The Best Payment Gateway for Online Stores in 2025

Choosing the right payment gateway isn’t just a technical decision—it directly affects your profits, your customer experience, and how fast you can scale your business. With so many options available today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Between transaction fees, hidden charges, platform limitations, and complex integrations, sellers often find themselves stuck with systems that limit rather than support their growth. The right gateway should streamline your checkout process, reduce friction, and help you convert visitors into paying customers, all while protecting your margins and enabling future expansion.

In this blog, we’ll break down 15 of the most popular payment gateways, ranked and reviewed based on their fees, features, and overall ease of use. Whether you’re a new eCommerce entrepreneur just starting out or a seasoned seller looking to optimize your tech stack, this guide will help you make an informed and strategic decision. And if you’re looking to turn your product idea into a real brand, we’ll also show you how the Passion Product Formula can guide your next steps—transforming your store into a thriving, customer-driven brand. For online sellers especially, this guide is tailored to help you navigate payment gateways and scale with confidence.

What to Look for in a Payment Gateway

Before diving into reviews, it’s important to understand what separates a great payment gateway from a mediocre one. Choosing the wrong solution can lead to higher fees, lower conversions, and unnecessary technical headaches. On the other hand, the right gateway can streamline your operations, improve customer trust, and significantly boost your bottom line. These are the four key criteria we used to evaluate every option in this guide, so you can make the most informed decision for your store.

Transparent Pricing That Protects Your Margins

Fees can quietly eat into your profits if you’re not careful. Most payment gateways charge a base fee per transaction, plus additional charges for international payments, chargebacks, or monthly subscriptions. These costs may appear small at first but can add up to thousands of dollars in lost revenue over time if not carefully managed.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Clear transaction rates (e.g., 2.9% + $0.30)
2. Minimal or no monthly fees
3. Low currency conversion fees
4. No hidden setup or maintenance costs

Even a 0.5% fee difference can significantly impact your bottom line as your volume increases. Therefore, selecting a gateway with transparent pricing is not just smart—it’s essential for sustainable business growth.

Seamless Integration with Your Platform

Your payment gateway should work flawlessly with your existing tech stack. Look for plug-ins or built-in integrations with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Wix. A smooth integration helps reduce checkout friction, enhance the user experience, and prevent costly technical errors.

International Capabilities for Global Growth

Expanding into international markets is one of the most powerful ways to grow your eCommerce business—but only if your payment gateway can support it. Accepting global payments isn’t just about converting currencies. It’s about offering your customers a seamless, localized checkout experience that builds trust and encourages conversions. This includes displaying prices in their local currency, supporting familiar payment methods, and removing surprise conversion fees.

Top-rated gateways like Airwallex let you open local bank accounts in multiple countries, helping you avoid forced currency conversions and reduce FX losses. Combined with support for international cards and local wallets like WeChat Pay or Klarna, a globally capable gateway gives your brand the power to sell confidently beyond borders.

Built-in Fraud Protection & Responsive Support

Fraud and chargebacks are an inevitable part of eCommerce—especially as you scale. Whether it’s unauthorized purchases, stolen credit cards, or disputes, these risks can cut into your margins and damage customer trust. That’s why your payment gateway needs real-time fraud detection, customizable filters, and a dedicated support team.

Equally important is having responsive customer support when things go wrong. The best gateways offer 24/7 help, detailed documentation, and clear resolution procedures. Having fast access to support during critical moments can be the difference between a minor issue and a major revenue loss.

---

Airwallex: The Top-Rated Payment Gateway

Airwallex isn’t just another processor—it’s a next-generation payment gateway designed to simplify global commerce. For sellers with international customers, suppliers, or expansion goals, it delivers a rare combination of low fees, multi-currency functionality, and business-friendly features that traditional gateways often lack. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it the clear frontrunner.

Seamless Global Transactions and Local Payouts

Airwallex allows you to open local currency accounts in multiple countries, enabling you to accept payments in USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, and more—without being forced to convert the currency. This helps you sidestep hefty exchange fees and maintain more control over when and how your funds are converted. For example, a seller in Canada can receive payments in U.S. dollars and use that same balance to pay U.S. suppliers or freelancers, all without ever converting to CAD.

