The Best Payment Gateways for Your Ecommerce Business

Ecommerce requires secure and efficient payment gateways that allow customers to complete transactions easily. Payment gateways read, encrypt, and transmit data from credit cards, online wallets, and other payment methods, ensuring secure transaction processing. Many also offer payment processing services, further streamlining the process for businesses.

When choosing a payment gateway, consider your sales volume, technical skills, and specific payment needs. The best gateways minimize fees and provide a seamless experience for both the merchant and the customer.

Below are the top payment gateways available for businesses of all sizes, including leading Polish providers.

Stripe: Best Overall Payment Gateway

Monthly Cost:

• Free for standard Stripe Connect
• $2 per account for Stripe Express or Stripe Custom

Payment Processing:

• In-Person Transactions: 2.7% + 5¢
• Online Transactions: 2.9% + 30¢
• Manually Keyed Transactions: 3.4% + 30¢
• International Cards: 4.4% + 30¢

Stripe offers maximum flexibility, allowing developers to create customized payment experiences. For those less tech-savvy, ready-made checkout pages are available.

Adyen: Best Omnichannel Option

Monthly Cost: Free

Payment Processing:

• Visa/Mastercard: Interchange + 13¢
• American Express: 3.3% + 23¢
• Other Methods: 3%-12% + 13¢
• ACH Direct: 40¢ per transaction

Adyen enables acceptance of payments through various channels, offering flexible pricing based on transaction types.

Helcim: Best Interchange-Plus Pricing for Businesses of All Sizes

Monthly Cost: Free

Payment Processing:

• In-Person Transactions: Interchange + 0.4% + 8¢
• Online Transactions: Interchange + 0.5% + 25¢
• Manually Keyed Transactions: Interchange + 0.5% + 25¢
• ACH Payments: 0.5% + 25¢

Helcim offers transparent interchange-plus pricing with different tiers based on monthly sales volumes.

PayPal Payflow: All-in-One Solution

Monthly Cost:

• Free for Payflow Link
• $25 for Payflow Pro

Payment Processing:

• PayPal/Venmo QR: 1.9% + 10¢
• In-Person Transactions: 2.29% + 9¢
• Online Transactions: 2.59% + 49¢
• PayPal Payments: 3.49% + 49¢

PayPal Payflow is a comprehensive solution that allows acceptance of various payment forms in one place.

Square: Ideal if You Have a Brick-and-Mortar Store

Monthly Cost:

• Free for basic plans
• From $29 for advanced features

Payment Processing:

• In-Person Transactions: 2.6% + 10¢
• Online Transactions: 2.9% + 30¢
• Manually Keyed Transactions: 3.5% + 15¢
• Invoices: 3.3% + 30¢

Square offers a POS system for in-person sales and transparent pricing without hidden fees.

Braintree: Accept a Variety of Payment Types

Monthly Cost:

• Free when using both merchant account and gateway
• $49 + 10¢ per transaction as gateway-only

Payment Processing:

• Cards and Digital Wallets: 2.59% + 49¢
• Venmo: 3.49% + 49¢
• ACH: 0.75% (max $5)

Braintree, owned by PayPal, offers wide payment acceptance and a high level of customization.

Chase Payment Solutions: Built-In Banking Partner

Monthly Cost: Monthly fee may apply

Payment Processing:

• In-Person Transactions: 2.6% + 10¢
• Online Transactions: 2.9% + 25¢
• Manually Keyed Transactions: 3.5% + 10¢

Chase offers fast deposits for clients with a Chase business checking account, utilizing Authorize.net.

Authorize.net: For Complex Payment Needs

Monthly Cost: $25

Payment Processing:

• Merchant Account + Gateway: 2.9% + 30¢
• Gateway Only: 10¢ per transaction + 10¢ daily batch fee

Authorize.net, owned by Visa, offers flexibility and the ability to work with other providers.

Przelewy24: Most Popular Payment Gateway in Poland

Monthly Cost: None

Payment Processing:

• Online Transactions: From 1.9% + 30¢ (depending on turnover)

Przelewy24 supports over 350 payment methods, including BLIK, cards, and bank transfers, ensuring fast and secure transactions.

PayU: Fast and Secure Online Payments

Monthly Cost: None

Payment Processing:

• Online Transactions: From 2.3% + 30¢ (negotiable)

PayU is a global leader in online payments, offering extensive integration capabilities and support.

Dotpay: Versatile Solution for Ecommerce

Monthly Cost: None

Payment Processing:

• Online Transactions: From 1.9% + 30¢ (individual pricing)

Dotpay provides numerous payment methods and easy integration with ecommerce platforms.

Tpay: Innovative Payment Solutions

Monthly Cost: None

Payment Processing:

• Online Transactions: From 1.59% + 30¢

Tpay stands out with modern solutions like BLIK payments and one-click transactions.

How to Choose the Best Payment Gateway for Your Business

Payment Gateway Costs

Consider all fees: monthly, transaction, PCI compliance, or setup fees. Compare them with your budget and transaction volume.

Pricing Models

• Flat-Rate: Fixed rates, good for small and seasonal businesses.
• Interchange-Plus: Transparent but variable; beneficial for higher volumes.

Technical Expertise Required

Think about the level of integration and customization needed. Some gateways require programming knowledge.

Payment Processing Needs

Determine which payment methods you want to accept and whether you need a POS system.

Conclusion

Choosing the right payment gateway is crucial for the success of your ecommerce business. Consider costs, pricing models, technical requirements, and specific payment needs. Don’t forget about local providers like Przelewy24, PayU, Dotpay, and Tpay, who offer solutions tailored to the Polish market and customer preferences.