Best Payment Gateways For E-Commerce: Trusted Options
Last Updated on April 5, 2025 by mia
Accepting payments online is one of the biggest challenges for e-commerce businesses, especially for startups trying to grow quickly.
Without the right tools, things like delayed transactions or limited payment options can frustrate customers and hurt sales.
Choosing the best payment gateways for e-commerce is essential to build trust with your buyers and ensure a smooth checkout experience.
Luckily, there are plenty of powerful options available, and knowing which one fits your business can save you time and boost earnings.
This blog will answer FAQs about payment gateways, from setup advice to tips on security and features to look for.
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What Is The Best Payment Gateway For E-Commerce?
1. PayPal
PayPal is one of the best-known payment gateways for e-commerce, and its reputation makes it a strong choice for startups.
It’s easy to set up, integrates with most e-commerce platforms, and supports multiple currencies, which is great if you sell globally.
Their fees are reasonable, but most importantly, they don’t charge monthly fees, which helps keep costs low.
Customers trust PayPal for online payments, and its one-click checkout option makes buying simple.
Additionally, your consumers can pay with their card without having to have a PayPal account.
On the downside, their customer support might feel slow at times, but the platform’s reliability makes up for it. If you want simplicity and trust, PayPal should be on your list.
- Website: https://www.paypal.com/
- Pricing: No monthly fees, transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (U.S-based transactions).
2. Stripe
Stripe is known for being tech-friendly and perfect for startups that want customization.
It works seamlessly with most e-commerce platforms and offers tools for subscriptions, recurring payments, and even invoicing.
Unlike some options, Stripe doesn’t charge setup fees, and you only pay when you process a payment.
Their detailed reporting tools help you analyze sales and make smart business decisions.
Stripe supports over 135 currencies and multiple payment methods, making it ideal for scaling globally.
Though it may require some coding knowledge, there are tutorials and guides to make it easier. If your business needs flexibility while staying budget-friendly, give Stripe a shot.
- Website: https://www.stripe.com/
- Pricing: No monthly fees, 2.9% + $0.30 per successful transaction.
3. Square
Square is a fantastic choice for startups because it’s so simple to set up and use, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
You’ll find it’s a great fit if you also sell in-person since they offer both online and brick-and-mortar payment solutions.
The fees are straightforward, and there are no hidden costs, which is a big plus for small businesses.
What sets Square apart is its free online store option, giving startups a way to start selling quickly without any extra hassle.
It supports all major credit cards and has tools to keep track of inventory and sales in one location.
Square also comes with a mobile card reader, making it versatile for any kind of business. If you want an all-in-one solution, Square delivers big value for startups.
- Website: https://www.squareup.com/
- Pricing: No monthly fees, 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for online payments.
4. Shopify Payments
If your e-commerce site is built on Shopify, Shopify Payments can save you a lot of time and money.
The best part is it’s built right into the Shopify platform, so there’s no need to deal with third-party integrations.
It supports all major credit cards and offers competitive rates, depending on your Shopify plan.
Since it’s already part of your website, customers never leave your store during checkout, creating a seamless experience.
One downside is that it’s only available in certain countries, so you’ll want to check availability first.
Shopify Payments also saves on additional fees that third-party gateways usually charge. If you’re on Shopify, this payment gateway is a no-brainer.
- Website: https://www.shopify.com/payments
- Pricing: Rates start at 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, depending on the Shopify plan you use.
5. Authorize.Net
Authorize.Net has been a trusted name in online payments for many years, making it a safe choice for startups.
It’s simple to use and supports nearly every major credit card, electronic checks, and digital payments.
The setup is designed to work with almost any e-commerce platform, making integration a breeze.
They provide excellent customer service, which gives new businesses piece of mind.
While it does have a small monthly fee, the features like fraud detection and advanced reporting make it worth it.
Startups with growth in mind will appreciate its scalability as your business expands. If security and reliability are priorities, Authorize.Net should be on your radar.
- Website: https://www.authorize.net/
- Pricing: $25 monthly gateway fee, plus 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
6. Amazon Pay
Amazon Pay is a natural choice for startups wanting to gain the trust of customers who already shop on Amazon.
It lets them use their existing Amazon accounts to check out on your site, which means fewer abandoned carts.
Integration is simple, and it works well with most online store builders, adding convenience for your setup.
The pricing is transaction-based with no setup fees, making it reasonable for small businesses.
Another benefit is the ease of mobile payments, which is a must for modern e-commerce.
Customers appreciate its security since it uses the same protective measures as Amazon itself.
Adding Amazon Pay can boost your credibility and improve your checkout process.