Even better, Airwallex supports over 60 local payment methods, including:

• Klarna, popular across Europe
• WeChat Pay and Alipay in Asia
• GrabPay in Southeast Asia
• Traditional cards like Visa, Mastercard, AMEX
• Digital wallets like Apple Pay

This range of localized options gives customers the payment flexibility they’re used to—reducing checkout friction and increasing your international conversion rates. When shoppers see familiar payment methods and local currencies at checkout, they feel more comfortable completing the purchase, which leads to fewer abandoned carts and a stronger sense of trust in your brand.

Built-In Tools That Replace Your Bank

What makes Airwallex truly stand out from other payment gateways is that it behaves more like a complete financial operating system than just a basic processor. Instead of offering just a way to collect payments, it equips you with the tools to manage, move, and control money across borders—all within one centralized platform. It includes:

• Free expense cards for team members
• Bill payment tools to pay international vendors directly
• Multi-user access with permission controls
• No monthly fees, and transparent transaction rates (2.8% + $0.30)

For Shopify sellers and eCommerce founders managing remote teams or global supply chains, these tools can eliminate the need for multiple apps or manual accounting work. Its user interface is modern, its setup is code-free, and onboarding is fast. Between the cost savings, the automation tools, and the ease of international selling, it’s no surprise Airwallex earns an A+ rating on our list of best payment gateways.

---

Trusted & Flexible Options

Not every business needs global functionality or enterprise-level complexity. Some of the best payment gateways are the ones that offer the perfect balance of reliability, affordability, and ease of use—especially for sellers who are just getting started or operating in a single country. In this section, we’ll explore a few trusted names that are ideal for both new entrepreneurs and growing eCommerce stores.

Stripe: Developer-Friendly with Broad Compatibility

Stripe is one of the most popular payment gateways globally—and for good reason. It combines ease of use with advanced flexibility, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced developers. With Stripe, you get a clean interface, fast setup, and support for almost any integration you can imagine.

Stripe is particularly strong when it comes to:

• Seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix
• Customizable checkout flows and robust API tools
• Support for over 135 currencies and major payment methods

Its transaction fees are competitive at 2.9% + $0.05 per transaction, with an additional 1% fee for international payments. Stripe doesn’t charge setup or monthly fees, making it ideal for businesses that want enterprise-level features without a high financial commitment. It also offers built-in reporting, subscription billing, and strong fraud protection—all in a user-friendly package.

Square: Great for Omnichannel Businesses

If you’re running both an online and brick-and-mortar store, Square is one of the best payment gateways you can choose. It was designed from the ground up to support omnichannel sales, giving sellers tools to accept payments online, in-person, and even via invoices or mobile devices.

Key benefits include:

• Free POS system with in-person processing at just 2.6% + $0.10
• Online transaction rate of 2.9% + $0.30
• Inventory management, sales reporting, and built-in invoicing tools

Square’s admin dashboard is extremely beginner-friendly, which makes it especially appealing for sellers who aren’t tech-savvy. While advanced features like 24/7 support and detailed analytics are only available on paid plans (starting at $29/month), the free version is packed with enough essentials to launch and grow your store.

Helcim: Small Business Friendly and Transparent

Helcim is one of the most transparent and small business-friendly payment gateways on the market. It’s especially popular among merchants who want to avoid confusing fee structures or hidden charges. With interchange-plus pricing starting at 2.38% + $0.25 per transaction, Helcim is often cheaper than flat-rate competitors—especially as your volume increases.

Notable features include:

• No monthly fees or long-term contracts
• Built-in tools for recurring billing and invoicing
• Support for both online and point-of-sale transactions

Helcim also offers a sleek dashboard, responsive customer support, and the ability to pass processing fees to customers—something few other gateways allow. For new or lean businesses that want clarity and flexibility, it’s one of the best choices available.

---

Popular Payment Gateway But With Drawbacks

These payment gateways have strong brand recognition and are widely used—but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best choice for every business. While they offer legitimate strengths, they also come with some serious limitations that sellers should be aware of before committing.

PayPal: Trusted by Customers, Frustrating for Sellers

PayPal is arguably the most recognized payment gateway in the world. Its brand trust and ease of use make it a go-to for many online shoppers. Adding PayPal as an option can boost conversions, especially if you cater to a broad customer base. However, for sellers, PayPal’s policies and fee structure can be problematic.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Domestic transactions: 2.9% + $0.30
• Micropayments under $10: 5% + $0.05
• International fee: +1.5%
• Instant bank transfers: 1.75% fee

The biggest issue with PayPal is how often they freeze seller accounts without warning. Many sellers have had funds held for weeks—or even months—due to disputes or internal reviews. Their customer service also tends to favor buyers during disputes, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to run a legitimate business. While PayPal is fine to offer as a secondary option, relying on it as your main gateway is risky.

