NOWPayments vs AEON: A 2025 Crypto Payment Gateway Comparison

By 2025, cryptocurrency payment processing has evolved from an experimental feature into a cornerstone of global B2B finance. For enterprises and high-volume merchants, the capability to accept digital assets and automatically settle in fiat currency is critical for maintaining a competitive edge, optimizing treasury operations, and accessing new markets. Navigating this landscape requires a partner whose model aligns with your business goals.

NOWPayments and AEON represent two distinct approaches: NOWPayments offers a mature, enterprise-grade platform with broad cryptocurrency support, white-label capabilities, and full suite of business tools; AEON, in contrast, is an early-stage, Web3-native solution focused on on-chain payments for AI agents, gaming, and decentralized applications—prioritizing blockchain integration over traditional merchant features.

This definitive analysis contrasts NOWPayments and AEON across essential enterprise criteria: fee structures, supported assets, financial settlement options, security posture, API flexibility, and operational reliability. We address key strategic questions such as “Which platform supports recurring billing and global fiat payouts?” and “Is AEON ready for enterprise use, or is it still a niche Web3 tool?” Our conclusion delivers clarity to help you choose the right infrastructure for your business in 2025 and beyond.

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Products

Products	NOWPayments	AEON
API Integration Method	✅	✅
Crypto Invoicing	✅	❌
Mass Payouts	✅	✅
Crypto Subscription Tool	✅	✅
White Label Solutions	✅	❌

NOWPayments: NOWPayments offers a wide range of payment solutions, including a hosted checkout page, embedded checkout (via modal/iframe), and a headless/API-driven checkout option. It also provides an API for crypto-to-fiat and crypto-to-crypto transactions [1].

AEON: AEON primarily supports on-chain payments with a focus on Web3 and gaming industries. It also has a subscription tool and provides batch payouts via API [5].

Verdict: NOWPayments is more versatile with its checkout options and e-commerce solutions, while AEON is more specialized for Web3 and gaming applications, with fewer features for general business use.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Feature	NOWPayments	AEON
Supported Cryptocurrencies	300+	10
Supported stable coins	30+	3

NOWPayments: NOWPayments supports over 300 cryptocurrencies, including major coins like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), stablecoins (USDT, USDC, DAI), and a wide range of altcoins. This makes it highly relevant for enterprises dealing with a global, diverse customer base [1].

AEON: AEON supports major cryptocurrencies across multiple blockchains such as Ethereum, Polygon, BSC, and Solana, with a particular focus on USDT and USDC.

Verdict: NOWPayments is ideal for large enterprises or businesses that deal with a variety of cryptocurrencies, enabling them to cater to a global customer base. AEON is more specialized and better suited for niche markets like gaming and Web3, making it less versatile for mainstream industries.

Payment Methods

Feature	NOWPayments	AEON
On-chain payments	✅	✅
Recurring Payments	✅	❌
White-label Solutions	✅	❌
Mass Payouts	✅	✅

NOWPayments: NOWPayments supports on-chain payments, along with manual and API invoicing, recurring subscriptions, and white-label solutions. This makes it a great choice for multi-brand retailers, agencies, and enterprise businesses that require control over their payment processes.

AEON: AEON focuses on on-chain payments and lacks support for off-chain payments and advanced solutions like Lightning Network.

Verdict: NOWPayments provides a broader range of payment methods, including off-chain payments, making it more suitable for large enterprises that require multiple payment options. AEON is more restrictive and better suited for businesses that specifically require on-chain transactions, such as those in the Web3 space.

Fees & Pricing

Feature	NOWPayments	AEON
Processing fee	0.5-1%	3%
Customizable network fee offers	✅	✅
0% service fee for payouts	✅	❌

NOWPayments: Charges a low 0.5% processing fee, which is highly competitive in the market. It also offers favorable foreign exchange (FX) rates, making it attractive to both small and large enterprises.

AEON: AEON charges a 3% processing fee for deposits, which can be passed onto the customer. This may be less attractive for larger businesses with higher transaction volumes.

Verdict: NOWPayments offers a more cost-effective solution with lower transaction fees, making it especially beneficial for large enterprises that process high volumes of transactions. AEON’s higher fees may be less appealing to businesses that prioritize cost-efficiency.