- Website: https://pay.amazon.com/
- Pricing: No monthly fees, 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
7. Braintree
Braintree, owned by PayPal, offers more advanced features while keeping things startup-friendly.
It’s a popular pick for startups aiming for a sleek and professional experience.
One major plus is its support for not just credit cards but also digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Venmo.
Its fee structure is straightforward, and there are no hidden setup costs. Braintree also provides robust tools for tracking payments and creating subscriptions, which some startups rely on.
The advanced customization options may require some technical skills, but their support team is there to help.
If you want the flexibility of PayPal combined with additional features, Braintree is a solid choice.
- Website: https://www.braintreepayments.com/
- Pricing: No monthly fees, 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
8. 2Checkout (now Verifone)
2Checkout (now known as Verifone) is a good choice for startups targeting international sales.
In more than 200 countries, it accepts a large variety of currencies and payment methods.
The setup process is straightforward, and the platform offers several pricing plans to fit your budget.
2Checkout makes global payments easy by adapting to local tax laws and payment preferences.
Features like recurring billing and fraud protection add extra value for startups.
Keep in mind that their fees can be slightly higher for international transactions, but the convenience it brings is worth it.
For global growth, 2Checkout could be just the gateway you’re looking for.
- Website: https://www.2checkout.com/
- Pricing: Pricing varies by plan; typically 3.5% + $0.35 per successful sale.
How Can I Set Up My Payment Gateway Quickly And Easily?
1. Choose the Right Payment Gateway for Your Needs
Not all payment gateways are the same, so the first step is finding the best one for your business.
Consider factors like transaction fees, supported payment methods, and customer experience.
If you’re selling globally, pick a gateway that supports multiple currencies and international payments.
Platforms like PayPal, Stripe, and Square are some of the best payment gateways for e-commerce because they’re easy to use and trusted.
Research customer reviews to understand how reliable and secure each option is. Compare their features to see which one fits your e-commerce needs.
Choosing the right gateway will save you time and future headaches.
2. Check Integration with Your E-commerce Platform
Your e-commerce platform and payment gateway need to work together smoothly.
Most platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix already support popular gateways through built-in integrations.
This means you can set one up quickly without needing technical skills. Check if the gateway you chose supports your platform to avoid extra costs or complex coding.
For example, Stripe and PayPal are often pre-integrated with these platforms, making setup a breeze.
A seamless connection ensures that payments go through without delays or glitches. This step is important to offer your customers a hassle-free shopping experience.
3. Sign Up for a Merchant Account
Many payment gateways require you to have a merchant account to collect funds from customers.
This account acts like a middleman that processes payments and deposits them into your bank.
Providers like Stripe and Square already include a merchant account, so you won’t need to set one up separately.
If your gateway requires you to apply for one, the process might take a few days. Be ready to provide business details, bank information, and any required tax identification.
Having a merchant account ready helps you receive payments from day one. This step is critical for finalizing transactions smoothly.
4. Review Security Features and Compliance
Payment security isn’t just important for your customers; it’s also vital for your business.
Look for encryption, fraud detection tools, and PCI compliance to keep everything safe.
Gateways like PayPal and Authorize.Net are considered some of the best payment gateways for e-commerce because they focus heavily on security.
Make sure the gateway you pick automatically complies with industry standards. Secure transactions protect customer trust and reduce the chances of chargebacks.
Adding measures like two-factor authentication to your store can also prevent fraud. A secure system ensures peace of mind for both you and your customers.
5. Test the Checkout Process Before Going Live
Nobody wants an online store with a broken checkout page, so testing is essential. Use the demo or sandbox mode that most payment gateways offer to simulate transactions.
This helps you catch errors and ensures that payments are processed correctly. Pay attention to how fast the process is and if it’s easy for a customer to understand.
If possible, ask a friend to test the process and give feedback. Fix any issues before launching your site to prevent customer frustration.
A smooth checkout process can increase sales and reduce cart abandonment.
6. Customize Payment Options for Your Customers
Not all customers prefer the same payment method, so offering multiple options is key.
The best payment gateways for e-commerce allow you to enable credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and even buy-now, pay-later services.
PayPal, for instance, lets your customers pay with their account or credit cards, while Stripe supports Apple Pay and Google Pay.
The more choices you offer, the more likely customers are to complete their purchases.
Catering to different needs helps you reach a broader audience and boost customer satisfaction.
Make sure the payment options match the habits of your target market. Greater flexibility makes your store more appealing.