Amazon Pay: Convenient but Limited

Amazon Pay lets customers check out using their existing Amazon accounts. This can speed up the checkout process and increase trust—if your audience is already shopping on Amazon regularly. However, it doesn’t offer much value beyond that.

The main drawbacks include:

• Only useful if buyers have Amazon accounts
• No major features beyond quick checkout
• Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 domestic, 3.9% + $0.30 international

If your store targets Amazon-heavy shoppers, this might be worth testing. But for most businesses, especially those with global or niche audiences, Amazon Pay lacks the flexibility and depth needed for long-term growth.

Braintree: Powerful, but Not for Everyone

Braintree is owned by PayPal and offers a more advanced, developer-focused solution for businesses with specific technical requirements. It supports recurring billing, custom checkout flows, and powerful API integrations, making it ideal for SaaS companies, marketplaces, or stores with unique product configurations. However, with that flexibility comes complexity—it’s not the most intuitive option for beginners, and setting it up may require developer assistance or a steep learning curve if you’re unfamiliar with payment architecture.

Some key details:

• Same fee as PayPal: 2.9% + $0.30
• $15 chargeback fee
• Steep learning curve for non-developers

If your business is looking to build a fully customized payment experience—and you have the tech resources to do it—Braintree is a solid choice. Otherwise, there are simpler solutions that deliver similar results without the hassle.

---

Payment Gateways That Charge Monthly

Some payment gateways use a subscription-based pricing model rather than charging high per-transaction fees. These platforms are generally best suited for high-volume businesses that process enough orders each month to justify the recurring cost. While they offer some cost-saving potential, they also come with more complex fee structures that require careful forecasting.

Stax: Subscription Model with Tiered Benefits

Stax operates on a flat-rate subscription model starting at $99 per month, which gives you access to lower per-transaction rates compared to many competitors. In theory, this can save businesses a lot of money—especially if you’re processing thousands of dollars in sales every month. However, there’s still an interchange fee per transaction (the fee set by the card networks), and that rate varies depending on the type of card used.

What complicates things is that interchange fees aren’t fixed. For instance, American Express typically has higher fees than Visa or Mastercard. This makes it difficult to predict your exact costs each month, which is why Stax may not be ideal for newer sellers who want simple, transparent pricing. It can be a great fit for established businesses with consistent, high-volume sales—but it’s overkill for smaller stores.

Payment Depot: Transparent Payment Gateway, Pricey for Starters

Like Stax, Payment Depot uses a subscription model, with plans ranging from $79 to $199 per month. Each plan includes different per-transaction fees, with higher-tier plans offering lower processing costs. The platform is often praised for its transparency and straightforward pricing, but the monthly cost can be a tough pill to swallow unless your store is doing serious volume.

Each plan includes a fixed per-transaction rate:

• $79/month = $0.15 per transaction
• $199/month = $0.07 per transaction

One upside is the 90-day risk-free trial, which gives you time to see if the savings actually outweigh the subscription fee. However, like Stax, Payment Depot is best suited for established businesses processing large volumes regularly. If your sales vary from month to month, it might be safer to stick with a no-subscription gateway until you grow.

---

Best Payment Gateway for Budget-Conscious Sellers

If you’re just starting your eCommerce journey or running a lean operation, choosing a payment gateway that’s affordable, easy to use, and still feature-rich is essential. The good news? There are several options that provide professional tools without saddling you with high upfront costs or long-term commitments. These gateways are ideal for sellers who want to test the waters without breaking the bank.

Helcim: Transparent Pricing and Small Business Support

Helcim stands out as one of the most transparent and small business-friendly options on the market. It offers interchange-plus pricing, which can often lead to lower costs than flat-rate providers—especially as your sales volume grows. Starting at 2.38% + $0.25 per transaction, Helcim keeps fees reasonable without locking you into a contract or monthly subscription.

It also includes built-in features like:

• Recurring billing
• POS functionality
• Invoice generation
• Customer profiles and CRM tools

Helcim’s platform is clean, intuitive, and well-suited for sellers who want both clarity and control. Plus, its customer service is highly rated—making it a reliable gateway as your business grows.

Square (Free Plan): All-in-One Simplicity

Square’s free plan offers an excellent entry point for sellers who want to accept payments both online and offline. With no monthly fees and flat-rate pricing, it’s a predictable and straightforward solution for startups or local businesses branching into eCommerce.

