Top 20 Biggest and Cheapest Online Business Payment Gateway Providers Worldwide

Top 20 Biggest and Cheapest Online Business Payment Gateway Providers Worldwide


Discover the top 20 biggest, cheapest online payment gateway providers worldwide in 2025. Compare features, fees, and get expert reviews to choose the best gateway.

In the evolving landscape of online commerce, finding a reliable and cost-effective payment gateway is a game-changer for businesses aiming to scale globally. This in-depth guide ranks the 20 biggest and cheapest payment gateway providers worldwide for 2025. It covers each provider’s fees, features, strengths, and challenges, helping you make an informed decision while keeping the keyword focus on “online business payment gateway providers” for maximum SEO value.​


Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • What Are Online Payment Gateways?
  • What Is a Payment Gateway?
  • Top 20 Biggest and Cheapest Payment Gateways

  • List the top 20 global payment gateways to include with key pros and cons

  • Top 20 Payment Gateway Providers - Detailed Reviews

  • Key Features Comparison Table

  • Major Shifts in the Industry

  • Emerging Technologies & Methods

  • Potential Roadblocks & Solutions

  • Expert Predictions & Statistics

  • How to Prepare for the Future

  • Personal Insights and Recommendations

  • Key Takeaways

  • Frequently Asked Questions

  • Conclusion & Call to Action


Introduction

In today’s digital economy, online payment gateways are essential for businesses to securely accept payments worldwide. With increasing ecommerce adoption, many providers compete on innovation, fees, and global reach. This blog offers a comprehensive guide to the top 20 biggest and most affordable payment gateways worldwide in 2025, backed by expert reviews and current market insights tailored for intermediate users seeking informed decisions.

What Are Online Payment Gateways?

Online payment gateways are platforms that authorize and process secure financial transactions between customers and merchants in real time. They support various payment methods like credit/debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, and local payment options, ensuring smooth checkout experiences globally, critical to minimizing cart abandonment and maximizing sales.

What Is a Payment Gateway?

A payment gateway is a secure platform that authorizes online payments, connecting your website, your customers, and your bank. Without a robust payment gateway, ecommerce businesses cannot accept cards, wallets, or cross-border payments safely and efficiently. The primary criteria for a “best” payment gateway include affordability, reliability, global acceptance, diverse payment options, and security.​



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Top 20 Biggest and Cheapest Online Business Payment Gateway Providers (2025)

Below are the top 20 providers, selected for their global reach, low transaction costs, innovation, and customer support. Each is reviewed with highlights, fees, and use cases.​

1. Stripe

  • Global reach in 40+ countries, supporting 135+ currencies

  • Transparent pricing: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction

  • Known for easy integration, recurring billing, and robust APIs

  • Ideal for SaaS, ecommerce, and subscription businesses​

2. PayPal

  • Recognized worldwide, accepted in 200+ markets

  • Transparent fees: 3.49% + 49¢ for online payments

  • Supports subscriptions, multi-currency, and express checkout

  • Reputation for buyer and seller protection​

3. Adyen

  • Used by global corporations for multi-currency, cross-border transactions

  • Variable transaction fees, starting at 0.6% + fixed fee

  • Focus on advanced fraud protection and unified commerce​

4. Shopify Payments

  • Directly embedded into Shopify platform (no extra fees)

  • Pricing: 2.4%-2.9% + 30¢

  • Fast settlements, easy setup for Shopify merchants​

5. Authorize.Net

  • Excellent for North American merchants; global support available

  • $25/month plus 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction

  • Advanced security, recurring billing​

6. Square

  • Popular with SMEs and service businesses in US, CA, AU, JP

  • 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, no monthly fees

  • POS, invoicing, and developer APIs​

7. Cashfree

  • Low fees: 1.75% in India, supports global transactions

  • Instant refunds, 24–48hr settlement, broad support for UPI, cards

  • No setup fees, flexible integration​

8. Paytm

  • Widely trusted in India; supports 300+ million users

  • 1.99% for most transactions, lower UPI/card rates

  • Analytics, reward programs, and 100% online setup​

9. Razorpay

  • India-based, top choice for startups and SMEs

  • Competitive pricing, modern APIs, seamless UX

  • Multi-currency, fast settlement, recurring payments​

10. Instamojo

  • Indian gateway popular among freelancers and micro-businesses

  • Simple onboarding, competitive rates, value-added services​

11. PayU

  • Global reach, exceptional in India, LatAm, Eastern Europe

  • Flexible pricing, supports digital wallets, recurring billing​

12. CC Avenue

  • Major processor in India and the Middle East

  • Multi-currency, EMI options, customizable checkout​

13. WorldPay

  • UK-based global giant; used by large enterprises

  • Flexible fee structures, supports omnichannel commerce

14. 2Checkout (Now Verifone)

