Integration Guide: How to Accept Bitcoin (BTC) Payments in Your PHP App

Executive Summary: Why Bitcoin is Great for Payments

Bitcoin (BTC) offers several advantages for online payments:

• Speed: Transactions are typically confirmed within 10-60 minutes, with instant settlement in many cases.
• Low Cost: Transaction fees are minimal compared to traditional payment processors, often less than $1.
• Global Reach: No geographical restrictions or currency conversion fees.
• Decentralization: No reliance on intermediaries like banks or payment gateways.

Technical Architecture: How Web3Cart Works

Web3Cart is a self-hosted, non-custodial PHP script that enables peer-to-peer (P2P) Bitcoin payments. Here’s how it integrates with your PHP application:

• Direct Settlement: Payments are sent directly to your Bitcoin wallet, with no intermediaries.
• API-Driven: Web3Cart provides a RESTful API for generating payment requests, checking transaction statuses, and more.
• Webhook Support: Real-time notifications for payment confirmations via webhooks.
• Self-Hosted: You retain full control over the payment process and data.

Workflow Overview

1. Your app generates a payment request via Web3Cart’s API.
2. Web3Cart returns a Bitcoin address and payment details (amount, expiry, etc.).
3. The customer sends BTC to the provided address.
4. Web3Cart monitors the Bitcoin network for confirmations.
5. Upon confirmation, Web3Cart notifies your app via webhook.
6. Your app updates the order status and fulfills the purchase.

JSON Config Example

Below is a hypothetical JSON configuration snippet for integrating Web3Cart into your PHP app:

{
  "web3cart": {
    "api_key": "your_api_key_here",
    "api_secret": "your_api_secret_here",
    "base_url": "https://your-web3cart-instance.com/api",
    "wallet": {
      "address": "your_bitcoin_wallet_address",
      "xpub": "your_extended_public_key_for_address_generation"
    },
    "payment": {
      "confirmations_required": 3,
      "expiry_minutes": 30,
      "webhook_url": "https://your-app.com/web3cart-webhook"
    },
    "currency": {
      "display": "USD",
      "exchange_rate_api": "https://api.coingecko.com/api/v3/simple/price?ids=bitcoin&vs_currencies=usd"
    }
  }
}

Security First: Why Non-Custodial is Safer

Non-custodial solutions like Web3Cart provide superior security for Bitcoin merchants:

• No Third-Party Risk: Funds go directly to your wallet, eliminating the risk of exchange hacks or payment processor insolvency.
• Full Control: You hold your private keys, ensuring only you can access your funds.
• Privacy: No KYC or personal data is required, reducing exposure to data breaches.
• Transparency: All transactions are verifiable on the Bitcoin blockchain.

Comparison: Web3Cart vs. BitPay for BTC Payments

Web3Cart is ideal for developers who prioritize cost savings, privacy, and control over their payment infrastructure.