Features of the free plan include:

• POS system with hardware compatibility
• Basic sales analytics and inventory tracking
• Invoicing and digital receipts
• Online store builder (limited, but useful)

For online payments, the rate is 2.9% + $0.30, while in-person transactions cost 2.6% + $0.10. The platform scales easily if you decide to upgrade, but for budget-conscious users, the free version delivers all the essentials to get started.

Airwallex: Global Features Without the High Costs

While often recommended for international sellers, Airwallex also offers fantastic value for new businesses looking to go global from day one. With no monthly fees, low transaction costs (2.8% + $0.30), and built-in tools like expense cards and direct debit, it’s a great fit for sellers with big ambitions but limited startup capital.

The ability to avoid currency conversion fees alone can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually—especially for sellers dealing with suppliers or customers across multiple countries. These hidden costs can quietly chip away at your profits with every transaction, but platforms like Airwallex give you the freedom to hold and use multiple currencies without forced conversions. For early-stage businesses, this kind of financial control isn’t just convenient—it’s a strategic advantage that allows you to reinvest more into growth.

---

International + Crypto Payment Gateway

As eCommerce continues to expand beyond borders, many businesses are exploring payment gateways that support not only multiple currencies but also alternative payment methods like cryptocurrency. These gateways serve specific use cases and can be a powerful addition to your stack—if your audience aligns with what they offer.

Payoneer: Reliable Payouts, Limited Integrations

Payoneer is well-known for sending and receiving payments globally. It’s widely used by freelancers, Amazon sellers, and platforms that need to pay out to international users. However, when it comes to being a full-fledged payment gateway for an eCommerce store, Payoneer lacks key integrations and customization options.

While it allows for multi-currency accounts and global transfers, Payoneer doesn’t offer the same level of checkout support or plugin compatibility as other providers. If you’re using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, you may find it more of a back-end financial tool rather than a true front-end payment solution.

Adyen: Enterprise Power, Moderate Appeal

Adyen is a robust payment gateway used by massive brands like Spotify and Uber. It offers a highly customizable checkout experience, advanced fraud detection, and support for nearly every major global payment method. That said, its setup can be complex, and it’s really best suited for mid-sized to large enterprises that have dedicated developers and global operations.

For small businesses or solo entrepreneurs, Adyen may be overkill. It doesn’t have the quick-start simplicity of Stripe or the budget-friendliness of Helcim. Still, if you’re a fast-scaling business with international customers and advanced needs, Adyen is worth exploring.

BitPay: Crypto-Focused and Niche

If your customers are asking to pay with cryptocurrency, BitPay is the gateway to consider. It supports major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, and charges a flat 1% transaction fee—lower than most credit card processors.

However, BitPay doesn’t support traditional credit card payments, so it’s not a standalone solution for most stores. It works best as a secondary payment option alongside a primary gateway like Stripe or Airwallex. It’s a great way to diversify your payment offerings, especially if your brand aligns with a tech-savvy, crypto-friendly audience.

---

Ratings Breakdown & Recommendation

After reviewing all the major payment gateways, it’s clear that not all options are created equal. While many of these platforms offer great features, the differences in pricing, ease of use, integration support, and global reach can significantly impact your business—especially as you grow.

To help you quickly compare the landscape, here’s a clear breakdown of how each payment gateway performs when it comes to overall value—including transaction fees, feature set, international capabilities, support, and scalability. This snapshot will give you a practical sense of which platforms are best suited for your specific business goals and growth stage.

Payment Gateway Ratings

• A+ – Airwallex
• A- – Stripe
• B+ – Square, Helcim, Payment Depot
• B – Braintree, BitPay, Authorize.net
• C+ – 2Checkout
• C – PayPal, Amazon Pay, Payoneer, Adyen, Stax
• D – Clover

If you’re looking for a powerful, all-around solution, Airwallex clearly comes out on top. With its multi-currency accounts, low fees, and built-in tools, it’s one of the few gateways that can truly scale with your business across multiple regions. For those staying local or on a tighter budget, Stripe, Square, and Helcim are strong contenders.

Ultimately, your choice should align with your business model, growth goals, and customer needs. If international expansion is part of your strategy—or if you simply want to keep more of your profits—choosing the right payment gateway is one of the smartest financial decisions you’ll make.

---

Why Shopify Sellers Need the Right Payment Gateway

If you’re using Shopify to run your online store, your choice of payment gateway can either help your business scale smoothly—or silently eat away at your margins and limit your flexibility. Shopify offers a wide range of compatible gateways, but not all of them are optimized for what most sellers actually need.

