If you sell online, your checkout is your business. In 2025, the best payment gateways do more than process cards—they boost conversion, fight fraud, support local wallets, and keep you compliant without adding ops debt. In this practical guide to the best payment gateways 2025, we’ll show you how to choose the right processor for your stack, compare top providers head-to-head, and implement a high-converting, globally-ready checkout without surprises.
The best payment gateways for online stores in 2025
Here’s a quick overview before we dive deep. Each of these supports modern features like tokenization, subscription billing, and multi-currency. Always verify features and fees on official vendor pages—offerings change fast.
- Stripe: developer-first, global methods, powerful APIs, subscriptions, Radar fraud tools.
- PayPal (incl. PayPal Checkout): universal brand recognition, PayPal + cards + Pay Later.
- Adyen: enterprise-grade, unified commerce, strong global acquiring and local methods.
- Braintree (a PayPal company): robust vaulting, marketplace flows, good for SaaS/marketplaces.
- Square: strong for POS + online hybrids, simple setup, invoices, SMB-friendly.
- Authorize.net: legacy-friendly, stable gateway, broad compatibility with older stacks.
How we selected (what actually matters)
- Conversion: one-click and wallet options (Apple Pay, Google Pay), low-friction SCA, retries, smart declines.
- Coverage: countries, currencies, and local methods (e.g., iDEAL, SEPA, UPI, Pix).
- Compliance: PCI DSS scope reduction, PSD2 SCA support, dispute tooling.
- Risk & fraud: rule engines, ML scoring, 3DS2 flows, chargeback handling.
- Subscriptions & invoicing: trials, proration, dunning, tax handling options.
- Dev & ops: SDK quality, webhooks, logs, observability, sandbox parity.
- Total cost logic: not just percentage fees—look at cross-border, disputes, currency conversion, optional add-ons.
Stripe review: global, developer-first, conversion-focused
Best for: SaaS, DTC brands, and any team that wants global reach and modern checkout tooling.
Why it wins: Excellent APIs and docs, broad local payment methods, Subscription/Checkout products, and strong risk tooling (Radar). Powerful reporting and webhooks make ops and finance smoother.
Standout features: Checkout + Payment Element for fast UX; Link for one-click; advanced retries; 3DS2 support; robust webhook events; native tax and invoicing add-ons. Global acquiring reduces cross-border friction in supported markets.
Limitations: Feature breadth can feel complex for very small teams. Certain add-ons and cross-border scenarios may add to effective cost. Always verify current plans and fees.
Docs & pricing: stripe.com/pricing • stripe.com/docs
PayPal review: trust badge that boosts checkout confidence
Best for: Stores that want immediate trust lift and access to PayPal balances and Pay Later.
Why it wins: Brand recognition improves conversion, especially for first-time buyers. PayPal Checkout combines wallets + cards under a familiar button. Pay in 4/Pay Later options can raise AOV.
Standout features: One-touch, PayPal Pay Later, buyer protection signaling, easy add-on to most carts, strong dispute workflows.
Limitations: Some shoppers prefer card-only flows; settlement and reconciliation flows differ from card-first gateways. Evaluate combined UX if you also run Stripe/Braintree.
Docs & fees: paypal.com/merchant-fees • developer.paypal.com
Adyen review: enterprise grade, unified commerce
Best for: Global retailers and platforms that want one provider across POS and online with top-tier local acquiring.
Why it wins: Deep coverage for local methods, strong risk tooling, and unified data across channels. Excellent uptime and large-merchant focus.
Standout features: Local acquiring in key markets, risk scoring, unified POS + online, rich reporting, marketplace capabilities.
Limitations: Enterprise orientation means more setup complexity and volume expectations. Ensure fit for your size and regions.
Docs & pricing: adyen.com/pricing • docs.adyen.com
Braintree review: flexible vaulting and marketplace flows
Best for: SaaS and marketplaces that need robust vaulting, split payments (via Marketplace), and a developer-friendly stack with PayPal ties.
Why it wins: Solid subscriptions support, strong tokenization, and PayPal ecosystem synergy. Good for custom checkouts.
Standout features: Advanced vaulting, marketplace payouts, robust SDKs, 3DS2, recurring billing.
Limitations: Feature overlap with PayPal can be confusing; evaluate combined setup for clarity. Verify regional availability for methods you need.
Docs & pricing: braintreepayments.com/pricing • developer.paypal.com/braintree
Square review: stores with POS + online
Best for: SMBs that run in-person plus online and want simple, unified tools (POS, invoices, online checkout).
Why it wins: Easy onboarding, strong POS hardware/software, and straightforward online payments for small catalogs or services.
Standout features: POS-first experience, invoices, subscriptions add-on, simple site builders, basic fraud tools.
Limitations: International coverage and advanced developer features may trail Stripe/Adyen for complex global needs.
Docs & pricing: squareup.com/pricing • developer.squareup.com/docs
Authorize.net review: stable, legacy-friendly gateway
Best for: Teams with legacy stacks or processors that require a gateway with wide compatibility.
Why it wins: Longstanding ecosystem support, simple feature set, reliable uptime.
Standout features: Basic subscriptions, CIM (customer profiles), hosted forms options, fraud filters.
Limitations: Fewer modern growth features and local methods; developer experience feels dated next to Stripe/Braintree.
Docs & pricing: authorize.net/pricing • developer.authorize.net
Security, compliance, and fraud: non-negotiables in 2025
- PCI DSS: Use hosted fields/elements to keep card data off your servers and reduce scope. See pcisecuritystandards.org.
