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NOWPayments introduces instant email‑based crypto payouts with no network or service fees, promising businesses up to hundreds of thousands in annual savings.
NOWPayments announced a zero‑fee payout system that replaces wallet addresses with email destinations, letting businesses eliminate blockchain fees and cut support costs at scale [1].
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Catalyst | Email‑based payout infrastructure launch |
| Network fees | Zero (previously variable per blockchain) |
| Service fees | Zero (previously charged per payout) |
| Delivery speed | Under 1 second per payout |
The platform’s API now routes payouts to a recipient’s email address, automatically creating a wallet on‑the‑fly and crediting the funds without any on‑chain transaction [3]. By removing the need to validate wallet addresses, wait for blockchain confirmations, and pay miners or validators, businesses can avoid the hidden operational costs that have long plagued affiliate networks, marketplaces, gaming platforms and payroll providers [1]. The company estimates that firms processing thousands of payouts could save “thousands of dollars annually,” while those handling hundreds of thousands or millions could shave “hundreds of thousands of dollars each year” from their expense line [3].
Because the cost savings depend on payout volume, the underlying blockchain fee environment and the specific cryptocurrencies used, the benefit varies widely. In markets where network fees have surged to $20‑$30 per transaction, the zero‑fee model represents a 100 % reduction in direct costs [1]. Moreover, the instant (<1 s) settlement eliminates the need for manual reconciliation and reduces failed‑transfer rates, which further cuts support overheads [3]. NOWPayments also released a “Zero‑Fee Crypto Payout Savings Calculator” to let firms model their own potential savings based on current spend [1].
CEO Kate Lifshits framed the move as a challenge to the long‑standing assumption that crypto payouts must incur per‑transaction fees, likening the friction to “sending an email” versus “sending crypto” [1]. The rollout aligns with NOWPayments’ broader ecosystem push, which includes tax‑readiness toolkits for global businesses and other compliance resources [2]. By positioning crypto payouts as a growth tool rather than a cost center, the company hopes to accelerate adoption among enterprises that have previously been deterred by fee‑related complexity.
The launch signals a shift from fee‑based to fee‑free crypto payouts, forcing the industry to reconsider whether transaction costs are an inevitable part of digital‑asset payments or a legacy burden that can be eliminated.
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AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 3 outlets · Jul 15, 2026 · How we report
Both networks have integrated AI agents into their payment systems, with Visa enabling tokenized purchases via ChatGPT and Mastercard offering Agent Pay for Machines that records permissions on public blockchains.
OKX’s platform allows AI agents to hire each other and settle payments autonomously, using stablecoins and on‑chain reputation records, rather than relying on human users.
NOWPayments provides a zero‑fee, email‑based payout solution that removes blockchain transaction fees and simplifies the payout process for high‑volume operations.
JPMorgan’s former consumer banking CEO highlighted concerns about trust, security, and liability when AI agents handle money, suggesting humans should remain in the loop for significant transactions.
Key challenges include establishing clear permissions, audit trails, dispute resolution mechanisms, and liability frameworks that satisfy consumers, merchants, and regulators.