E-commerce businesses need secure, efficient, and reliable payment systems to process transactions smoothly. Payment gateways help a lot here, facilitating easy money transfers from customers to merchants. Whether you're running a small online shop or a large e-commerce company, choosing the right payment gateway provider is very important for the success of your business. There are a lot of payment processing platforms available, so it can be quite a challenge to choose the option that will fit your business needs the best.
In this article, we will explore the top payment gateways in 2025, offering insights into their features, benefits, and pricing. We will also check various aspects of payment gateway solutions, including payment processing software, digital payment platforms, and online payment processors.
So, here are the top 10 best payment gateways for businesses that want to enhance their online payment systems.
Payment Gateway | Best For | Global Reach | Currencies Supported |
PayPal | Global Reach & Ease of Use | Yes | 100+ |
Stripe | Developer-Friendliness | Yes | 135+ |
Square | Small Businesses & Affordability | Limited | Few |
Reliability & High Volume | Yes | 25+ | |
Adyen | Large Global Businesses | Yes | 200+ |
2Checkout | International Reach & Flexibility | Yes | 45+ |
Klarna | Flexible Payment Options | Yes | Multiple |
Braintree | Mobile & Web Payments | Yes | 130+ |
Worldpay | All Businesses & Omnichannel | Yes | 120+ |
WePay | Platform-Based Businesses | Yes | Multiple |
1. PayPal: The Gold Standard for Online Payment Solutions
When it comes to the best payment processors, PayPal remains one of the most popular and trusted names in the industry. Known for its global reach and ease of use, PayPal is one of the best online payment processors for businesses looking for a simple yet effective online payment solution. With over 400 million active users worldwide, PayPal offers a comprehensive suite of e-commerce payment solutions that can support credit card payment gateways, debit cards, and even bank transfers.
Key Features
Global Reach: PayPal supports over 100 currencies and is accepted in more than 200 countries, making it a go-to for international transactions.
Secure Transactions: PayPal offers robust fraud protection and encryption features.
User Experience: Easy to integrate with most e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento.
Pros
Best online payment method for international businesses.
Fast payment processing with minimal transaction fees.
Reliable customer service and 24/7 support.
Cons
High transaction fees for international payments.
Account holds or restrictions can be problematic for some businesses.
Overall, PayPal is an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes, especially those needing a globally recognized payment gateway provider.
2. Stripe: The Best Payment Gateway for Developers
When it comes to payment gateway services, Stripe has earned a reputation as one of the most developer-friendly payment processing platforms. Known for its powerful APIs, Stripe allows businesses to create highly customized digital payment solutions tailored to their unique needs. Whether you’re running a subscription-based business or a one-time purchase model, Stripe provides a seamless online payment gateway service.
Key Features
- Customizable: Ideal for developers looking to create a fully custom payment experience.
- Subscription Management: Supports subscription billing and recurring payments.
- Integrated with Leading Ecommerce Platforms: Stripe integrates effortlessly with major platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce.
Pros
Easy to set up with minimal technical knowledge.
Low fees and no setup costs.
Excellent security features like tokenization and encryption.
Cons
May require developers for full customization.
Available in fewer countries than PayPal.
Stripe stands out as the best payment processor for businesses that prioritize flexibility and advanced integration options in their payment processing software.
3. Square: The Cheapest Payment Gateway for Small Businesses
If you're a small business looking for the cheapest payment gateway, Square is one of the best options to consider. Known for its affordable pricing structure, Square provides payment gateway solutions that allow businesses to accept credit card payments easily. Square also integrates seamlessly with point-of-sale (POS) systems, making it a great choice for both online and brick-and-mortar businesses.
Key Features
Flat-rate pricing: No hidden fees and no monthly charges.
Point-of-Sale System: Full POS integration for both physical stores and online stores.Mobile Payments: Accept payments on the go with the mobile app and hardware options.
Pros
No monthly fees or setup costs.