The ideal payment gateway should do more than just process transactions. It should align with your business model, support your customer base, and reduce friction at checkout. For instance, if you’re targeting international customers, you need a gateway that supports multi-currency payments, offers low foreign transaction fees, and integrates seamlessly with Shopify’s checkout system. A provider like Airwallex gives you all of that and more—without the high fees that typically come with global selling.

At the same time, if you’re running a local or niche store, you might prioritize simplicity, flat-rate pricing, and tools like POS integration, which are where platforms like Square shine. Meanwhile, Stripe offers a strong middle ground with powerful developer tools, analytics, and a wide range of supported currencies and plugins.

The bottom line: your payment gateway directly influences your customer experience, checkout conversion rates, and backend workflows. Choosing the right one for your Shopify store isn’t just about processing payments—it’s about empowering every aspect of your online business.

---

The Passion Product Formula: Scale Beyond Sales

Choosing the right payment gateway is a critical early step in launching your online store—but it’s only one piece of the bigger puzzle. Once your checkout process is optimized and your operations are running smoothly, the next question becomes: What kind of business do you want to build?

That’s where the Passion Product Formula comes in. This proven system teaches you how to turn a personal interest, niche, or unique idea into a brand that generates sustainable income and long-term equity. It walks you through every step of the journey—from validating your product idea, to building an audience, to launching with confidence on platforms like Shopify or Amazon.

Here’s what makes the Passion Product Formula so effective:

• You don’t need a massive budget to get started
• You’ll learn how to test ideas before you invest in inventory
• You’ll build a real brand, not just a one-off product
• You’ll discover how to create content that builds trust and drives sales
• You’ll grow an audience that buys from you—not just once, but again and again

Affiliate links and payment gateways can help you get started with monetization. But if your goal is financial freedom, owning a unique, branded product puts you in full control. The Passion Product Formula is designed to help you build something that’s yours—something that grows in value over time and doesn’t rely on chasing commissions or one-time traffic spikes. If you’re ready to move beyond selling other people’s products and start building a business that reflects your creativity, ambition, and vision—the Passion Product Formula is your roadmap.

---

Make Your Money Flow Smarter

Choosing the right payment gateway may seem like a behind-the-scenes decision, but it has a powerful ripple effect across your entire business. It affects how much profit you keep, how easily customers complete purchases, and how confidently you can grow. Whether you’re just starting your eCommerce journey or optimizing a store that’s already thriving, every percentage point in fees and every second in checkout time counts.

We’ve covered the top-rated gateways based on fees, features, international reach, and user experience. For most sellers, Airwallex stands out as the best all-around option, especially if you have global ambitions. Stripe, Square, and Helcim are also fantastic choices depending on your priorities—whether that’s ease of use, omnichannel support, or transparent pricing.

In the end, your payment gateway is more than just a tool—it’s a strategic part of your business infrastructure. Choose wisely, optimize continuously, and don’t be afraid to upgrade as your needs evolve. The right setup today can save you thousands tomorrow.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a payment gateway?
A payment gateway is a technology that securely processes online payments between your customer and your store. It encrypts sensitive information like credit card numbers and authorizes transactions in real time, ensuring a safe and smooth checkout experience.

2. Do I need a payment gateway if I use Shopify?
Yes, even though Shopify offers its own built-in solution (Shopify Payments), it still uses a payment gateway to process transactions. You can also choose third-party gateways like Stripe, PayPal, or Airwallex if you want specific features or better rates.

3. Which payment gateway is best for international selling?
Airwallex is widely considered the best choice for international selling due to its multi-currency support, low FX fees, and ability to create local bank accounts. It also integrates seamlessly with Shopify and other platforms.

4. What are the typical fees for a payment gateway?
Most payment gateways charge around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. Some also include additional fees for international payments, chargebacks, or monthly subscriptions. It’s important to compare total costs, not just the base rate.

5. Can I use more than one payment gateway?
Yes. In fact, offering multiple payment options can improve conversion rates by giving customers more flexibility. Many sellers use Stripe or Airwallex for primary processing and offer PayPal or BitPay as secondary options.

6. What’s the difference between a payment gateway and a merchant account?
A payment gateway is the software that processes transactions. A merchant account is the bank account where your funds are deposited after each transaction. Some gateways include merchant accounts (like Stripe), while others may require separate setup.