By 2029, the number of online shoppers in the US is expected to surpass 333 million, pushing small business owners to adapt to online channels.
This surge shows the increasing need for efficient and secure online payment systems for small businesses.
However, with the rise in online payment services, choosing the right one can be challenging.
In this post, we’ll break down:
- Top 14 Online Payment Gateways for Small Businesses
- Features, Pricing, and Payment Processing Time of Online Payment Gateways
- Choosing the Right Online Payment Gateway For Your Small Business
Top 14 Online Payment Gateways for Small Businesses
Below, we break down each online payment gateway’s key features, pricing, and why they’re a top choice for small businesses.
For small businesses, managing payments and order fulfillment are both critical for success. Alongside choosing the best payment gateway, make sure your fulfillment process is streamlined.
Check out our guide on the Best Fulfillment Companies for Small Businesses (2025) to find top options that can help optimize your logistics.
Stripe
Stripe is a global payments platform that enables businesses to accept payments both online and in-person.
With support for over 100+ payment methods, it offers flexible tools for payment processing, fraud prevention, and financial automation.
Stripe’s platform is trusted by companies like Warby Parker and Glossier for its easy integration and scalability.
- Unique Features: Stripe offers a unified platform with built-in tools for fraud detection, recurring billing, and multi-currency support. Small businesses can also use payment links and invoicing, which simplifies payment management without the need for extra software.
- Why It’s Best for Small Businesses: Stripe stands out for its easy integration with popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. Its simple online payment gateway with easy setup, paired with global payment support.
- Payment Processing Time: Payments typically reach business accounts within 2 days.
- Pricing: Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. Discounts are available for businesses processing high volumes.
- Free Trials: Stripe does not have monthly fees or setup costs, allowing small businesses to start without long-term commitments.
Pros of Stripe
- Easy to integrate with ecommerce platforms
- Strong fraud detection with Stripe Radar
- Supports payments in over 135 currencies
Cons of Stripe
- Some customizations may require technical expertise
- Transaction fees can add up for high-volume businesses
Square
Square is a comprehensive online payment system for small businesses, offering tools to handle both in-person and online transactions.
Known for its ease of use, Square provides small businesses with everything from payment processing to point-of-sale (POS) systems.
- Unique Features: Square’s key feature is its free POS system that integrates seamlessly with other tools like inventory management and customer directories. Square also offers mobile payments, allowing businesses to accept payments via mobile devices using their card reader.
- Why It’s Best for Small Businesses: Square is perfect for small businesses due to its no monthly fees, user-friendly interface, and ability to manage both online and physical store payments from one platform.
- Payment Processing Time: Payments are typically deposited within 1-2 business days, with faster deposit options available.
- Pricing: Square charges 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction and 2.9% + 30¢ for online payments. There are no monthly fees.
- Free Trials: Square’s POS software is free to use, and there are no setup costs for their basic payment services.
Pros of Square
- Free POS system with no monthly fees
- Easy-to-use mobile payment tools
- All-in-one solution for in-store and online sales
Cons of Square
- Higher fees for certain payment types
- Limited customization compared to developer-focused platforms
Helcim
Helcim is an online payment gateway for small businesses that focuses on providing affordable and transparent pricing for small businesses.
Known for its interchange-plus pricing, Helcim stands out by offering lower transaction fees without hidden charges, making it an excellent option for growing businesses.
- Unique Features: Helcim’s standout feature is its interchange-plus pricing model, ensuring businesses pay the true cost of each transaction. Additionally, Helcim provides built-in tools for invoicing, customer management, and recurring billing, making it a full-service solution for small businesses.
- Why It’s Best for Small Businesses: Helcim is ideal for small businesses that want transparent pricing with no hidden fees, alongside powerful features like multi-currency support and recurring payments.
- Payment Processing Time: Payments are typically deposited in 2 business days.
- Pricing: Helcim uses an interchange-plus pricing model, meaning businesses pay a small markup over the actual cost of processing. There are no monthly fees.
- Free Trials: Helcim does not charge setup fees or monthly fees, allowing businesses to get started with no commitment.
