Best eCommerce Payment Gateways

1. Introduction

Payment gateways enable online retailers to provide safe credit card and digital wallet payment options to users. As technologies create new payment methods in markets, payment gateways are crucial to the expansion of enterprises.

Consumers are driving the desire for secure, trouble-free purchasing nowadays. ECommerce development services like payment gateways have undoubtedly secured their position in this digital world simultaneously aiding consumers’ demands of shopping everything online.

Hence, in this article, we have picked and evaluated top 10 eCommerce payment gateway providers or merchant account providers depending on their payment kinds, cost, features, and other factors for you to choose the best. Let us start!

2. What is a Payment Gateway?

Payment gateways are tech solutions that allow businesses to accept payments from their customers. Typically, they are third-party financial gateways that may be utilized in physical businesses and online markets. Amazon pay, Skrill, Stripe, PayPal, and 2Checkout are examples of common online payment gateway providers.

With the help of Payment gateways you can use your choice of payment options like credit card, online banking or any other way of payment. Once you enter the details of your account, payment will be debited from your account and will be credited into the merchant’s account after deducting some additional fees. 

3. How Does a Payment Gateway Work?

3.1 The buyer completes the order and enters card details

When a customer is done adding their chosen items to the cart and is ready to checkout, this is the time when payment gateways come into the picture. When the customer wants to finalize the order, they proceed to the payment stage where they need to input their card details and other required information.

3.2 The payment gateway transmits a request to the bank

After entering the card details, the customer clicks on the pay button and the gateway sends all the information to the processing phase.

3.3 Bank authorizes the transaction

Here two processes take place: one, all the details entered by the customer are verified by the bank and then it checks if enough funds are available for the transaction to happen or not. In the next step, the information entered is sent to the customer’s issuing bank to start the transaction.

3.4 Funds are deposited into the merchant’s account

Once the bank/credit card company initiates the transaction, the money moves into the merchant’s bank account both(the merchant and customer) are notified of the credit and debit, respectively. The money transaction into the merchant’s account might take a few seconds or sometimes a couple of weeks. Sometimes, the payment gateways hold the payment for a particular period to maintain a margin for fraud claims. Or sometimes you might see that some unforeseen errors hinder the transactions and cause delays.

4. Top Ecommerce Payment Gateways

Below is the compiled list of the most popular ecommerce payment gateways used by online sellers. From there, you can determine their reliability and respective transaction fees.

4.1 PayPal

PayPal, which was founded as a wallet app in 1999 and bought by eBay in 2002, is now one of the most adaptable and well-known digital payment platforms like all of the best credit card processing companies. Paypal can be picked as the finest solution for online businesses since it allows clients to pay using PayPal  at cheap prices.

PayPal asserts that giving their services as a form of payment to clients may enhance checkout rates by 44%. This is owing to PayPal’s reputable brand and extensive usage. Incorporating PayPal as a payment alternative is likewise a straightforward process. Simply establish a profile and add the “Pay with PayPal” button to your website.

PayPal Payments Pro registration is required for those who wish to access PayPal’s premium transaction and checkout services. They accept payments from  American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and PayPal Credit payments; interact with key e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Squarespace, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce; and provide mobile credit card payments, digital invoices, and in-person payouts.

• Paypal payments fee: 3.49% + $0.49 (fixed)
• Key features include PCI compliance, simple payment methods, online invoicing and stock control.

Features

• Allows you to track your inventory
• PCI compliance
• Easy API integration
• Recurring payment options
• Customizable checkup
• Transaction reporting

Pros

• Hassle-free subscription services
• Accept credit cards
• Offers various payment options
• Cart integration
• Convenient to use
• Zero subscription fees

Cons

• Hidden costs
• Quick account freezing
• Payment processing can be expensive
• Poor customer support
• Not ideal for high-volume businesses

4.2 Stripe

Stripe is regarded as a formidable competitor and a rapidly expanding startup that may soon surpass PayPal. Stripe, which was founded in 2010, has been valued at about $20 billion in a brief time frame. The Stripe trial period features stalled payments. There are no costs for refunds. Web developers believe it to be among the simplest to install, connect, and operate. In contrast to PayPal, the Stripe payment gateway enables users to make online payments without being transferred to the payment gateway page, therefore delivering a smooth customer experience. In contrast to being interoperable with the majority of payment options, it also takes Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. As it continues to expand, Stripe is presently accessible in 21 countries.

• Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per successful transaction
• Principal features include adaptive 3D security, multi currency payments, and 24/7 customer service.

Features

• UI toolkit
• Fraud prevention tool
• Built-in APIs
• Zero monthly/set-up fees
• Integrates with a variety of extensions
• Accepts credit cards
• Recurring payments for customers

Pros

• Customer-friendly design
• Accepts cryptocurrencies
• 24/7 customer support
• Offers free trial period
• Highly customizable checkout flow
• Customized libraries

Cons

• Limited functionalities
• Vulnerability to fraud
• High risk payment
• Geographical limitations
• User experience can be challenging for beginners

4.3 2Checkout/Verifone

Verifone bought the business in September of 2020. It may be the most optimal platform for foreign sales because it provides localized purchasing perspectives for consumers in over 200 nations as well as provinces and endorses nearly 100 currencies.