- SCA (PSD2): Support 3DS2, exemptions, and frictionless flows for the EU/UK. See EU guidance.
- Fraud tooling: Combine ML + rules; require step-up auth only when risk is high. Watch chargeback rates monthly.
- Data minimization: Tokenize; avoid storing raw PANs. Log with PII redaction.
Quick comparison: which gateway fits your use case?
- Going global fast: Stripe or Adyen (local methods + acquiring).
- Trust & Pay Later boost: PayPal Checkout alongside your card processor.
- Marketplaces: Braintree (Marketplace) or Stripe (Connect) depending on region and complexity.
- POS + online: Square for SMB simplicity; Adyen for enterprise unified commerce.
- Legacy stack: Authorize.net as a compatible gateway layer.
Implementation guide: Shopify and WooCommerce
Shopify
- Pick your provider in Payments settings (Shopify Payments powered by Stripe in many regions, or third-party like PayPal/Adyen per availability).
- Enable wallets (Apple Pay/Google Pay) and PayPal Express where relevant.
- Turn on 3DS2/SCA options where required; test flows in sandbox.
- Add anti-fraud app rules only where needed; avoid heavy friction for good traffic.
- Monitor checkout analytics and conversion after each change.
Docs: Shopify Payments (help.shopify.com)
WooCommerce
- Choose an official gateway extension (Stripe, PayPal, Square, Authorize.net). Install and connect via API keys.
- Use hosted fields/Payment Element to reduce PCI scope.
- Enable wallets and local methods; verify country-by-country support.
- Test webhooks (payment_intent events, disputes) and log deliveries.
- Measure checkout drop-off and payment failure reasons; iterate.
Docs: WooCommerce Payments • WooCommerce extensions
Real-world patterns (copy these)
- Subscription DTC/SaaS: Use Stripe/Braintree subscriptions with smart retries + dunning emails. Pair with your CRM: see Follow-Up Automation 2025.
- International rollout: Turn on local methods per market (e.g., iDEAL NL, SEPA EU, UPI India, Pix Brazil). Reduce cross-border declines with local acquiring where possible.
- Marketplaces: Split payouts compliantly (KYC/KYB) using Stripe Connect or Braintree Marketplace; keep audit trails tidy.
Performance tips to protect conversion
- Offer the top 2–3 payment options your audience expects; too many choices create friction.
- Auto-detect wallets and local methods; hide irrelevant options by region/device.
- Keep checkout minimal: shipping, taxes, and trust badges visible; avoid surprise fees.
- Instrument failures: distinguish issuer declines, risk blocks, 3DS timeouts, and user drops.
- Align with SEO and UX best practices from E-commerce SEO 2025.
Alternatives and add-ons to consider
- BNPL: PayPal Pay Later, Klarna, Afterpay—verify fees and conversion lift before rollout.
- Local APMs: iDEAL, Giropay, EPS, Sofort, BLIK, Pix, UPI—pick by market share.
- Fraud add-ons: Device fingerprinting, velocity rules, and chargeback alerts. Start simple; tune monthly.
Tools that speed you up
- Spin up reliable WooCommerce stores on Hostinger for fast TTFB and stable checkout performance.
- Secure your domain and SSL at Namecheap to protect customer trust.
- Find vetted lifetime deals on payment/analytics add-ons via AppSumo—validate features before you buy.
Related guides on Isitdev
- Abandoned Cart Recovery Emails 2025 to rescue failed checkouts.
- CRM Webhooks 2025 for real-time payment and subscription events.
- AI-Powered CRM Features 2025 to personalize follow-ups post-payment.
- CRM Follow-Up Automation 2025 for dunning and renewal nudges.
Final recommendations
- Start with conversion: enable wallets, reduce friction, and audit declines.
- Pick for your roadmap: global methods (Stripe/Adyen), trust boost (PayPal), or POS+online (Square).
- Instrument everything: track failure codes, chargeback rate, SCA frictions, and region method mix.
- Re-evaluate quarterly: methods, risk rules, and fees change—stay current.
Frequently asked questions
Which payment gateway converts best in 2025?
It depends on your audience. Wallets (Apple Pay/Google Pay) and PayPal often lift conversion. Stripe/Adyen excel globally; PayPal boosts first-time trust.
Do I need multiple gateways?
Many stores run one primary processor plus PayPal Checkout. Add a backup only if you face recurring outages or regional gaps.
How do I reduce SCA friction in the EU/UK?
Use 3DS2, apply exemptions where eligible, and trigger step-up only when risk is high. Test flows and watch completion rates.
What’s the biggest hidden cost?
Cross-border and currency conversion fees, plus chargebacks. Monitor your order mix by region and method.
Which gateway is best for subscriptions?
Stripe and Braintree both offer strong recurring billing and dunning tools. Validate specific needs like proration and trials.
How do I handle fraud without hurting conversion?
Start with ML defaults, add a few clear rules, and review false positives monthly. Use 3DS2 step-up on high-risk only.
Is PCI compliance complicated?
Use hosted fields/elements to reduce scope. Your provider should publish a PCI A-EP/SAQ guide—follow it closely.
How do I decide on local payment methods?
Map top markets and their preferred methods (e.g., iDEAL NL, Pix BR). Enable 2–3 per region; measure usage.
What metrics should I watch weekly?
Authorization rate, checkout drop-off, wallet usage, 3DS challenge rate, chargeback rate, and decline reasons by issuer.
Where do I verify current fees?
Always on official pricing pages: Stripe, PayPal, Adyen, Braintree, Square, Authorize.net. Avoid quoting outdated numbers.
Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Always verify features and fees on official vendor pages.
