The global digital payments market is growing rapidly, with businesses of all sizes relying on secure and efficient payment gateways to process transactions. Whether you’re running an e-commerce store, subscription service, SaaS platform, or retail business, choosing the right payment gateway is crucial for seamless financial transactions.
With so many options available, selecting the best payment gateway provider can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will provide a detailed list of payment gateways, covering global, regional, and industry-specific solutions to help businesses make an informed decision.
What Is a Payment Gateway?
A payment gateway is a financial technology solution that enables businesses to accept and process online payments securely. It acts as a bridge between a merchant’s website or app and the customer’s bank, ensuring transactions are encrypted, verified, and authorized.
Key Features of a Reliable Payment Gateway
Multi-payment support – Credit/debit cards, UPI, digital wallets, and crypto.
Security & fraud prevention – PCI DSS compliance, 3D Secure, and AI fraud detection.
Fast transaction processing – Low latency for real-time payments.
Easy integration – APIs, plugins, and developer-friendly tools.
Cross-border support – Multi-currency payments for international businesses.
Top 15 Global Payment Gateways for Businesses in 2025
Here’s a curated list of payment gateways used worldwide by merchants, categorized based on their features, pricing, and industry suitability.
- Stripe – Best for Developers & E-commerce
Key Features:
- Developer-friendly APIs for easy customization.
- Supports credit cards, ACH, digital wallets, and crypto payments.
- Advanced machine learning fraud detection.
Pricing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (US-based)
Best For: SaaS, e-commerce, and marketplaces.
- PayPal – Best for Global Transactions
Key Features:
- Trusted by millions of businesses worldwide.
- Buyer and seller protection for dispute resolution.
- Supports PayPal balance, credit cards, and bank transfers.
Pricing: 2.99% + $0.49 per domestic transaction
Best For: Small businesses, freelancers, and international sellers.
- Square – Best for In-Person & Mobile Payments
Key Features:
- Free POS system for in-store businesses.
- Quick setup for online payments and invoicing.
- No monthly fees, only per-transaction charges.
Pricing: 2.6% + $0.10 (in-person) | 2.9% + $0.30 (online payments)
Best For: Retail, food businesses, and local services.
- Adyen – Best for Enterprise & Global Expansion
Key Features:
- Supports over 150 payment methods worldwide.
- AI-driven risk management & fraud detection.
- Used by big brands like Spotify, Uber, and Airbnb.
Pricing: Interchange fees + 0.6% processing fee per transaction
Best For: Large enterprises, global merchants, and B2B payments.
- Authorize.Net – Best for Small Businesses
Key Features:
- No setup fees & fraud detection tools included.
- Supports recurring billing & virtual terminals.
- Accepts credit cards, e-checks, and PayPal.
Pricing: $25/month + 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
Best For: Small businesses, professional services, and healthcare.
- Braintree – Best for Subscription-Based Businesses
Key Features:
- Owned by PayPal, but operates independently.
- Seamless integration for recurring billing models.
- Accepts Venmo, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Pricing: 2.59% + $0.49 per transaction
Best For: SaaS, subscription services, and digital goods.
- 2Checkout (now Verifone) – Best for Global Payments
Key Features:
- Accepts payments in 200+ countries and 100+ currencies.
- Dynamic pricing tools for international businesses.
- Subscription management and fraud prevention tools.
Pricing: 3.5% + $0.35 per transaction
Best For: Digital products, SaaS, and international merchants.
Best Regional Payment Gateways
If your business operates in a specific region, consider these top local payment gateways for better currency conversion rates, local banking support, and regulatory compliance.
- Razorpay (India)
Best For: Indian businesses, startups, and e-commerce platforms.
Pricing: 2% per transaction (domestic), 3% (international)
- Paytm (India)
Best For: Small businesses, local retailers, and UPI payments.
Pricing: 1.99% per transaction for online payments
- MercadoPago (Latin America)
Best For: E-commerce and businesses in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, etc.
Pricing: Varies by country and transaction type
- Alipay (China)
Best For: Businesses targeting Chinese customers.
Pricing: 3% – 5% per transaction
- PayU (Europe, Asia, Latin America)
Best For: Fast-growing businesses in emerging markets.
Pricing: Varies by region
Best Payment Gateways for High-Risk Businesses
If your business falls under high-risk industries (CBD, gambling, adult content, forex, etc.), use these specialized payment gateways:
- PaymentCloud
Supports high-risk industries with chargeback prevention tools.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on risk category
- Durango Merchant Services
Best for CBD, travel, and nutraceutical businesses.
Pricing: Varies by industry risk level
- Soar Payments
Works with firearms, forex, and high-ticket sales merchants.
Pricing: Custom quotes based on business model
How to Choose the Best Payment Gateway for Your Business
Before selecting a payment gateway, consider the following factors:
Transaction Fees & Pricing Structure – Flat-rate, interchange-plus, or custom pricing.
Security & Compliance – PCI DSS compliance, encryption, and fraud detection.
Ease of Integration – API documentation and plugin availability.
Global Payment Support – Multi-currency processing for international customers.
Customer Support & Reliability – 24/7 support and fast dispute resolution.
Conclusion
Choosing the right payment gateway can streamline your transactions, enhance customer experience, and reduce operational costs. Whether you’re looking for global payment solutions, high-risk merchant services, or regional PSPs, this list of payment gateways provides top options for every business type.
FAQs: Payment Gateways Explained
1. What is the cheapest payment gateway for small businesses?
The cheapest payment gateway depends on your business model and transaction volume. Stripe, PayPal, and Square offer competitive pricing with no setup fees. For India, Razorpay and Paytm have low transaction fees.
2. Which payment gateway is best for international transactions?
Adyen, PayPal, and Stripe are best for global businesses as they support multi-currency payments and international credit cards.
3. How do I choose the right payment gateway for my business?
Consider: Transaction fees – Compare processing costs. Security features – Look for PCI DSS compliance & fraud protection. Integration options – Ensure it works with your website or app. Customer support – Reliable assistance is essential.
4. What are the hidden costs in payment gateways?
Look out for:
Chargeback fees – Can range from $15 to $100 per dispute. Cross-border fees – Extra charges for international transactions. Monthly maintenance fees – Some gateways charge $10-$50 per month.
5. Can I use multiple payment gateways?
Yes! Many businesses integrate two or more payment gateways to: Reduce transaction failure rates. Offer more payment options to customers. Improve checkout experiences for international buyers.
6. How long do payment gateways take to settle transactions?
Most payment gateways settle funds within T+1 to T+3 business days. Some offer instant payouts for an additional fee.
Looking for the best payment solution for your business? Comment below and let’s discuss!