How do you want to pay this time? With cash, cards? Well, making a payment as a shopper or customer has become effortless with digital taste.
Now you have a digital wallet to solve your payment troubles. Of course, Cash On Delivery (COD) is an amazing option but now the payment gateways are working easily and faster.
Following this, businesses are embracing different payment gateways. So, why do we use these payment gateways?
Because it secures data along with a safe transaction for both the business and clients. How to choose the right one?
And what are the leading payment gateways? To get this answer, follow this read to the end. Let’s move forward.
What is a Payment Gateway?
It is a simple software medium that allows safe and quick transactions between merchants and clients.
So, this software is arranged in such a way that it can capture the Point of Sale (POS) unlike the offline stores.
Payment gateways require several roleplays. It needs-
- Merchants: Who will receive the payment through the software.
- Customer: Who will pay to the website to buy products/services.
- Payment Gateway: It is the portal through which the customers confirm their wish to transfer their funds. Portal has lots of payment options like credit cards, and debit cards.
- Payment Processor: This process is the payment procedure. Once the customer chooses to pay, the payment processor connects with the bank details of the customer and takes funds from it then transfers them to the acquiring bank of business. If there is no fund available, then the transaction gets rejected.
Why Do We Need The Payment Gateways?
Ensures Secure Transactions
Online security is a paramount concern for all digital consumers.
Payment gateways facilitate the encryption of sensitive information such as credit card numbers, ensuring that data passes securely between the customer and the merchant.
This encryption process safeguards both parties from potential fraud and data breaches, making payment gateways an essential part of the ecommerce structure.
Enables Multiple Payment Options
Ecommerce platforms need to cater to a global audience with diverse payment preferences.
From credit and debit cards to digital wallets and bank transfers, payment gateways support a wide array of payment methods.
They enhance customer convenience, allowing shoppers to choose their preferred payment method, which can significantly boost conversion rates and customer satisfaction.
Streamlines Payment Processing
Efficiency is key in ecommerce transactions. Payment gateways automate the payment transaction process, making it faster and more efficient.
They handle all aspects, from order placement to fund transfers, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations.
This streamlined process not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances the customer’s shopping experience.
Supports Recurring Billing
For businesses offering subscription services or recurring billing, payment gateways are indispensable. They allow automatic payment deductions at agreed intervals, saving businesses from the hassle of chasing payments and providing customers with a seamless shopping experience.
Facilitates International Sales
In an increasingly globalized world, ecommerce websites need to be able to accept international payments.
Payment gateways simplify currency conversions and allow merchants to accept payments in different currencies.
This feature opens up global markets for businesses, allowing them to cater to a wider customer base.
Provides Transaction Analytics
Payment gateways also provide valuable insights and data related to transactions. Businesses can use this data to analyze sales trends, customer buying behavior, and more, aiding in strategic decision-making and growth planning.
What to Consider While Choosing a Payment Gateway?
Whether you are going to use it in person or for business needs, you need to keep in mind some basic formulas before picking the gateway. For e-commerce websites, it’s a crucial one.
- Make sure it is available in your country and the currency support is favorable for you and your intended traffic.
- Integration should be easier when you link with big e-commerce sites
- The customization system and UX should be friendly
- Customer service and FAQs must be available.
Top 10 Payment Gateways Handpicked by Editors
Paypal
Of course, it is one of the most used and hyped gateways of this time. Paypal is a safe, quick, and easy transaction. Why is it so famous?
Because it enables the safest transaction. Are you a business entity or an individual user? No worries. Paypal is for everyone.
From individuals to merchants, all can transact money with PayPal. What are the features of Paypal? It can support up to 25 currencies and it is supported in 203 countries.
The most amazing phenomenon of this gateway is it resists any unwanted situation. The Paypal team helps to detect any double-dealing.
Start your journey with PayPal at 2.7$. Your customers can pay with all credit cards. Even Paypal lets Venmo and cryptocurrencies.
