Think about the last time you bought something online. You probably clicked “buy” without a second thought. That smooth, secure checkout experience is powered by a payment gateway working perfectly behind the scenes. Now, think about a time you abandoned your cart. Was it because the site looked untrustworthy or the payment form was clunky on your phone? Your choice of gateway directly shapes this critical moment for your customers. The best online payment gateway for ecommerce is one that makes paying so easy and reassuring that your customers never have to think twice, turning more browsers into buyers.
Key Takeaways
- Define Your Needs Before You Shop: The best payment gateway is the one that fits your specific business. Before comparing options, consider your sales channels (online, in-person, or both), your customers’ payment preferences, and your technical resources to find a solution that truly supports your operations.
- Prioritize Security and a Smooth Checkout: While low fees are attractive, a secure and user-friendly checkout process is non-negotiable. Essential features like PCI compliance and fraud detection protect your business, while a simple, mobile-friendly experience prevents abandoned carts and builds the customer trust necessary to make a sale.
- Calculate Your True Costs and Plan for Growth: Look beyond the advertised transaction rate to understand the full picture. Ask for a complete fee schedule to uncover hidden costs like monthly minimums or chargeback fees, and choose a partner that can scale with you by supporting higher sales volumes and new payment methods as your business expands.
What Really Makes a Payment Gateway “Best”?
When you start shopping for a payment gateway, you’ll see the word “best” thrown around a lot. But the truth is, the best gateway isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The right choice for a local boutique is different from the right choice for a global subscription service. Instead of searching for a single winner, focus on what’s best for your business. It all comes down to a few core factors: security, cost, customer convenience, and compatibility. Let’s look at what you should be asking to find the perfect fit for your online store.
How Secure Is It?
This is the absolute most important question you can ask. A security breach can destroy customer trust and leave you with serious financial and legal headaches. Your top priority is finding a gateway that takes security seriously. This means it must follow strict industry rules for protecting cardholder data, known as PCI DSS compliance. Beyond that, look for robust fraud protection tools. A great gateway actively works to screen for and block suspicious transactions, protecting your revenue and your reputation. Don’t treat security as just another feature on a list—it’s the foundation of a trustworthy payment system.
Are the Fees Clear and Fair?
Nothing sours a relationship with a payment provider faster than surprise fees on your monthly statement. Transparency is key. While every gateway charges for its services, how they do it can vary wildly. Look beyond the advertised transaction percentage and ask about all potential costs. Are there monthly fees, setup charges, or extra costs for chargebacks? A fair provider will give you a clear, easy-to-understand breakdown of their fee structure. Always read the fine print so you know exactly how much of each sale you get to keep. These costs add up, directly impacting your bottom line.
Can Your Customers Pay How They Want?
You’ve done all the hard work to get a customer to the checkout page—the last thing you want is for them to leave because you don’t accept their preferred payment method. A great payment gateway makes it easy for people to give you their money. At a minimum, you need to accept all major credit and debit cards. But to stay competitive, you should also consider offering popular digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. Giving customers more ways to pay reduces friction at checkout, which means fewer abandoned carts and more completed sales for your business.
Does It Work With Your Existing Tools?
Your payment gateway should slide seamlessly into your current business operations, not force you to rebuild them. Before you commit, confirm that the gateway integrates smoothly with your ecommerce platform, whether it’s Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, or something else. A good integration means a simpler setup process and fewer technical glitches down the road. Most top providers offer simple plugins or apps to connect their service to your website. This ensures that your inventory, sales data, and payment processing all work together without causing you extra work or constant troubleshooting.
8 Top Online Payment Gateways to Consider
Choosing a payment gateway feels like a huge decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The right partner will make accepting payments feel seamless for both you and your customers. Think of a gateway as the digital version of a point-of-sale terminal—it securely captures payment information online and routes it to the payment processor. While they all serve the same basic function, they differ in fees, features, and the types of businesses they serve best.
We’ve gathered eight of the top online payment gateways to help you compare your options. This list includes everything from all-in-one platforms perfect for beginners to flexible solutions designed for businesses that need more customization. As you review them, think about your specific needs: Do you sell in-person and online? Do you need detailed sales analytics? Is transparent pricing your top priority? Answering these questions will help you find the perfect fit for your ecommerce store.
