Top payment gateways comparison
- Stripe
- Our rating (out of 5): 4.59
- Monthly fee: $0
- Pricing structure: Flat-rate, interchange upon request
- Customer support: 24/7 phone, email, chat support
- Uptime (past 90 days as of writing): 99.99%
- Application process: Instant
- Braintree
- Our rating (out of 5): 4.49
- Monthly fee: $0
- Pricing structure: Flat-rate, interchange upon request
- Customer support: 24/7 emergency support
- Uptime (past 90 days as of writing): 99.99%
- Application process: Instant unless additional docs are needed
- Ayden
- Our rating (out of 5): 4.43
- Monthly fee: $0
- Pricing structure: Varies
- Customer support: Via support ticket
- Uptime (past 90 days as of writing): 100.00%
- Application process: Manual approval
- 2Checkout (now Verifone)
- Our rating (out of 5): 4.39
- Monthly fee: $0
- Pricing structure: Flat-rate
- Customer support: 24/7 merchant support
- Uptime (past 90 days as of writing): 99.98%
- Application process: Manual approval
- Authorize.net
- Our rating (out of 5): 4.36
- Monthly fee: $25
- Pricing structure: Flat-rate
- Customer support: 24/7 phone and chat support
- Uptime (past 90 days as of writing): 99.99%
- Application process: Manual approval
Stripe: Best overall
- Our rating: 4.59 out of 5
Stripe is recommended for developers and tech-savvy businesses due to its robust API, developer tools, and customizable payment solutions. It excels in handling complex payment flows, global support, and seamless integrations, offering zero monthly fees, instant approval, and 24/7 support.
Why I chose Stripe
Stripe is highly regarded for its API flexibility, SDK availability, and customizability, making it a top choice among tech-savvy businesses and developers. It offers well-documented APIs, SDKs in various languages, and easy third-party integrations, making it accessible even for less tech-savvy businesses. Stripe also allows immediate payment acceptance without upfront costs.
Pricing
- Monthly fee: $0
- Payment processing fees:
- In-person transactions: 2.7% + 5 cents per transaction
- Online transactions: 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction
- Keyed-in transactions: 3.4% + 30 cents per transaction
- ACH payments: 0.8%, capped at $5 per transaction
- Add-on fees:
- Invoicing: 0.4% per paid invoice
- Recurring billing/subscription: 0.7% of billing volume
- Cross-border fee: 1.5% per transaction
- Currency conversion: 1% per transaction
- Custom pricing available for high-volume businesses
Features
- Powerful API and developer tools
- SDKs in multiple languages
- 24/7 customer support
- Advanced fraud detection
- PCI-SSS Level 1 compliant
- Support for various payment methods and countries
Braintree: Best for subscription and recurring billing
- Our rating: 4.49 out of 5
Braintree, a PayPal company, offers flexible payment options, customizable tools, and seamless integration with major platforms. It is recommended for businesses focusing on subscription and billing services, with support for multiple currencies and payment methods.
Why I chose Braintree
Braintree excels in subscription and recurring billing, providing tools to manage complex payment models easily. Its transparent pricing, dynamic billing control, and integration with digital wallets make it ideal for subscription-based businesses. The platform’s fraud protection and detailed analytics enhance billing processes and customer experience.
Pricing
- Monthly fee: $0
- Processing fees:
- Cards and digital wallets: 2.59% + 49 cents per transaction
- Venmo: 3.49% + 49 cents per transaction
- ACH payments: 0.75%, capped at $5 per transaction
- Add-on fees:
- Cross-border fee: 1% per transaction
- Currency conversion: 1% per transaction
- Custom pricing available for high-volume businesses
Features
- Robust subscription and billing tools
- Accepts PayPal and Venmo
- SDKs in various languages
- Easy third-party integrations
- Advanced fraud protection
- Support for multiple countries and currencies
Adyen: Best for large enterprises
- Our rating: 4.43 out of 5
Adyen is recommended for large enterprises seeking scalable solutions, with support for various payment methods and currencies. Known for its all-in-one platform, global presence, fraud protection, and real-time reporting, Adyen uses an interchange plus processing fee structure.
Why I chose Adyen
Adyen’s broad international support and interchange-plus pricing model make it suitable for large enterprises with a global footprint. The platform enables businesses to offer multiple payment methods across regions seamlessly. Adyen’s advanced fraud protection and real-time analytics provide critical insights and security, enhancing operational efficiency.
Pricing
- Monthly fee: $0
- Payment processing fees: Payment method fee + 13 cents per transaction
- May require reserves
Features
- Global payment processing
- SDKs in multiple languages
- Support for numerous countries and currencies
- Unified platform integrating acquiring, processing, and settlement
- Real-time analytics and reporting
- Scalable infrastructure
- Advanced fraud protection tools
2Checkout (now Verifone): Best for international commerce
- Our rating: 4.39 out of 5
2Checkout, now Verifone, is ideal for businesses focusing on international commerce, offering extensive global reach, support for multiple currencies, and payment methods. It provides customizable checkout options, tax management, fraud protection, and merchant of record services.
Why I chose 2Checkout
2Checkout excels in supporting global businesses with localized payment options across numerous countries, languages, and currencies. Acting as the merchant of record, it simplifies cross-border transactions by handling liabilities, compliance, taxes, refunds, and chargebacks. Combined with robust fraud protection and customization, 2Checkout is a strong choice for expanding internationally.
Pricing
- Monthly fee: $0
- Processing fees:
- 2Sell Plan: 3.5% + 35 cents per transaction
- 2Subscribe Plan: 4.5% + 45 cents per transaction
- 2Monetize Plan: Tailored pricing
Features
- Global reach and currency support
- Merchant of record services
- Advanced fraud protection
- Integrated tax management
- Detailed reporting and analytics
Authorize.net: Best for extensive fraud protection
- Our rating: 4.36 out of 5
Authorize.net is suitable for businesses prioritizing security and fraud prevention, with a user-friendly interface, various integrations, and multiple payment options. It allows merchants to use their existing merchant accounts, if available.
Why I chose Authorize.net
Authorize.net’s focus on security and fraud prevention makes it a top choice for merchants seeking a reliable and secure platform. Its Advanced Fraud Detection Suite offers customizable filters for protection against suspicious transactions. The platform’s flexibility in utilizing existing merchant accounts makes it ideal for high-risk merchants and unique business models.
Pricing
- Monthly fee: $25
- Processing fees:
- All-in-one plan: 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction
- Payment gateway+eCheck plan:
- Credit card transactions: 10 cents per transaction + 10 cents daily batch fee
- eCheck: 0.75%
- Payment gateway plan: 10 cents per transaction + 10 cents daily batch fee
Features
- Comprehensive fraud protection
- Customer information manager
- Invoicing and recurring payments
- Use of existing merchant accounts
- Detailed reporting tools
- 24/7 customer support
How do I choose the best payment gateway for my business?
Choosing the best payment gateway depends on your business needs, industry, and growth plans. For tech-savvy users, prioritize gateways with robust APIs and developer tools. Stripe is recommended for customization and integration flexibility, while Adyen suits large enterprises with global operations. 2Checkout is ideal for international markets, Braintree for subscription services, and Authorize.net for extensive fraud protection.
Methodology
The evaluation of payment gateways was based on criteria such as security, integration capabilities, payment features, performance, pricing, and user support. Research involved in-depth analysis of product documentation, user feedback, and testing. Reviewed by retail expert Meaghan Brophy.
No Comment! Be the first one.