Financial Settlement & Payouts

Feature	NOWPayments	AEON
API payouts (crypto to wallet)	✅	✅
Crypto-to-fiat payouts	✅	✅
Fiat-to-crypto payouts	✅	✅

NOWPayments: NOWPayments offers both crypto-to-fiat and crypto-to-crypto payouts, supporting over 75 fiat currencies and providing daily, weekly, or monthly settlements.

AEON: AEON enables crypto-to-fiat off-ramp payouts in a limited set of currencies. Critically, AEON does not support fiat-to-crypto onboarding—users cannot deposit or purchase crypto using fiat through AEON’s system. All payment flows originate from crypto wallets [10].

Verdict: NOWPayments offers more flexibility in settlement options, supporting a wider range of fiat currencies and settlement frequencies. This makes it ideal for large enterprises or businesses with global operations. AEON may be suitable for businesses that operate in specific markets but lacks the breadth needed for enterprises that require diverse payout options.

Integration & Plugins

Feature	NOWPayments	AEON
REST API	✅	✅
Plugins	✅	❌
Dedicated mobile/web POS (QR)	✅	✅

NOWPayments: NOWPayments offers a comprehensive REST API with webhooks, create-intent endpoints for easy integration. It also provides plugins for major platforms and a dedicated QR POS for in-person payments, along with developer quickstarts and examples [1].

AEON: AEON does not offer official plugins for major e-commerce platforms but provides integration via API and Hosted Checkout URL. This makes it more suitable for businesses that need custom integrations but may be less convenient for enterprises looking for ready-made solutions [9].

Verdict: NOWPayments is more enterprise-friendly due to its official plugins and SDKs, which make it easy to integrate with major e-commerce platforms. AEON is more suited for businesses with specific technical requirements that need custom integrations.

Registration & Setup Time

Feature	NOWPayments	AEON
User registration flow	Instant registrationOnly email neededNo extensive KYC procedure required	Full KYB, with documents being provided—manual approval may take timedocument upload manual approval
Simple user registration flow	✅	❌

NOWPayments: Offers an instant, self-serve registration process with just an email needed initially. There’s no complicated KYC/KYB for the initial application, and plugins can go live within 5–30 minutes, with custom API integration taking 1–3 days of development [1].
AEON: Broken frontend functionality hinders the registration process, preventing users from completing sign-up. KYB is necessary to go through with the manual document verification. There is a need to wait for the business manager approval to start integration [2].
Verdict: NOWPayments provides a fast and seamless registration process, making it ideal for large enterprises that need to get up and running quickly. AEON needs to resolve its technical difficulties to make it more accessible for businesses.

Reporting & Analytics

Feature	NOWPayments	AEON
Dashboard analytics	✅	✅
Exports (CSV/XLS/PDF/API)	✅	✅

NOWPayments: NOWPayments offers comprehensive reporting and analytics, including real-time transaction overviews and export options (CSV/XLS, API). It also provides automated reporting through its API.

AEON: AEON also has a functional dashboard for analytics and export capabilities.

Verdict: NOWPayments offers more robust reporting features, including real-time analytics and multiple export options, making it ideal for businesses needing detailed insights. AEON provides basic analytics and export tools.

Support & Service

Feature	NOWPayments	AEON
Email/ticket	✅	✅
Live chat	✅	❌
Dedicated manager	✅	❌
Knowledge base / help center	✅	✅

NOWPayments: Provides 24/7 support via live chat, email/ticket, and a comprehensive knowledge base/help center. It also offers a dedicated manager for personalized support, with an option for direct communication via Telegram for continuous support for larger or more complex businesses.

AEON: AEON offers email support and a public documentation portal. However, post-integration support is handled exclusively through a shared Telegram group. There is no live chat, no private support channels, and no dedicated account manager—even for enterprise clients. [5].

Verdict: NOWPayments offers more robust and accessible support, which is a key factor for large enterprises. AEON may struggle to meet the needs of larger businesses due to its less formal support structure.

Solutions for other Businesses

NOWPayments

E-commerce Businesses: NOWPayments enables seamless cryptocurrency payments on WooCommerce, supporting over 300 cryptocurrencies with low transaction fees.
Subscription-Based Services: NOWPayments allows businesses to set up recurring billing and subscription payments via API, handling different payment intervals for crypto transactions.
International Enterprises: NOWPayments supports over 75 fiat currencies for crypto-to-fiat settlements, offering flexible payout options (daily, weekly, or monthly) to global businesses.
Digital Goods & Services: NOWPayments simplifies payments for digital goods, services, NFTs, and Web3 products, providing instant settlement features and real-time transaction tracking.
Content Creators & Freelancers: NOWPayments allows content creators and freelancers to accept direct cryptocurrency payments with minimal fees via an easy-to-implement payment button or widget.

