Managing payroll is often one of the biggest administrative challenges for startups.
Taxes, contractor payments, compliance with multiple jurisdictions… you name it. Payroll management can quickly overwhelm founders who would rather focus on product and growth.
That’s why we reviewed the best crypto payroll services for startups, highlighting platforms that simplify payouts, handle compliance where needed, and reduce administrative overhead. We’ll show you what each service offers, how pricing starts, and where the trade-offs lie so you can make the right choice.
Let’s begin!
Best crypto payroll services for startups [2025]
We evaluated 40 platforms to identify the best crypto payroll services for startups in 2025. Our review considered global payroll coverage, supported cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies, transaction fees, tax compliance, integration with existing payroll systems, and scalability for global teams.
The table you can see below summarizes all the key details, so you can easily assess which crypto payroll platform fits best for your needs.
| Platform | Coverage | Currencies Supported | Core Focus | Starting Price |
| Rise | 190+ countries | 100+ crypto, 90+ fiat | Instant mass payouts, compliance, smart contracts | $50/contractor/month |
| Request Finance | 190+ countries | 70+ crypto, 20+ fiat | Invoicing, batch payments, accounting integrations | $300/month |
| Papaya Global | 160+ countries | Crypto + fiat | Global payroll, compliance, HRIS integration | $20/employee/month |
| Remote.com | 190+ countries | Local fiat, virtual accounts | EOR, contractor management, benefits | $29/contractor/month |
| PaymentX | 100+ countries | BTC, ETH, USDC, others | Automated crypto payroll and mass payouts | $49/month |
5 best crypto payroll services compared
1. Rise
Rise is a leading crypto payroll service for startups covering more than 190 countries. The platform supports over 100 cryptocurrencies, including USDC, USDT, BTC, and ETH, as well as 90+ local fiat currencies with direct bank withdrawals. In terms of services, Rise provides automated onboarding, KYC/AML verification, digital contract generation, and full compliance management for contractors and employees.
Mass payouts are processed instantly, with flexible scheduling options such as daily, weekly, milestone-based, or earned wage access. Rise also integrates programmable smart contracts for payroll, enabling recurring, hybrid, or milestone-based compensation models.
With deep stablecoin coverage and a transparent flat-fee structure, Rise is often recognized as one of the best crypto payroll services for startups and high-growth companies in 2025.
Pricing: Starting at $50/contractor/month.
Pros & Cons:
| Supports payroll in 190+ countries with crypto and fiatHandles onboarding, KYC/AML, contracts, and tax complianceInstant global mass payouts with flexible schedulingBest-in-class stablecoin coverage (USDC, USDT, more)Strong security (GDPR, SOC 2, MFA, encryption) | HR and benefits suite less extensive than pure EOR providersCustom workflows may require enterprise pricing |
2. Request Finance
Request Finance is a crypto invoicing and payroll platform active in 190+ countries, supporting 70+ cryptocurrencies and 20+ fiat currencies. It specializes in contractor and vendor payments, offering recurring and batch invoicing, expense tracking, and integrations with Xero and QuickBooks.
The platform offers fast setup, intuitive interface, and blockchain-based audit trail, though it lacks automated tax compliance or full payroll features. Over 2,000 companies use Request Finance, making it take the second position in our ranking.
Pricing: Starting at $300/month.
Pros & Cons:
| 190+ countries, 70+ crypto, 20+ fiat supportExcellent invoicing with batch/recurring paymentsAccounting integrations with Xero and QuickBooksQuick setup, minimal KYC, easy to use | No tax compliance or benefits automationNo bulk payroll schedulingLimited advanced reportingBetter for contractors than employees |
3. Papaya Global
Papaya Global is a payroll and workforce management platform covering 160+ countries. It supports crypto and fiat payouts, integrates with existing payroll systems, and automates payroll processes including tax compliance and reporting.
The platform manages payments for employees, contractors, and international contractors, offering cross border payments and compliance with local labor laws.
Pricing: Starting at $20/employee/month.
Pros & Cons:
| Coverage in 160+ countriesIntegrates with existing payroll systemsAutomates tax compliance and reportingHandles both crypto and fiat payments | Setup more complex than crypto-native platformsHigher costs for larger teamsLess flexible than dedicated crypto payroll software |
4. Remote.com
Remote.com is a global payroll and employer of record (EOR) platform with coverage in 190+ countries. It operates owned legal entities in more than 80 jurisdictions and manages payroll, contractor onboarding, benefits, and compliance with local labor laws.