MBNCard Payment Solutions
If you’re looking for a partner that prioritizes secure, flexible, and affordable payment processing, MBNCard is built for you. We provide effective and secure payment gateways that can be tailored to fit your business, whether you’re just starting or already established. Our solutions cover everything from standard credit and debit card processing to complete e-commerce integrations, gift card programs, and more. We focus on building relationships with our merchants, offering clear pricing and dedicated support so you always know what you’re paying and have someone to call when you need help. It’s a great choice for business owners who value reliability and straightforward service without any surprises.
Stripe
Stripe is a powerhouse in the payment processing world, known for its incredible flexibility and developer-friendly tools. It’s designed for businesses that want to build a highly customized payment experience. Stripe offers a vast suite of products that allow you to connect with hundreds of other apps, giving you deep control over your checkout flow. It also provides detailed analytics, helping you understand payment failures and manage customer disputes effectively. If you have a developer on your team or feel comfortable with more technical setups, Stripe’s platform offers nearly endless possibilities for creating a payment system that perfectly matches your business needs.
PayPal
As one of the most recognized names in online payments, PayPal offers instant trust and familiarity for your customers. Setting it up is incredibly simple, making it a popular choice for new businesses. Customers love the convenience of paying with their PayPal account, which can help streamline the checkout process. However, it’s worth noting that PayPal’s fee structure can sometimes be complex, with rates that vary based on transaction type and currency. Despite this, its ease of use and strong brand recognition make it a solid and reliable option for almost any online store.
Square
Square is the ideal solution for businesses that operate both online and in person. It masterfully bridges the gap between your physical and digital storefronts, creating a unified system for all your sales. With its range of card readers for in-person transactions and a robust ecommerce platform, Square makes it easy to manage your entire business from one place. It even includes a simple website builder if you’re just getting started. For retailers, restaurants, or service providers who want a single, cohesive system for payments, inventory, and customer data, Square’s ecosystem is hard to beat.
Shopify Payments
If your store is built on Shopify, using Shopify Payments is almost a no-brainer. As the platform’s native payment solution, it’s perfectly integrated into your dashboard, making setup and management incredibly easy. You get an all-in-one system that combines your website, marketing tools, and payment processing. This eliminates the need to juggle multiple accounts or deal with third-party gateways. Using Shopify Payments also means you won’t be charged the additional transaction fees that Shopify applies when you use an external gateway, which can lead to significant savings as your business grows.
Braintree
Owned by PayPal, Braintree offers a more advanced and customizable payment solution than its parent company. It’s designed for businesses that want flexibility and a wide range of payment options without sacrificing ease of use. Braintree allows you to accept credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and PayPal all through a single integration. One of its standout features is the ability to securely store customer payment information, making it easier for repeat customers to make purchases. This combination of power and user-friendliness makes Braintree a strong choice for growing businesses looking for a scalable payment gateway.
Authorize.Net
As one of the oldest and most respected payment gateways, Authorize.Net has a long-standing reputation for reliability and security. Now owned by Visa, it offers a dependable solution for processing payments online, in person, or through recurring billing. It’s known for its advanced fraud detection tools, which help protect your business from suspicious transactions. While it may not have the modern, all-in-one feel of some newer platforms, Authorize.Net is a trusted workhorse in the industry, perfect for businesses that prioritize security and stability above all else.
Amazon Pay
Leverage the trust and convenience of one of the world’s largest retailers by offering Amazon Pay at checkout. This gateway allows millions of Amazon customers to complete purchases on your site using the payment and shipping information already stored in their Amazon accounts. This creates a fast, familiar, and secure checkout experience that can significantly reduce cart abandonment. By adding the Amazon Pay button to your store, you give customers a trusted payment method they already know how to use, which can help build confidence and encourage more sales.
How Transaction Fees Affect Your Bottom Line
Let’s talk about the part of payment processing that hits your wallet directly: the fees. It’s easy to get sticker shock when you see a percentage of every sale going to your payment provider, but these costs are a standard part of doing business online. The key is to understand exactly what you’re paying for so you can find a partner with fair, transparent pricing. A great payment gateway won’t just process transactions; it will offer a fee structure that makes sense for your business model and sales volume. Getting this right means you keep more of your hard-earned money.
