Overview

This guide walks you through implementing a payment processing solution that accepts cryptocurrency payments from fans worldwide and automatically pays out creators in USD. Using Beam's API, you'll learn how to build a system that enables global monetization while keeping creator payouts simple.

Use Case Summary

Your creator platform enables content creators to monetize their work globally. Your platform wants to:

1. Accept payments in cryptocurrency (e.g., USDC) from fans anywhere in the world
2. Automatically convert all crypto payments to USD
3. Calculate and distribute creator earnings
4. Pay creators in USD via ACH to their US bank accounts
5. Track payment flow from fan payment to creator payout

Real-world example: A content platform called CreatorHub allows creators to sell subscriptions and receive tips. A creator named John has supporters in Japan, Germany, and Brazil who want to support his work. When a Japanese supporter pays 50 USDC for a subscription, CreatorHub receives the crypto payment, automatically converts it to USD, and includes it in John’s weekly payout. John receives USD directly in his bank account without ever touching cryptocurrency.

Breaking Down The Flow

In this flow, your creator platform acts as a bridge between global fans who want to pay with crypto and US-based creators who want to receive USD. Here's how it works:

1. Your Beam account comes configured with crypto wallets. You'll share a single USDC wallet address where all fan payments are received. This simplifies the payment flow - one address for all incoming payments.
2. Fans make payments in USDC from anywhere in the world using their preferred crypto wallet. They don't need to worry about international payment restrictions or credit card declines.
3. Beam detects incoming payments and converts the USDC to USD at current market rates.
4. Your platform receives webhooks for each incoming payment, allowing you to credit the appropriate creator's account balance in your system.
5. On your payout schedule (daily, weekly, etc.), your platform calculates creator earnings and uses Beam's API to initiate bulk ACH transfers to creator bank accounts.
6. Creators receive USD directly in their bank accounts, typically within 1-2 business days. They never need to handle cryptocurrency.