HK
HK
1.
Paypal
2.
Stripe
3.
Square
4.
Adyen
5.
Amazon Pay
Choosing the right ecommerce payment gateway is one of the most important steps for running an online store. The gateway you choose decides how smoothly customers can pay, how much you spend on fees, and how much trust buyers place in your checkout. With so many options available, the choice can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, we have selected five of the best ecommerce payment gateways to help you compare and choose with confidence.
Here you will find:
✅ A clear explanation of what a payment gateway is and why it matters for your ecommerce store.
✅ A side-by-side comparison table of the leading providers.
✅ A breakdown of features, fees, platform compatibility, and pros and cons for each gateway.
✅ Practical tips to help you decide which option works best for your business needs.
Without further ado, let's begin!
A payment gateway is the technology that connects your online store with the systems that handle payment processing. Think of it as the bridge between your customer’s chosen payment method and your merchant account. When someone pays by credit card, debit card, or digital wallet, the gateway securely passes (encrypts and routes) their payment details to the processor/acquirer for authorisation, then returns an approval or decline in real time.
The gateway itself doesn’t move the money into your bank account. Settlement is handled by the processor or your acquiring bank. Many providers bundle the gateway, the processor, and the merchant account into one package so you do not have to assemble them yourself.
For any ecommerce business, a gateway is essential. It enables secure and fast checkout, adds fraud screening, and helps with Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance, the global security standard for handling card data. This builds customer trust and gives them confidence in a secure checkout experience.
| Provider | Best for | Supported Methods | Key Fees* |
|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal | Quick global start with strong brand trust | Cards, Wallets (PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay), Local options, POS | 3.4% + USD 0.30 (domestic) 4.4%+ (international); 3–4.5% FX |
| Stripe | Flexible tools for scaling and global reach | Cards, Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, PayPal via integration), BNPL, Local transfers (ACH, SEPA, PayNow) | 2.9% + USD 0.30 (domestic) +1.5% international; +1% FX |
| Square | Small businesses wanting all-in-one POS + ecommerce | Cards, Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Cash App Pay), BNPL (Afterpay), POS | 2.6% + 15¢ (in-person) 3.3% + 30¢ (online free plan) |
| Adyen | Mid-size & enterprise scaling internationally | Cards, Wallets, BNPL, Bank-based (ACH, Pay by Bank) | Interchange++ (Visa/Mastercard® ~2.6% + USD 0.13) BNPL ~4.3–4.9% + USD 0.30 |
| Amazon Pay | Boosting conversion with Amazon checkout trust | Cards, Wallets (Amazon, Apple, Google), BNPL (Affirm) | 2.9% + USD 0.30 (domestic) 3.9% + USD 0.30 (cross-border) |
*Fees shown are indicative for US merchants. Rates vary by region and payment method.
Disclaimer: This blog is based on official provider sources and is accurate as of 28 September 2025. Fees and features vary by region, so check with each provider for the latest details before deciding.
PayPal has been shaping online payments for more than 25 years and is now available in nearly 200 markets. For ecommerce stores, its global reach and brand recognition often mean higher conversion rates. Shoppers often feel more confident when they see the PayPal button, which may help lower cart abandonment and create a smoother checkout experience.
With a PayPal Business account, you get a ready-made merchant account that lets you accept online payments, mobile transactions, or even in-person payments. It integrates directly with major ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce, so adding PayPal to your online store is usually just a few clicks.
PayPal has no setup or monthly fees. You only pay transaction fees, though international sales and currency conversion can increase overall payment processing costs.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Domestic transaction | 3.4% + USD 0.30 |
| International transaction | 4.4% or higher + USD 0.30 |
| Currency conversion | 3%–4.5% above exchange rate |
| Chargeback fee | USD 10–20 |
Full details are available on PayPal’s official pricing page.
Pros
Cons
PayPal is a trusted choice if you value customer confidence, smooth checkout, and quick integration with major ecommerce platforms. However, cross-border and currency conversion fees can reduce your margins. Many businesses use PayPal as an all-in-one payment solution alongside another payment gateway with more competitive pricing.
Stripe is one of the most widely used payment platforms for online businesses worldwide. It helps online stores process payments through credit cards, debit cards, wallets, and local methods, while also supporting in-person payments with its Terminal point of sale (POS) system.
What makes Stripe stand out is flexibility. It integrates directly with major ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, WordPress, and Magento. Developers can customise the checkout experience using APIs, while non-technical users can rely on no-code tools for quick credit card processing and other merchant services.