The world of transaction fees can feel complicated, with different pricing models and a long list of potential charges. But don’t worry—we’re going to break it down. By understanding the common fee structures, knowing which hidden costs to look for, and learning how to calculate your true rate, you can confidently choose a gateway that supports your growth instead of slowing it down.
What Are the Different Fee Structures?
When you start comparing payment gateways, you’ll notice they don’t all charge the same way. The most common model, especially for services like Stripe or PayPal, is flat-rate pricing. You’ll pay a set percentage plus a small fixed fee for every transaction (like 2.9% + $0.30). This model is simple and predictable, which is great for new businesses. Other providers use interchange-plus or tiered pricing, which can sometimes be more cost-effective for businesses with higher sales volumes but are also more complex. The right pricing model for you depends on your average sale amount and how many transactions you process each month.
Watch Out for These Hidden Costs
The advertised transaction rate is just the beginning. Some processors have a knack for adding extra charges that can catch you by surprise. It’s so important to read the fine print and ask about any fees that aren’t immediately obvious. Be on the lookout for monthly minimums if you don’t meet a certain sales target, setup fees to get your account started, and batch fees for depositing funds into your bank account. You should also clarify the costs for handling chargebacks, processing refunds, and accepting international payments, as these can add up quickly if they aren’t included in your primary rate.
How to Calculate Your Real Processing Costs
To figure out what you’ll actually pay, you need to look beyond the main percentage. A low transaction rate might seem appealing, but if it comes with a high monthly fee, it could end up costing you more, especially if your sales fluctuate. The best approach is to do the math based on your own numbers. Take your average monthly sales volume and average transaction size and apply them to the fee structures of the providers you’re considering. Don’t hesitate to ask for a complete fee schedule from any potential gateway. This transparency is a hallmark of a trustworthy partner and the only way to accurately calculate your costs.
Does Your Sales Volume Change Your Rates?
As your business grows, your processing costs shouldn’t have to grow at the same rate. Many payment processors are willing to offer lower rates to businesses with a high and consistent sales volume. Some providers even have built-in volume discounts, where your transaction percentage automatically decreases as you sell more. If you’re processing a significant number of sales each month, you have leverage. Don’t be afraid to negotiate your rates with your provider or shop around for one that will reward your growth. A good partner wants to build a long-term relationship and will be willing to work with you as you scale.
Which Payment Methods Should You Offer?
Choosing a payment gateway isn’t just about finding the lowest rate; it’s about meeting your customers where they are. The payment options you offer can directly impact your sales. If a customer gets to your checkout page and doesn’t see their preferred way to pay, they might just leave. Think about your target audience—what are their habits? A younger crowd might expect digital wallets and Buy Now, Pay Later options, while a more traditional customer base will be looking for a straightforward credit card form.
The goal is to make paying as easy and frictionless as possible. Offering a variety of trusted payment methods shows customers that you’re a legitimate, professional business. It builds confidence right at the most critical point in their journey. While you don’t need to offer every single payment method under the sun, providing a smart mix of the essentials and modern conveniences will help you capture more sales and create a better overall customer experience. Let’s walk through the key options you should consider.
Must-Have: Credit and Debit Cards
This is the absolute baseline for any ecommerce store. Your customers expect to be able to pull out their Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card and complete their purchase without a second thought. Your payment gateway must be able to process all major credit and debit cards securely. A clunky or confusing credit card form can send customers running, so the experience needs to be seamless. Behind the scenes, your gateway must be PCI DSS compliant, which is the industry standard for protecting cardholder data. This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a requirement for building trust and protecting your business from fraud.
Modern Payments: Digital Wallets
More and more shoppers are using digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal for their online purchases. Why? Because it’s fast and easy. These services securely store a customer’s payment and shipping information, allowing them to check out with just a fingerprint or a facial scan. This convenience can significantly reduce cart abandonment, especially on mobile devices where typing in card details is a pain. For you, the merchant, the processing fees are typically the same as a standard credit card transaction. Adding these one-click payment options is a simple way to modernize your checkout and cater to on-the-go shoppers.