2Checkout provides a payment gateway named 2Sell that takes all major credit card transactions and payment methods, such as MasterCard, Visa, American Express, JCB, and PayPal. Additionally, it facilitates transactions in roughly 100 currencies. Users are able to create their own product pages, configure recurring transactions, produce payment history records, and combine the system with a variety of online shops, ecommerce carts, and billing platforms.

In addition to allowing businesses to offer services, digital items, physical products, and memberships. 2Checkout includes an account updater to maintain accurate client information. It also provides worldwide clients with mobile-friendly, localized purchasing experiences, discounts, and promotions, as well as online store templates and conversion-enhancing features. Additionally, 2Checkout provides customers with a commercial dashboard that provides immediate information into revenues and other client key metrics.

• Fee: 2Checkout offers three payment processing options. Their names and transaction fees are shown below:
  • 2 Sell: 3.5% + $0.35
  • 2 Subscribe: 4.5% + $0.45
  • 2 Monetize: 6.0% + $0.6
• PCI compliance, multi-currency payments, and multi-language access are key features.

Features

• PCI compliance
• No set-up fee
• Multi-currency payouts
• Payment gateway
• Multi-language support
• No monthly fee

Pro

• Secure payment gateway
• Great customer support
• Allow easy customization
• PCI compliance
• User-friendly and reliable
• No unnecessary hassle

Cons

• Feasibility to export Customer Data.
• Hard to Understand Reporting Options.

4.4 Authorize.net

Authorize is well-known for its programmer-friendly API and its ability to create a personalized, pleasant user experience. It is regarded as very secure, and its sophisticated fraud detection system prevents refunds and financial frauds. It does not impose a monetary restriction on transactions, allowing for rapid transactions and instantaneous cash transfer. This payment gateway offers several add-on services, such as fraud prevention and a straightforward checkout process. Also, most merchant account providers have partnerships with Authorize.Net. The only variation in pricing is the addition of set monthly fees to the transaction cost.

• Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 each transaction that is completed. If you currently have a seller profile, you can enroll in the “Payment Gateway Only Plan” at a cost of $0.10 per payment and $0.10 each daily lot.
• Comprehensive fraud prevention, easy checkout, and digital billing are essential features.

Features

• Simple checkouts
• Easy API integration
• Advanced fraud protection
• PCI compliance
• Digital invoicing
• Customer information manager
• Account updater for recurring payments

Pro

• 24/7 customer support
• Excellent customer service
• Transparent, flat-rate pricing
• No long-term contracts
• Offers a variety of merchant account providers
• No restrictions on transaction size
• No contracts or early termination fees

Cons

• Fixed monthly fee
• Expensive platform
• Not user-friendly
• No robust POS system for in-person transactions

4.5 Skrill

Skrill is a payment gateway that accepts payments from over 40 countries. There are checkout transfer costs of 1.9%. It also provides an official plugin for connectivity with selling stores powered by WooCommerce.

• Based on the payment type employed, the payment processing cost ranges from 0% to 5%. Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and Diners Club International are accepted free of charge.
• Chargeback and fraud prevention, simple integration, and PCI compliance are the key features.

Features

• Easy integration
• Fraud protection and chargeback
• Fully PCI compliant
• Frictionless payments
• You can make international transfers

Pro

• Multi Currency account
• Multilingual customer support
• Competitive processing
• Enhanced customer experience
• Recurring bills

Cons

• Complex fee structure
• It is expensive
• 2% fees applicable for domestic money transfers

4.6 WePay

WePay provides a Chase Merchant Services-integrated into business account option. It may be your best solution for various streams since it makes it simple for businesses to process complicated payment transactions across a range of online platforms.

As with the majority of payment gateways, WePay supports all major credit cards and debit card payments, Chase Pay, and ACH payments and can process complicated payment requests, such as those involving multiple buyers and kickstarter campaigns. Businesses may set it up with just an email id and quickly begin receiving payments.

WePay’s customization capabilities make it especially advantageous for multichannel marketing. Merchants may design checkout processes that accommodate in-person, digital payments and reimbursements.

• Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 each transaction that is completed.
• Key features include compatibility with Apple pay and Android pay, PCI compliance, and direct bank account transactions.