Stripe does not charge setup or monthly fees. Businesses only pay transaction fees when they process a payment. For US merchants, the main costs are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Domestic online card | 2.9% + USD 0.30 |
| International card uplift | +1.5% |
| Currency conversion | +1% |
| ACH Direct Debit | 0.8% (capped at USD 5) |
| BNPL (e.g. Klarna) | 5.99% + USD 0.30 (applies to installments) |
| Instant payout | 1.5% (USD 0.50 minimum) |
| Chargeback fee | USD 15 |
| In-person card (Terminal, domestic) | 2.7% + USD 0.05 |
Costs vary by region. See Stripe’s official pricing page for details in your market.
Pros
Cons
Stripe is a flexible choice if you want more control over checkout and access to various payment methods. It’s especially strong for ecommerce businesses serving international customers or offering subscriptions.
Pricing can be the trade-off, as cross-border, currency conversion, and BNPL fees add up. Stripe is best if you value flexibility, global reach, and customisable payment processing, even with higher costs.
Square sets itself apart by offering more than payment services alone. It provides a full payment system and business operating platform that combines online payments, point of sale (POS) hardware, retail software, and even banking features. This integrated approach makes it especially useful for small businesses that need to manage both in-person and online sales in one place.
Since its launch in 2009, Square has expanded to eight countries and now processes over USD 200 billion in transactions each year. Its ecosystem spans more than 30 products, from free POS software and card readers to Afterpay BNPL, loyalty programmes, and marketing tools. For ecommerce businesses, Square connects seamlessly with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix, while also offering its own Square Online solution.
Square keeps pricing straightforward with free account setup and no monthly fee on the basic plan. Costs vary by subscription tier and whether payments are accepted in person or online.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| In-person (tap, dip, swipe) | 2.6% + 15¢ (lower on paid tiers) |
| Online card payments | 3.3% + 30¢ on Free, 2.9% + 30¢ on paid tiers |
| Transaction fees (BNPL) | Same as online card rates, paid upfront |
| Chargeback fee | None (covered by Square) |
| Hardware | Terminal: From USD 299 Handheld: From USD 399 |
For the most accurate and up-to-date figures, see Square’s official pricing page.
Pros
Cons
Square is a great fit if you run a retail shop, restaurant, or service business and need both in-person and online payments in one place. Its quick setup, clear pricing, and hardware options make it easy to expand into ecommerce.
If you’re focused purely on ecommerce, PayPal or Stripe may suit you better. Square works best as an all-in-one payment solution for managing checkout, point of sale, and customer engagement together.
Adyen is a full-stack payment gateway and processor that brings together online payments, in-person transactions, and point of sale (POS) under one unified platform. It is trusted by major international brands but is also used by growing online stores that need support for multiple payment methods and markets.
For ecommerce stores, Adyen’s main strength is flexibility. It supports a wide range of payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, BNPL, and bank-based solutions. Local acquiring in many countries helps merchants improve approval rates on cross-border sales. Adyen also includes built-in tools for fraud detection, chargeback management, and payment processing optimisation, which makes it especially valuable for merchants handling larger volumes.
Adyen uses an Interchange++ pricing model. Instead of flat fees, merchants see the true card costs plus Adyen’s margin (0.60% + USD 0.13 in the US). This can reduce transaction fees at scale but may feel complex for smaller businesses.
The example below shows typical fees for US merchants (rates differ by region and payment method):
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Account setup | Free |
| Monthly fee | Free |
| Visa / Mastercard® | Interchange++ + 0.60% + USD 0.13 |
| Amex | 3.3% + USD 0.10 + USD 0.13 |
| Discover / JCB | 3.95% + USD 0.13 |
| ACH Direct Debit | USD 0.27 + USD 0.13 |
| Pay by Bank (Plaid) | 0.60% + USD 0.40 + USD 0.13 |
| BNPL (Affirm, Afterpay) | ~4.3–4.9% + USD 0.30 + USD 0.13 |
| Chargeback fee | Varies by market/method |
For full, up-to-date details, see Adyen’s official pricing page.
Pros
Cons
Adyen is a strong fit if you run an ecommerce business and want detailed control over payment options, pricing, and payment processing. Its global reach makes it ideal for growing international sales.
If you’re running a smaller online store, though, Adyen’s minimum invoice and complex pricing might feel excessive. In that case, simpler providers like Stripe or PayPal may be easier to manage.
Amazon Pay is Amazon’s own wallet and checkout solution for ecommerce stores. It allows shoppers to use their saved credit card or debit cards along with shipping details already stored in their Amazon account. Rather than replacing your main payment gateway, it works as an add-on alongside providers like Shopify Payments or Stripe.
It integrates with all major ecommerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Adobe Commerce. For Shopify merchants, Amazon Pay runs within Shopify Payments, so you follow Shopify’s pricing rather than paying extra third-party transaction fees.