Flexible Options: Buy Now, Pay Later
You’ve probably seen services like Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm popping up on your favorite retail sites. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) allows customers to split their purchase into smaller, interest-free installments. For shoppers, this makes larger purchases feel more manageable. For you, it can lead to higher conversion rates and a bigger average order value. The trade-off is that BNPL providers typically charge you, the merchant, a higher fee than a standard card transaction. You’ll need to weigh whether the potential increase in sales justifies the added cost for your business.
Going Global: International Currencies
If you have customers outside of your home country or have plans to expand internationally, accepting multiple currencies is essential. Displaying prices and allowing customers to pay in their local currency removes a major point of friction and confusion. It makes international shoppers feel more comfortable and confident buying from you. A good payment gateway will handle the currency conversion for you, so you receive the funds in your own currency without any extra hassle. This feature is critical for creating a smooth cross-border shopping experience and opening your business up to a global market.
What Security Features Are Non-Negotiable?
When you’re choosing a payment gateway, it’s easy to get caught up in comparing transaction fees. But the truth is, security is where the real cost savings—and risks—lie. A single data breach can not only cost you thousands in fines and lost sales but can also destroy the trust you’ve worked so hard to build with your customers. Think of security features not as optional add-ons, but as the foundation of your entire payment system.
Your payment gateway is the digital equivalent of a bank vault. It’s responsible for handling your customers’ most sensitive financial information, and you need to be absolutely certain it’s up to the task. A great gateway doesn’t just process payments; it actively protects your business from fraud, data thieves, and costly compliance penalties. Before you sign any contract, make sure your potential partner can deliver on these four essential security measures. They aren’t just nice to have—they’re completely non-negotiable for any business that accepts payments online.
PCI DSS Compliance
First things first: your payment gateway must be PCI DSS compliant. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of strict security rules created by major credit card companies to protect cardholder data. If your business accepts card payments, you are required to follow these rules. The easiest way to do that is by using a gateway that is already fully compliant. This takes a huge technical and financial burden off your shoulders, as the gateway handles the secure capture and transmission of data, shielding you from the complexities of compliance and the risk of massive fines for a data breach.
Tools to Detect and Prevent Fraud
Fraud is an unfortunate reality of doing business online, but a good payment gateway gives you the tools to fight back. Look for built-in fraud detection services that go beyond the basics. Standard features should include Address Verification System (AVS), which checks the customer’s billing address against the one on file with their bank, and CVV verification. More advanced gateways use machine learning to analyze transactions in real-time, flagging suspicious activity based on location, purchase size, and other risk factors. These tools are your first line of defense against the different types of fraud that can lead to lost revenue and chargebacks.
Data Encryption and Tokenization
You should never, ever store raw credit card numbers on your own servers. A secure payment gateway ensures you don’t have to. It uses two key technologies: encryption and tokenization. Encryption scrambles sensitive data as it travels from your customer’s browser to the payment processor, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it. Tokenization then replaces the actual card number with a unique, non-sensitive code, or “token.” This token can be used for recurring billing or future purchases without ever exposing the original card details, dramatically reducing your security risk and PCI scope.
A Plan for Managing Chargebacks
Even with the best fraud prevention tools, chargebacks can still happen. A chargeback occurs when a customer disputes a charge with their bank, which then reverses the transaction. This process can be frustrating and costly, as you often lose the sale and get hit with a fee. A supportive payment gateway provides a clear process for managing chargebacks. It should offer timely alerts when a dispute is filed, an easy-to-use dashboard for submitting evidence, and expert support to help you navigate the process. This partnership is crucial for protecting your revenue and keeping your chargeback ratio low.
How Your Gateway Impacts Your Customers (and Sales)
Your payment gateway is more than just a tool for moving money—it’s a critical part of your customer experience that directly impacts sales. A clunky or confusing checkout can send buyers running, while a smooth and secure one builds confidence and encourages them to complete their purchase. Here’s how your choice of gateway affects your customers and your bottom line.
Faster Checkout, Fewer Abandoned Carts
A long, complicated checkout process is a top reason for abandoned carts. The fewer steps and less friction you have, the more likely customers are to complete their purchase. A great payment gateway streamlines this by offering a clean interface and features like saved payment info. This simplicity is key to reducing your cart abandonment rate and capturing sales you would otherwise lose. Think of it as the digital equivalent of a short, fast-moving line at a physical store—it just makes people happier to buy.
