How to Choose the Right Payment Gateway for Ecommerce

Choosing a payment gateway goes far beyond popularity or brand recognition. In ecommerce—and especially in dropshipping—this choice must align with your business model, your target audience, and your store platform.

Making the wrong decision here can lead to profit losses on every sale, blocked payouts, or a frustrating checkout experience. Here's what to evaluate before committing to a provider:

1. Payment Processing Fees

Every transaction comes with fees. These may be:

• A percentage of the sale (e.g., 2.9%)

• A fixed amount per transaction (e.g., $0.30)

• Extra charges for currency conversion or international payments

When you're working with tight margins—as is often the case in dropshipping—transaction fees can eat into your profits. It's essential to compare pricing structures based on your average order value, sales volume, and the countries you sell to.

Some providers like Helcim or Stax offer volume-based pricing tiers, which are ideal for scaling ecommerce businesses.

2. Accepted Payment Methods & Platform Compatibility

A strong ecommerce payment gateway must support the way your customers prefer to pay, including:

• Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)

• Digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal

• Local payment options (e.g., Bancontact, iDEAL, Sofort)

• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, increasingly popular in many markets

Also check for seamless integration with your ecommerce platform (Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce). Native plugins minimize technical issues and simplify order tracking.

Support for third-party tools like CRM, ERP, or accounting software via plugins or APIs is a big plus.

3. Security Features

Online payments are sensitive by nature. Your gateway should include:

• Full PCI-DSS compliance

• Encrypted payment information

• Built-in fraud detection tools

• Strong customer authentication (e.g., 3D Secure)

Chargebacks are more common in dropshipping, especially due to longer delivery times or unmet expectations. Look for a provider that can intelligently block suspicious transactions while keeping the customer experience smooth.

4. International Payment Capabilities

Most dropshipping stores target multiple countries. That means your gateway should handle:

• Multiple currencies with transparent conversion fees

• Local payment options for each market

• Reasonable payout delays to your bank account

For example, Belgian shoppers expect Bancontact, while Dutch customers prefer iDEAL. Not offering these can cost you sales. Localization is a major factor in international conversion rates.

5. Scalability & Technical Support

As your store grows, your payment gateway provider should scale with you. Look for:

• Responsive support in case of bugs, disputes, or fraud alerts

• A reliable API to automate parts of your operations

• Detailed dashboards to track payment performance

Some providers offer personalized support or negotiable rates once you reach certain sales volumes. This can be a game-changer in optimizing your payment flow and reducing long-term costs.

Best Payment Gateways for Ecommerce and Dropshipping in 2025

Here are the 12 best ecommerce payment gateways for dropshipping in 2025, selected for their performance, security, and adaptability. Whether you're just launching your store or looking to optimize an existing one, each solution below offers distinct advantages depending on your goals, markets, and tech stack.

1. Shopify Payments

Shopify Payments is Shopify’s native payment gateway, built directly into the platform. It allows merchants to accept payments without third-party integrations.

Features

• Automatically integrated when you launch a Shopify store

• Accepts major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay

• Installment payments via Shop Pay Installments

• Automatic currency conversion for local markets

• Unified dashboard for tracking sales and payouts

Pros

• No extra transaction fees when using Shopify Payments

• Quick setup, no external configuration required

• Fully synced with Shopify’s backend tools

• Centralized support and account management

Cons

• Available only for Shopify stores

• Limited by geographic availability

• Must comply with Shopify’s policies (e.g. product restrictions, shipping delays)

Pricing

• Starts at 2.4% + €0.25 per transaction (varies by plan)

• No monthly fee for using Shopify Payments

Ideal for anyone already using Shopify. It reduces costs, speeds up payment processing, and removes the complexity of external integrations.

2. Stripe

Stripe is an API-first payment platform known for its flexibility and global reach. It’s a popular choice for businesses needing advanced customization or targeting international markets.

Features

• Supports over 135 currencies and payment methods

• Accepts cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, BNPL, and local payments

• Advanced analytics, billing, and subscription tools

• Machine learning–based fraud detection with Stripe Radar

• Seamless integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, and more

Pros

• Excellent global coverage

• Clean developer-friendly interface

• Ideal for automating backend payment operations

• Access to financial tools like split payments and recurring billing

Cons

• Setup may be more technical for beginners

• Additional fees for international cards and conversions

• Support may be slow to respond at times

Pricing

• 1.4% + €0.25 for European cards

• 2.9% + €0.25 for non-EU cards

• +1% for currency conversion

Stripe is a powerful option for global dropshipping businesses that need flexibility and international payment capabilities. For advanced users, it also provides deep visibility into payment data and transactions.

3. PayPal

Still one of the most trusted names in online payment, PayPal lets customers pay via account balance, credit/debit cards, or financing options like Pay Later.

