BTCPay Server

Self-Hosted

Open-source, self-hosted Bitcoin payment processor

Overview

BTCPay Server is a decentralized, self-hosted payment gateway enabling businesses to accept Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies without intermediaries or transaction fees. It integrates with WooCommerce, Shopify, and other e-commerce platforms, supporting invoicing, subscriptions, and point-of-sale systems. Deployment options include Docker, cloud servers, or dedicated hardware, giving full control over funds and data. Features like Lightning Network support, multi-sig wallets, and LNURL make it versatile for online/offline use, prioritizing privacy and censorship resistance.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  btcpay_server:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: btcpay-server
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Zero transaction fees or intermediaries
Lightning Network & LNURL integration
E-commerce platform compatibility (WooCommerce, Shopify)
Full control over funds and data

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is BTCPay Server hard to install?

Installation is manageable with Docker (pre-configured scripts available) for tech-savvy users. Non-technical users can use managed hosting options or follow community guides, though self-hosting requires basic server setup skills.

? Is it a good alternative to BitPay?

Yes—unlike BitPay, BTCPay Server has no transaction fees, no custody of funds, and supports Lightning Network. It’s ideal for users wanting full control over their payments, though BitPay offers simpler setup for beginners.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—BTCPay Server is open-source with no licensing fees. Self-hosting costs depend on your server (cloud/hardware), but there are no recurring charges or fees for using the core platform.

Top Alternatives

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Money, Budgeting & Management

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (no third-party access to financial data)
⊕ No recurring costs or hidden fees
⊕ Decentralized and censorship-resistant

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server administration knowledge for self-hosting
⊖ Limited to cryptocurrency payments (primarily Bitcoin)
⊖ No built-in fiat conversion (depends on external services)