19 top online payment systems compared – Best platforms for taking payments via your business website

In today’s digital era, a robust online payment system is crucial for businesses to thrive in the competitive market. Whether you’re running an e-commerce store, a service-based company, or any other online venture, offering streamlined online payment systems is essential for customer satisfaction and business growth.

With a plethora of online payment systems available, choosing the right platform can be a daunting task. To simplify the process, we have compared 19 top online payment systems to help you make an informed decision.

Top 19 online payment systems

Payment System	Fees (Domestic)	Fees (International)	Setup Fees	Transaction Fees	Currency Support
PayPal	2.9% + £0.30	4.4% + fixed fee	None	Variable	200+
Stripe	1.4% + £0.20	2.9% + fixed fee	None	Variable	135+
Square	1.75%	2.5% + £0.25	None	Variable	150+
Apple Pay	Fees vary	Fees vary	None	Variable	40+
Amazon Pay	2.7%	3.9% + £0.30	None	Variable	30+
Braintree	1.9% + £0.20	2.9% + fixed fee	None	Variable	130+
Worldpay	Customised	Customised	Yes	Variable	120+
Authorize.Net	$25 monthly	$0.10 + interchange	Yes	Variable	33
Payline	Interchange	Interchange	None	Variable	180+
Adyen	Customised	Customised	Yes	Variable	200+
2Checkout	3.5% + £0.30	6.0% + fixed fee	None	Variable	87
WePay	2.9% + £0.30	4.4% + fixed fee	None	Variable	135+
PayU	Customised	Customised	Yes	Variable	50+
Skrill	1.9% + £0.20	3.9% + fixed fee	None	Variable	40+
Payoneer	2% – 3%	2% – 3%	None	Variable	150+
Google Pay	1.4% + £0.20	2.9% + fixed fee	None	Variable	40+
Paysera	1% – 2%	1% – 2%	None	Variable	30+
BlueSnap	Customised	Customised	Yes	Variable	100+
Klarna	Customised	Customised	Yes	Variable	17
Shopify Payments	1.6% – 2.2%	1.6% – 2.2%	None	Variable	130+

Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it’s recommended to visit the respective payment system’s official website for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fee structures.

PayPal

As a household name in online payments, PayPal offers a user-friendly interface and supports global transactions. It provides various integrations, fraud protection, and mobile compatibility. However, PayPal’s fees can be high, particularly for international transactions.

Pros:

• Widely recognised and trusted by customers.
• User-friendly interface and easy setup.
• Extensive currency support and global reach.
• Provides fraud protection and buyer/seller protection programs.

Cons:

• Relatively high fees, especially for international transactions.
• Limited customisation options for checkout.
• Account freezes or limitations can occur without warning.

Stripe

Stripe is known for its developer-friendly approach and excellent customisation options. It supports multiple payment methods, provides robust security measures, and has competitive pricing. Stripe is particularly popular among tech-savvy businesses.

Pros:

• Developer-friendly with excellent customisation options.
• Competitive fees, especially for businesses with high transaction volumes.
• Supports multiple payment methods and currencies.
• Robust security measures and fraud prevention tools.

Cons:

• Customer support can be slow or difficult to reach.
• Some advanced features may require technical knowledge.
• Certain industries may face restrictions or increased scrutiny.

Square

Square is a comprehensive payment platform that caters to small and medium-sized businesses. It offers various point-of-sale solutions, online payment processing, and inventory management tools. While Square provides a seamless user experience, it may not be suitable for larger enterprises.

Pros:

• Comprehensive payment platform with point-of-sale solutions.
• Easy setup and integration with e-commerce platforms.
• Offers inventory management and reporting tools.
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Cons:

• May not be suitable for larger enterprises with complex needs.
• Limited customer support options.
• Hardware costs for point-of-sale devices.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a mobile payment system that allows customers to make purchases using their Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.

With Apple Pay, customers can securely store their credit or debit card information on their devices and make payments in stores, apps, and on websites that support Apple Pay.

The system uses tokenisation to protect card information, ensuring that actual card details are not shared during transactions.

Apple Pay offers a fast and convenient checkout experience, utilising biometric authentication such as Face ID or Touch ID for secure and seamless payments.

It is widely accepted by various merchants, both online and in physical stores, making it a popular choice among Apple device users.

Pros:

• Seamlessly integrates with Apple devices and ecosystem.
• Provides a fast and convenient checkout experience.
• Offers enhanced security with tokenisation and biometric authentication.
• Widely accepted by various merchants and apps.

Cons:

• Limited to customers with Apple devices.
• Availability and support may vary depending on the region.
• May require additional setup or integration efforts for businesses.

Amazon Pay

With Amazon Pay, businesses can leverage the trust and convenience associated with the e-commerce giant. Customers can use their Amazon credentials to make purchases, streamlining the checkout process. However, Amazon Pay’s integration options are limited compared to other platforms.