Highlights
- Rigid invoicing feature.
- Easy subscription.
Downsides
- An account can freeze easily.
- The transaction fees are sometimes not clear and hidden.
Stripe
Another amazing payment gateway channel is available for you. According to users and research, Paypal and Stripe have strong races.
Both of them are useful and easy but Stripe is still growing. As a growing one, the quality it offers is mindblowing.
The transaction fee is 2.9$+30 cents. It has 135+ currency options. The stripe started its journey back in 2010. It offers a free trial.
If you want a quick setup, then Stripe is for you. To date, the stripe is supported in 46 countries.
Those businesses that have worldwide customers, and online businesses can use Stripe.
Support the transaction with digital wallets like Alipay, Google Pay, We chat Pay, and after-payment is also available.
Highlights
- 24/7 customer service.
- Checkout flow is customizable.
- You can close and open the gateway anytime. No worries about the contract.
Downsides
- Needs a developer to maintain this.
- Also, hardware costs.
Square
A good and reasonable one to start with. If you have a physical existence of your business along with the online one, then Square helps to accumulate all.
This payment gateway offers free invoicing and can store the payment information at the POS (point of Sale) and then safely include the credit card payments for easy transactions.
However, it was started in 2009 and since then it is a popular payment option for merchants. In the case of mobile payments, Stripe has the largest shoutout.
You can get a 30-day free trial with the Square. The transaction fees differ with the types. For a Keyed-in transaction is 3.5%+ 15 cents and for a person, the transaction is 2.6%+10 cents.
Does it allow payment to be provided for all countries? Well, no. Only for the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Ireland. Though permits the currency of all countries.
Highlights
- Adjustable POS method.
- Easy setup and trial option.
Downsides
- Doesn’t allow payment to be provided in all countries.
- The account can freeze.
- Not suitable for high-risk businesses.
SecurePay
Back in 1999, securepay payment gateway was on board. Offering a free trial and e-commerce payments.
Also, this older software has evolved a lot for premium services. Now it offers an easy setup and provides a user-friendly experience.
It has a system that can avoid the scam and protect the transaction process. Customer card details are encrypted and transmission is PCI DSS compliant.
Credit cards, cash, and debit cards, all are accepted in SecurePay. Australia is the payment gateway provider.
It is a 100% open-source gateway. Customers can choose different payment options. 90,000 Australian businesses are fond of securePay.
Highlights
- The payment interface is easy to understand and install.
- Check data is converted into bank formats.
Downsides
- Higher commissioning rates.
Amazon Pay
The hyped e-commerce site Amazon has created the online payment platform amazon pay.
When shoppers buy something from Amazon, they don’t have to pay through their cards anymore.
With one click on AmazonPay, they can clear their payment. So, can we only use this payment channel while shopping from Amazon?
No. Other external customers can also use AmazonPay. It was launched in 2007 and since then it has had huge usage.
TikTok and IMDM are the two promising Amazon Pay-using websites. However, startups and other enterprises can use the payment option.
The leading countries are the USA, Germany, Japan, France, and many more. It has a friendly UI, bonus, no installation cost, and hidden cost. So smooth.
Moreover, AI tools like Alexa can make the shopper’s payment venture easier without any touch!
Highlights
- Payment processing is easy.
- 24/7 customer service is available.
Downsides
- An online platform so the shoppers need to be connected all the time.
- Maintaining a balance in Amazon Pay is a tough one. Without sufficient balance, you might face some issues.
Adyen
It was founded in 2006. Adyen is well-known for receiving payments from multiple channels, and digital payments worldwide.
One of the leading brands is the user of Adyen. These are Nike, Mcdonald’s, and Uber. Well, it stores the user data to give them a better payment experience in the future.
This payment system was built in the Netherlands and soon spread its wings worldwide. However, is it easy to install this system? I would say yes.
You need to sign up and you will get two accounts-business and merchant accounts.