Pros of Helcim
- Transparent interchange-plus pricing
- Built-in invoicing and recurring billing tools
- Supports multi-currency payments
Cons of Helcim
- May be overkill for very small businesses with low transaction volume
- Limited in-person customer support hours
Shopify Payments
Shopify Payments is the built-in online payment gateway for small businesses using the Shopify platform.
It simplifies the payment process by allowing Shopify store owners to accept payments directly through their online store without needing third-party integrations.
With its easy integration and automatic setup, Shopify Payments is designed to help small businesses focus on growing their stores instead of managing complex payment systems.
- Unique Features: One of Shopify Payments’ strongest features is its direct integration with the Shopify platform. This means businesses can manage everything from inventory to payments within one dashboard. Shopify Payments also supports multiple currencies, allowing small businesses to sell globally with ease. Additionally, it eliminates the need for transaction fees, which third-party online payment gateways typically charge.
- Why It’s Best for Small Businesses: Shopify Payments is a great fit for small businesses already using Shopify because it’s easy to set up, requires no additional integration, and saves on third-party transaction fees.
- Payment Processing Time: Funds are typically deposited into business accounts within 1-3 business days.
- Pricing: Shopify Payments charges 2.9% + 30¢ for online transactions and 2.7% for in-person transactions using Shopify POS.
- Free Trials: Shopify Payments is included with Shopify plans, so there are no extra monthly fees for the online payment gateway.
Pros of Shopify Payments
- Easy integration with Shopify
- No extra transaction fees for Shopify users
- Supports multiple currencies
Cons of Shopify Payments
- Limited to Shopify stores
- Higher fees for international transactions
If you’re seeking the best payment solutions for UK businesses, don’t miss our article on the Top Payment Gateways in the UK. It offers a detailed comparison of key providers, helping you choose the right gateway for seamless and secure transactions.
Stax Payments
Stax Payments is an all-in-one payment processing company designed for small to mid-sized businesses.
It offers a membership-based pricing model that eliminates traditional percentage-based transaction fees, making it ideal for businesses with high transaction volumes.
Stax provides a unified platform where businesses can manage payments, billing, and analytics, all from one dashboard.
- Unique Features: Stax’s membership pricing model sets it apart from other payment processors. Instead of charging a percentage per transaction, businesses pay a flat monthly fee, significantly lowering costs for companies processing large volumes. Stax also offers comprehensive analytics and invoicing tools, enabling businesses to manage their payment processes more effectively.
- Why It’s Best for Small Businesses: Stax is an ideal online payment gatewayl for small businesses that handle high transaction volumes and want to avoid the per-transaction fees typically associated with other payment processors. The platform also provides valuable reporting tools to help businesses track performance and optimize operations.
- Payment Processing Time: Payments are deposited within the next business day for most businesses.
- Pricing: Stax charges a monthly membership fee starting at $99/month, with no additional percentage fees per transaction. This model is best suited for businesses with high volumes.
- Free Trials: Stax offers a free demo, allowing businesses to explore the platform before committing.
Pros of Stax
- Flat-rate membership pricing with no per-transaction fees
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting tools
- Fast payment deposits (next business day)
Cons of Stax
- Higher upfront cost compared to percentage-based models for low-volume businesses
- Limited international support
WorldPay
WorldPay is a leader in online payment gateways, offering a wide range of payment solutions for small businesses.
With a strong focus on security and innovation, WorldPay supports payments both online and in-store.
It operates in over 146 countries, providing businesses with access to a broad global customer base.
- Unique Features: WorldPay is known for its global reach and multi-currency support, making it an excellent option for businesses looking to expand internationally. It also offers advanced fraud protection, ensuring transactions are secure. WorldPay supports various payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and alternative payment solutions.
- Why It’s Best for Small Businesses: WorldPay is ideal for small businesses that want to scale globally due to its extensive international support and secure payment systems. Its wide range of payment methods ensures flexibility in accepting payments from customers worldwide.
- Payment Processing Time: Payments are typically deposited within 1-3 business days, depending on the payment method and country.
- Pricing: WorldPay offers customized pricing based on the business’s transaction volume, payment methods, and business model. There is no standard pricing available, so businesses need to request a quote.
- Free Trials: No free trials are available, but WorldPay offers tailored pricing plans based on the business’s specific needs.
