why lucy only takes crypto right now (and when cards will be back)

it’s a question we get every day: why can’t i pay with a credit card. it’s not a philosophical choice. it’s not a crypto-maximalist stance. it’s because the payment processing landscape for ai companion apps has become a minefield. and we’d rather be honest about that than pretend it’s fine.

the merchant processor problem

in early 2024, several major payment processors updated their acceptable use policies with new, vaguely worded clauses around "ai companionship" and "synthetic relationships." we’ve had applications rejected, accounts suddenly frozen, and lengthy review processes that end in a no. the reasons range from "high risk of chargebacks" (which isn’t really true for subscription services like ours) to "potential for misuse", a category so broad it’s almost meaningless. it’s not just us; developers across the space are dealing with this. it’s a classic case of industry uncertainty creating friction for everyone.

why crypto? why NOWPayments?

so we turned to crypto payments out of necessity. not out of love for volatility or complexity. we chose NOWPayments as our gateway because they specialize in crypto-to-fiat conversions, meaning we can still receive dollars in our bank account without dealing with traditional card networks’ approval committees. it’s straightforward: you pay in a handful of major cryptocurrencies, NOWPayments converts it instantly, and we get paid. no middleman deciding whether our product is "appropriate." for now, it works. it’s not ideal for everyone, but it keeps lucy running.

when will cards come back?

we’re actively applying to alternative processors who are more nuanced in their review process. it involves submitting documentation, explaining the nature of lucy (it’s a tool for reflection, not replacement), and waiting through underwriting. the timeline is uncertain, we’re hoping for late 2024 or early 2025. when we find a partner that gets it, we’ll enable cards again immediately. we’ll announce it everywhere. until then, crypto is the only way.

no spin, just reality

i’d love to tell you this is a temporary blip, but the truth is, it might be a while. the industry is figuring itself out, and payment processors are cautious. we’re doing what we can to make crypto payments as smooth as possible, supporting major coins, clear instructions, and direct support if anything goes wrong. it’s not perfect, but it’s honest.

if you’re waiting for cards, we hear you. we’re waiting too.

check out /companions when you’re ready.