  • Accepted in 200+ countries; supports multiple payment modes

  • Robust international tax and compliance features

15. Mollie

  • Popular in Europe for simplicity, transparent pricing, and multi-currency

16. Braintree (A PayPal Service)

  • Seamless mobile integration, global reach, supports PayPal, Apple Pay, and more

17. Payoneer

  • Great for freelancers, cross-border businesses, and marketplaces

  • Low withdrawal fees, easy international bank transfers

18. Klarna

  • European leader in “buy now, pay later,” invoicing, and pay-after-delivery

19. Alipay

  • Dominant in China; essential for anyone selling to Chinese consumers

20. WePay

  • Best for platforms and crowdfunding sites; flexible APIs, focused on US market





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List the top 20 global payment gateways to include with key pros and cons


Here is a detailed list of the top 20 global payment gateway providers including key pros and cons for each, curated from up-to-date expert sources:


Top 20 Global Payment Gateway Providers with Key Pros and Cons

#

Provider

Key Pros

Key Cons

1

Stripe

Global reach (135+ currencies), powerful APIs, subscription management, advanced fraud detection, transparent pricing

Complex pricing for some features, limited support for high-risk industries, can be overwhelming for non-tech businesses ​

2

PayPal

Widely trusted, supports 200+ markets, multi-currency support, buyer/seller protection, flexible integrations

High transaction fees especially internationally, occasional account freezes, limited small business support ​

3

Square

Simple pricing with no monthly fees, supports online and offline payments, invoicing and loyalty, excellent customer support

Limited international reach, higher fees on some payment types, less advanced fraud detection ​

4

Adyen

Enterprise-grade, supports 150+ currencies, scalable, comprehensive fraud tools, multi-channel

Complex interface, unclear pricing for small businesses, no dedicated support for smaller accounts ​

5

Braintree (PayPal)

Developer-friendly, mobile optimized, supports 130+ currencies, transparent pricing

Limited support for small businesses, pricing complexity for high volumes, not suited for high-risk industries ​

6

Authorize.Net

Established brand, strong security and fraud prevention, supports recurring billing, wide integrations

Monthly fees, higher transaction costs, limited customization in some cases ​

7

2Checkout (Verifone)

Global reach (200+ countries), no monthly fees, supports subscriptions, fraud prevention

Limited support for lower-tier plans, relatively high transaction fees, limited flexibility for custom integrations ​

8

WePay

Tailored for platforms (marketplaces/crowdfunding), strong fraud protection, integrates with third-party tools

Limited global reach, not ideal for smaller retail stores, slow customer support response ​

9

Worldpay

Supports in-person and online payments worldwide, multi-currency, strong reporting

Complex pricing, high fees on some payments, customer support could improve ​

10

Paytm

Popular in India, low fees, supports UPI and cards, analytics and loyalty tools

Primarily regional (India), limited international use, complex fee structure ​

11

Razorpay

Competitive pricing, modern APIs, fast settlements, supports EMI and multiple currencies

Mostly focused on India, fees vary, limited global presence ​

12

Cashfree

Low fees especially in India, instant refunds, supports UPI and low-cost payouts

Regional focus limits global scalability, limited brand awareness outside India ​

13

CC Avenue

Multi-currency support, EMI and installment options, wide Indian and Middle Eastern support

Complex pricing, integration can be challenging, regional limitations ​

14

Mollie

Simple European payment gateway, transparent pricing, multi-currency support

Eurozone focus limits global reach, fewer advanced features for very large businesses ​

15

Payoneer

Great for freelancers and cross-border B2B payments, low withdrawal fees, flexible

Mainly B2B focused, limited e-commerce integrations, fees on some transactions ​

16

Klarna

European leader in buy now, pay later, flexible payment options, smooth integration

Primarily European/US, fees and revenue sharing can be high for merchants ​

17

Alipay

Dominant in China, huge user base, mobile-first, low fees in RMB

Mainly China focused, complex onboarding for foreign merchants ​

18

Amazon Pay

Trusted brand, easy checkout via Amazon account, fraud prevention focused

Limited customization, available mostly where Amazon operates ​

19

Checkout.com

Supports 159 countries, all-in-one merchant accounts and gateway, good for low-volume merchants

Relatively expensive, complex pricing ​

20

Opayo (Sage Pay)

Strong UK presence, multiple payment options, good for SMEs

Limited global coverage, pricing complexity ​



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Summary Notes

  • Best for Global Reach and Flexibility: Stripe, PayPal, Adyen, Braintree.

