Stripe Alternatives: The Top 10 for Online Shops

Selecting the right payment processor is essential for optimizing your online store's performance. Although Stripe is well-known for its API and customization, it might not suit every e-commerce business. Consider factors like pricing, features, and integration when exploring other options. This article presents 10 top Stripe alternatives, emphasizing their strengths for e-commerce to help you choose the best payment solution.

What is Stripe?

Founded in 2010 by Patrick and John Collison in San Francisco, Stripe has become a leading payment processor known for its developer-friendly tools that enable businesses to craft customized payment experiences. It supports a vast range of payment methods and currencies, making it ideal for global e-commerce.

Key Features of Stripe:

• Customizable Checkout Experience: Provides tools like Stripe Elements and Checkout to personalize the payment process.
• Global Payment Acceptance: Supports over 135 currencies and various payment methods, including cards and digital wallets.
• Subscription Billing: Manages recurring payments for subscription services.
• Advanced Fraud Detection: Uses machine learning with Stripe Radar to detect and prevent fraud.
• Robust API and Documentation: Allows developers to integrate and customize payment solutions effectively.

Despite these strong features, some businesses may look for alternatives that offer different pricing, simpler integration, enhanced support, or features better suited to their specific e-commerce needs.

Overview of Stripe Alternatives

Here's a summary of Stripe and its 10 alternatives, highlighting key features, pricing, and ideal users:

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Top 10 Stripe Alternatives for E-commerce Businesses

Discover the top 10 alternatives to Stripe for e-commerce businesses. Each option provides unique features and pricing structures to help you find the best fit for your online store's payment processing needs.

1. PayPal Commerce Platform

PayPal Commerce Platform is a comprehensive payment solution designed to meet the needs of e-commerce businesses, from small startups to large enterprises, leveraging PayPal's extensive global network.

Key Features:

• Global Trust and Recognition: PayPal is widely recognized and trusted by consumers worldwide, potentially increasing conversion rates.
• Multiple Payment Options: Accepts payments via PayPal balances, credit/debit cards, and local payment methods.
• Easy Integration: Compatible with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento.
• Express Checkout: Streamlines the payment process, reducing cart abandonment.
• Seller Protection: Offers dispute resolution and fraud prevention tools to protect merchants.

Pricing: Domestic transactions are charged at 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. There are no monthly fees for standard accounts; fees may vary for international transactions and additional services.

Ideal For: E-commerce businesses seeking a globally recognized and trusted payment solution with straightforward integration and multiple payment options.

2. Square

Square provides an all-in-one payment solution that caters to both online and offline sales, making it a versatile choice for e-commerce businesses.

Key Features:

• Free Online Store Builder: Create an e-commerce website integrated with Square payments at no additional cost.
• Seamless Integration: Works with platforms like WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Wix.
• Unified Inventory Management: Syncs inventory across online and physical stores in real-time.
• Accepts Various Payment Methods: Supports all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more.
• Transparent Pricing: No monthly fees; pay only when you make a sale.

Pricing: Online transactions are charged at 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. In-person transactions are 2.6% + $0.10 per swipe, dip, or tap. There are no setup or monthly fees for basic services.

Ideal For: Small to medium-sized e-commerce businesses looking for an integrated solution that combines online and in-person sales channels.

3. Braintree

Braintree, a PayPal service, offers a robust payment platform that supports various payment methods with a single integration, focusing on providing a seamless checkout experience.

Key Features:

• Multiple Payment Options: Accepts credit/debit cards, PayPal, Venmo (US), digital wallets, and local payment methods.
• Global Reach: Processes transactions in over 130 currencies and supports merchants in 45+ countries.
• Customizable Checkout: Offers both drop-in UI components and custom integration options to match your brand.
• Recurring Billing: Simplifies subscription management with automated billing features.
• Fraud Protection: Provides basic fraud tools, with advanced options available for added security.

Pricing: The standard rate is 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. There are no monthly or setup fees; volume discounts may be available for high-volume merchants.

Ideal For: E-commerce businesses seeking a flexible, global payment solution with support for a wide range of payment methods and a customizable checkout experience.

4. Authorize.Net

Operated by Visa, Authorize.Net offers a secure payment gateway with advanced features tailored for e-commerce businesses.

Key Features:

• Advanced Fraud Detection: Provides tools to minimize fraud and secure customer data (PCI DSS compliant).
• Recurring Payments: Manages subscriptions and installment payments effectively.
• Extensive Integration Options: Compatible with numerous shopping carts and e-commerce platforms.
• Customer Information Manager: Stores customer payment data securely for faster future checkouts.
• Dedicated Support: Offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat.

Pricing: The All-in-One option includes a $25 monthly gateway fee plus 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. The Payment Gateway Only option has a $25 monthly fee, $0.10 per transaction, and $0.10 daily batch fee (for merchants with an existing merchant account).

Ideal For: Established e-commerce businesses requiring a secure, feature-rich payment gateway with dedicated customer support.

5. Amazon Pay

Amazon Pay allows customers to use their Amazon account to make purchases on your website, leveraging Amazon's trusted brand to enhance customer confidence.

Key Features:

• Familiar Checkout Experience: Simplifies the payment process by using customers' existing Amazon account information.
• Trusted Brand: Builds customer trust, potentially increasing conversion rates.
• Mobile Optimization: Ensures a seamless experience across all devices.
• Easy Integration: Offers plugins for popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce.
• Fraud Protection: Benefits from Amazon's advanced fraud detection capabilities.

Pricing: Domestic transactions are charged at 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. Cross-border transactions incur an additional 3.0% fee. There are no monthly or setup fees.

Ideal For: E-commerce businesses aiming to reduce cart abandonment and enhance customer trust by offering a familiar and trusted payment option.

