We earn a commission from brands listed on this site. This influences the order and manner in which these listings are presented.
Advertising Disclosure
Last Updated: May 2024

The Best Online Payment Services of 2024

  • 1) Compare
  • 2) Sign-up
  • 3) Accept Payments
Top 3 Merchant Services
Special Deal
Leaders Merchant Services
Leaders Merchant Services
excellent
9.1
Save or get $200 guarantee
Visit Site
Paysafe
Paysafe
exceptional
9.7
Worldwide payment solutions
Visit Site
Stripe
Stripe
excellent
9.2
Easy and simple account creation
Visit Site
Oops, something went wrong.
Looks like this page needs a second chance.Please try again later.

Our Best Overall Provider

Oops, something went wrong.
Looks like this page needs a second chance.Please try again later.
Our Top Picks for May 2024
Leaders Merchant Services
favicon-LEADERS MERCHANT SERVICES
Leaders Merchant Services
Rates as low as 0.15%
Paysafe
favicon-PAYSAFE
Paysafe
Rates from 0.03% + $0.10
Stripe
favicon-STRIPE
Stripe
Rates from 2.9% + 0.30¢

We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.

The Benefits of Using a Payment Gateway

Are you a business owner interested in understanding the available payment options for transactions? Online payments are becoming more convenient and safe through new technologies that facilitate credit card transactions. By using a payment gateway, companies are expanding their business across the Internet. Consider the various factors that go into online transactions and how you can choose the best payment gateway today.

What is a Payment Gateway?

Payment Gateways are a kind of software and server that is cable of transmitting the information from a transaction to banks during a purchase. This communication not only transfers the information and payment to the bank, but it also is capable of receiving such information as whether the transaction is approved or declined. These services include a high level of security to protect sensitive data such as credit card numbers that might be abused by fraudulent parties. Sometimes a service fee is applicable to utilize an online payment gateway. The details simply depend on the payment gateway providers themselves and the terms they have established. Although some research might be required to choose the best product, an ecommerce payment gateway certainly has its benefits for your business.

Benefits of Using a Payment Gateway

  • Much faster payment method than cheques or processing a credit card manually
  • Much easier way to process payments as well
  • No third-party site is needed to perform transactions 

Various Types of Payment Gateway Services

First and foremost, these gateway services are used as a credit card payment gateway. A transaction using this kind of service retains and protects sensitive data while contacting banks with information. A credit card payment gateway should automatically guarantee a certain level of security by the very nature of its function. An ecommerce payment gateway might also be capable of other features, including a reporting system and the ability to process refunds. Sometimes, a merchant account payment gateway is capable of using multiple user accounts or of processing reoccurring transactions.

How to Choose the Best Online Payment Gateway

Payment gateways are becoming increasingly popular. With this popularity comes a wide variety of options for your business. Some of the most important factors in choosing an online payment gateway of course include pricing, but also its features and support. The best payment gateway doesn't rack up significant fees but also guarantees security in your online transactions. Payment gateway providers should be able to provide information regarding their services and associated costs. As pricing is sometimes the most inhibitive factor, be sure to gather this information when making a payment gateway comparison between companies.

By doing just a little research, you should be able to make a basic payment gateway comparison that will help you choose a service for your business. With so many payment gateway services available for use today, your choices should be plentiful. Start investigating today how a merchant account payment gateway can significantly benefit you and your business.

Our Top 3 Picks

  • 1
    Leaders Merchant Services

    Leaders Merchant Services

    • Best forAdditional value-added services, low rates
    • RatesStarts at 0.15%
    • Contract Length3 years

    Leaders is one of the best credit card processing services in the industry. It’s been around for 20 years, and its parent company is the reputable Paysafe Group Subsidiary. Leaders gives businesses a lot of reasons to love it, including some of the best credit card processing rates in the industry. We’re talking about rates that start at just 0.15%. Plus, Leaders has a 98% approval rating. So, businesses having a hard time getting the green flag will find Leaders’ process refreshing.

    What's more, Leaders offers a solid $500 Assurance guarantee. This states that if the company can't save you money within the first 6 months of your contract, you'll be awarded $500 in compensation. Leaders works with the reliable Clover point of sale system, and it also integrates with QuickBooks. New SMBs will appreciate the helpful glossary of terms and 24/7/365 customer service for troubleshooting any issues. Additionally, Leaders offers value-added services such as business cash advances, loyalty programs, gift cards, check guarantee services, and point of sale systems.

    Pros
    • $500 Assurance Program
    • Integrates with QuickBooks
    • Rates starting at 0.15%
    Cons
    • Long contract terms
    • Pricey early termination fee
  • 2
    Paysafe

    Paysafe

    • Best forBusinesses and corporations looking to scale up
    • RatesQuote-based
    • Contract LengthFrom month-to-month to three years

    Paysafe is a comprehensive payment solution that is transforming how businesses handle transactions. It accepts global payments in 17 currencies, including credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, POS systems, cash cards, and installment payments. The scale-based pricing starts at 15% for low volume, 3.9% per volume, and 9.5% for higher volume. There's also a fixed fee of 1.5 euros per transaction. Paysafe offers various services, including online, digital wallet, and in-person payments, and additional benefits like POS systems, receipt management, and currency conversion. This makes it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes and types.

    Paysafe offers several tools to assist businesses with their in-store payment processing. One of the notable equipment offerings is Paysafe's Android tablet POS (Point of Sale) system, which facilitates on-the-spot payment acceptance. This POS system, combined with Paysafe's sophisticated in-store payment structure, allows businesses to provide their customers with various payment options, including installment payments and mobile purchasing. For detailed pricing, contact Paysafe directly for a tailored quote.

    Pros
    • Flexible pricing
    • Integrates with major Ecommerce platforms like Shopify
    • Advanced security measures including tokenization
    Cons
    • Customer support response can take up to 24 business hours
    • No clear application process mentioned for setup
  • 3
    Stripe

    Stripe

    • Best forOnline businesses with international customers
    • RatesStart at 2.9% + 30¢ for every successful card charge for online processing
    • Contract LengthNo contract

    Fortune 500 companies and one-person startups use Stripe to process credit card payments online. Stripe also enables you to build ecommerce stores, create custom checkouts, and even incorporate a company. Its many features allow Stripe to be an all-in-one way to accept credit cards and other payments online and set up an online business.

    Accepting payments from 195 countries via digital wallets and other payment options, Stripe is more than just credit card processing. It is a full checkout and payment solution especially suited for online businesses, without the need for a traditional merchant account.

    Pros
    • Lots of features and potential add-ons
    • 24/7 support and optional help from Stripe developers and consultants
    • Customizable checkout flow
    Cons
    • API integration requires coding knowledge for customization
    • In-person credit card processing with Stripe Terminal has fewer features than online version