7. Set Transparent Fees for Your Customers
Surprise fees during checkout are one of the biggest reasons people abandon their carts. Be upfront about costs like taxes, shipping, and possible transaction fees.
Choose a gateway with low fees to keep your prices competitive. Stripe, for example, charges a straightforward transaction fee that’s easy to calculate, while Square offers flat-rate fees with no hidden costs.
Show customers the final amount they’ll pay before they hit the “pay” button. Transparency builds trust and encourages repeat purchases.
Avoid giving your customers any reason to second-guess their buying decision.
8. Monitor Payments and Optimize as You Grow
Once you’ve set up your payment gateway, the work doesn’t stop. Utilize your gateway’s analytics capabilities to monitor transactions and pinpoint areas that need work.
For instance, if customers abandon carts during checkout, you might need to make the process faster.
The best payment gateways for e-commerce often include reports that show trends in customer behavior. Regularly update your system to add features or improve security.
Staying on top of your payment system helps your business grow efficiently. A little effort here goes a long way toward boosting your sales.
How Do I Choose A Payment Gateway That Fits My Startup’s Specific Needs?
Knowing what your company needs most is the first step in selecting the best payment gateway for your firm.
You should focus on options that are reliable, secure, and easy for your customers to use.
Look for the best payment gateways for e-commerce that offer features like multiple payment methods, low transaction fees, and quick setup processes.
It’s also important to check if the payment gateway integrates smoothly with your website or e-commerce platform.
Comparing a few options side by side can help you find out which best supports your goals while staying within your budget.
For businesses navigating startup growth stages, selecting a scalable gateway that evolves alongside your business is particularly critical.
Many of the best payment gateways for e-commerce provide solutions that accommodate your operations’ expansion, ensuring you can handle increased transaction volumes efficiently.
By taking the time to evaluate your options carefully, you can set up a payment system that makes customer transactions simple and helps your business thrive from the start.
Legal considerations are another crucial aspect of building a robust e-commerce operation.
Seeking startup legal advice early can save you from complications down the line, especially when drafting agreements or evaluating payment gateway terms.
Additionally, having the right startup legal documents in place ensures compliance and safeguards your interests in financial transactions.
Entrepreneurs often find value in consulting startup legal services to streamline these processes and secure their business operations from a legal standpoint.
What Security Features Should I Look For When Selecting A Payment Gateway?
When choosing the best payment gateways for e-commerce, security features should be one of your top priorities to protect your business and customers.
Look for gateways that offer encryption, which ensures sensitive information like credit card details is protected during transactions.
Another important feature is fraud detection and prevention tools that automatically alert or block suspicious activities.
Make sure the payment gateway is PCI DSS compliant, as this certification proves it meets high-security standards.
Features like tokenization are also essential because they replace sensitive data with safe tokens, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Reliable gateways should offer two-factor authentication to give your clients an additional degree of security.
For entrepreneurs looking to maximize efficiency, incorporating startup growth hacking techniques can help integrate secure and user-friendly payment systems more innovatively.
By focusing on these security features, you can confidently choose the best payment gateways for e-commerce and provide a safer shopping experience for your customers while fostering business growth.
How Can New Startups Assist Me In Finding And Setting Up The Best Payment Gateways For My Business?
Finding and setting up the best payment gateways for e-commerce doesn’t have to be complicated when you have the right help.
New Startups have the flexibility and drive to provide you with solutions that match your business needs perfectly.
They often work with modern tools to make setting up payment gateways straightforward and stress-free.
With their insights, you can choose from the best payment gateways for e-commerce options and ensure your system is easy for customers to use.
By working with New Startups, you’ll also benefit from their fresh ideas and dedicated support to keep your payment processes running smoothly.
If you’re unsure where to begin, New Startups can help you at every stage, starting with choosing the right platform to setting it up efficiently.
Their knowledge can help you save time and effort, helping your business succeed while making payments easier for everyone.
Conclusion
Partnering with New Startups can bring creativity and fresh solutions to your business, making them great collaborators.
They often introduce useful tools, like the best payment gateways for e-commerce, which simplify online payments and improve customer experience.
By working with New Startups, you can easily adopt new strategies and technology that keep you competitive in your industry.
Many startups also prioritize personalized service, giving you the chance to find solutions tailored to your specific needs, including guidance on choosing the best payment gateways for e-commerce.
This degree of focus can help you focus on efficiently expanding your business by saving time and lowering stress.
Additionally, they are often highly motivated to provide value and prove their worth, ensuring a strong partnership you can rely on.
New Startups connects you with these rising companies, offering the expertise and tools you need to succeed while finding the best payment gateways for e-commerce to support your e-commerce goals.