Features

• One-click checkout with PayPal One Touch

• Dispute resolution built into the dashboard

• Accepts payments in 25+ currencies across 200+ countries

• Easy integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce

• Installment options available in supported countries

Pros

• High consumer trust, especially in English-speaking markets

• Quick setup—no coding required

• Built-in dispute tools

• Widely supported across ecommerce platforms

Cons

• Account holds and freezes are common, especially for dropshipping

• High fees on refunds and currency exchange

• Less intuitive backend compared to Stripe or Shopify

Pricing

• 2.9% + €0.35 per transaction

• Currency conversion fees up to 4%

• No monthly fee for standard use

PayPal is a must-have to boost consumer confidence, especially for international or US-based customers. However, we recommend using it alongside another payment gateway provider to avoid cash flow disruptions.

4. Square

Square is well known for in-person payment terminals, but it also offers a complete online checkout solution. It’s best suited for sellers who operate both online and offline.

Features

• Accepts cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, BNPL

• Built-in ecommerce site builder with hosted checkout

• Real-time inventory and sales tracking

• Detailed analytics on product and channel performance

• API support for Shopify, WooCommerce, and more

Pros

• All-in-one solution for omnichannel merchants

• Easy-to-use website builder—no dev skills required

• Seamless sync between in-store and online sales

• Unified payments from POS and ecommerce

Cons

• Smaller global footprint than Stripe or PayPal

• Less suited to online-only businesses

• Slightly higher fees for certain payment types

Pricing

• 2.9% + €0.30 per online transaction

• Free plan available; premium plans from €29/month

Great for entrepreneurs combining local and online sales. But if you're fully digital, there may be better options.

5. Adyen

Used by major brands, Adyen is a high-end payment processor that supports massive transaction volumes and local payment methods worldwide.

Features

• 250+ payment methods available

• Unified solution for online, mobile, and point-of-sale payments

• Real-time fraud monitoring and risk management

• Centralized reporting across all payment channels

• In-depth dashboards for transaction history and analytics

Pros

• Excellent for localized payment support (iDEAL, Klarna, Alipay, etc.)

• Highly scalable and internationally compliant

• Trusted by enterprise-level businesses

• Robust infrastructure and API

Cons

• Setup is complex for small businesses

• Pricing requires direct negotiation

• Less accessible for new or low-volume sellers

Pricing

• Custom rates (e.g., ~€0.11 + method-specific fees)

• No fixed monthly fee, but volume-based negotiation required

Adyen is built for cross-border dropshipping at scale. If you're targeting multiple countries and want complete control over payment localization, this is a top-tier solution.

6. Worldpay

Worldpay operates in over 150 countries and is designed for businesses handling high-volume transactions. It supports a wide range of payment methods, making it a flexible solution for scaling internationally.

Features

• Accepts credit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, and crypto

• Compatible with 120+ currencies

• Integrates with major ecommerce platforms

• Transaction and fraud monitoring dashboards

• Tools for recurring billing and subscriptions

Pros

• Global presence with support for many markets

• Suitable for both one-time and recurring payments

• Multilingual technical support

• Strong reputation for high-volume reliability

Cons

• Pricing is quote-based—lack of transparency

• Onboarding process can be lengthy for new merchants

• User interface is more traditional than modern competitors

Pricing

• Custom pricing depending on volume, industry, and region

• May include monthly fees and per-transaction commissions

Worldpay is best suited for established merchants with consistent international transactions. It's a stable choice for growing businesses but may not be ideal for small startups or solo sellers.

7. Authorize.net

Authorize.net, a subsidiary of Visa, is one of the longest-standing online payment gateways. It’s trusted by businesses that need flexible billing options, including ACH and recurring payments.

Features

• Supports credit cards, digital wallets, and eCheck (ACH transfers)

• Built-in recurring billing and subscription tool

• Secure storage of customer payment information

• Customizable fraud detection filters

• Payment management dashboard with reporting

Pros

• Great for subscription models and direct bank transfers

• Reliable and widely used across North America

• Custom fraud controls

• Also supports phone and POS payments with terminals

Cons

• User interface feels outdated

• Limited global reach—mainly North American focus

• Monthly subscription required

Pricing

• $25/month platform fee

• 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

• Extra charges for eCheck or international payments

Best for US-based merchants with recurring billing needs or who want to offer bank transfer options. Less suited for new ecommerce stores or global-first dropshippers.

8. Braintree

Owned by PayPal, Braintree offers a developer-friendly solution to handle multiple payment types within a single platform. It's ideal for sellers who need more flexibility than PayPal alone.