Features

• Direct bank transfers
• Apple pay compatibility
• Android pay compatibility
• High-level PCI security
• Direct bank transfers
• Mobile point-of-sale
• Integrated payments

Pro

• Transaction-level reporting
• Account provisioning
• Enhanced security
• 24/7 support
• Advanced fraud protection

Cons

• Holds high risks
• Credit card fees

4.7 Square

Square is ideal for establishments with a physical location. They consolidate finances, programming, and hardware provisioning, which are all required for online and offline sales. Square focuses primarily on its virtual terminal, which allows you to receive money from any platform, thereby attracting businesses that do not require an internet shop but do have to process funds on-site via portable devices. Square takes the user’s payment data at the time of sale and routes transactions straight via cards since they also accept credit cards.

• Fee : Free POS app
• Free magstripe reader
• 2.6% + $0.10 in-person or e-commerce transaction

Features

• Affordable paid plans
• Free domains for paid plans
• Offers a variety of security features
• Built-in inventory management
• Easy-to-use portal
• Fast payments

Pro

• Free plan available
• Lower processing rate on premium plan
• Easy app integration
• Allows you to build custom POS
• You can sell unlimited products on your website
• No hidden fees

Cons

• Limited customization options
• No phone support
• Account can easily freeze
• Not cost-effective

4.8 Amazon Pay

Amazon Pay is gradually becoming the go-to choice for Micro and Medium Businesses to operate payment gateways, backed by its massive brand recognition. The Amazon Pay merchant  account provides access to an advanced fraud prevention solution. It enables an in-store checkout alternative, hence enhancing the consumer experience. Amazon Pay is a basic API that has offered various e-commerce solution providers with free plugins. Amazon enables the usage of Alexa to connect your customers by giving more suggestions and enhanced customer service.

Features

• Data security
• No monthly fees
• Works with Alexa
• Advanced fraud prevention
• Connects to thousands of websites
• No termination fee
• Easy checkout for customers
• Good customer support

Pro

• Multiple payment options
• Debit/credit card processing
• Consistent inline checkout
• Mobile access
• No set up or monthly fees
• It can be linked to multiple bank accounts

Cons

• Slow processing
• Require active internet connection or else AmazonPay fails

4.9 Google Pay

Google Pay is another excellent choice for western online merchants. Many Americans and Europeans use Google wallets to store their money. Since customers purchase online, the Google checkout feature makes payment simple. This method is not just quicker than other selling gateways, but also considerably more dependable. Because the payment owner also functions as a bank account, Google checkout pays back the lowest amount.

• The cost of payment processing fees varies on the transaction amount.
  • 2.9 % + $0.30 for purchases under $3000.
  • 2.5% + $0.30 for purchases between $3,000 and $9,999.99
  • 2.2% + $0.30 for purchases between $10,000 and $99,999.99
  • 1.9% + $0.30 for purchases above $100,000
• Key features include quick online integration and security from fraudulent activity.

Features

• Pay for transit
• Easy online integration
• Buy items online or in apps
• Protection against fraudulent activities
• Make group payments

Pro

• Simple checkouts
• You can find offers from your favorite merchants
• Business-only rewards
• No additional fees

Cons

• Supported by limited banks
• Not secure
• Poor customer services
• Google Pay doesn’t work with Google Assistant or siri

4.10 Apple Pay

Apple Pay is among the industry’s most popular cashless payment channels. Therefore, you may need it for your shopify store as well. Apple Pay enables users to pay with the press of a button. They also approve digital payments through Visa, American Express, QUICPay, Master Card, Union Pay, and Suica.

• Fee: 1.5% + $0.25 to $15 varies on the amount.
• Secured transactions, electronic transfers, and simple checkout alternatives are key features.

Features

• Faster and easier payments
• Higher security
• Can be easily added to you current website
• Contactless payments
• Easy checkout options

Pro

• Built-in privacy and security
• Accepted on millions of websites and applications
• Secured connection
• No additional or hidden charges
• High availability

Cons

• Might create confusion among new users
• Works only on Apple devices
• Vulnerability to cyber attacks

5. Which Payment Gateway Suits Your Business?

A payment gateway is required for each online firm. However, locating the ideal candidate is difficult. Therefore, try several top payment gateways and select the most effective one.

Here are key takeaways of some of the best payment gateways for your eCommerce platform.

• Authorize.Net Provides the Best Links to Business Account Holders.
• The Hottest New Gateway seems to be Stripe.
• PayPal is the best for e-commerce transactions.
• 2Checkout is ideal for Global Marketing.
• Apple Pay is best for security purposes.
• Google Pay is the fastest payment processor.
• Skrill is the best option for cryptocurrency investments.
• WePay is the Finest Personalization Option.

Depending on your business work area and requirements, you can choose your getaway partner that suits you the best!

6. Conclusion

We examined the top 10 online payment options for this article. We weighed the costs and benefits of various features, as not all businesses are obliged to offer every form of payment option to their clients.

In this post we suggested software that would be compatible with the most popular e-commerce and POS platforms. Due to the fact that the benefits a payment gateway delivers to a business are nullified if a client does not feel secure revealing their payment information. Payment gateways will give the safety and advantages required by both users and companies as they seek more convenient payment and selling methods.