A Seamless Mobile Experience
Since most people now shop on their phones, your checkout must work perfectly on a small screen. If customers have to pinch and zoom to fill out forms, they’ll likely give up. Your gateway needs to provide a responsive, mobile-first design that feels effortless to use on any device. A smooth mobile checkout isn’t just a bonus; it’s essential for converting modern shoppers.
What Happens When a Transaction Fails?
A declined card is frustrating. How your gateway handles it matters. Does it give a vague “Transaction Failed” message or a clear one like “Invalid CVV”? Specific feedback helps customers fix the issue and try again. And when problems arise, you need reliable support. Since payment issues can halt your business, choosing a provider with accessible customer support is non-negotiable.
Building Trust at the Point of Sale
Customers won’t enter their credit card details on a site they don’t trust. Your payment gateway helps build that confidence. Seeing familiar logos like Visa or PayPal provides instant reassurance. Offering well-known digital wallets and displaying security badges shows customers you take their payment security seriously, making them more comfortable completing their purchase.
Comparing the Pros and Cons of Each Gateway
Choosing a payment gateway can feel like a huge commitment, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. The truth is, there’s no single “best” option—only the one that’s the best fit for your business right now. What works for a subscription box service might not work for a local boutique that also sells online. It all comes down to your business model, your customers’ preferences, and how much control you want over the checkout experience.
To make the decision easier, let’s break down the most popular gateways by what they do well, where they fall short, and who they’re ultimately built for. Think of this as a cheat sheet to help you match a gateway’s features to your specific business needs. We’ll look at the key differences in their features, from how they handle in-person sales to how much you can customize them. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer picture of which platform aligns with your goals, helping you create a smooth payment process for your customers and a manageable one for yourself.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses
Every payment gateway comes with its own set of trade-offs. PayPal, for instance, is one of the most recognized names in online payments, which can build immediate trust with your customers. However, its fees can sometimes be higher for international sales. Stripe is incredibly flexible and a favorite among developers for its customization options, but tapping into its full potential might require some technical skill.
On the other hand, Square shines for businesses that operate both online and in person, seamlessly connecting your digital cart with your physical point-of-sale system. Its international availability, however, is more limited than others. Meanwhile, a long-standing player like Authorize.Net offers robust fraud protection tools, but it typically comes with a monthly fee, which might not be ideal for businesses just starting out.
A Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
When you look past the fees, the unique features of each gateway start to stand out. Shopify Payments is the definition of an all-in-one solution for anyone using the Shopify platform; it’s built-in, so the setup is incredibly simple. If you want deep insights into your sales data, Stripe offers powerful reporting and a vast ecosystem of integrations with other apps. This allows you to connect your payment data to your accounting software, CRM, and other business tools.
For businesses that need to unify their sales channels, Square is a clear winner. It easily combines online payments with its popular card readers for in-person transactions, making it perfect for retailers, cafes, and service providers who interact with customers face-to-face. This omnichannel approach ensures a consistent experience everywhere you sell.
Who Is It Best For?
So, how do you choose? It helps to match the gateway to your business type. If you’re just getting started with ecommerce, PayPal is a fantastic choice because it’s trusted by customers and simple to set up. If your business runs on the Shopify platform, using Shopify Payments is almost always the most straightforward and integrated option.
For businesses that sell both online and in a physical location—like a retail store with an ecommerce site or a food truck that takes pre-orders online—Square is designed for you. And if your priority is having access to detailed analytics and the ability to create a highly customized checkout process, Stripe provides the tools you need to fine-tune your payment system as you grow.
How to Choose the Right Gateway for Your Business
Picking a payment gateway isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. The perfect partner for a brand-new solo venture will look very different from what a rapidly growing mid-sized company needs. The key is to find a solution that fits where your business is right now while also giving you room to grow.
Think about your specific situation. Are you primarily selling online, in-person, or a mix of both? Who are your customers, and where are they located? How comfortable is your team with technology? Answering these questions will help you narrow down the options and find a gateway that truly supports your goals. Instead of searching for the single “best” gateway, focus on finding the best one for you. It’s about matching the gateway’s features, fees, and functionality to your unique business model and customer base. A good payment processing system should feel like a natural extension of your business, making it easier to get paid and keep customers happy.
