NearPayments vs
NOWPayments
Same API. Zero fees. Self-custody. NearPayments is a drop-in replacement for NOWPayments — migrate in under 5 minutes.
100%
Fee Savings
0% vs 0.5–1% per transaction
~5 min
Migration Time
Change one URL, swap your API key
100%
API Compatibility
Same endpoints, same schemas
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | NearPayments | NOWPayments |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Fee | 0% | 0.5–1% |
| API Compatibility | NOWPayments-compatible | N/A (original) |
| Supported Chains | 31 | 200+ |
| Custody Model | Self-custody | Custodial |
| Settlement | Direct to your wallet | To NOWPayments account |
| Setup Time | ~5 minutes | 10–30 minutes |
| KYC Required | No | Yes (for some features) |
| Management | Telegram + Web Dashboard | Web dashboard |
| IPN Callbacks | Same payload format | Proprietary format |
| Invoice Pages | Yes | Yes |
| Cross-chain | NEAR Intents | Internal exchange |
Switch in one line
NearPayments implements the same REST API. Your existing code works — just change the URL.
- const BASE_URL = "https://api.nowpayments.io/v1";
+ const BASE_URL = "https://api.nearpayments.io/v1";
// That's it. Everything else stays the same.Frequently asked questions
Is NearPayments really a drop-in replacement for NOWPayments?
Yes. NearPayments implements the same REST API endpoints, the same request/response schemas, and the same x-api-key authentication. In most cases, you only need to change the base URL from api.nowpayments.io to api.nearpayments.io and swap your API key.
How long does it take to migrate from NOWPayments?
Most developers migrate in under 5 minutes. The process is: (1) create a storefront in the Telegram bot, (2) generate an API key, (3) replace your base URL. Your existing integration code works without changes.
Why does NearPayments charge zero fees while NOWPayments charges 0.5–1%?
NearPayments uses NEAR Protocol's intent system for cross-chain settlement, which eliminates intermediary costs. Payments route directly from the buyer to your wallet. There's no custodial layer taking a cut.
What about the chains NOWPayments supports that NearPayments doesn't?
NOWPayments supports more chains (200+), but NearPayments covers the 31 most popular chains including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, NEAR, Tron, TON, XRP, and major L2s. If you need a specific chain, check our currencies endpoint or reach out.
Is NearPayments secure?
NearPayments uses a self-custody model, meaning your funds never sit in our wallets. Payments go directly to your configured addresses. The platform supports BIP-39 HD wallet setup for secure key management across all chains.
Ready to drop in?
Swap one URL, keep your entire integration. Zero fees, zero KYC. Start accepting crypto payments in under 5 minutes.