Pros of WorldPay
- Supports over 120 currencies
- Robust fraud detection and security features
- Ideal for businesses looking to expand internationally
Cons of WorldPay
- No transparent pricing; requires custom quotes
- Higher fees for small, low-volume businesses
Zettle
Zettle, a part of PayPal, offers straightforward and powerful payment solutions for small businesses.
Originally designed for mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) systems, Zettle has expanded to offer both in-person and online payment solutions.
It’s popular among small retailers and service providers due to its simple setup and integration with PayPal.
- Unique Features: Zettle’s key feature is its mobile card reader, which allows businesses to accept payments anywhere. It also integrates seamlessly with PayPal, offering easy access to one of the largest payment networks globally. Zettle’s platform includes tools for inventory management and sales reporting, helping small businesses keep track of their operations.
- Why It’s Best for Small Businesses: Zettle is ideal for small businesses that need a flexible payment solution for both in-person and online transactions. It’s particularly suited for mobile businesses like pop-up shops or market vendors, thanks to its portable card reader and PayPal integration.
- Payment Processing Time: Payments through Zettle are processed within 1-2 business days.
- Pricing: Zettle charges 2.29% + 9¢ per transaction for card payments. There are no monthly fees for the basic plan, and the card reader is sold separately.
- Free Trials: Zettle does not offer a free trial, but the card reader is available for purchase, with no recurring fees.
Pros of Zettle
- Portable card reader for mobile payments
- Integration with PayPal
- Easy to set up and use for small businesses
Cons of Zettle
- Limited features compared to larger payment systems
- Higher transaction fees than some competitors
Elavon
With over 30 years of experience, Elavon provides businesses with a variety of payment options, from in-person terminals to online payment gateways for small businesses.
Known for its focus on security and scalability, Elavon serves businesses in various industries, from retail to healthcare.
- Unique Features: Elavon stands out for its high-security standards, including end-to-end encryption and tokenization to protect sensitive data. It also offers a broad range of payment solutions, including mobile point-of-sale systems, ecommerce payment gateways, and virtual terminals. Additionally, Elavon integrates easily with many industry-specific platforms.
- Why It’s Best for Small Businesses: Elavon is ideal for small businesses that prioritize security and need flexible payment options. Its integration with various point-of-sale systems and online platforms makes it a strong choice for businesses looking to expand both in-store and online.
- Payment Processing Time: Payments are typically deposited into business accounts within 1-2 business days.
- Pricing: Elavon offers customized pricing plans based on business needs, transaction volume, and industry. Pricing details are available through a personalized quote.
- Free Trials: Elavon does not offer a free trial, but businesses can request a demo or pricing consultation.
Pros of Elavon
- Strong security with encryption and tokenization
- Wide range of payment solutions, from in-person to online
- Customizable for various industries
Cons of Elavon
- Pricing is not transparent; custom quotes required
- Can be complex for very small businesses with minimal technical support
Clover
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) and online payment gateway system designed to help small businesses manage both in-person and online transactions.
Clover offers customizable hardware and software solutions, allowing businesses to tailor their POS systems to meet specific needs, whether they run a retail shop, restaurant, or service-based business.
- Unique Features: Clover stands out for its customizable POS hardware, such as card readers, countertop terminals, and mobile solutions. It also offers an app marketplace, enabling businesses to integrate a wide range of business tools, from accounting software to marketing platforms
- Why It’s Best for Small Businesses: Clover is one of the best payment gateways for small businesses that need a scalable solution that can grow with them. Its all-in-one platform allows businesses to accept payments, manage inventory, and run marketing campaigns—all from one system.
- Payment Processing Time: Payments through Clover are typically deposited within 1-2 business days.
- Pricing: Clover offers various pricing plans based on the hardware and services a business requires. Transaction fees are 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person and 2.9% + 30¢ for online transactions. Hardware costs depend on the POS setup chosen.
- Free Trials: Clover does not offer a free trial, but businesses can request a demo to explore the platform.
Pros of Clover
- Customizable POS hardware and software
- Extensive app marketplace for added functionalities
- Great for businesses with both online and in-person transactions
Cons of Clover
- Pricing can add up with additional features or hardware
- Limited flexibility if tied to specific payment processors
Paysafe
Paysafe is a global online payment solution that offers secure, seamless payment solutions for small businesses.
