10+ Trustworthy Payment Gateways for Ecommerce Businesses (2025 Updated)
Web Development
10+ Trustworthy Payment Gateways for Ecommerce Businesses (2025 Updated)
Jan 29, 2025
about 11 min read
Find the best payment gateways for ecommerce to boost conversions and streamline transactions. Explore top solutions with features, benefits, and custom options.
If there's one undeniable truth for ecommerce success, it's this: without a trustworthy payment gateway, you're risking cart abandonment, lost sales, and frustrated customers.
Whether you’re launching a new online store or scaling an existing one, choosing the right payment gateway for ecommerce is ensure a smooth customer journey to the very end and avoid abandoned cart or high bounce rate. But with so many options, from PayPal to Shopify Payments, how do you know which one will fit your unique needs?
In this guide, we'll break down 10+ reliable payment gateways for ecommerce and help you navigate the process to ensure seamless transactions and satisfied customers.
What Is A Payment Gateway?
A payment gateway is a technology that allows merchants to accept credit card or digital payments through your online store.
What sets it apart is its ability to keep transactions safe - by encrypting sensitive customer data, it ensures that every payment you process is secure and confidential.
🎯 Are there any fees associated with payment gateway?
Yes. Payment gateways are essential for facilitating online transactions, but they come with various costs. Here’s an overview of the common fees businesses might encounter:
Setup Fee: Some payment gateways charge a one-time fee to set up your account and integrate their services into your platform.
Transaction Fees: A percentage of each transaction, often combined with a fixed amount (e.g., 2.9% + $0.30), is charged. This fee typically covers processing costs.
Monthly/Subscription Fees: Many gateways have a recurring fee for access to their platform and advanced features.
Chargeback Fees: If a customer disputes a transaction, you may incur a chargeback fee, which can vary depending on the gateway.
Currency Conversion Fees: For businesses dealing with international payments, there may be fees for currency conversion.
Withdrawal Fees: Some providers charge a fee when transferring funds from your payment gateway account to your bank account.
How Do Payment Gateways Work?
When a customer decides to make a purchase, they enter their payment information on your website (could be details of credit card or digital wallet), and submit the order. The payment gateway immediately encrypts this data, turning it into a secure, unreadable format.
The gateway acts as the middleman, sending the encrypted payment details to the merchant account's bank. The merchant’s bank then communicates with the customer’s bank to verify that the payment details are valid and that the customer has sufficient funds.
Once the customer’s bank approves the payment, this confirmation is sent back through the payment gateway to the merchant’s bank. The payment gateway finalizes the transaction by transferring the funds from the customer’s bank to the merchant account.
Finally, both the merchant and the customer receive confirmation of the transaction, closing the loop.
5 Types of Payment Gateways
Understanding the different types of payment gateways for ecommerce is crucial for businesses looking to optimize their online transactions. Each type offers unique features and benefits, catering to various needs in terms of security, control, and customer experience.
Here are 5 payment gateway options for you:
1. Hosted Payment Gateways
This type of gateway redirects customers to a secure payment page hosted by the payment provider. It’s easy to set up with built-in security features, so this type is ideal for businesses that prefer to minimize technical complexity.
PayPal is a popular hosted payment gateway that redirects customers to PayPal’s secure payment page. Customers enter their payment information there, and once the transaction is complete, they return to your site.
2. Self-Hosted Payment Gateways
With self-hosted gateways, the payment process occurs directly on your site, but the payment details are sent to a secure payment page for processing. It offers greater control over the checkout experience while still leveraging the gateway’s security measures.
Authorize.Net is an example for this type where customers enter their payment details on a form hosted on your site but processed externally.
3. API/Direct Payment Gateways
These gateways offer a seamless integration by allowing payment processing directly on your site via an API (Application Programming Interface), which provides a smooth user experience with full control over the payment process.
For instance, Stripe provides an API-driven payment gateway that integrates directly with your website or app. Customers input their payment details directly on your site, which are then processed through Stripe’s API without redirecting them elsewhere.
4. Local/Regional Payment Gateways
These gateways are designed to cater to specific regions or countries, offering payment options popular in those areas.
iPay88 is a great example, caters specifically to Southeast Asian markets. It supports regional payment methods and currencies, making it easier for customers in those areas to complete their transactions using familiar payment options.
5. Custom Payment Gateways
Custom payment gateways are built to address specific business needs or industry requirements. You can design and develop a payment gateway tailored to your unique needs, including specialized features or integrations not offered by standard solutions.
This option provides complete control, customization, and integration capabilities, making it ideal for businesses with specific payment processing needs or complex requirements.
10+ Payment Gateways For Ecommerce Businesses - Features, Types, Pricing
In this section, we explore over 10 popular payment gateways, highlighting their features, types, and pricing to help you make an informed decision for your online store.
PayPal
Stripe
Square
Adyen
Authorize.Net
2Checkout
Braintree
iPay88
Payoneer
Skrill
Amazon Pay
Shopify Payments
WooCommerce Payments
Now, let's go into details of each!
1. PayPal
PayPal is a globally recognized payment gateway that offers a robust solution for accepting online payments. Known for its ease of use and extensive reach, PayPal allows merchants to accept credit card payments as well as PayPal transactions.