6. Adyen

Adyen provides a unified commerce platform that allows e-commerce businesses to accept payments globally, supporting a vast array of payment methods.

Key Features:

• Global Payment Acceptance: Supports over 250 payment methods and 150+ currencies.
• Unified Commerce Solution: Integrates online, mobile, and in-store payments into one system.
• Advanced Risk Management: Utilizes real-time data and machine learning for fraud prevention.
• Scalability: Designed to handle high transaction volumes efficiently.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Offers detailed insights into payments, revenue, and customer behavior.

Pricing: Adyen uses an interchange-plus pricing model, which includes processing fees plus a fixed fee per transaction (e.g., $0.12 for cards). There are no setup or monthly fees; minimum invoice amounts may apply for smaller businesses.

Ideal For: Large e-commerce enterprises requiring a scalable, global payment solution with advanced features and comprehensive support.

7. 2Checkout (now Verifone)

2Checkout simplifies global e-commerce by enabling businesses to accept payments from customers worldwide, offering localized buying experiences.

Key Features:

• International Payment Processing: Supports transactions in over 200 countries and territories.
• Localized Checkout: Offers localized language and currency options to improve customer experience.
• Subscription Management: Provides robust tools for managing recurring payments and subscriptions.
• E-commerce Integrations: Compatible with over 120 shopping carts and e-commerce platforms.
• Fraud Protection: Implements advanced security measures to safeguard transactions.

Pricing: The 2Sell Plan charges 3.5% + $0.35 per successful sale. The 2Subscribe Plan charges 4.5% + $0.45 per transaction (includes subscription billing). The 2Monetize Plan charges 6.0% + $0.60 per transaction (for comprehensive global e-commerce solutions).

Ideal For: E-commerce businesses expanding into international markets needing a payment processor with extensive global capabilities and subscription management.

8. Klarna

Klarna offers flexible payment solutions like "buy now, pay later," which can increase customer purchasing power and boost sales for e-commerce businesses.

Key Features:

• Flexible Financing Options: Allows customers to pay in installments or after delivery.
• Increased Conversion Rates: Attracts customers who prefer flexible payment plans.
• Global Presence: Available in multiple countries, facilitating cross-border sales.
• Easy Integration: Provides plugins and APIs compatible with major e-commerce platforms.
• Merchant Portal: Offers analytics and tools for managing payments and customer relationships.

Pricing: Merchant fees vary based on the services used and the country; typically a transaction fee plus a percentage of the sale. Merchants should contact Klarna for customized pricing details.

Ideal For: E-commerce businesses looking to offer flexible payment options to enhance customer satisfaction and increase average order value.

9. Mollie

Mollie is a European payment service provider that simplifies accepting online payments with support for local payment methods and transparent pricing.

Key Features:

• Local Payment Methods: Supports popular European payment options like iDEAL, Bancontact, and SEPA Direct Debit.
• Easy Integration: Offers ready-made plugins for platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, and Magento.
• Transparent Pricing: Pay only for successful transactions with no hidden fees.
• Multi-Currency Support: Accept payments in multiple currencies, facilitating cross-border sales within Europe.
• Real-Time Dashboard: Provides insights into transactions and payouts.

Pricing: Credit card transactions are charged at 1.8% + €0.25 per transaction. iDEAL transactions (Netherlands) are €0.29 per transaction. There are no setup or monthly fees.

Ideal For: European e-commerce businesses seeking a payment solution that supports local payment methods with transparent and competitive pricing.

10. BlueSnap

BlueSnap offers an all-in-one payment platform designed to increase sales and reduce costs for e-commerce businesses with global ambitions.

Key Features:

• Global Payment Processing: Supports payments in over 100 currencies and 110 payment types.
• Subscription Billing: Provides comprehensive tools for managing recurring payments.
• Integrated Fraud Prevention: Utilizes AI and machine learning to protect against fraud.
• Optimized for Conversions: Features like hosted payment fields and localized checkout pages enhance the customer experience.
• Developer-Friendly: Offers robust APIs and SDKs for seamless integration.

Pricing: BlueSnap charges 2.9% + $0.30 per successful card transaction. Custom pricing may be available for businesses with higher volumes.

Ideal For: E-commerce businesses seeking a comprehensive global payment solution with advanced features to optimize conversions and reduce costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most asked questions in relation to Stripe alternatives:

Why should e-commerce businesses consider alternatives to Stripe?

While Stripe offers robust features and customization, alternatives may provide better alignment with specific business needs, such as lower transaction fees, easier integration with certain platforms, support for local payment methods, or enhanced customer support. Exploring alternatives ensures you choose a payment processor that best fits your operational requirements and customer preferences.

How important is offering multiple payment methods in e-commerce?

Providing a variety of payment options is crucial in e-commerce, as it accommodates customer preferences and can significantly reduce cart abandonment rates. Customers are more likely to complete a purchase if they can use their preferred payment method, whether it's a credit card, digital wallet, or local payment option.

Can I use more than one payment processor on my e-commerce site?

Yes, integrating multiple payment processors can offer customers additional choices at checkout, potentially increasing conversion rates. Most e-commerce platforms support multiple payment gateways, but it's important to manage them effectively to ensure a seamless customer experience and streamlined financial reporting.

What should I consider regarding security and compliance?

Security is paramount in handling online transactions. Ensure the payment processor is PCI DSS compliant and offers features like encryption, tokenization, and fraud detection tools. Compliance with local and international regulations protects your business from legal issues and builds customer trust.

How do transaction fees impact my e-commerce business?

Transaction fees affect your profit margins, especially for businesses with high sales volumes or low-margin products. It's essential to understand the fee structures, including any additional costs like currency conversion fees, chargeback fees, or monthly fees, to accurately assess the overall cost of using a payment processor.