With over 20 years of experience, Paysafe specializes in providing businesses with the ability to accept payments online, in-store, and on mobile platforms.
Paysafe is one of the most used online payment gateway for small businesses focuses on delivering a wide range of payment methods, including digital wallets, direct debit, and credit card processing.
- Unique Features: Paysafe stands out with its multi-currency support and cross-border payment solutions, making it an excellent option for businesses looking to operate globally. Additionally, it offers fraud prevention tools to keep transactions secure and minimize chargebacks.
- Why It’s Best for Small Businesses: Paysafe is a top choice for small businesses that want to operate internationally, thanks to its global reach and ability to process payments in multiple currencies. Its strong fraud protection ensures that small businesses can accept payments securely and confidently.
- Payment Processing Time: Payments are typically processed and deposited within 1-2 business days, depending on the region and payment method used.
- Pricing: Paysafe offers customized pricing based on transaction volume and business needs. There is no standard pricing, and businesses must request a quote.
- Free Trials: Paysafe does not offer a free trial, but businesses can contact them for a personalized demo or consultation.
Pros of Paysafe
- Supports global payments and multiple currencies
- Strong fraud prevention tools
- Wide range of payment methods, including digital wallets
Cons of Paysafe
- Custom pricing requires a quote
- May be more complex for smaller businesses with simple payment needs
Authorize.Net
Authorize.Net is one of the oldest and most trusted online payment gateways, serving businesses since 1996.
Authorize.Net offers a reliable and secure platform, making it a popular choice for businesses across various industries.
- Unique Features: Authorize.Net is known for its Advanced Fraud Detection Suite (AFDS), which provides customizable fraud protection tools to help businesses reduce chargebacks and minimize fraudulent transactions. Additionally, Authorize.Net integrates with hundreds of platforms and software solutions, making it highly flexible.
- Why It’s Best for Small Businesses: Authorize.Net is ideal for small businesses that need flexibility and security. It supports multiple payment methods, including credit cards, ACH payments, and digital wallets. Its strong fraud protection and easy integration make it a reliable option.
- Payment Processing Time: Payments are typically deposited within 2 business days.
- Pricing: Authorize.Net charges 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, with a $25 monthly online payment gateway fee. There is also a 10¢ per transaction fee for ACH payments.
- Free Trials: There are no free trials, but Authorize.Net offers transparent pricing with no setup fees.
Pros of Authorize.net
- Strong fraud protection with AFDS
- Supports multiple payment methods and recurring billing
- Extensive integration options with ecommerce platforms and CRMs
Cons of Authorize.net
- Monthly online payment gateway fee of $25
- May be complex for businesses with low transaction volume
Adyen
Adyen is an online payment system for small businesses that provides businesses with end-to-end payment solutions.
Known for its scalability, Adyen offers small businesses access to the same technology used by large enterprises.
Adyen supports a wide range of payment methods, making it ideal for businesses that operate globally or are looking to expand internationally.
- Unique Features: Adyen is recognized for its unified platform that integrates all payment channels, allowing businesses to manage payments from a single interface. It also supports real-time data and analytics, helping businesses optimize their payment processes. Adyen’s risk management tools are highly advanced, utilizing machine learning to prevent fraud.
- Why It’s Best for Small Businesses: Adyen is great for small businesses aiming for global expansion and wanting a unified payment solution. Its support for various payment methods and risk management features makes it suitable for businesses with international customers and a need for strong fraud protection.
- Payment Processing Time: Funds are typically deposited within 1-2 business days, depending on the country and payment method.
- Pricing: Adyen charges interchange++ pricing, which varies depending on the payment method, country, and transaction volume. Businesses can request a customized pricing plan based on their needs.
- Free Trials: No free trials are available, but businesses can request a demo to explore the platform.
Pros of Adyen
- Supports a wide range of payment methods globally
- Unified platform for all payment channels
- Advanced risk management and fraud prevention tools
Cons of Adyen
- Custom pricing may not suit very small businesses
- Complexity of features can be overwhelming for smaller companies
Braintree
Braintree, a PayPal company, is a powerful online payment gateway that allows businesses to accept, process, and split payments globally.