Pricing: Transaction fees typically range from 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. Additional fees may apply for currency conversion and international transactions.
2. Stripe
Stripe is an API-driven payment gateway that provides integration directly on your website or app. Stripe supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets, making it a versatile choice.
Pricing: 2.9% + $0.30 per successful transaction. Fees may vary based on country and payment method.
3. Square
Square is a payment gateway that also includes an integrated point-of-sale (POS) system. With its flat-rate pricing model and no monthly fees, Square is a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes. It’s particularly useful for businesses that operate both online and offline, offering features that cater to both environments.
Feature: Integrated point-of-sale (POS) system, no monthly fees, flat-rate pricing.
Type: API/Direct
Pricing: 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction for card-present payments; 2.9% + $0.30 for online payments.
4. Adyen
Adyen is designed for businesses with international reach, ideal for companies with a diverse customer base and complex payment needs. Adyen’s strength lies in its ability to offer real-time data and analytics, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions and optimize their payment processes.
Feature: Global reach, supports multiple payment methods, real-time data and analytics.
Type: API/Direct
Pricing: Transaction fees are customized based on volume and risk profile. Contact Adyen for specific pricing details.
5. Authorize.Net
Authorize.Net offers a range of features designed to streamline payment processing for businesses, with options for recurring billing, fraud detection, and a virtual terminal for phone or mail orders.
Pricing: $25 monthly gateway fee, 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
6. 2Checkout
2Checkout, now operating under Verifone, is a global payment gateway that’s designed to accommodate businesses with international customers, offering features such as customizable checkout pages and comprehensive fraud protection
Feature: Global payment processing, support for various payment methods, customizable checkout.
Type: Hosted/API
Pricing: 3.5% + $0.35 per transaction. Additional fees for international transactions and currency conversion.
7. Braintree
Braintree, a PayPal service, supports a wide range of payment options, including mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. With its focus on advanced fraud protection and seamless integration, Braintree is ideal for businesses that require a high degree of customization and scalability.
Feature: Supports multiple payment methods including mobile wallets, recurring billing, advanced fraud protection.
Type: API/Direct
Pricing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. No monthly fees, with additional fees for international and cross-border transactions.
8. iPay88
iPay88 is a payment gateway tailored specifically for Southeast Asian markets, offering localized payment solutions and multi-currency support. It caters to businesses looking to serve customers in the region with familiar payment methods and currencies.
Pricing: Fees vary based on payment methods and volume. Contact iPay88 for detailed pricing information.
9. Payoneer
Payoneer offers a global payment solution designed for businesses and freelancers who operate internationally, with support payments in multiple currencies and integrates with various marketplaces.
Feature: Global payments, multi-currency accounts, integration with marketplaces.
Type: API/Direct
Pricing: Fees vary based on the type of transaction and currency. Typically includes transaction fees and currency conversion fees.
10. Skrill
Skrill focuses on low transaction fees and support for multiple currencies. It also offers a prepaid card option, allowing businesses and their customers to manage payments and funds with ease.
Feature: Low transaction fees, support for multiple currencies, prepaid card option.
Type: Hosted
Pricing: 1.9% + fixed fee based on currency for domestic transactions; higher fees for international transactions.
11. Amazon Pay
Amazon Pay leverages Amazon’s trusted payment system to offer a familiar checkout experience for Amazon customers. By integrating Amazon Pay, you allow customers to use their Amazon account to complete transactions on your site, which can enhance conversion rates and simplify the checkout process.
Feature: Leverages Amazon’s trusted payment system, easy checkout process for Amazon customers, fraud protection.
Type: Hosted/API
Pricing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. Additional fees may apply for currency conversion and cross-border transactions.
12. Shopify Payments
Shopify Payments is an integrated payment solution specifically designed for Shopify users. It offers a seamless checkout experience directly within the Shopify platform, eliminating the need for third-party gateways.
Feature: Integrated directly with Shopify, multi-currency support, lower transaction fees for Shopify users.
Type: API/Direct
Pricing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for online credit card rates. Additional fees may apply for Shopify's lower-tier plans.
13. WooCommerce Payments
WooCommerce Payments offers native integration with WooCommerce, supports recurring payments, and works directly with WooCommerce’s reporting tools, providing an easy and efficient solution for managing payments on WooCommerce-powered stores.
Feature: Native integration with WooCommerce, easy setup, support for recurring payments, integrated with WooCommerce’s reporting.
Type: API/Direct
Pricing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. No setup fees, and integration is straightforward for WooCommerce users.
How To Set Up a Payment Gateway (or Stacking Multiple) for Ecommerce Store?
Setting up a payment gateway or even multiple gateways for your eCommerce store is to ensure seamless and secure transactions. This guide walks you through the process, from selecting the right gateway to integrating and managing multiple options for a better customer experience.
Setting up a payment gateway
Step 1: Research Options Identify the best payment gateways for your business based on region, customer preferences, and features like multi-currency support or subscription billing. Choose options that suit your platform, such as PayPal, Stripe, or local solutions like iPay88.
