An on-chain invoice is a bill that is marked paid only when the payment is confirmed on a public blockchain, rather than when someone claims to have sent it. Instead of trusting a screenshot or a 'payment sent' email, the invoice is settled against a verifiable transaction recorded on the network. This guide explains what that means in practice and how Hanko implements on-chain invoices.
A simple definition
With a traditional invoice, you often rely on trust or a delayed bank notification to know a payment arrived. An on-chain invoice ties the 'paid' status directly to a blockchain transaction: the money moves on a public ledger, the network confirms it, and only then does the invoice update. The proof of payment is the transaction itself, which anyone with the link can inspect.
- Payment status is driven by a confirmed blockchain transaction
- The public ledger is the source of truth, not a screenshot
- Proof is verifiable by both parties and third parties
How it differs from a regular invoice
A regular invoice records what is owed but has no built-in way to prove settlement — you check your bank later, or take the client's word for it. An on-chain invoice closes that gap by verifying the payment on the network. For dollar-denominated billing, stablecoins keep the amount predictable while still settling on-chain.
- Regular invoice: paid status set manually or after a bank delay
- On-chain invoice: paid status set by network confirmation
- Stablecoins like USDC and USDT hold a steady value during settlement
How Hanko implements on-chain invoices
In Hanko, you create a branded invoice and enable crypto as a payment option. When a client pays in a stablecoin, Hanko watches the relevant network and marks the invoice paid only after the blockchain confirms the transaction. Supported networks include Base, Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, Arbitrum and Optimism, with tokens such as USDC, USDT and DAI.
- On-chain verification instead of manual 'I sent it' confirmations
- Networks: Base, Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, Arbitrum, Optimism
- Every payment sends an email receipt with a block-explorer link
You are not locked into crypto
Choosing on-chain invoicing does not force crypto on your clients. In Hanko, the same invoice can also be paid by card, ACH or SEPA bank wire, so a client without a wallet still has a simple path to pay. And when you do receive stablecoins, you can off-ramp them to a bank account from the same screen.
- Clients can always pay by card or bank instead of crypto
- Off-ramp received stablecoins to fiat without leaving the app
- Fiat and on-chain payments reconcile in one dashboard
Frequently asked questions
What does 'on-chain' mean for an invoice?
It means the invoice is settled and marked paid based on a transaction confirmed on a public blockchain. The recorded transaction is the proof of payment, not a screenshot or a verbal confirmation.
How is an on-chain invoice verified as paid?
The system watches the blockchain and updates the invoice to paid only after the network confirms the payment transaction. This removes reliance on a client saying they sent funds.
Which networks and tokens can an on-chain invoice use?
Hanko supports Base, Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, Arbitrum and Optimism, with stablecoins such as USDC, USDT and DAI, plus assets like ETH, SOL and BTC where relevant.
Do clients need a crypto wallet to pay an on-chain invoice?
No. The same invoice also accepts card, ACH and SEPA bank wire, so clients without a wallet can pay by traditional methods while you still keep on-chain verification for those who pay in crypto.
Can I turn an on-chain payment into cash?
Yes. When a client pays in stablecoins, you can off-ramp the funds to a connected bank account from the same screen, converting the on-chain payment into a normal fiat deposit.
How does everyone get proof of an on-chain payment?
Each payment generates an email receipt that includes a block-explorer link, so both parties and any third party can independently verify the transaction on the public ledger.