Designed for flexibility, Braintree supports a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and even local payment methods.
- Unique Features: Braintree’s key feature is its full-stack payment platform, offering businesses the ability to accept payments across multiple channels, including mobile, web, and in-person. It also supports advanced reporting tools and has built-in features for recurring billing and subscription management.
- Why It’s Best for Small Businesses: Braintree is the perfect online payment gateway for small businesses looking for flexibility and global payment options. Its integration with PayPal and support for a wide range of payment methods.
- Payment Processing Time: Funds are typically deposited into business accounts within 2-3 business days.
- Pricing: Braintree charges 2.59% + $0.49 per transaction for most payments, with no monthly fees. Custom pricing is available for high-volume businesses.
- Free Trials: There are no free trials, but Braintree does not charge setup fees or monthly fees, so businesses can start without upfront costs.
Pros of Braintree
- Integration with PayPal for seamless payments
- Supports a variety of payment methods and global currencies
- Excellent for businesses with recurring billing models
Cons of Braintree
- Higher transaction fees for smaller businesses
- May require technical expertise for custom integrations
2Checkout (Verifone)
2Checkout, acquired by Verifone in 2020, provides a global payment solution that allows businesses to accept payments from customers around the world.
As part of Verifone’s robust infrastructure, 2Checkout helps businesses process payments both online and via mobile.
Like many of the online payment gateways for small businesses, the platform is designed to handle a variety of payment methods and currencies, giving businesses the flexibility they need to operate in multiple regions.
- Unique Features: 2Checkout offers global online payment gateways in over 200 countries and 100+ currencies, making it ideal for businesses looking to scale internationally. The platform also supports localized payment options, improving the customer experience by allowing customers to pay with their preferred local methods.
- Why It’s Best for Small Businesses: 2Checkout is an excellent online payment gateway for small businesses with international ambitions. Its multi-currency support and ability to manage subscriptions and recurring payments.
- Payment Processing Time: Payments are typically processed and deposited within 1-2 business days, depending on the country and payment method.
- Pricing: 2Checkout’s standard plan charges 3.5% + $0.35 per transaction. For businesses with larger transaction volumes or complex needs, custom pricing is available.
- Free Trials: 2Checkout does not offer a free trial, but businesses can request a demo to explore its features.
Pros of 2Checkout
- Global payment support in 200+ countries
- Excellent tools for managing subscriptions and recurring billing
- Localized payment methods for international customers
Cons of 2Checkout
- Higher transaction fees compared to some competitors
- Limited customization for smaller businesses
Understanding Online Payment Gateways for Small Businesses
As small businesses rely more on ecommerce, understanding online payment gateways is key.
A recent statistic highlights that 96.1% of U.S. ecommerce stores accepted VISA in 2023, emphasizing the need for robust and secure online payment gateways for small businesses that handle various payment methods efficiently.
Online payment gateways are essential for smooth operations across various platforms, currencies, and regions in modern ecommerce.
What Is an Online Payment Gateway?
An online payment gateway is a secure technology that facilitates the transfer of transaction data between a customer’s payment method (such as credit or debit cards) and the business’s payment processor.
Essentially, it’s the digital equivalent of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal used in physical stores.
The online payment gateway encrypts sensitive information, like credit card numbers, to ensure that the payment process is secure, protecting businesses and customers from fraud.
How Online Payment Gateway Services Work
When a customer makes a purchase, the online payment gateway securely sends the transaction data to the processor, which connects with the customer’s bank for authorization.
Once approved, the funds are transferred to the business.
Online payment gateways enable ecommerce stores and other businesses to accept payments online without handling sensitive financial data directly.
For small business owners managing ecommerce businesses, keeping track of key reports is essential to optimizing performance. Our guide on Google Ads Ecommerce Reports for Daily Track breaks down the essential metrics and reports you should monitor regularly to optimize your campaigns and boost sales.
How to Choose the Right Online Payment Gateway for Your Small Business
When selecting an online payment gateway for small businesses, consider these key points:
- Fees: Compare transaction fees to ensure you’re getting the best value for your business.
