Best Payment Gateways 2024
Accept payments online with secure, reliable processing. Compare fees, features, and integration options for your business.
Problem Solved: Need secure, reliable payment processing with competitive fees. Accept credit cards, digital wallets, and international payments seamlessly.
Payment Gateway Overview
Stripe
Developer-first payment platform with powerful APIs, global reach, and comprehensive financial tools.
Best for: Developers & SaaSPayPal
Global leader in digital payments with consumer trust, extensive buyer protection, and easy setup.
Best for: Consumer TrustSquare
All-in-one payment solution combining online and in-person payments with business management tools.
Best for: Omnichannel RetailAuthorize. Net
Established payment gateway with reliable processing, fraud protection, and traditional merchant services.
Best for: Traditional BusinessFeature Comparison
| Feature | Stripe | PayPal | Square | Authorize. Net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transaction Fee (Online) | 2.9% + 30¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ |
| Monthly Gateway Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $25 |
| International Cards | ✓ +1.5% | ✓ Currency conversion | ✓ +1.5% | ✓ +1.5% |
| Setup Complexity | ⚠️ Technical | ✓ Simple | ✓ Easy | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Mobile Payments | ✓ API-based | ✓ PayPal App | ✓ Square POS | ✓ Limited |
| Subscription Billing | ✓ Advanced | ✓ Basic | ✓ Invoices | ✓ ARB |
Pricing & Fee Structure
Stripe
Per transaction
- ✓ No monthly fees
- ✓ No setup costs
- ✓ Instant payouts (+1%)
- ✓ International: +1.5%
Enterprise: Custom rates
Connect: +0.25% platform fee
PayPal
Standard rate
- ✓ No monthly fees
- ✓ Instant setup
- ✓ Buyer protection included
- ✓ Global brand recognition
PayPal Pro: $30/mo + 2.9%
Express: One-click checkout
Square
Online payments
- ✓ No monthly fees
- ✓ Free POS software
- ✓ In-person: 2.6% + 10¢
- ✓ Next-day deposits
Plus: $60/mo + lower rates
Premium: Custom pricing
Authorize. Net
+ $25/mo gateway
- ✓ $25/month gateway fee
- ✓ 10¢ per transaction
- ✓ Established since 1996
- ✓ Advanced fraud detection
CIM: Customer profiles
ARB: Recurring billing
Integration & Development
Developer Experience
Stripe
- • Best-in-class API documentation
- • Extensive libraries for all languages
- • Comprehensive webhooks system
- • Advanced testing tools and sandbox
- • Real-time dashboard and analytics
- • Connect platform for marketplaces
PayPal
- • Express Checkout for quick integration
- • PayPal Payments Standard (hosted)
- • REST APIs and Classic APIs
- • IPN (Instant Payment Notification)
- • Multiple integration options
- • PayPal Here for mobile payments
Business Integration
Square
- • Unified online and in-store processing
- • Square POS system integration
- • E-commerce plugins and APIs
- • Inventory management sync
- • Customer directory integration
- • Marketing and loyalty programs
Authorize. Net
- • Accept.js for secure forms
- • Server Integration Method (SIM)
- • Advanced Integration Method (AIM)
- • Customer Information Manager (CIM)
- • Automated Recurring Billing (ARB)
- • Silent Post for webhooks
Pros & Cons Summary
Stripe
Pros
- • Superior developer experience and API
- • Global payment methods and currencies
- • Advanced subscription and billing features
- • Excellent fraud prevention
- • No monthly fees or setup costs
Cons
- • Requires technical integration
- • Can hold funds for new accounts
- • Limited phone support
Square
Pros
- • Seamless online and offline integration
- • Free POS software and hardware options
- • Transparent pricing structure
- • Good for retail and restaurants
- • Next-day deposits included
Cons
- • Limited international capabilities
- • Fewer customization options
- • Can suspend accounts quickly
PayPal
Pros
- • Highest consumer trust and recognition
- • Easy setup with minimal technical knowledge
- • Strong buyer protection policies
- • Global reach and currency support
- • One-click PayPal Express checkout
Cons
- • Can freeze accounts without warning
- • Limited customization of checkout
- • Higher chargeback ratios
Authorize. Net
Pros
- • Long-established, reliable service
- • Advanced fraud detection tools
- • Extensive reporting and analytics
- • Good for traditional businesses
- • PCI compliance assistance
Cons
- • Monthly gateway fees add up
- • Dated interface and documentation
- • More complex setup process
Which Payment Gateway Should You Choose?
Choose Stripe If You...
- • Are building a SaaS, marketplace, or subscription business
- • Have development resources for custom integration
- • Need advanced payment features and global reach
- • Want the best developer tools and documentation
- • Require sophisticated fraud prevention and analytics
Choose PayPal If You...
- • Want maximum customer trust and recognition
- • Need quick setup with minimal technical knowledge
- • Sell to international customers regularly
- • Want buyers to feel secure with purchase protection
- • Prefer simple, hosted payment solutions
Choose Square If You...
- • Need both online and in-person payment processing
- • Run a retail store, restaurant, or service business
- • Want integrated POS and inventory management
- • Prefer transparent, simple pricing
- • Need business management tools beyond payments
Choose Authorize. Net If You...
- • Are an established business with steady volume
- • Need advanced fraud protection and reporting
- • Want a traditional, reliable payment processor
- • Process enough volume to justify monthly fees
- • Require extensive compliance and security features
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a payment gateway and processor?
A payment gateway securely transmits payment data, while a processor handles the actual transaction. Most modern solutions like Stripe combine both services. Traditional setups require separate gateway (Authorize. Net) and processor (your bank) relationships.
How long do payments take to reach my bank account?
Stripe and PayPal typically deposit funds in 2-3 business days. Square offers next-day deposits. Authorize. Net timing depends on your processor. All services offer instant deposits for a fee (usually 1-1.5% of the transaction amount).
Which gateway has the best fraud protection?
Stripe has industry-leading machine learning fraud detection. Authorize. Net offers traditional rule-based fraud tools. PayPal provides good protection but higher chargeback ratios. Square has basic fraud protection suitable for most small businesses.
Can I use multiple payment gateways on my website?
Yes, many businesses use multiple gateways for redundancy or to offer customer choice. You might use Stripe for subscriptions and PayPal for one-time purchases. However, this increases complexity and may confuse customers during checkout.
What happens if my payment gateway account gets suspended?
Account suspensions can happen for various reasons (high chargeback rates, suspicious activity, etc.). Having a backup gateway is crucial for business continuity. Stripe and Square are known for sudden suspensions, while traditional processors like Authorize. Net typically provide more warning.
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Disclaimer
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