Transparent pricing with no surprises.
Ideal for small and medium-sized businesses.
Cons
Limited international availability.
Not as customizable as other payment gateway services.
For small businesses or startups that need a straightforward, cost-effective payment processing platform, Square is an excellent choice.
4. Authorize.Net: The Most Trusted Payment Processor
For businesses looking for a reliable and well-established payment solution provider, Authorize.Net is one of the most trusted names in the industry. It offers a suite of payment gateway services that cater to both small businesses and larger enterprises. As a third-party payment processor, Authorize.Net allows you to accept payments via credit cards, e-checks, and even digital wallets.
Key Features
Customer Information Manager (CIM): Helps store and retrieve customer data for faster repeat transactions.
Fraud Prevention Tools: Offers advanced fraud protection and transaction screening.
Integrated with Most Shopping Carts: Compatible with popular e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce, Magento, and PrestaShop.
Pros
Very reliable with 24/7 customer support.
Strong fraud protection tools.
Great for businesses processing a high volume of transactions.
Cons
Monthly fees for basic accounts.
Complex pricing structure for businesses with high transaction volumes.
Authorize.Net is a solid choice for businesses seeking a trusted, high-quality payment processor that can handle both simple and complex payment needs.
5. Adyen: A Digital Payment Platform for Global Businesses
Adyen is a global payment gateway provider that caters to large enterprises and multinational businesses. With its robust infrastructure, Adyen offers comprehensive payment processing software and digital payment solutions that support numerous payment methods, including credit card payment gateways, digital wallets, and local payment methods.
Key Features
Multi-currency support: Ideal for businesses with international customers.
Advanced fraud prevention and risk management tools.
Unified Platform: Manage all your payments from a single platform.
Pros
Supports over 200 payment methods.
Excellent for large businesses with high-volume transactions.
Powerful reporting and analytics.
Cons
Not suitable for small businesses due to high fees.
Complex pricing structure.
For large businesses with global operations, Adyen is one of the best payment gateway solutions to process payments securely and efficiently across multiple markets.
6. 2Checkout (Verifone): Flexible Payment Processing Solutions
As an all-in-one digital payment platform, 2Checkout (now part of Verifone) offers a comprehensive suite of payment gateway services. Whether you're an e-commerce retailer or a subscription-based business, 2Checkout provides payment processing solutions that support multiple payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
Key Features
Global Reach: Accept payments in over 200 countries and 45 currencies.
Flexible Integration Options: Seamlessly integrates with major shopping carts and e-commerce platforms.
Subscription Billing: Supports recurring payments for subscription-based businesses.
Pros
Low setup fees.
Supports a wide range of currencies and payment methods.
Easy to integrate with your existing website or app.
Cons
Transaction fees can be higher for certain payment methods.
Limited support for physical stores.
For businesses that require e-commerce payment solutions with international reach, 2Checkout offers great flexibility and scalability.
7. Klarna: Best Payment Gateway for Flexible Payment Options
Klarna is an innovative payment gateway provider that allows businesses to offer their customers flexible payment options, such as buy now, pay later (BNPL) and installment plans. Klarna is particularly popular among fashion retailers and e-commerce sites that want to offer their customers an easier way to finance their purchases.
Key Features
Flexible Payment Options: Offers consumers the ability to pay in installments or after receiving the goods.
Seamless Integration: Works well with most e-commerce platforms.
Customer Experience: Klarna offers a great user experience for both merchants and customers.
Pros
Increased conversion rates with flexible payment options.
Excellent for businesses targeting younger consumers.
No interest in installment plans for customers.
Cons
High fees for merchants on certain payment methods.
Not suitable for all industries.
Klarna is one of the most innovative payment processing platforms for businesses that want to provide digital payment solutions that meet the growing demand for flexible payment options.