The business is associated with Adyen and the merchant is to handle the transaction of your business.
Then to start with Adyen, get an API key, try out test payment, and install a library. 140 currencies are supported with this payment option.
There is a processing fee along with the payment method fee. The payment method fee is different for each method.
Highlights
- Has a scam protection system and detects them.
- Support queries of merchants anytime.
- No setup cost.
Downsides
- Needs approval for retailers.
- Invoicing system needs a minimum amount.
WorldPay
By its name, worldpay functionality is also worldwide. This e-commerce payment platform navigates to a myriad of payment methods.
Not only the method, but the gateway system is also awesome. So, a wide range of payment options for e-businesses, personal payments, and also storefront payments.
In 1997, this payment platform came into action. It supports a sound and easy transaction. The interesting point is that merchants can customize their payment processing options.
It is now acquired by FIS. Moreover, the cost depends on which type of business you are running. You can choose to Pay as you go or Pay monthly.
No need to worry if you have to be captive in this payment system. You can start and stop anytime.
More than 120 currencies are supported by the WorldPay payment system. It supports 146 countries and 300 payment types.
Highlisghts
- The UI interface is user-friendly and easy to go with.
- Allows daily reports with WorldPay IQ.
- Easy and free setup option.
Downsides
- Customer service is not noteworthy.
- Payment with a wireless WorlPay machine makes trouble for the customers and merchants.
Authorize.net
In 1996, was founded in Utah. As the oldest one, it has vivid functionalities. A PCI-compliant payment system and comes with amazing features.
A merchant needs to sign up for an account and then get started but there is no installation or set up cost. The online payment processing is smooth.
The brick-mortar and other online shops can rely on their credit card payment systems. Perhaps the merchants of the USA, Canada, and Australia can only use Authorize.net.
Also, the supported currencies are of these countries. Cybersource is the patent of Authorize.net. It has discount rates and the payment planning is clear.
Transaction fees are only 2.9 $ + 30 cents. There is a chargeback option for the merchants but not for payment gateways.
Highlighst
- Zero set-up cost.
- Live chat and supportive customer service and fraud resistance.
- Comes with a free mobile app.
Downsides
- Contract-based and needs monthly fees.
- Only suitable for e-commerce, retailers not for personal payments.
Skrill
Another easy-going payment option for you. Skrill makes the digital wallet convenient. With your email and password, you can log in to Skrill.
In 2001, UK, Skrill was founded. It renders safe and secure transactions. From your wallet to your bank account, the transfer is easy.
So, when you sign up with your email, you can move your money every minute. There are varieties of payment options available.
Moreover, it’s not just for merchants, the personal use of Skrill is much in the hype. You can choose the 1-tap payment options.
However, this payment gateway is available in 131 countries and comes with 100 payment methods and 40 currencies.
Highlights
- 24/7 customer service.
- The transaction rates are cheaper.
Downsides
- Cryptocurrency is limited.
- The exchange rate of currency from the EU to other ones is higher.
- The withdrawal process is lengthy.
2checkout
The business-oriented payment gateway can blow your mind. In 2006, it officially came into being. Not all users find it easy to use but for B2B, online e-commerce websites find it very suitable.
Developers find 2checkout payment system easy to install. The business team can customize the dashboard of 2checkout. There is no pay-later option in this payment platform.
You have to pay on time. This system is available in 180 countries with 87 different currencies. Offers 45 payment methods.
Small or oversized, any business can start its journey with 2 checkouts. Because there is a hosted checkout option to handle a huge traffic crowd and payments. The inline checkout option is for small enterprises.
Highlights
- No hidden charge
- Analytics and reporting of the business are easy with 2checkout.
Downsides
- Doesn’t allow the mobile applications.
Over to You
Are you ready to inaugurate a payment gateway on your e-commerce site? It is pretty manageable to pick such because you have vast knowledge. Each payment gateway has some basic controls and amenities to serve. So, which is your choice? Integrate that to your business site now!
