CR Servers: A Case Study in Bitcoin Adoption for Business
January 16, 2024
Rodrigo Fernández
Director of Infrastructure
Why CR Servers Adopted Bitcoin
As technology evolves, so do the ways businesses operate. CR Servers, a Costa Rica-based web hosting provider, has been pioneering innovation since its founding in 1998. Our parent company, Edenia, has been at the forefront of internet infrastructure since 1987, witnessing firsthand the birth and rise of the modern internet.
When Bitcoin emerged as a decentralized, borderless currency, adopting it felt like the natural next step for us—just as we embraced the internet decades ago. Bitcoin is the internet’s native currency, and we see it with the same excitement we had at the dawn of the digital era.
The First Business in Costa Rica to Accept Bitcoin
CR Servers was the first company in Costa Rica to accept Bitcoin payments in mid-2013, long before cryptocurrency became mainstream. At that time, Bitcoin was still a niche technology, and businesses accepting it were extremely rare—even on a global scale.
A news article from El Financiero later confirmed this milestone, highlighting how CR Servers led the way before other local businesses followed suit.
🔗 Read the article: The First Companies Accepting Bitcoin in Costa Rica
Back in 2013, integrating Bitcoin payments was a bold decision, requiring a deep understanding of digital currencies and payment infrastructure. But just as we recognized the transformative potential of the internet in the 1990s, we saw Bitcoin as the next major shift in technology—and history has proven us right.
Business outcomes from Bitcoin adoption
1. Eliminating Chargeback Fraud – Irreversible Payments for Irreversible Services
One of the main challenges for online businesses is chargeback fraud—where a customer disputes a payment after receiving a service, leaving the business at a loss.
As a web hosting provider, we offer irreversible services (once server resources are allocated, they can’t be taken back). It only made sense to adopt Bitcoin, a payment system where transactions are final and irreversible, eliminating chargeback fraud altogether.
2. Faster International Payments
Traditional payment methods like wire transfers can take days to process, especially for international clients. Bitcoin transactions settle within minutes, allowing us to receive payments and activate services much faster.
3. Lower Transaction Fees
Credit card processors charge up to 3% per transaction, while international bank transfers can have even higher fees. Bitcoin transactions via Lightning Network cost only a fraction of a cent, making it one of the most cost-efficient payment methods available.
4. Reaching a Global Audience
Bitcoin allows us to serve customers worldwide, including those in countries with restrictive banking systems. By eliminating reliance on traditional banks, we can provide hosting services to anyone with an internet connection—a true embodiment of financial freedom.
How CR Servers Uses Bitcoin
1. Accepting Bitcoin for Hosting Services
CR Servers allows customers to pay for:
✔ Shared hosting
✔ VPS (Virtual Private Servers)
✔ Dedicated servers
✔ Server co-location
By accepting Bitcoin, we provide an alternative payment method that aligns with our commitment to privacy, security, and digital sovereignty.
2. Implementing BTCPay Server for Payment Processing
We use BTCPay Server, an open-source payment processor that offers:
- 0% transaction fees (no intermediaries taking a cut)
- Full control over payments with no third-party dependencies
- Enhanced privacy and security for both us and our customers
3. Supporting Lightning Network for Instant Payments
To improve Bitcoin’s scalability and usability, we integrated Lightning Network, allowing for:
- Instant transactions (no long confirmation times)
- Ultra-low fees, making micropayments viable
- Seamless onboarding for customers paying with Bitcoin
4. Helping Other Businesses Accept Bitcoin
Beyond using Bitcoin ourselves, we actively assist businesses in integrating Bitcoin payments. Whether it’s:
- Setting up a BTCPay Server
- Educating businesses on how to accept Bitcoin securely
- Optimizing Bitcoin payments for online stores
CR Servers is a trusted resource for businesses looking to embrace Bitcoin.
The Impact of Bitcoin Integration
✅ More Secure Payments
Bitcoin eliminates chargebacks, making payments safer and reducing financial fraud risks.
✅ Lower Costs
Bitcoin reduces transaction fees compared to credit cards and bank transfers.
✅ Global Access
We can now serve customers in any country, even those without easy access to traditional banking.
✅ Faster Settlements
No waiting days for a wire transfer to clear—Bitcoin payments settle in minutes.
Lessons for Businesses Considering Bitcoin Payments
Our decade-long experience with Bitcoin offers valuable insights for businesses considering adoption:
✔ Choose the right infrastructure – Using BTCPay Server ensures full control over your Bitcoin payments.
✔ Integrate Lightning Network – If your business deals with frequent or low-value transactions, Lightning is a game-changer.
✔ Offer Bitcoin as an option, not a replacement – Some customers still prefer traditional methods; let them choose.
✔ Educate your customers – Provide clear instructions on how to pay with Bitcoin to encourage adoption.
If you’re ready to start accepting Bitcoin, check out our step-by-step guide:
👉 Accepting Bitcoin Payments: A Guide for Online Businesses
Conclusion
CR Servers was the first company in Costa Rica to accept Bitcoin payments in 2013, recognizing Bitcoin as the internet’s native currency—just as we recognized the transformational power of the internet in the 1990s.
By adopting Bitcoin early, we gained faster transactions, lower costs, global accessibility, and irreversible payments for our irreversible services.
For businesses looking to integrate Bitcoin, the opportunity is greater than ever. With the growth of Bitcoin circular economies and Lightning Network, Bitcoin is not just an investment—it’s a powerful payment system.
Explore Bitcoin Business Opportunities: 👉 Bitcoin Circular Economies: Real-World Adoption Driving Business Use
👉 How to Accept Bitcoin Payments: Complete Implementation Guide