  • Best for Small to Medium Businesses: Square, Authorize.Net, Paytm, Razorpay.

  • Best for Platforms and Marketplaces: WePay, Stripe, Braintree.

  • Specialized Regional Players: Paytm, Razorpay, Cashfree, CC Avenue (India); Mollie (Europe); Alipay (China).

  • Buy Now Pay Later Specialists: Klarna.

  • Enterprise Focus: Adyen, Worldpay.


This list includes comprehensive pros and cons based on functionality, fees, regional coverage, and technical flexibility, helping you make an informed payment gateway choice tailored for your business needs.



Top 20 Payment Gateway Providers - Detailed Reviews

Provider

Strengths

Cost/Fees

Global Reach

Best For

PayPal

Global recognition, easy integration, multiple methods

Moderate fees (~2.9% + $0.30)

200+ countries

Small to medium businesses

Stripe

Customizable APIs, wide payment types, developer-friendly

Competitive (~2.9% + $0.30)

40+ countries

Startups, tech-savvy businesses

Amazon Pay

Trusted brand integration, smooth checkout

Similar to PayPal

20+ countries

Ecommerce leveraging Amazon users

Worldpay (FIS)

Extensive payment methods, multinational support

Varies regionally

140+ countries

Large multinational firms

Shopify Payments

Integrated with Shopify, secure, fraud detection

Transaction fees vary

Supported in many countries

Shopify stores

Square

Simple for online and offline sales, easy setup

Competitive (~2.6%-3.5%)

US, Canada, Australia

Small businesses and retailers

Adyen

Unified global platform, scalable, strong security

Varies by volume

150+ countries

Enterprises and global merchants

Razorpay (India)

Multi-language checkout, advanced APIs

Competitive pricing

Primarily India & global plans

Indian startups and SMEs

Paytm (India)

Fast onboarding, large user base

Competitive

India

SMEs and retail in India

PayU

Large merchant base, fraud detection

Market competitive

Multi-country (India, LatAm)

Mid to large enterprises

Cashfree (India)

Bulk payouts, refunds processing

Affordable

India and expanding

Marketplaces, lending platforms

CCAvenue (India)

Supports many payment methods, reliable

Moderate fees

India

Variety of Indian industries

PhonePe (India)

Trusted UPI integration, wallet payments

Low fees

India

Retail and SMEs

BillDesk (India)

Strong bank integrations, secure payments

Industry standard fees

India

Large Indian businesses

Payoneer

Worldwide payments, widely trusted

Varies

200+ countries

Freelancers, SMBs globally

Stax

Cost-effective, transparent fees

Low flat fees

US

Small/medium US businesses

Payment Depot

Low fees, volume discounts

Discounted rates

US

High volume merchants

Finix

Developer friendly, flexible pricing

Custom pricing

US and some international

Platform businesses and marketplaces

Worldline

European compliance, multi-currency settlements

Competitive

Europe, APAC

Export-oriented and EU companies

Authorize.Net

Reliable, long-standing provider

Standard industry rates

US, Canada, UK

US-centric small to medium businesses

(Costs are indicative and vary by region, industry, and volume)

Key Features Comparison Table

Provider

Regions Served

Online Fees

Major Strengths

Stripe

Global

2.9% + 30¢

APIs, subscriptions, international​

PayPal

Global

3.49% + 49¢

Trust, wide user base, multi-currency​

Adyen

Global

Variable (0.6%+)

Cross-border, fraud prevention​

Shopify Payments

Global (Shopify)

2.4%–2.9% + 30¢

Integrated, fast setup​

Authorize.Net

Global

$25/mo + 2.9% + 30¢

North American security, recurring​

Square

US, CA, AU, JP

2.9% + 30¢

POS, invoices, APIs​

Cashfree

India/Global

1.75%

Low fees, payouts, UPI support​

Paytm

India

1.99%

Analytics, loyalty, easy onboarding​

Razorpay

India/Global

2% approx

APIs, fast settlement, EMI​

Instamojo

India

2%–3% approx

Easy onboarding, microbiz focus​

PayU

Global

Varies

Multi-region, subscriptions​

CC Avenue

India/ME

~2%

EMI, multi-currency​

WorldPay

Global/UK

Varies

Omnichannel, enterprise

2Checkout (Verifone)

Global

~3%

Compliance, global reach

Mollie

EU

Transparent

Eurozone focus, simple integration

Braintree

Global

2.9% + 30¢

Mobile, PayPal, marketplace support

Payoneer

Global

Low withdrawal fees

B2B, freelancers, easy cross-border

Klarna

EU/US

Varies

'Buy now, pay later', easy integration

Alipay

China/Global

Low for RMB

Chinese market, mobile

WePay

US

Varies

Crowdfunding, flexible API



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Major Shifts Shaping the Industry
  • Globalization of Payments: Universal integration and real-time currency conversion enable businesses to serve international audiences easily.​

  • Mobile and Alternative Payments: Demand for wallet, UPIs, and buy-now-pay-later options is increasing in every region.​

  • AI-Driven Fraud Prevention: Real-time AI tools help reduce fraud, chargebacks, and payment failures across the board.


