How Can I Accept USDT Payments on My Website via an API?

Accepting USDT (Tether) payments is one of the simplest ways for online businesses to enter the crypto economy while avoiding volatility. Because USDT is a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, it combines the flexibility of crypto with the price stability of fiat.

Integrating USDT payments through an API allows you to automate transactions, reduce processing fees, and accept payments from anywhere in the world—without relying on traditional payment processors.

This article explores three major ways to accept USDT via API, comparing them on control, complexity, and cost. You’ll find out which option best fits your business.

1. Blockonomics — Best Balance of Control and Simplicity

Ideal for: Businesses that want a direct, non-custodial payment setup without heavy infrastructure or KYC requirements.

Overview:
Blockonomics provides a non-custodial API for accepting both USDT and Bitcoin payments. When a customer sends payment, the funds go directly to your wallet, not through a third-party intermediary. You remain in full control from start to finish.

Key Advantages:

• 💸 Non-custodial: Funds go straight to your wallet.
• ⚙️ Easy setup: RESTful API + webhooks for quick integration.
• ⏱ Real-time notifications: Instant Payment Notifications (IPN) for order tracking.
• 🕶 Privacy-first: No sign-ups, KYC, or central account needed.
• 💰 Low, transparent fees.

Limitations:

• Currently supports only select USDT networks (expanding over time).
• Limited enterprise reporting tools compared to large custodial gateways.

Verdict:
Blockonomics hits the sweet spot between usability and sovereignty. For most online businesses, it’s the most efficient and secure way to accept USDT via API.

2. BTCPay Server — Full Control for Developers

Ideal for: Developers and technical users who want total autonomy and are comfortable managing servers.

Overview:
BTCPay Server is an open-source, self-hosted payment processor. You install it on your own VPS and configure it to handle crypto payments, including USDT with the right plugins. It’s built for developers who want total transparency and customization.

Key Advantages:

• 🧩 Fully open-source: Review, modify, or extend the codebase.
• 🔒 No intermediaries: You control your wallet and your node.
• 💡 Extensible: Plugins and community support for multiple coins.

Limitations:

• Requires technical setup: VPS hosting, SSL certificates, and updates.
• Native USDT support depends on your configuration.
• Steep learning curve for non-technical merchants.

Verdict:
BTCPay Server is perfect for developers who value control over convenience. For typical e-commerce merchants, it may be more work than necessary.

3. CoinPayments — Convenience First, Control Second

Ideal for: Businesses that prefer ease of use and wide cryptocurrency support over full control.

Overview:
CoinPayments is a custodial crypto payment gateway supporting hundreds of coins, including USDT across multiple networks. It offers both hosted checkout pages and a developer API that connects easily to e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.

Key Advantages:

• 🌐 Wide coin support: Hundreds of cryptocurrencies, including USDT.
• 🛒 E-commerce integration: Works easily with major platforms.
• 🔄 Automatic conversions: Handles wallet and currency management.

Limitations:

• Funds are held in custody before withdrawal (not direct to wallet).
• Higher fees than non-custodial options.
• Mixed reviews about withdrawal speed and customer support.

Verdict:
CoinPayments is easy to start with but less appealing if you prioritize control and transparency.

Choosing the Right Option