- Security: Ensure the online payment gateway offers fraud protection and data encryption to protect transactions.
- Ease of Use: Look for payment gateways that integrate easily with your website or ecommerce platform.
- Support: Choose an online payment gateway for your small business with reliable customer support in case issues arise.
- Scalability: Ensure the online payment gateway can grow with your business, offering advanced features as needed.
By focusing on these essentials, you’ll select an online payment gateway that’s both secure and user-friendly for your business needs.
Comparison of Online Payment Gateway Services for Small Businesses
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the top online payment gateways measure up:
| Company | Transaction Time | Pricing | Pros | Cons |
| Stripe | 2 days | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction | Easy integration, fraud detection, global payment support | Customization requires technical expertise, transaction fees add up |
| Square | 1-2 business days | 2.6% + 10¢ (in-person), 2.9% + 30¢ (online) | Free POS, user-friendly, all-in-one solution | Higher fees for certain payment types, limited customization |
| Helcim | 2 business days | Interchange-plus pricing | Transparent pricing, built-in invoicing, multi-currency support | May be overkill for low-volume businesses, limited support hours |
| Shopify Payments | 1-3 business days | 2.9% + 30¢ (online), 2.7% (in-person) | Seamless integration, no extra fees for Shopify users | Limited to Shopify stores, higher fees for international transactions |
| Stax Payments | Next business day | $99/month, no per-transaction fees | Flat-rate pricing, no per-transaction fees, fast deposits | Higher upfront costs for low-volume businesses, limited international support |
| WorldPay | 1-3 business days | Custom pricing based on transaction volume | Global reach, multi-currency support, strong security | No transparent pricing, higher fees for low-volume businesses |
| Zettle | 1-2 business days | 2.29% + 9¢ per transaction | Portable card reader, PayPal integration, easy setup | Limited features compared to larger systems, higher transaction fees |
| Elavon | 1-2 business days | Custom pricing | Strong security, customizable for various industries | Custom pricing, complex for small businesses |
| Clover | 1-2 business days | 2.6% + 10¢ (in-person), 2.9% + 30¢ (online) | Customizable POS, extensive app marketplace, scalable solution | Pricing adds up with additional features, limited flexibility with processors |
| Paysafe | 1-2 business days | Custom pricing | Global payments, fraud prevention, multiple payment methods | Custom pricing required, complex for smaller businesses |
| Authorize.Net | 2 business days | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, $25 monthly gateway fee | Strong fraud protection, multiple payment methods, easy integration | Monthly gateway fee, complex for low transaction volume |
| Adyen | 1-2 business days | Interchange++ pricing | Global payment methods, risk management, advanced fraud prevention | Custom pricing, complex for small businesses |
| Braintree | 2-3 business days | 2.59% + $0.49 per transaction | Supports multiple payment methods, recurring billing | Higher fees for smaller businesses, technical expertise required |
| 2Checkout (Verifone) | 1-2 business days | 3.5% + $0.35 per transaction | Global payment support, multi-currency options, subscription management | Higher fees compared to competitors, limited customization for smaller businesses |
Top Online Payment Solutions for Ecommerce Businesses
Ecommerce businesses often require online payment gateways that support multiple payment methods to cater to a global customer base, handle recurring billing for subscription models, and ensure fast payment processing to maintain cash flow.
Shopify Payments is a top choice for businesses using Shopify, as it integrates directly without needing third-party tools and has no extra transaction fees.
Stripe is ideal for businesses needing flexibility, with its developer-friendly API that supports many payment methods and currencies, making it perfect for global ecommerce.
Braintree, part of PayPal, allows businesses to accept various payment options like credit cards and digital wallets, providing easy integration with ecommerce platforms and mobile apps.
Best Online Payment Gateways With Low Transaction Fees
For small businesses, managing transaction costs is key to maintaining profitability.
Square offers a simple pricing structure with 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, making it ideal for face-to-face payments without the burden of monthly fees.
Stripe, while slightly higher at 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, provides flexibility through its wide range of integrations, making it a great choice for ecommerce businesses.
Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing, offering businesses lower fees by charging a small markup over the actual processing cost, perfect for those with higher transaction volumes.