8. Braintree: A Payment Gateway Service for Mobile & Web Payments
A subsidiary of PayPal, Braintree is a great choice for businesses seeking the best payment processor for both mobile and web transactions. Offering a comprehensive payment processing software solution, Braintree supports a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and even PayPal.
Key Features
Mobile-first design: Ideal for businesses with a mobile app or mobile-friendly websites.
Recurring Billing: Offers subscription management features.
Global Coverage: Accept payments in over 130 currencies.
Pros
Easy to integrate with mobile apps and websites.
Supported by PayPal's security infrastructure.
Low transaction fees.
Cons
Limited customization compared to other platforms like Stripe.
Complex fees for certain transaction types.
Braintree is an excellent choice for businesses with a focus on mobile commerce or those needing online payment gateway services with strong fraud protection.
9. Worldpay: A Comprehensive Payment Processor for All Businesses
With over 40 years in the industry, Worldpay is one of the most well-known payment gateway providers globally. Offering a wide range of digital payment solutions, Worldpay is an ideal choice for both small and large businesses looking to accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets.
Key Features
Multi-currency support: Great for businesses with international customers.
Advanced fraud detection and security features.
Omnichannel capabilities: Accept payments both online and in physical stores.
Pros
Trusted by major brands worldwide.
Excellent customer service and technical support.
Offers a wide range of payment methods.
Cons
High transaction fees for small businesses.
Complex integration process for beginners.
Worldpay is a great payment processor example for businesses that need a full-service payment gateway solution for both online and offline transactions.
10. WePay: The Best Online Payment Processor for Platforms
WePay, a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase, offers a unique payment gateway service designed for platform-based businesses, such as marketplaces, crowdfunding sites, and software companies. WePay is known for its ability to handle large volumes of payments while maintaining security and compliance.
Key Features
Customizable API: Allows platforms to create a custom payment experience.
Marketplace Support: Supports split payments and payouts for multiple users.
Integrated Fraud Protection: Offers strong fraud prevention tools.
Pros
Great for platform-based businesses.
Seamless integration with Stripe for broader payment options.
Strong security features and fraud prevention tools.
Cons
Limited to platform-based businesses.
Can be complex for small businesses to set up.
WePay is a top choice for payment solution providers looking to power large-scale platforms and marketplaces.
Conclusion
Choosing the right payment gateway is an important decision for any e-commerce business looking to process online payments effectively and securely. Whether you're looking for the cheapest payment gateway, the best payment processor for international transactions, or a platform designed for subscription billing, there's a solution that fits your business.
Each of the payment gateways we've explored in this article offers unique features and pricing structures, so make sure these features correlate with your business needs to make the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
A payment gateway is a technology that facilitates the transfer of payment data between a customer's bank and a merchant's bank during an online transaction. It serves as the bridge that ensures the secure transmission of sensitive payment information, such as credit card details or bank information, and authorizes or declines transactions. Payment gateways play a critical role in e-commerce by providing secure online payment solutions and ensuring that funds are transferred efficiently and securely.
There are four main types of payment gateways that businesses can choose from based on their needs:
Redirect Payment Gateways: Customers are redirected to a third-party website (like PayPal or Stripe) to complete the transaction and then returned to the merchant's site.
API-Integrated Payment Gateways: These are integrated directly into the merchant’s website or app, providing a seamless experience for the customer without redirection. Popular options include Stripe and Braintree.
Hosted Payment Gateways: A third-party provider hosts the payment page, meaning the customer is directed to a secure page hosted by the provider to enter payment details. Examples include Square and Shopify Payments.
On-Site Payment Gateways: These allow customers to enter their payment details directly on the merchant's website, which is processed without redirection. However, this type requires more robust security features to protect against fraud.
In the USA, PayPal is the most widely used payment gateway provider, offering a user-friendly experience for both businesses and customers. It is widely accepted across e-commerce platforms and allows businesses to accept payments in multiple currencies. PayPal is known for its global reach, security features, and ease of use, making it a go-to solution for online payment systems in the USA.