Features

• Accepts credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo (US), and more

• Recurring billing and subscription support

• Localized currency conversion

• Customer and transaction management interface

• Advanced reporting tools

Pros

• Multiple payment options through one interface

• Native integration with PayPal’s ecosystem

• Installment payments available in select markets

• Ideal for international stores with complex needs

Cons

• Requires technical setup and API configuration

• Dedicated merchant account is needed

• Less intuitive for beginners compared to PayPal

Pricing

• 2.9% + $0.49 per card or wallet transaction

• 0.75% for ACH (capped at $5)

• No monthly subscription fee

Braintree is a powerful tool for established ecommerce brands looking for advanced payment flexibility. It offers more control than PayPal, without leaving its ecosystem.

9. Skrill

Skrill is a digital wallet and online payment gateway that specializes in fast, low-cost international transfers. It’s often used in markets underserved by traditional providers.

Features

• Online payments, fund transfers, and wallet functionality

• Supports 40+ currencies

• Strong security via encryption and multi-factor authentication

• Instant payments with real-time notifications

• Supports select cryptocurrencies

Pros

• Fast setup and simple activation

• Competitive currency conversion fees

• Easy withdrawal and transfer tools for merchants

• Popular in Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia

Cons

• Less consumer trust than PayPal or Stripe

• Interface is somewhat dated

• Inactivity fees apply to unused accounts

Pricing

• 3.99% for currency conversions

• No monthly fees for active accounts

• €5/month inactivity fee

Skrill is a solid option for merchants targeting regions with local payment preferences. It supports various currencies and easy fund transfers, making it a low-cost solution for cross-border ecommerce.

10. HubSpot Payments

HubSpot Payments is a built-in solution within the HubSpot ecosystem, designed to let businesses collect payments directly from their CRM. It's a great fit for B2B sellers, consultants, or ecommerce stores that use relationship-based sales models.

Features

• Custom payment link generation

• Direct integration with HubSpot CRM

• Supports credit cards and ACH transfers (US only)

• Track payments within contact records

• Works with automated sales funnels

Pros

• Saves time for sales and support teams

• Full visibility across the customer journey

• Fast setup if you're already using HubSpot

• Send invoices and collect payments from your CRM

Cons

• Only available in the U.S.

• Requires a HubSpot Starter plan (starts at $20/month)

• Limited payment method support for international transactions

Pricing

• 2.9% per transaction

• No fixed fee per transaction

• Requires a HubSpot CRM subscription

Ideal for service providers or B2B sellers already in the HubSpot ecosystem. If you're focused on custom payment flows and CRM integration, this is a time-saving tool. But international sellers will need a secondary gateway.

11. Helcim

Helcim offers a transparent Interchange Plus pricing model, allowing merchants to benefit from lower rates as their volume increases. It's aimed at growing ecommerce stores that want to optimize payment processing fees over time.

Features

• Accepts card payments, payment links, virtual terminals, invoices

• Advanced dashboard with sales insights

• Tools for managing customers, subscriptions, and recurring billing

• API access and ecommerce platform integrations

• Auto-calculates interchange rates by card type

Pros

• Volume-based pricing with no hidden fees

• Clean, modern user interface

• In-depth analytics and transaction data

• Suitable for one-time, subscription, and service models

Cons

• Only available in North America

• Pricing model can be complex for beginners

• Less suited for very small sellers

Pricing

• Average: 2.49% + $0.25 per transaction

• Discounts based on monthly volume

• No monthly subscription fee

Great for ecommerce stores doing tens of thousands in monthly revenue. Helcim gives you clarity on processing costs and is designed to scale with your business.

12. Stax

Previously known as Fattmerchant, Stax uses a subscription-based pricing model. Merchants pay a flat monthly fee in exchange for zero percentage markups on transactions—ideal for businesses with steady sales volume.

Features

• Accepts links, virtual terminals, mobile, and ecommerce payments

• Real-time analytics dashboard

• Subscription and recurring billing tools

• Integrates with Shopify, QuickBooks, WooCommerce, and more

• Works alongside platforms like Stripe

Pros

• No percentage taken from each sale—only interchange fees

• Clear UI and customizable dashboards

• Centralized management for multiple sales channels

• Dedicated onboarding and support

Cons

• Monthly subscription starts at $99

• Not available outside the U.S.

• Not cost-effective for low-revenue stores

Pricing

• From $99/month

• No markup on transactions—only standard interchange applies

• Advanced tools included in higher plans

A strong choice for U.S.-based merchants with consistent revenue. The subscription model helps control costs once your business scales, especially for high-volume sellers.

Comparison Table: 12 Best Ecommerce Payment Gateways for Dropshipping

Here’s a summary table to help you compare the top ecommerce payment gateways at a glance, based on fees, features, and integrations.

This table helps identify the right payment processing solution based on your store type, geography, and scale.

• For international and scalable operations, Stripe, Shopify Payments, or Adyen stand out.

• For quick setup or localized use, PayPal and Square are great starters.