Contractor management starts at $29/month, while EOR begins at $599/employee/month. The platform supports local currency payouts, virtual accounts like Payoneer and PayPal, and includes HRIS tools for expenses, time-off, and documentation.
Pricing: Starting at $29/contractor/month.
Pros & Cons:
| Contractor management in 190+ countriesOwns legal entities in 80+ countriesBuilt-in HRIS for time-off, expenses, and benefitsTransparent pricing, no hidden fees | Premium EOR pricing Limited flexibility in custom employment structuresOccasional billing and support delays |
5. PaymentX
PaymentX is a crypto payroll platform supporting payouts in 100+ countries with coverage for BTC, ETH, USDC, and other digital assets. It focuses on automated mass payouts and recurring salary payments for contractors, employees, and DAOs.
The platform offers fast crypto payments, fiat equivalents for payroll obligations, and minimal administrative setup. It does not include tax compliance, benefits, or local entity services, keeping its scope limited to crypto transactions and payroll automation.
Pricing: Starting at $49/month.
Pros & Cons:
| Automated mass payouts and recurring payrollCoverage in 100+ countriesSupports BTC, ETH, USDC, and other assetsTransparent pricing with no hidden fees beyond network costs | No tax compliance or local withholdingsLimited HR and benefits featuresDocumentation limited for advanced use cases |
How to choose the best crypto payroll solution for your startup?
When you evaluate crypto payroll software, you should focus on how well it supports your team’s size, locations, and payout preferences. Not every crypto payroll platform offers the same mix of features, so weigh your needs against what each service provides.
Here’s your step-by-step guide:
- Check coverage. You should confirm the platform supports the countries where you hire employees and global contractors, including compliance with local labor laws.
- Review currency options. Look at how many digital currencies and fiat currencies the crypto payroll system supports. Multiple cryptocurrencies and stablecoin payroll options give your team more flexibility.
- Compare transaction fees. You should review pricing structures, hidden fees, and blockchain network costs, especially if you manage payroll for a large team.
- Evaluate compliance tools. Tax compliance and automated reporting matter if you want to stay compliant with local regulations. Choose crypto payroll solutions that handle these processes.
- Look at integrations. You should select crypto payroll software that connects with accounting systems and existing payroll systems for seamless payroll processes.
- Test usability. Assess whether the crypto payroll platform offers an intuitive interface, clear reporting, and features like automated employee payments or recurring crypto pay schedules.
- Consider scalability. Startups grow quickly, so you should pick payroll solutions that scale from paying contractors to managing payroll for full time employees and global workforces.
Wrapping up
Managing payroll with crypto payroll software helps startups streamline global payments, reduce transaction fees, and stay compliant across multiple jurisdictions. You should evaluate coverage, supported digital currencies, transaction fees, and integration with existing payroll systems before making a choice.
Key Takeaways:
- Rise stands out as the best crypto payroll option for startups in 2025, offering broad coverage, instant mass payouts, advanced compliance, and transparent pricing.
- Crypto payroll platforms allow fast and flexible employee payments in both crypto and fiat currencies.
- Startups should prioritize compliance automation, stablecoin payroll support, and scalability when selecting crypto payroll solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is crypto payroll?
Crypto payroll is a system that allows companies to pay employees and contractors using digital currencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or stablecoins like USDC and USDT. These payroll solutions often integrate with existing payroll systems and provide both crypto and fiat payouts. They include features for compliance, transaction tracking, and integration with accounting systems.
2. How do crypto payroll services work?
Crypto payroll services automate the process of converting company funds into digital assets and distributing them to global teams. They manage payroll processes such as contractor onboarding, tax compliance, and payment scheduling. Most platforms support mass payouts, stablecoin payroll, and withdrawals to both digital wallets and bank accounts.
3. Is it legal to pay employees in crypto?
Legality depends on local laws and labor regulations. In the United States and European Union, companies can offer cryptocurrency payments but must ensure tax compliance and reporting in local fiat currencies. Many global payroll platforms combine crypto and fiat payouts to help businesses stay compliant across jurisdictions.
4. What are the benefits of using crypto payroll software?
Crypto payroll software simplifies cross border payments and reduces transaction fees compared to traditional payroll. It enables faster settlements, supports multiple cryptocurrencies, and provides cost savings for global contractors. Some platforms also integrate tax calculation, compliance automation, and reporting for international contractors and full time employees.
5. Can contractors and international teams receive payments directly in crypto?
Yes, most crypto payroll solutions allow contractors and global teams to receive payments in digital assets or have them automatically converted into fiat currencies. Platforms like Rise, Request Finance, and PaymentX support multiple cryptocurrencies and provide employees with flexible payout options.