As digital payments continue to dominate the global economy, businesses are seeking efficient and secure ways to collect online payments. Whether you’re running an e-commerce store, subscription platform, or selling digital products, choosing the right payment solution is crucial. This comprehensive list of payment gateways explores the top global, regional, and industry-specific options available in 2025.
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 service that securely authorizes and processes payments between a customer and a merchant. It encrypts sensitive data, verifies transactions, and transfers funds to the seller’s account. Acting as a bridge between your website or app and banking networks, a payment gateway ensures a seamless checkout experience for your customers.
Whether it’s credit cards, digital wallets, UPI, or even cryptocurrency, a good payment gateway supports multiple payment modes while safeguarding users against fraud.
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.
Why Your Business Needs a Reliable Payment Gateway
Here’s why choosing the right payment gateway matters:
-
Security: Advanced encryption and fraud detection.
-
Conversion: Faster checkout means more completed purchases.
-
Global reach: Accept payments in different currencies.
-
Automation: Manage recurring billing, invoicing, and refunds.
Let’s now dive into the most comprehensive list of payment gateways categorized by use cases and regions.
Here’s a curated list of payment gateways used worldwide by merchants, categorized based on their features, pricing, and industry suitability.
1. 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.
2. 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
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Razorpay (India)
✅ Key Features:
- UPI, cards, wallets, and EMI options.
- Powerful dashboard for automation.
- Instant settlement feature.
💰 Pricing: 2% (domestic), 3% (international)
🔹Ideal for: Startups and Indian e-commerce platforms.
9. Paytm (India)
✅ Best For: Small businesses, local retailers, and UPI payments.
💰 Pricing: 1.99% per transaction for online payments
10. MercadoPago (Latin America)
✅ Best For: E-commerce and businesses in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, etc.
💰 Pricing: Varies by country and transaction type
11. Alipay (China)
✅ Best For: Businesses targeting Chinese customers.
💰 Pricing: 3% – 5% per transaction
12. 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:
13. PaymentCloud
✅ Supports high-risk industries with chargeback prevention tools.
💰 Pricing: Custom pricing based on risk category
14. Durango Merchant Services
✅ Best for CBD, travel, and nutraceutical businesses.
💰 Pricing: Varies by industry risk level
15. Soar Payments
✅ Works with firearms, forex, and high-ticket sales merchants.
💰 Pricing: Custom quotes based on business model
How to Choose From the List of Payment Gateways
Choosing from a vast list of payment gateways can be confusing. Here are factors to help you decide:
✔ Transaction Fees
Compare flat-rate vs. interchange-plus models based on your sales volume.
✔ Payment Methods
Ensure support for local and international cards, wallets, and bank transfers.
✔ Security & Compliance
Look for PCI-DSS compliance, 3D Secure, and fraud filters.
✔ Integration & Compatibility
Check for plugins, APIs, and CMS compatibility (like Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.).
✔ Settlement Time
T+1, T+3, or instant payouts—depending on cash flow needs.
✔ Customer Support
24/7 assistance, dedicated managers, and fast issue resolution matter.
Final Thoughts on the List of Payment Gateways
A reliable payment gateway isn’t just a transaction processor—it’s the engine behind your digital revenue. This list of payment gateways covers everything from small business solutions to enterprise-level providers, giving you flexibility to scale and optimize payment experiences.
Whether you’re a local shop in Delhi or a SaaS brand expanding globally, there’s a gateway tailored for your growth. Choose wisely, and your payment experience will be seamless—for you and your customers.
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!