Pros:

• Leverages trust and convenience associated with Amazon.
• Quick and seamless checkout process using Amazon credentials.
• Offers buyer protection and Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee.
• Good integration options for Amazon-powered stores.

Cons:

• Limited integration options compared to other platforms.
• Restricted to customers with Amazon accounts.
• International support may not be as extensive as other platforms.

Braintree

Acquired by PayPal, Braintree provides a developer-friendly environment with robust payment processing capabilities. It supports various currencies, offers advanced fraud protection, and has competitive fees. Braintree is an excellent choice for businesses with complex payment requirements.

Pros:

• Developer-friendly environment with advanced payment processing.
• Supports various currencies and payment methods.
• Provides robust security measures and fraud protection.
• Competitive pricing and transparent fee structure.

Cons:

• Integration and setup process may require technical expertise.
• Limited customer support options.
• May not be as suitable for small businesses with low transaction volumes.

Worldpay

Worldpay is a global leader in payment processing, offering a wide range of solutions for businesses of all sizes. It provides multi-currency support, extensive integrations, and advanced fraud prevention tools. However, Worldpay’s pricing structure can be complex and tailored to individual business needs.

Pros:

• Global leader in payment processing with extensive experience.
• Provides multi-currency support and advanced fraud prevention.
• Offers extensive integration options with third-party platforms.
• Tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Cons:

• Pricing structure can be complex and customised to individual needs.
• Customer support may vary depending on the region.
• Not as developer-friendly as some other platforms.

Authorize.Net

Authorize.Net is a popular choice for businesses in the United States. It offers customisable payment options, recurring billing, and advanced fraud detection tools. While it provides robust features, the platform may not be as user-friendly as some of its competitors.

Pros:

• Customisable payment options with recurring billing.
• Offers advanced fraud detection and prevention tools.
• Integrates with various shopping carts and e-commerce platforms.
• Established reputation and long-standing presence in the market.

Cons:

• Setup and integration process can be complex for beginners.
• User interface may feel outdated compared to more modern platforms.
• Monthly fee and per-transaction fees can add up for small businesses.

Payline

Payline is known for its transparent pricing structure and excellent customer service. It offers seamless integrations, fraud protection, and supports multiple payment methods. Payline’s offerings are particularly suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.

Pros:

• Transparent pricing structure with competitive rates.
• Excellent customer service and support.
• Seamless integration options with popular e-commerce platforms.
• Advanced fraud protection measures.

Cons:

• Availability limited primarily to businesses in the United States.
• May not offer as many advanced features as some competitors.
• Pricing plans may not be as flexible for businesses with unique needs.

Adyen

Adyen is a global payment platform that supports various payment methods and currencies. It provides advanced reporting and analytics, fraud prevention, and a seamless customer experience. Adyen’s services are primarily geared towards larger enterprises.

Pros:

• Global payment platform with extensive currency and payment method support.
• Advanced reporting and analytics capabilities.
• Provides a seamless customer experience across multiple channels.
• Offers robust fraud prevention and risk management tools.

Cons:

• Services are primarily geared towards larger enterprises.
• Pricing structure may be higher for smaller businesses.
• Integration and setup process may require technical expertise.

2Checkout

2Checkout offers a comprehensive suite of online payment services, including global payment processing, recurring billing, and subscription management. It supports multiple languages and currencies, making it an excellent choice for businesses targeting international markets.

Pros:

• Comprehensive suite of online payment services.
• Supports global payment processing and recurring billing.
• Multi-language and multi-currency support.
• Offers a user-friendly interface and easy integration options.

Cons:

• Higher transaction fees compared to some competitors.
• Limited customisation options for checkout.
• Support may not be as responsive during peak times.

WePay

WePay specialises in providing payment solutions for platforms and marketplaces. It offers easy onboarding, customised user experiences, and robust fraud prevention tools. However, WePay’s services may not be as suitable for standalone businesses.

Pros:

• Specialises in payment solutions for platforms and marketplaces.
• Offers easy onboarding and customised user experiences.
• Provides robust fraud prevention and risk management tools.
• Simplifies the payment process for platform users.

Cons:

• May not be as suitable for standalone businesses.
• Integration options may be limited compared to other platforms.
• Account stability issues have been reported in the past.

PayU

PayU is a leading online payment service provider with a strong presence in emerging markets. It offers local payment options, advanced security measures, and seamless integration capabilities. PayU’s services are particularly advantageous for businesses targeting customers in developing countries.

Pros:

• Leading online payment service provider in emerging markets.
• Supports local payment options and multiple currencies.
• Advanced security measures and fraud prevention tools.
• Seamless integration capabilities with e-commerce platforms.

Cons:

• Availability may be limited to specific regions.
• Additional fees may apply for certain features or services.
• Customer support may not be as responsive in all regions.