Emerging Technologies or Methods

  • Embedded Finance APIs: Seamless integration of payment gateways into SaaS, marketplaces, and platforms

  • Blockchain and Crypto Payments: Providers like Stripe and PayPal are beginning to support crypto transactions for both B2B and B2C customers

  • Instant Payouts: Rate of instant settlement services is rising, particularly for gig economy and e-commerce sellers.​


Potential Roadblocks and Solutions

  • Complex Regulatory Landscapes: Varying compliance standards across regions (GDPR, PCI DSS, local licensing)

    • Solution: Choose providers with built-in compliance services (Stripe, Adyen, 2Checkout)

  • Currency Conversion and Hidden Fees: Can erode profits for cross-border sellers

    • Solution: Select providers with transparent fee structures and favorable currency conversion rates

  • Fraud and Chargebacks: Continues to threaten online businesses

    • Solution: Invest in providers with real-time fraud tools and robust buyer/seller protection​


Expert Predictions & Industry Statistics

  • The global online payments market is projected to exceed $10 trillion by 2028.​

  • Instant and mobile payments are forecasted to comprise over 60% of global ecommerce payments by 2027.​

  • Over 40% of abandoned shopping carts are due to payment failures or insufficient checkout options.​



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How Readers Can Prepare and Adapt

  • Compare multiple gateways side by side for fees, settlement times, and compliance support

  • Regularly review payment experience and test the payment flow on desktop and mobile

  • Prioritize gateways with robust APIs to maintain agility in integrating new payment methods​


Personal Insights and Recommendations

Businesses should prioritize gateways with transparent pricing and proven reliability. Startups may prefer Stripe or PayPal for ease of use and developer support, while large enterprises benefit from Adyen or Worldpay’s global reach and advanced features. For Indian markets, Razorpay and Paytm offer competitive local advantages. Regularly review analytics post-implementation to optimize for customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Key Takeaways

  • The best payment gateways combine global coverage, low transaction fees, security, and superior support.​

  • Evaluate not only upfront rates but also cost structures for cross-border transactions and refunds.

  • Be aware of the rapid pace of change—new payment methods and regulations are emerging quickly, making flexibility essential.

  • Frequent review of your payment provider ensures your business always has the most competitive offering.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cheapest payment gateway worldwide?

Cashfree, Razorpay, and Stripe consistently offer among the lowest transaction fees globally, especially for emerging market businesses.​

2. Which gateway is best for cross-border ecommerce?

Stripe, Adyen, and PayPal excel for international sellers due to their support for multi-currency, tax compliance, and global reach.​

3. Are payment gateways secure?

All top gateways listed comply with PCI DSS and offer advanced security, AI fraud detection, and 2FA/OTP support for peace of mind.​

4. How fast can I get settlement with these gateways?

Providers like Cashfree, Razorpay, and Paytm offer 24–48 hour settlements, with some instant payout options for priority clients.​

5. Can I use multiple gateways on my website?

Yes, using more than one gateway can reduce failed payments, offer users more choice, and improve conversion rates.​


Conclusion & Compelling Call to Action

Choosing the right online business payment gateway provider is a foundational step in growing and protecting your global business. By selecting from the 20 biggest and cheapest providers, you can ensure competitive fees, reliability, and the flexibility to serve customers worldwide.

If you found this guide helpful, share your experiences or questions in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest insights on ecommerce best practices and payment innovations—stay ahead of your competition and maximize your profits! Engage with us and the global business community across all our social media channels for tips, updates, and support.


References

  • Shopify Blog – The 7 Best Payment Gateways for Merchants (2025)​
  • Qikink.com – India’s Leading 12 Payment Gateways in 2025
  • Aureate Labs – Top 11 Payment Gateways Dominating India in 2025
  • Infostans – Best Payment Gateway in India for 2025
  • Refresh Ideas – Top 20 Payment Gateways in India 2025​
  • SimpleTiger – Payment Gateway Marketing Agency (2025)​
  • FasterCapital – E-commerce SEO Techniques (2025)​


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