Improve Crypto Payments

[G12c4]

The current implementation of crypto payments on Civitai has several limitations that hinder the user experience. To make a payment, users are required to:

1. Create an account on a specific exchange.

2. Use particular tokens that they may not already possess or wish to acquire.

3. Purchase a minimum amount of the required token, which may exceed their intended payment amount.

4. Set up a specific wallet compatible with the required token.

This process contradicts the fundamental principles of cryptocurrency, which aims to provide a flexible and straightforward payment method. Ideally, users should be able to choose the coin or token they wish to use for payment and send it from any wallet without unnecessary restrictions.
The current restrictions make it difficult for users who prefer the simplicity and universality that cryptocurrency was meant to offer. In some cases, it might even lead users to opt for traditional payment methods like cards because they are perceived as easier to use.

Suggested Improvement:

Allow users to pay with their preferred cryptocurrency or token directly from their existing wallets without the need to:
• Create accounts on specific exchanges.

• Acquire specific tokens.
• Meet minimum purchase requirements.

This can be achieved by implementing a more flexible payment gateway that supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and tokens, and allows for straightforward transactions from any compatible wallet.

Bitcoin Lightning payments would be easiest to implement. There are a lot of providers that also offer fiat conversion, like Strike. There are also plenty of APKs, like Breez or Lightspark.

[adamantmm]

Hey,

You’ve made a really thoughtful point about how the current design of crypto payments on Civitai (needing specific tokens, wallets, exchanges, minimums) undermines the flexibility that cryptocurrency should provide. Here are some open‑source tools and solutions that could help make crypto payments smoother, more universal, and wallet‑agnostic:

BTCPay Server
A self‑hosted, open‑source Bitcoin payment processor that’s secure, censorship‑resistant, and fee‑free. Funds are sent directly to the merchant’s wallet—no intermediaries required.

SHKeeper
An open‑source, self‑hosted crypto gateway that integrates with popular CMS platforms like WordPress, WooCommerce, and WHMCS. No transaction fees, lets you accept multiple cryptocurrencies, and works with your existing systems.

Lightning-Based Tooling:
Lightning Labs: Provides core open‑source infrastructure for the Bitcoin Lightning Network—perfect for scalable, fast, low‑fee payments.
LNbits: A modular, open‑source account system for Lightning that you can self‑host. Great for plug‑and‑play wallet functionality.
Lightning Network Point of Sale (LNPOS): A lightweight open‑source web app for Lightning payments, which can be self-hosted and run independently of major exchanges.