Bitcoin is an open payment network that runs around the clock. Bitcoin payments can go directly into your own wallet. A payment provider is not required.
Our guides provide general information about Bitcoin. We do not provide investment or tax advice.
Why Accept Bitcoin?
No chargebacks
The Bitcoin protocol has no credit-card-style chargeback procedure. The protocol does not remove refund obligations arising from a sale. If you use a payment provider, its contractual terms also apply.
Self-custody
With self-custody, your business controls its own keys and takes responsibility for keeping them safe.
Data minimisation
To accept a direct bitcoin payment, you don’t need the customer’s card number or bank details.
What costs to expect
Costs depend on your setup. For a simple on-chain payment, the sender usually pays the network fee; spending those funds later incurs another fee. Lightning may involve liquidity and channel management costs. Service providers can add fees and exchange-rate spreads.
Accepting Bitcoin: How It Works
In-store (Point of Sale)
You need a tablet or smartphone and a Lightning-capable wallet or POS app. Enter the amount, display a QR code, the customer scans it. Lightning payments usually arrive within seconds. Check the payment confirmation in your wallet or POS app. For on-chain payments, wait for the required confirmations.
Two operating models compared:
| Configuration | Custody | Operations and payment data |
|---|---|---|
| Your own wallet with self-hosted or third-party-hosted BTCPay | Your business controls the keys | You or a hosting provider run the invoice software; clarify data access, availability, and backups |
| A wallet or payment account with a payment provider | The provider holds funds there until withdrawal | The provider runs the service and processes payment data; you manage access and exports |
BTCPay Server is an open-source payment solution. You can run it yourself or use a hosting provider. With your own wallet, you control the keys; the software is free, while running it may involve hosting, network, and liquidity costs.
Hosting and custody are separate choices. A third-party-hosted BTCPay instance can route payments to your own wallet, while the host still processes invoice and payment data. Lightning wallets and additional services may use a different custody model.
Online (E-Commerce)
BTCPay Server offers plugins for WooCommerce, Shopify, PrestaShop, and other platforms. With your own wallet, payments can go directly to that wallet; a payment provider is not required.
If you want to convert Bitcoin receipts to euros, check the provider’s conversion and withdrawal options, including fees, exchange rates, and payout timing.
Get on the map
Businesses across Austria already accept Bitcoin, from coffee shops to tax advisors. Once you accept Bitcoin, list your business on BTCMap. Customers who want to pay with Bitcoin search for accepting locations there. The map for Austria shows all listed locations.
Bitcoin as a Corporate Reserve
Bitcoin has no central issuer. Its issuance follows fixed protocol rules, and the total supply is capped at 21 million. With self-custody, the balance is not held at a bank. Its euro value can fluctuate sharply.
Legal and Tax Framework in Austria
If you accept Bitcoin and convert to euros
The same VAT rules apply to your goods or services whether the customer pays in bitcoin or euros. Exchanging bitcoin for euros is exempt from VAT under the CJEU’s judgment in C-264/14.
If you hold Bitcoin
Record the payment’s euro value separately from any subsequent conversion. Tax treatment of holdings and later gains depends in part on legal form and activity.
Keep invoices, payment records, times, euro values, fees and transaction IDs. Check cash-register, receipt and record-keeping obligations too. Exports from BTCPay Server or tax tools can help, but may also give those services access to your transaction history.
Always keep business Bitcoin separate from personal holdings.
This is not tax or legal advice. Consult a tax advisor familiar with Bitcoin.
FAQ
Do I need technical expertise?
Simple wallet apps do not require programming or server administration. For more professional setups like BTCPay Server, support from an IT service provider or the community may be useful.
What if the price fluctuates?
You decide whether to convert all or part of the Bitcoin to euros, or keep it in Bitcoin. The right approach depends on your risk tolerance. Get professional advice if needed.
Are there legal risks?
Accepting Bitcoin as a means of payment is legal in Austria. Your obligations depend on your business activities and implementation. See the legal and tax section for VAT, receipts, and record-keeping.
