto users or merchants.
Yes, USDC can be easily converted to US dollars through various cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms. Many businesses choose to automatically convert a portion of their crypto payments to fiat currency for operational expenses while keeping some in USDC for future transactions or as a hedge against inflation.
Since PayNow uses USDC, a stablecoin pegged to the US Dollar, your payments remain stable regardless of broader cryptocurrency market fluctuations. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, which can experience significant price swings, USDC maintains its $1.00 value, protecting your business from inevitable and unpredictable crypto market volatility while still providing the benefits of blockchain technology.
PayNow operates within the regulatory framework for digital assets and maintains compliance with applicable money transmission laws. USDC, our primary stablecoin, is issued by regulated financial institutions and undergoes regular audits. We provide transaction records and reporting tools to help businesses meet their tax and regulatory obligations for cryptocurrency payments.
Yes, PayNow is secure. It uses DNSSEC to securely link the sub-domain to the corresponding CrossMint wallet address, ensuring the mapping is authentic and preventing tampering or fraudulent redirection. Additionally, blockchain technology adds an additional layer of security with advanced, traceable digital signatures.
To reach PayNow support, navigate to the Support page of our site at www.PayNow.com/business/support to find our contact information and availability hours. You can also click the chat icon in the bottom right corner of any page to start a conversation with our AI agent, Sophia.