Direct cryptocurrency payment support (USDC/USDT/BTC)

Problem statement

Currently DeepSeek API accepts only fiat payment methods (credit cards, PayPal, Alipay, WeChat Pay). Many users, including me, prefer or need to pay with cryptocurrency for the following reasons:

We want to pay the developers directly, not through middlemen (OpenRouter, etc.) that charge extra fees and may freeze accounts.

We live in regions with banking restrictions or simply value financial freedom.

We already use crypto daily and find it more convenient.

Proposed solution

Implement a direct crypto payment gateway. The exact method is flexible:

Accept stablecoins (USDC, USDT) on a popular network (e.g., Ethereum, Solana, BSC).

Integrate an established processor like Coinbase Commerce or CoinPayments.

Even a manual process with a wallet address and memo would be acceptable, as long as the API balance updates automatically.

The key requirement is automation and reliability — the user pays, the balance is credited without manual intervention.
Why this is important for DeepSeek

Attracts a technically savvy audience who already uses crypto.

Differentiates DeepSeek from closed‑source, expensive APIs.

Builds goodwill among users who want to support fair‑priced, high‑quality AI without banking restrictions.

Expected impact

I would immediately become a paying, long‑term customer.

I would recommend DeepSeek to friends and communities that rely on crypto payments.

Other users who currently go through proxies would switch to direct payment.

Thank you for considering this feature.

Labels: enhancement, payment