AEON

*The screenshot of the home page is sourced from AEON’s official website.

Web3 & Blockchain Projects: AEON provides on-chain payment solutions ideal for decentralized Web3 projects, dApps, DAOs, and NFT platforms, supporting multiple blockchains.
Gaming Industry: AEON allows gaming businesses to accept crypto payments directly for in-game purchases, game assets, or rewards with support for popular tokens like USDT and Ethereum.
Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): AEON offers an easy-to-integrate API and Hosted Checkout URL, enabling SMEs to accept cryptocurrency payments with competitive fees.
Freelancers & Creative Services: AEON enables freelancers and creatives to accept direct crypto payments for their services, with batch payouts for multiple clients.
Emerging Tech & AI Companies: AEON’s on-chain payments and Web3 focus make it an ideal solution for tech and AI companies needing blockchain-based transaction processing.
Non-Profit and Crowdfunding Projects: AEON’s crypto payment solutions are perfect for non-profits and crowdfunding initiatives that want to accept donations in cryptocurrency.

Verdict: NOWPayments is better suited for global enterprises, e-commerce, iGaming and SaaS businesses needing recurring billing, multichannel support, and robust reporting. AEON targets Web3-native users—such as blockchain gaming studios, AI agents, DAOs, and dApps—offering on-chain payments and limited fiat off-ramps. However, AEON lacks enterprise-grade features like a functional dashboard, dedicated support, or subscription billing.

Pros & Cons

NOWPayments

Pros:

Customizable, white-label solutions for branded checkouts.
Wide range of supported cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.
24/7 support with live chat and dedicated account managers for large clients.
Quick integration with API, plugins, and webhooks.
Non-custodial control with optional custodial solutions.
Advanced reporting features (CSV, XLS, API exports).
Flexible payment processing options, including crypto invoicing and mass payouts.
Suitable for high-volume transactions and enterprise-level businesses.

Cons:

Slightly higher processing fees (0.5-1%).
No sandbox.

Best For:

Large enterprises, e-commerce platforms, and crypto-native brands seeking scalable, customizable payment solutions with advanced features. It’s particularly suited for iGaming, SaaS, and high-volume businesses that require white-label checkouts, flexible crypto payment options, and robust support.

AEON:

Pros:

Supports on-chain payments, ideal for Web3, blockchain, and decentralized applications (dApps).
Efficient mass payouts via API and CSV for businesses managing multiple transactions.
Simple API and Hosted Checkout URL for businesses needing a custom integration.
Focuses on crypto-to-wallet payments, offering a straightforward solution for blockchain-native businesses.

Cons:

3% processing fee for deposits, which can be passed onto customers, but less attractive for large-scale businesses.
No live chat or dedicated account management, relying on email support and Telegram groups post-integration.
Lack of white-label solutions and advanced payment options like recurring billing and subscription management.
No functional dashboard analytics or export capabilities for businesses needing detailed transaction reporting.

Best For:

Web3 and blockchain projects, gaming platforms accepting crypto payments, small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and startups seeking low-cost, easy-to-integrate solutions, and freelancers or creatives needing a simple payment gateway with batch payouts and minimal setup.

Real User Reviews & Community Feedback

NOWPayments enjoys a generally positive reputation, with users praising its speed, reliability, and helpful support. Merchants highlight smooth integrations and fast payment processing. While some mention the effort required for custom setups, most agree it delivers on its promises [4].

AEON has no publicly available user reviews on any platforms. The service appears to have extremely limited merchant adoption, and most user interaction occurs privately via AEON’s post-integration Telegram support group, which is inaccessible to the public. The lack of reviews likely reflects AEON’s early-stage status rather than proven reliability.

General Sentiment: NOWPayments is a mature, enterprise-ready platform trusted for its reliability, broad crypto/fiat support, and responsive 24/7 support. AEON is an early-stage, Web3-focused solution tailored for AI agents, gaming, and dApps, offering on-chain payments and limited fiat off-ramps—but it lacks a functional dashboard, subscription tools, and proven operational stability. While innovative, AEON remains unproven for professional or high-volume use cases.