Amazon Pay offers free account setup and no monthly fees. The fees below apply to merchants in the United States. If you use Amazon Pay through Shopify Payments, Shopify’s standard pricing applies instead.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Domestic transaction | 2.9 percent + 0.30 USD |
| Cross-border transaction | 3.9 percent + 0.30 USD |
| Chargeback fee | 20 USD |
| Refunds | Percentage fee refunded, 0.30 USD not refunded |
For the latest details, see Amazon Pay’s official pricing page.
Pros
Cons
Amazon Pay is a useful add-on for ecommerce stores looking to build trust and speed up checkout. Its strong brand and quick payment experience can boost conversions, while Express Payout gives you faster access to funds.
It works best as a complement to your main payment processor. For cross-border sellers, higher transaction fees may be a trade-off, but for domestic or mixed businesses, it’s an easy way to increase sales with simple setup and transparent pricing.
Picking a payment gateway isn’t just about who charges the lowest fees. It’s about how each option fits your store, your customers, and your growth plans.
Use the five checks below as a framework to guide your choice.
Transaction fees go straight to your bottom line. The pricing model that looks simple upfront may cost more once refunds or high volumes kick in.
Example: What you actually keep on a USD 100 order
| Provider & Model | Fee Structure | You Receive on USD 100 |
|---|---|---|
| Stripe (flat rate) | 2.9% + USD 0.30 | ~USD 96.80 |
| PayPal (higher flat rate) | 3.4% + USD 0.30 | ~USD 96.30 |
| Adyen (Interchange++) | ~2.6% + USD 0.13 | ~USD 97.27 |
Tip: Work out your average order value. For low-value orders (under USD 20), Stripe may be more cost-efficient than PayPal, while for higher-value orders Adyen’s Interchange++ can deliver better margins at scale.
Picking a gateway that doesn’t fit your ecommerce platform can mean broken functionality or costly developer fixes later.
Which gateways fit best with common platforms?
| Platform type | Examples | Best-fit gateways | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plug-and-play | Shopify, WooCommerce | PayPal, Stripe, Amazon Pay, Square | Ready-made plugins, minimal setup. Great for small teams. |
| Customisable | Magento, BigCommerce | Adyen, Stripe | API integrations = full control, but need developer support. |
| Lightweight | Wix, WordPress | Stripe, Square | Simple plugins for quick go-live. Good for smaller/content-driven stores. |
Tip: If you plan to expand into multiple stores or add point-of-sale, pick gateways that offer both plugins and APIs (e.g., Stripe, Adyen). This avoids rebuilding later.
Checkout conversion depends on trust and familiarity. If shoppers don’t see their preferred method, they may abandon.
Common payment types and supported gateways:
Cards: All providers, but Adyen adds more regional card schemes.
Wallets: Supported by PayPal, Stripe, Square, and Amazon Pay.
BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later): Square (Afterpay), Stripe (Klarna, Affirm), Adyen (multiple), Amazon Pay (Affirm add-on).
Local transfers: Stripe and Adyen (PayNow, SEPA, ACH)
Tip: Start with cards and wallets, since nearly every shopper uses them. Add BNPL if your average order value is over USD 100 or your target audience skews younger. Add local transfers if at least 10% of your sales come from a specific market
A payment gateway may work well at home but block you from expanding abroad if it lacks local methods or currency support.
Choose your approach based on growth strategy:
Tip: If you already sell, list your top 3 sales regions and where you plan to expand in the next 12–18 months. Choose a gateway that covers both. If you’re just starting, go with a global provider (PayPal or Stripe) to stay flexible, then add regional gateways as your sales grow.
Payments are mission-critical. The wrong support model means lost time and lost revenue.
Here’s how providers handle support:
Tip: For new stores, self-service support is usually enough. But if you are scaling fast or expanding cross-border, prioritise providers with dedicated account managers.
The payment gateway you choose will shape how smoothly your store runs and how confident your customers feel when checking out. The right choice is less about chasing the lowest fees and more about finding a setup that works with your platform, meets your customers’ habits, and leaves room for you to grow.
Don’t overthink it. Start with the gateways that feel like the best fit today, then see how they perform with real orders. Once you know what works for your audience, it’s much easier to double down on the provider that helps your business run faster and sell more.
Best for: New or growing stores that want instant setup and global brand trust.
Best for: Stores scaling internationally or running subscriptions that need flexible checkout and wide payment coverage.
Best for: Brick and Mortar stores, cafés, and service businesses that need to take both in-person and online payments.
Best for: Mid-sized to enterprise sellers handling high volumes and complex global sales.
Best for: Stores that want to increase conversion by adding Amazon’s trusted wallet at checkout.
Refund rules to watch:
Other payment methods you may hear about:
