Orbital's crypto payment gateway solution allows merchants to accept crypto easily. However, dealing with crypto payments can be challenging for end customers, especially for first-time users or those still learning to use new payment methods. This article is inspired by our conversation with the Orbital support team, covering the most common mistakes end customers make and providing advice on how to avoid them.

Currencies Supported By Orbital 

For merchants using Orbital crypto payment gateway, we offer support for both stablecoins on different blockchains, such as USDT on Ethereum, Tron, and Binance Smart Chain, and USDC on Ethereum, Solana, and Binance Smart Chain. We also support cryptocurrencies operating on their own blockchains, including BTC, ETH, BCH and LTC.

To process crypto payments efficiently with Orbital, ensure your merchant account is set up with the supported cryptocurrencies. Feel free to contact the Orbital support team or your integration manager if you need any assistance.

Understanding Blockchain Differences

Cryptocurrencies operate on various blockchain networks, each with its own protocols and features. The most common networks include Ethereum (ETH), Tron (TRC20), and Binance Smart Chain (BSC). 

Each network can host different versions of the same stablecoin, such as USDT (Tether), which exists on both Ethereum and Tron networks.

• Ethereum (ERC-20): Robust and widely used but has higher transaction fees.
• Tron (TRC-20): Lower fees and faster transactions compared to Ethereum.
• Binance Smart Chain (BSC): Offers very low transaction fees and fast processing times, making it ideal for high-volume transactions.

Certain cryptocurrencies operate primarily on their own blockchains, offering unique advantages:

• Bitcoin (BTC): Operates on the Bitcoin network, known for its high security and decentralization.
• Ether (ETH): Operates on the Ethereum network, which supports smart contracts and dApps.
• Litecoin (LTC): Operates on the Litecoin network, offering faster transaction times and lower costs compared to Bitcoin.

How to make a payment using Orbital 

Here’s how to make a crypto payment using Orbital’s hosted payment page. In this example, the payment needs to be made in USDT (ERC-20), meaning the customer must send USDT on the TRON blockchain (Tether TRC-20).

In the next step, the end customer will see a wallet address that can be copy-pasted manually and a QR code that can be scanned via a Web3 wallet app.

To make a payment seamlessly, end customers can use connected Web3 wallets like TronLink in this example. In this case, transactions are performed automatically via the integrated wallet, requiring only user acceptance. However, some customers prefer not to connect their wallets (although this is totally secure) or are used to manual transactions. In these cases, the most common mistake is choosing the wrong network for the transaction.

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Let's see a step-by-step process of making a manual transaction via the TronLink wallet. The end customer should copy the wallet address provided on the Orbital payment page. Then, they should open their wallet that supports transactions on TRON and choose USDT asset.

The next step is to click the "Send" button.

On this screen, the customer should paste the wallet address provided by Orbital for the transaction and click on the "Next" button.

Finally, they should enter the amount of funds and click on "Send."

The transaction will be completed, and the funds will be transferred to the Orbital wallet.

Common Mistakes in Manual Payments

According to Orbital customer success team the most common mistakes made by end customers when using our crypto payment gateway solution. 

Choosing the Wrong Crypto Network

The best practice for end customers is to check the network carefully before making a payment. Here is how cryptocurrencies will be shown on Orbital UI and what it means for end customers:

• Tether (ERC20) - Tether (USDT) on Ethereum
• Tether (BNB) - Tether (USDT) on Binance Smart Chain
• USD Coin (SOL) - USD Coin (USDC) on Solana
• USD Coin (ERC20) - USD Coin (USDC) on Ethereum
• USD Coin (BNB) - USD Coin (USDC) on Binance Smart Chain
• USD Coin (MATIC) - USD Coin (USDC) on Polygon (Matic Network)
• USD Coin (TRX) - USD Coin (USDC) on TRON
• Bitcoin - Bitcoin (BTC) on Bitcoin
• Ethereum - Ethereum (ETH) on Ethereum
• Litecoin - Litecoin (LTC) on Litecoin
• Bitcoin Cash - Bitcoin Cash (BCH) on Bitcoin Cash

It’s essential to make sure of using the right cryptocurrency on the right blockchain. For example, sending USD Coin (USDC) on the TRON network to an Ethereum address can result in transaction failure or loss of funds because the blockchains are not inherently compatible. 

Sending Wrapped/Pegged Currencies Instead of Actual Currencies

Wrapped or pegged currencies are digital assets that represent another cryptocurrency or asset on a different blockchain. They are designed to maintain a 1:1 value with the original asset, ensuring that users can enjoy the benefits of different blockchain ecosystems while retaining the value of their holdings. For example, Orbital supports tBTC (Wrapped Bitcoin) on Ethereum, which represents Bitcoin (BTC) in the form of an ERC-20 token, enabling Bitcoin holders to use their BTC within the Ethereum ecosystem. The receiving wallet may not support the wrapped/pegged token, causing transaction failures, so it's essential not to confuse the wrapped token with the original coin.

Confusing Different Types of USDT Coins

Not all stablecoins are equal, and it's easy to confuse different types of USDT coins, such as USDT on Ethereum (ERC20) and TRON (TRC20). Each type operates on a different blockchain. It may take a couple of additional minutes to double-check the right blockchain, but it will prevent costly errors and long payment investigations.

Pasting the Wrong Wallet Address

When making a manual crypto payment, it's crucial to double-check the wallet address your end customers are pasting. If they paste the wrong address, their funds could end up in someone else's wallet, and there's no way to reverse the transaction. Taking an extra moment to verify the address can save them from a costly mistake.

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By understanding these differences and following the rules outlined above, your end customers can significantly reduce the risk of errors in manual cryptocurrency payments. 

At Orbital, we’re committed to helping you navigate the complexities of blockchain transactions with confidence. For more information or assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team. We’re here to help you make seamless and accurate cryptocurrency payments.