Step 2: Create an Account Sign up with the gateway provider, submit verification documents, and complete the onboarding process. This step is crucial for starting to accept payments legally and securely.
Step 3: Integration For popular platforms like WooCommerce or Shopify, install the gateway’s plugin. For custom sites, use the gateway’s API for seamless integration. Ensure that the setup works for mobile and web platforms if needed.
Step 4: Testing and Security Test your gateway by processing transactions in a sandbox mode. Configure security measures like SSL encryption and PCI compliance for customer data protection.
Stacking multiple payment gateways
Stacking multiple gateways helps you cater to different regions and customer preferences. For example, use Stripe for global payments and iPay88 for Southeast Asian customers.
Set the primary gateway to handle most transactions, while the secondary gateway serves specific needs, improving payment flexibility and reducing cart abandonment.
How Golden Owl Crafted a Custom Payment Gateway for Pace
Back in 2020, Golden Owl had the opportunity to build a Singapore-based online payment method that integrates with platforms like WooCommerce and OpenCart. The challenge is developing a scalable and seamless integration across multiple platforms.
Overview Pace is an innovative online payment method revolutionizing the e-commerce space. It offers seamless financial solutions for both merchants and shoppers. Designed as a payment extension for e-commerce platforms, Pace delivers a twofold system:
A merchant portal that enables admins to oversee transactions;
A payment gateway plugin for effortless integration into e-commerce platforms.
How Golden Owl Helped? Golden Owl collaborated with Pace to elevate its user experience and operational efficiency. The partnership involved:
Building React Native Applications: Golden Owl developed robust RN apps to ensure a consistent and user-friendly experience across mobile and web platforms.
Feature Implementation: The team introduced new features tailored to enhance the functionality of Pace’s mobile and web services.
Three Interest-free Installments for Shoppers: Enjoy the convenience of splitting purchases into three interest-free installments.
Upfront Payments for Businesses: Receive instant payouts to manage expenses seamlessly without compromising cash flow.
Easy Integration: By optimizing the integration process, Golden Owl made it simpler for retailers and website owners to adopt Pace, reducing setup complexities.
If you’d like to learn more about our stories throughout the years, head over to our Portfolio!
Factors to Choose Payment Gateways for E-commerce
By 2025, 34 % of shoppers are expected to shop online once a week, and over 80 % of e-commerce transactions relying on digital payments. However, the more users rely on the payment gateway in your online store, the greater the risks. These include issues related to financial transactions, third-party involvement, and maintaining customer trust, so making the choice of a reliable payment gateway even more critical.
Here's a few factors to consider which payment gateway for your online store:
Secure Transactions
Payment gateways use advanced encryption to protect customer data (following industry standard for data protection). It minimize fraud risks and create a safe environment for online shopping. So, this builds trust and reduces financial liability for businesses.
Transaction Fees
Compare the setup fees, monthly charges, and per-transaction costs to determine which gateway offers the most cost-effective solution for your business. Be mindful of hidden fees, such as chargeback fees, currency conversion fees, or monthly maintenance charges, can add up quickly, impacting your bottom line.
Ease of Integration
A well-integrated payment solution can reduce setup time and minimize the risk of technical issues down the road. Then, your payment gateway should integrate easily with your existing e-commerce platform, whether you are using Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, or any others.
Payment Methods Supported
Different customers prefer different payment methods, so it’s important to choose a payment gateway that supports a wide range of options. Look for gateways that accept popular methods like credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.
Global Reach and Multi-Currency Support
For e-commerce businesses targeting global customers, the gateway should assisst multiple currencies to provide a smooth checkout experience for customers from different regions. Localized payment options are smart tactics to improve customer satisfaction and reduce friction during the payment process.
Customer Support
As technical issues can occur at any time, 24/7 customer service should be available for support channels - email, hotline, live chatbot.
Choosing the right payment gateways for ecommerce can streamline transactions and drive growth—but why stop there? Elevate your business even further with a custom payment solution built specifically for your needs. At Golden Owl Solutions, we craft tailored, scalable payment systems that optimize your platform for success. Moreover, we also handle to build high-converting e-commerce stores, so if you have any requests, come to meet us.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today and let’s elevate your business together!
FAQs
Q1. What are the fees associated with payment gateways?
Payment gateway fees typically include setup fees, transaction fees, monthly fees, and possible additional charges depending on the service provider and features used. These fees vary by provider and pricing plan.
Q2. Are payment gateways secure?
Yes, most payment gateways use advanced encryption and security protocols, such as SSL/TLS, to ensure that customer payment data is safely transmitted and protected from fraud.
Q3. Can I use multiple payment gateways for my eCommerce store?
Yes, many eCommerce businesses integrate multiple payment gateways to offer customers different payment options and minimize the risk of transaction issues.
Q4. Can payment gateways handle international payments?
Yes, many payment gateways support international payments, including multiple currencies and localized payment options, allowing you to expand your eCommerce business globally.
Q5. How long does it take to set up a payment gateway?
Setup times vary depending on the gateway and the complexity of your website. Hosted gateways are generally quicker to set up, while custom integrations may take longer.