Most Secure Payment Gateways for Protecting Against Fraud
For small businesses, ensuring payment security is crucial to building customer trust.
Authorize.Net offers advanced fraud protection through its Advanced Fraud Detection Suite (AFDS), allowing businesses to set custom rules and reduce risk with features like geographic limits and transaction thresholds.
Adyen uses machine learning to detect and block suspicious activity in real-time, making it ideal for businesses handling international transactions.
Braintree, part of PayPal, includes fraud prevention tools like 3D Secure and tokenization, ensuring transactions remain secure while maintaining a smooth checkout experience for customers.
Leading Online Payment Gateways for High-Volume Transactions
For businesses handling high transaction volumes, finding the best online payment gateway with competitive fees is essential.
Stax offers a membership-based pricing model, meaning businesses pay a flat monthly fee with no per-transaction costs, making it ideal for high-volume operations looking to save on fees.
Payment Depot uses a similar model, offering wholesale pricing that avoids percentage-based fees, which helps businesses cut costs as their transaction volume increases.
Adyen provides interchange++ pricing, where businesses pay the actual processing cost plus a small fee.
FAQ: Online Payment Gateways For Small Businesses
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the top 14 online payment gateways for small businesses:
What is the best online payment gateway for small businesses?
The best online payment gateway depends on your business needs. Stripe is excellent for ecommerce and global transactions, while Square is a perfect online payment gateway for small businesses needing both in-person and online payment processing. Helcim is great for businesses looking for transparent, low-cost pricing models.
How do I choose the right online payment gateway for my small business?
When selecting an online payment system for small businesses, consider factors like transaction fees, fraud protection, ease of integration with your platform, and scalability. If you’re on Shopify, Shopify Payments is the easiest option, while Stax offers savings for high-volume businesses with its membership model.
Which online payment gateways offer the lowest fees for small businesses?
Square offers competitive pricing at 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction and no monthly fees. For higher transaction volumes, Helcim’s interchange-plus pricing is a good option, providing more cost savings as your volume grows.
What online payment gateways work best for ecommerce businesses?
For ecommerce, Stripe and Shopify Payments are top choices for online payment gateways. Stripe supports global payment options and multiple currencies, while Shopify Payments integrates seamlessly into Shopify, with no extra fees for Shopify store owners.
Which online payment gateways provide the best fraud protection?
Authorize.Net is known for its advanced fraud detection tools, allowing customizable settings to protect against fraudulent transactions. Adyen also offers strong fraud prevention with machine learning that monitors transactions in real-time.
How long do payment gateways take to process payments?
Online payment gateway processing times vary by provider. Stripe typically processes payments in 2 business days, while Square offers deposit times within 1-2 business days. Stax offers fast payment processing, with funds usually available the next business day.
Can I use multiple payment gateways for my small business?
Yes, many businesses use more than one online payment gateways to offer their customers more payment options and ensure redundancy in case of technical issues. For example, you can use PayPal alongside Stripe or Square to cater to different payment preferences.
Which online payment gateways support international transactions?
Online payment gateways like Adyen, 2Checkout (Verifone), and Stripe are excellent for international transactions, as they support multiple currencies and a variety of payment methods from different regions around the world.
What are the free online payment gateways for small businesses?
Online payment gateways such as Square and Stripe don’t charge setup or monthly fees, allowing small businesses to start processing payments without upfront costs. However, you will still pay transaction fees for each sale.
What are the best online payment gateways for small businesses in the USA?
The top online payment gateways for small businesses in the USA include Square for in-person and online payments, Stripe for ecommerce and global reach, and PayPal for businesses looking to offer flexible online payment options. Efficient payment and delivery processes are vital for small businesses. After selecting the best payment gateway, ensure your shipping services are reliable. Explore our detailed guide on Parcel & Courier Services in the US to find the top options for fast and affordable shipping solutions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right online payment gateway for small businesses is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your business’s growth, security, and transaction costs.
Each payment gateway offers its own strengths, whether it’s low fees for high-volume transactions, subscription management for recurring payments, or fraud protection for ecommerce businesses.
Explore the options, weigh the pros and cons, and choose an online payment gateway that helps streamline your payments and supports your long-term goals.
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