If You’re a Small Business on a Budget
When you’re just starting, every dollar counts. You need a payment gateway that’s reliable and secure without breaking the bank. Look for providers with transparent, straightforward pricing—predictable monthly fees are often easier to manage than complex percentage-based models. At MBNCard, we offer a secure payment gateway service for a low monthly fee because we believe powerful tools should be accessible. Your focus should be on finding a partner that provides essential security and easy integration so you can start accepting payments quickly and safely. Don’t get bogged down by advanced features you don’t need yet; you can always upgrade as you grow.
If You’re a Mid-Sized Business Ready to Scale
You’ve built a solid foundation, and now you’re focused on growth. Your payment gateway needs to keep up. At this stage, your priorities shift from just cost to overall value. You need a system that can handle higher transaction volumes smoothly and offer a wider variety of payment methods to meet customer expectations, like digital wallets and buy now, pay later options. Think about compatibility—does the gateway integrate easily with your accounting software, CRM, and marketing platforms? A scalable gateway will support your growth without forcing you to switch providers and disrupt your operations down the line. Look for a partner that offers robust support and features that help you streamline your workflow.
If You’re an Enterprise Needing Custom Solutions
Once your business reaches a certain scale, off-the-shelf solutions may no longer be enough. You’re likely dealing with complex challenges, from sophisticated fraud attempts to intricate system integrations. Your payment gateway should be a powerful, customizable engine that works seamlessly with your existing infrastructure. This means looking for providers that offer robust APIs, dedicated technical support, and advanced security protocols tailored to your specific risks. Many large e-commerce businesses run into integration complexities that can hinder their operations, so finding a gateway that can be customized to your unique setup is critical for maintaining efficiency and security at a high volume.
If You’re Planning to Expand Internationally
Taking your business global is an exciting step, but it comes with its own set of payment complexities. Your gateway must be equipped to handle cross-border transactions effortlessly. This means more than just accepting international credit cards. Look for a provider that offers multi-currency processing, allowing you to display prices and accept payments in your customers’ local currencies. This simple feature can significantly reduce cart abandonment and build trust. Furthermore, the right gateway can save you a substantial amount on conversion fees by allowing you to hold balances in different currencies. To truly succeed, you need a partner that makes international payments feel just as simple and secure as domestic ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the real difference between a payment gateway and a payment processor? Think of it this way: the payment gateway is like the secure credit card terminal on your website. It’s the technology that safely collects your customer’s card information and sends it on its way. The payment processor is the service that takes that information, communicates with the banks to approve or decline the charge, and moves the money into your account. While some companies offer both services together, they are two distinct parts of a single transaction.
Is it difficult to switch payment gateways if I choose one and end up not liking it? Switching gateways can involve some technical work, but it’s definitely not impossible. The process usually involves signing up with a new provider and integrating their service into your website, which might require help from a developer depending on your setup. This is why it’s so important to choose a partner you can grow with from the start. A provider focused on building a long-term relationship will work to meet your needs so you don’t have to go through the hassle of a switch.
The post talks a lot about PCI compliance. What exactly is my responsibility as a business owner? This is a great question because it’s one of the most important parts of accepting payments. When you use a PCI-compliant payment gateway, they handle the most complex security requirements for you by securely managing the card data. Your main responsibility is to use their tools correctly and follow common-sense security practices. This means never writing down or storing customer credit card numbers yourself and always using the secure systems your gateway provides.
Do I really need to offer digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay? While you can certainly run a business without them, offering digital wallets is one of the easiest ways to improve your checkout experience. So many people shop on their phones, and typing in a full credit card number on a small screen is a common reason they abandon their carts. Digital wallets let them pay with a fingerprint or facial scan, making the process fast and frictionless. It’s less about needing a specific feature and more about making it as easy as possible for customers to give you their money.
Besides the main transaction rate, what is the single most important fee I should ask about? Always ask about chargeback fees. A chargeback happens when a customer disputes a transaction with their bank, and it can be a costly headache. Some providers charge a significant fee every time a chargeback is initiated, regardless of whether you win the dispute. A transparent partner will have a clear and fair policy for handling these situations. Understanding this cost upfront can save you from major surprises on your monthly statements.


