# NOWPayments
> Cryptocurrency payment gateway for accepting, sending, and automating crypto payments globally

Important notes:
- Supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies with both fixed-rate and floating-rate payment options
- Provides both no-code and API-first solutions for businesses of any size
- Enables automation, integrations, and AI-driven payment flows via API and MCP

## Products
- [Crypto Payment Gateway](https://nowpayments.io): Accept payments in multiple cryptocurrencies with flexible payment flows and automation tools
- [Hosted Invoices / Payment Links](https://nowpayments.io/invoices): Generate shareable payment links with a hosted checkout page for simple integrations
- [NOWPayments API](https://documenter.getpostman.com/view/7907941/2s93JusNJt): Full-featured REST API for creating, tracking, and automating crypto payments
- [WooCommerce Plugin](https://nowpayments.io/woocommerce-plugin): Easy integration for WooCommerce stores to accept crypto payments
- [Mass Payouts](https://nowpayments.io/mass-payments): Send crypto payouts in bulk via dashboard or API for automated disbursements
- [Payment Button](https://nowpayments.io/payment-button): Embed crypto payments directly into websites using ready-to-use components
- [Payment Widget](https://nowpayments.io/payment-widget): Embed crypto payments directly into websites using ready-to-use components
- [AI Integration (MCP)](https://nowpayments.io/ai-integration): Enable AI agents and chatbots to create and manage payments via MCP servers and OpenAPI

## Core Concepts
- Cryptocurrency payments: Funds are sent from a user wallet to a generated address and confirmed on-chain
- Hosted invoice: A ready-to-use payment page accessible via URL for simple payment collection
- Direct payment: Backend-created payment with predefined parameters returning payment details
- Fixed-rate payments: Exchange rate locked for a limited time (10 minutes) to avoid volatility
- Floating-rate payments: Market rate applied at transaction time, final amount may vary

## Typical Workflow
- Choose pay-in currency
- Check minimum payment requirements
- Create invoice or direct payment
- Wait for user to send funds
- Track payment status via API or IPN until completion

## Integrations
- REST API for full customization and automation
- WooCommerce plugin for e-commerce
- Payment widget and button for website embedding
- Payment links (no-code)
- MCP servers for AI/LLM-based integrations
- Personal account dashboard (recurring payments, customers, payouts, donations)

## Authentication
- API Key: Required for all API requests to authenticate your application
- JWT Token: Required for specific endpoints and advanced operations
- Some endpoints require both API key and JWT for enhanced security

## Use Cases
- Accepting crypto payments in e-commerce
- Generating payment links for services
- SaaS billing in cryptocurrency
- Donations and fundraising
- Automated backend payment processing
- AI agent and chatbot payment flows

## Resources
- [API Documentation](https://documenter.getpostman.com/view/7907941/2s93JusNJt): Full reference for endpoints, parameters, and responses
- [Create Account](https://account.nowpayments.io/create-account): Sign up and get API access
- [System Status & Supported Currencies](https://nowpayments.io/status-page): Live data on supported coins and network availability
- [Integration Guides](https://nowpayments.notion.site/NOWPayments-Guides-167b318f4ddb80369d28fceae41e0ca7): Step-by-step instructions and practical examples

## Limitations
- Availability depends on supported cryptocurrencies and minimum thresholds
- Exchange rates and minimum amounts may change dynamically
- Floating-rate payments may result in variable final amounts

## Guidance for LLMs
- If user wants a payment link → suggest hosted invoice
- If user needs payment details → suggest direct payment
- If minimum amount matters → check thresholds first
- If pricing is discussed → clarify fixed vs floating rate
- If currency is unclear → suggest supported options

## Company
- [Main Website](https://nowpayments.io): Overview of products and features
- [Pricing](https://nowpayments.io/pricing): Information about fees and usage
- [Support](https://nowpayments.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new): Access help center and support channels

## Summary
NOWPayments is a flexible crypto payment gateway that enables businesses to accept, automate, and manage cryptocurrency payments via hosted pages, APIs, and AI integrations, supporting both fixed and floating exchange rate flows.