Skrill

Skrill is a popular payment platform that offers international money transfers, multi-currency support, and various merchant services. It provides competitive pricing and supports a wide range of industries. However, Skrill’s customer support can sometimes be challenging to reach.

Pros:

• Popular payment platform with international money transfer capabilities.
• Multi-currency support and various merchant services.
• Competitive pricing structure.
• Supports a wide range of industries.

Cons:

• Customer support can be challenging to reach.
• Limited customisation options compared to some competitors.
• Account verification process may be time-consuming.

Payoneer

Payoneer specialises in cross-border payments, making it an ideal choice for businesses with a global clientele. It offers multiple payment options, facilitates easy invoicing, and supports more than 150 currencies. Payoneer’s services are particularly useful for freelancers and e-commerce sellers.

Pros:

• Specialises in cross-border payments for freelancers and e-commerce sellers.
• Supports multiple currencies and provides competitive fees.
• Offers easy invoicing and payment collection.
• Simplifies global money transfers.

Cons:

• Fees may vary depending on the type of transaction.
• Some users have reported account verification delays.
• Certain services may require additional fees or upgrades.

Google Pay

Google Pay enables businesses to accept payments seamlessly through their websites. It offers a streamlined checkout process, supports various payment methods, and provides robust security measures. However, Google Pay’s customisation options may be limited compared to other platforms.

Pros:

• Streamlined checkout process using Google credentials.
• Supports multiple payment methods and offers enhanced security.
• Seamless integration with Google ecosystem.
• Fast and convenient for users familiar with Google services.

Cons:

• Limited customisation options for checkout.
• Availability and currency support may vary depending on the region.
• May not offer as many advanced features as some competitors.

Paysera

Paysera is a versatile payment system that offers a wide range of services, including online payments, money transfers, and e-commerce solutions. It supports multiple currencies, provides secure payment processing, and offers competitive fees. Paysera is particularly popular in Europe and the Baltic region.

Pros:

• Versatile payment system with a wide range of services.
• Supports online payments, money transfers, and e-commerce solutions.
• Competitive fees and extensive currency support.
• Strong presence in Europe and the Baltic region.

Cons:

• Limited brand recognition compared to larger platforms.
• Advanced features may require additional fees or upgrades.
• Customer support may vary depending on the region.

BlueSnap

BlueSnap is a global payment gateway that provides businesses with a comprehensive suite of payment solutions. It offers a seamless checkout experience, supports multiple payment methods, and provides advanced fraud prevention tools. BlueSnap is well-suited for businesses targeting international markets.

Pros:

• Global payment gateway with comprehensive payment solutions.
• Seamless checkout experience and support for multiple payment methods.
• Advanced fraud prevention tools.
• Tailored solutions for businesses targeting international markets.

Cons:

• Pricing and fees may vary depending on the business’s needs.
• Advanced customisation options may require technical expertise.
• Customer support may not be as accessible compared to some competitors.

Klarna

Klarna is a popular payment solution that allows businesses to offer flexible payment options to their customers. It provides “Buy Now, Pay Later” functionality, installment plans, and a smooth checkout experience. Klarna’s services are particularly beneficial for e-commerce businesses looking to enhance customer convenience.

Pros:

• Offers flexible payment options, including “Buy Now, Pay Later.”
• Provides installment plans and a smooth checkout experience.
• Enhances customer convenience and improves conversion rates.
• Integration options available for e-commerce businesses.

Cons:

• Services may require customisation and setup efforts.
• Availability and support may vary depending on the region.
• Potential impact on cash flow due to deferred payments.

Shopify Payments

Shopify Payments is a built-in payment system exclusively for Shopify users. It offers seamless integration, simplified setup, and competitive transaction fees. With Shopify Payments, businesses can manage their online store and accept payments efficiently within the Shopify ecosystem.

Pros:

• Built-in payment system exclusively for Shopify users.
• Simplified setup and seamless integration with Shopify stores.
• Transparent pricing and competitive transaction fees.
• Efficient management of online stores and payments within the Shopify ecosystem.

Cons:

• Limited to businesses operating on the Shopify platform.
• Advanced customisation options may be limited compared to standalone payment gateways.
• Not as suitable for businesses with complex payment needs.

Remember to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each payment system based on your specific business needs, industry requirements, target audience, and geographical reach to make an informed decision.

Conclusion – Online payment systems

Choosing the right online payment system for your business is crucial for delivering a seamless customer experience and ensuring secure transactions.

Consider factors such as pricing, scalability, integration options, and specific business requirements when making your decision.

Evaluate these top online payment systems based on your business needs, and you’ll be on your way to creating a smooth and efficient payment process for your customers.

FAQ – Online payment systems

Remember, it’s important to conduct thorough research, consider your specific business requirements, and consult with payment system providers to ensure you choose the most suitable option for your business.