Why Clients Choose NOWPayments Over AEON

Clients typically choose NOWPayments over AEON due to its versatility and comprehensive feature set. NOWPayments supports over 300 cryptocurrencies, including major coins, altcoins, and stablecoins, which makes it an ideal choice for businesses seeking to cater to a diverse, global customer base. Its integrations with major e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce provide a seamless experience for merchants in the online retail space. The availability of multiple payment methods, including API integrations, payment buttons, and a customizable payment widget, allows businesses to adapt the platform to their specific needs. Additionally, NOWPayments’ low transaction fees (0.5%) and flexible payout options (daily, weekly, or monthly) make it an attractive choice for both small and large enterprises looking for cost-efficient solutions. This adaptability and cost-effectiveness make NOWPayments particularly appealing for businesses across a wide range of industries, from e-commerce to digital goods and services.

On the other hand, AEON is more specialized, focusing primarily on Web3 and gaming industries with its on-chain payment solutions. While this makes AEON a strong choice for blockchain and decentralized projects, its lack of recurring billing systems, white-label solutions, and official e-commerce platform integrations limits its broader applicability. The technical issues with registration and dashboard functionality have also led to user frustration. In contrast, NOWPayments provides a smoother user experience, robust customer support (including 24/7 live chat), and a wider array of integrations and features that cater to both niche and mainstream markets.

Final Verdict: NOWPayments or AEON?

For businesses looking for a versatile and scalable solution across various industries → NOWPayments wins.

NOWPayments stands out with its wide range of supported cryptocurrencies, low transaction fees, flexible payout options, and seamless integrations with major e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce. It caters to both small businesses and large enterprises, offering an all-in-one solution for e-commerce, digital goods, subscription-based services, and more. The platform’s easy-to-use interface, strong customer support, and robust reporting features make it the preferred choice for businesses seeking a reliable and efficient payment gateway.

For Web3 and gaming businesses → AEON is the better option.

AEON specializes in on-chain payments, making it an ideal choice for blockchain-based projects, decentralized applications (dApps), gaming platforms, and NFT markets. Its direct on-chain payment functionality, while limited in features compared to NOWPayments, is highly suited for businesses in the Web3 space that require decentralized solutions. AEON’s focus on these specific industries gives it a strong edge for projects deeply embedded in the blockchain ecosystem, despite its more limited integration options and technical issues.

FAQ: NOWPayments vs AEON 2025

Is NOWPayments safe to use in 2025?

Yes, NOWPayments is considered safe to use. The platform operates with a custodial model, ensuring secure handling of funds. It employs robust security measures, including two-factor authentication (2FA), whitelisted wallets, and IP addresses to protect merchants and their transactions.

Is AEON regulated and legit?

While AEON is a legitimate payment gateway, it lacks clear public disclosures regarding regulatory compliance or licenses (such as MSB or VASP), which raises some concerns for businesses operating in highly regulated environments. AEON is primarily focused on Web3 and blockchain projects, and while it provides secure on-chain transactions, its lack of transparency regarding regulatory status may be a limitation for some users.

Which is cheaper: NOWPayments or AEON?

NOWPayments is generally cheaper than AEON. NOWPayments charges a low 0.5% processing fee per transaction, which is one of the most competitive in the market. In comparison, AEON has a higher processing fee of 3%, which can be passed on to customers but may be less attractive for businesses focused on minimizing transaction costs.

Which gateway is better for large enterprises?

NOWPayments is an excellent choice for large enterprises due to its scalability, support for over 300 cryptocurrencies, and both crypto and fiat payment options. Its features like mass payouts, white-label solutions, and crypto subscription payments are designed to meet the complex needs of large businesses. NOWPayments offers broader flexibility, making it the better option for enterprises seeking a versatile and global payment solution.

Does NOWPayments require KYC?

NOWPayments complies with all applicable legal frameworks, including anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations. KYC is triggered when AML mechanisms are activated, and merchants dealing with fiat payments are required to undergo KYC/KYB verification. This process includes a quick ID verification to ensure compliance and security. Businesses dealing with fiat-to-crypto transactions will need to complete the KYC/KYB procedure, which is simple and can be done through the dashboard, with activation forms for fiat providers available.

Can I use AEON without a bank account?

Yes, AEON can be used without a bank account. AEON supports direct on-chain payments, meaning that businesses can accept cryptocurrency directly into their wallets without the need for traditional banking services. This makes AEON a good choice for businesses in the blockchain and Web3 sectors that operate independently of traditional banking systems.

How We Compared NOWPayments vs. AEON (Methodology)

This comparison was based on: