Adyen vs Stripe: Key Differences For Online Shops

Selecting the right payment processor is vital for ensuring smooth and secure transactions. Adyen and Stripe are two prominent options, each with distinct features.

Adyen, launched in 2006 in the Netherlands, offers a comprehensive platform for global payments. Stripe, founded in 2010, excels with its developer-friendly APIs and strong online payment capabilities.

This article explores the differences between Adyen and Stripe to guide you in choosing the best fit for your business.

Overview of Stripe vs Adyen

Here are the key features and differences of Adyen and Stripe

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Important Factors for Ecommerce

For businesses operating online, ecommerce capabilities are a critical factor when selecting a payment processor. Both Adyen and Stripe offer robust features tailored to online commerce, but they differ in specific functionalities, customization options, and global reach.

Integration with Ecommerce Platforms

Adyen provides seamless integrations with major ecommerce platforms such as Magento, Shopify Plus, WooCommerce, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Its plugins and APIs enable businesses to incorporate Adyen's payment processing into their existing systems efficiently.

Stripe also offers extensive integration capabilities with a wide array of ecommerce platforms including Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce. Stripe's powerful APIs allow developers to create highly customized checkout experiences that align with a brand's unique requirements.

If your business requires deep integration with enterprise-level platforms or operates across multiple channels (online, in-app, in-store), Adyen's unified commerce approach may offer an advantage. Stripe excels in providing flexible, developer-friendly tools suitable for businesses of all sizes seeking a customized online payment solution.

Make sure to check out other Stripe alternatives, so you dont miss out on the payment platform that would be the perfect solution for you.

Checkout Experience and Conversion Rates

A frictionless checkout process is essential for reducing cart abandonment and enhancing customer satisfaction.

• Adyen offers a customizable checkout experience that supports a wide range of payment methods, enabling customers to pay using their preferred options without leaving your website or app. Its Drop-in and Components solutions allow for tailored integration levels based on your needs.
• Stripe provides Stripe Elements and Checkout, enabling businesses to embed payment forms directly into their websites with a high degree of customization. This ensures a seamless user experience and can positively impact conversion rates.

Both platforms offer customizable checkout experiences. Adyen's strength lies in its ability to support an extensive array of local payment methods, which can be particularly beneficial for businesses targeting diverse international markets. Stripe is ideal for businesses seeking a balance between ease of integration and customization.

Payment Method Flexibility

Offering a variety of payment options is crucial for meeting customer preferences across different regions.

Adyen supports:

• Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, WeChat Pay, Alipay)
• Local payment methods (iDEAL, Bancontact, SEPA Direct Debit, Klarna)
• Alternative methods (Buy Now, Pay Later services, mobile payments)

Stripe offers:

• Major credit and debit cards
• Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• Local payment methods (ACH, SEPA Direct Debit, iDEAL)
• Buy Now, Pay Later options (Afterpay/Clearpay, Klarna)

Adyen's extensive support for local and alternative payment methods makes it particularly strong for businesses operating in multiple countries with diverse customer payment preferences. Stripe also supports a wide range of payment options but may have less coverage of certain local methods compared to Adyen.

International Sales and Currency Support

For businesses with a global reach, the ability to accept international payments smoothly is critical.

• Adyen operates in over 50 countries and supports payments in more than 150 currencies. Its global acquiring network allows for local acquiring in key markets, which can reduce transaction fees and improve authorization rates.
• Stripe is available in over 40 countries and supports transactions in 135+ currencies. Stripe also offers local acquiring in several countries, enhancing the payment experience for international customers.

Adyen's broader global coverage and local acquiring capabilities in more regions may provide a competitive edge for large enterprises with significant international operations. Stripe offers strong international support suitable for businesses targeting the countries within its operational scope.

Security and Compliance

Maintaining high security standards is essential for protecting customer data and maintaining trust.

• Adyen is PCI DSS compliant and offers advanced fraud prevention tools through its RevenueProtect system. It provides risk management features, including real-time fraud detection and customizable risk rules.
• Stripe is also PCI Level 1 certified, the highest level of certification. It offers Stripe Radar, an advanced fraud detection system powered by machine learning, allowing businesses to customize fraud prevention settings.

Both platforms provide robust security features. Adyen's enterprise-focused risk management tools may offer more granular control for large businesses with complex risk profiles. Stripe's machine-learning approach to fraud prevention provides powerful tools accessible to businesses of various sizes.

Ecommerce Features Comparison Table

Both Adyen and Stripe fulfill the most needed criterias when applying them as an online shop, here is an overview that shows the most important features for ecommerce, and whether or not the platforms support them:

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General Feature Analysis

Here are the key differences for adyen vs stripe when it comes to the normal features, like pricing, support and more.

Payment Processing

Adyen offers a unified platform that supports payment processing across online, mobile, and in-person channels. Its ability to handle transactions in multiple environments makes it a strong choice for businesses seeking a cohesive payment solution.

Stripe specializes in online payment processing with robust support for subscriptions and complex billing models. While Stripe has ventured into in-person payments with Stripe Terminal, its primary focus remains on online transactions.

Comparison Highlights:

• Adyen is ideal for businesses requiring a unified solution for online and offline payments, especially those with international operations.
• Stripe is suitable for businesses focusing on online sales and needing advanced billing and subscription management.

Fees and Pricing

Understanding the cost implications is crucial for managing profitability.

• Adyen offers customized pricing based on transaction volume, payment methods, and specific business needs. Its fees include interchange plus a processing fee, and it may require a minimum monthly commitment, making it more suitable for larger enterprises.
• Stripe provides transparent, flat-rate pricing at 2.9% + 30¢ per successful card charge in the U.S., with additional fees for international cards and currency conversion. There are no setup or monthly fees, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.

Adyen's pricing model can be more cost-effective for high-volume businesses that can negotiate lower rates. Stripe's straightforward pricing is advantageous for small to medium-sized businesses seeking predictability without volume commitments.

Developer Tools and Customization

Both platforms offer robust developer resources but differ in their focus.

• Adyen provides comprehensive APIs and extensive documentation, catering to enterprise-level integrations. Its developer tools support complex requirements and offer flexibility for large-scale deployments.
• Stripe is known for its developer-first approach, with intuitive APIs and excellent documentation. It allows for quick integration and extensive customization, making it popular among startups and tech-savvy businesses.

Adyen may be better suited for enterprises needing deep customization and dedicated integration support. Stripe is ideal for businesses looking for ease of integration with powerful customization options accessible to developers.

Settlement and Payouts

Efficient fund settlement is vital for cash flow management.

• Adyen offers flexible settlement options, including daily, weekly, or monthly payouts, and can settle in multiple currencies. This flexibility can benefit businesses with specific cash flow needs or those operating in various markets.
• Stripe provides standard payouts on a 2-day rolling basis in the U.S., with variations depending on the country. It supports instant payouts for an additional fee, offering quick access to funds when needed.

Adyen's flexible settlement schedules and multi-currency options can be advantageous for businesses managing international revenues. Stripe's consistent payout schedule suits businesses preferring predictable cash flow.

Customer Support

Access to reliable support is essential for resolving issues promptly.

• Adyen offers dedicated support for its clients, with account managers and technical support teams available to assist with integration and operational inquiries. This level of support is particularly beneficial for large enterprises.
• Stripe provides support via email, chat, and phone. Its extensive documentation and community forums are valuable resources for troubleshooting and learning.

Adyen's personalized support may offer an edge for businesses requiring hands-on assistance. Stripe's support structure is suitable for businesses comfortable with self-service resources and occasional direct support.

Pick the Payment Processor That Works Best for You

Choosing between Adyen and Stripe depends on your business's specific requirements, operational scale, and strategic goals.

Consider Adyen if:

• Your business operates internationally and requires extensive local payment method support.
• You need a unified platform for online, mobile, and in-person payments.
• Customized pricing based on high transaction volumes is beneficial.
• Enterprise-level features and dedicated support are important to your operations.

Opt for Stripe if:

• Your business focuses primarily on online sales with the need for advanced subscription and billing solutions.
• You value a developer-friendly platform with extensive customization options.
• Transparent, predictable pricing without monthly commitments suits your financial planning.
• Your operations are within the countries where Stripe is available, and global coverage meets your needs.

Assess your current business model, technical capabilities, and long-term objectives when selecting a payment processor. Both Adyen and Stripe offer powerful solutions catering to different segments of the market. By aligning your choice with your specific needs, you can enhance your payment infrastructure, improve customer experiences, and support your business's growth in the competitive global marketplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we have answered some of the most commonly asked question in relation to Adyen vs Stripe:

Is Adyen suitable for small businesses and startups?

While Adyen primarily caters to large enterprises due to its customized pricing and comprehensive features, it can also serve small to medium-sized businesses, especially those with international operations or complex payment needs. However, the minimum monthly commitments and integration complexity may be a consideration.

How does Stripe's global coverage compare to Adyen's?

Stripe operates in over 40 countries, focusing on major markets, while Adyen has a broader global presence in over 50 countries. Adyen's extensive local acquiring capabilities may offer advantages in specific regions, enhancing payment acceptance rates and reducing costs.

Can both Adyen and Stripe handle in-person payments?

Yes, both platforms support in-person payments. Adyen offers integrated POS solutions suitable for omnichannel businesses, while Stripe provides Stripe Terminal for in-person transactions, although its offerings are more limited compared to Adyen's.

Which platform offers better support for subscription-based businesses?

Stripe excels in supporting subscription-based models, providing advanced billing features, metered billing, and flexible pricing plans. Adyen also supports recurring payments but may require more complex integration to achieve similar functionalities.

Are there any hidden fees with Adyen or Stripe?

Both Adyen and Stripe are transparent about their fees. Adyen's pricing is customized, and businesses should discuss all potential fees during the negotiation process. Stripe's fees are straightforward, with additional charges for specific services like international payments or chargebacks.