Paybis report shows payment method choice can change a $5,000 crypto purchase by 139 USDC 

Paybis, a global crypto and fiat infrastructure provider, today released new fee-transparency findings, showing that the payment method and banking rail that users choose for crypto payments can materially change how much crypto lands in their wallet, even when the platform, asset, and transaction amount remain the same.

According to Paybis’ fee-transparency report, a $5,000 USDC purchase via SEPA returns 4,894 USDC, while the same $5,000 USDC purchase via card returned 4,755 USDC, a difference of 139 USDC based on payment method alone. The report also compared Paybis directly against other platforms: on the same purchase sizes, Paybis delivered more crypto or fiat on card purchases and ApplePay than competitors in the majority of comparisons tested. 

The finding highlights one of the report’s core conclusions: users should compare net received, not only advertised fee percentages. Net received is the actual amount of crypto or fiat delivered after fees and exchange-rate spread. It gives users a clearer view of the transaction outcome than a headline fee percentage alone. A separate disclosure audit conducted as part of the report found that fewer than 2 of 22 platforms reviewed display this full, all-in cost before checkout; most reveal it only once a user has entered payment details, and a handful do not publish it at all.

Of all the payment methods tested, ACH delivered the strongest results in the report for buying crypto. For selling crypto back to fiat, SEPA delivered the strongest results in the report.

“Most users know crypto fees exist, but they often do not understand the final cost,” said Paul Afshar, Chief Marketing Officer at Paybis. “And this is compounded by most crypto exchanges not showing their fees clearly, in fiat, up front. You shouldn’t need a calculator to work out how much crypto you’re getting.” 

“Payment method, network fee, spread, and transaction size can all change what lands in the wallet. ACH - a popular US payment method - is one of the lowest-fee payment methods when it comes to buying Bitcoin, and it is one of the payment methods where Paybis is most competitive on net amount received. The practical step is simple: compare the net received before confirming,” Afshar added.

The report sets out several practical checks for buying crypto without overpaying, worth running before confirming a transaction: 

1. Compare net received, not advertised fee percentage. A lower stated fee does not always mean more crypto lands in the wallet if spread or other costs are higher.
2. Check the payment method before confirming. Bank transfers such as SEPA and ACH can carry lower processing costs because they involve fewer intermediaries than card payments.
3. Look at larger transactions carefully. Small percentage differences can become more meaningful at higher transaction amounts.
4. Compare buy and sell costs separately. The lowest-cost route for buying may not be the strongest route for selling crypto back to fiat.
5. Watch network fees and asset choice. Network fees go to the blockchain, not Paybis, and can shift depending on network traffic.
6. Do not assume the default method is the lowest-cost route. The best outcome can depend on asset, amount, payment rail, and market conditions.

The report also found that fee clarity becomes more important as transaction size increases. The largest gap in the dataset came in a $5,000 Apple Pay USDC purchase, where Paybis delivered 672 USDC more than a competitor exchange on the same purchase. The smallest came in a $100 BTC card buy, where Paybis delivered 10.7% more BTC than a competitor exchange on the same purchase.

 Users can model their own purchase with Paybis’ Bitcoin calculator.

“These examples are not about telling users which asset to buy or which method to use,” added Paul Afshar. “They show why users need clear transaction information before they commit. When the real cost is visible at the quote stage, people can make the comparison themselves.”

Paybis displays net received at the quote stage, before users confirm a transaction. The company also shows key transaction costs in exact amounts, helping users understand what they are paying for before checkout.

Paybis applies a 0% Paybis service fee to a user’s first credit or debit card purchase of each crypto asset, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, and Solana.

Ranking reflects buying crypto. For selling crypto back to fiat, SEPA and Skrill were the cheapest routes tested in the report.

About Paybis 

Paybis makes crypto simple for individuals and enterprises. Established in 2014, the company combines a trusted crypto exchange and wallet for buying, selling, swapping and holding over 90 cryptocurrencies, with award-winning crypto-fiat infrastructure. That infrastructure lets businesses transfer capital globally without traditional payment friction.

In 2026, Paybis was recognized as Best Crypto Payment Provider, a testament to its expansive global reach, rapid onboarding protocols, and the deep expertise of the 200 dedicated professionals who drive its operations.

Processing more than $6 billion annually, Paybis is one of the most efficient platforms for acquiring and transacting in digital assets. This commitment to operational excellence is why Paybis maintains one of the highest ratings for crypto companies on Trustpilot, and why 7 million users and hundreds of the world's fastest-growing enterprises consistently rely on its services.

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