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Shopify Payment Gateways: Pros, Cons, and Best Alternatives in 2024

Shopify-Payment-Gateways

Did you know that 99.9% uptime or higher is key for payment gateways to avoid lost sales1? Finding the best payment gateways for Shopify is vital. These systems are crucial for e-commerce success. Your choice affects your business’s success.

Shopify Payments has lower fees for higher plans compared to Third-Party Payment Methods1. But, it’s important to compare Shopify payment gateways. Look at options like Stripe, PayPal, Adyen, Authorize.net, and WorldPay. Each has pros and cons, from fees to security features.

Key Takeaways

  • Understanding the best payment gateways for Shopify helps optimize your business operations.
  • Shopify Payments offers competitive fees but exploring alternatives can provide better solutions for specific needs.
  • Stripe is highly recommended for industries needing robust security and flexible API integrations1.
  • PayPal, while trusted, comes with higher transaction costs, specially for international payments2.
  • Adyen provides a scalable solution excellent for large enterprises1.
  • Each payment gateway’s fee structure and features need careful consideration for informed decision-making.

Introduction to Shopify Payment Gateways

Shopify Payment Gateways

Knowing what is a payment gateway is key for online business owners. Shopify offers a wide range of payment options, supporting over 100 credit card providers3. This makes it easy for businesses of all sizes to find what they need.

A Shopify payment gateway makes sure transactions are smooth and safe. It sends customer data securely between different parties4.

Shopify payment gateways use SSL encryption to keep personal info safe. This encryption stops hackers from getting to sensitive data.

Using a Shopify payment gateway lets you accept many payment types. This can make customers happier and help them finish their purchases4. It also makes it easy to sell both in-store and online, which is great for today’s digital shoppers4.

For Shopify businesses, knowing about payment processing fees is important. Fees vary by provider. For example, Shopify Payments starts at 0.6%, while Stripe charges 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction5. PayPal and Square also have their own fees, which affect profit margins5.

Choosing the right payment gateway for Shopify is a big decision. You need to think about costs, ease of use, security, and how it will grow with your business. Verifone and Opayo are good examples, offering different benefits for different businesses3. The right choice can make a big difference in how well your store works and how happy your customers are.

Benefits of Using Payment Gateways on Shopify

comprehensive-shopify-payment-gateway-analysis

Using payment gateways on Shopify boosts your security with PCI DSS compliance. This means all transactions follow strict security rules, lowering the chance of data theft and fraud6. Plus, these gateways work well with your store, offering many benefits.

Shopify payment gateways offer many ways to pay, like credit cards and digital wallets. They also have Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services. This makes it easy for customers to buy, which can increase sales. In fact, using Shop Pay can boost conversions by 50% compared to guest checkout6.

Using secure Shopify payment processing helps fight fraud. Third-party processors have strong fraud prevention tools, leading to fewer fraud cases7. Also, using well-known gateways like Stripe and PayPal makes transactions smooth and adds extra fraud protection.

Shopify’s payment gateways are easy to use and come with great customer support. You get help 24/7 through email, live chat, and hotline7. This means any problems are quickly fixed, keeping your business running smoothly.

Lastly, Shopify’s payment gateways work in many countries, including Australia and Germany7. This makes it easier to sell online worldwide. It lets you reach more customers, knowing your payments are secure.

Shopify Payments: Overview, Pros, and Cons

e-commerce-payment-integration-for-shopify

The Overview of Shopify Payments shows it’s a payment gateway made just for Shopify users. It makes setting up and checking out easy. You can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and more8. It works with many sales channels and systems8.

Shopify Payments has clear fees and options for online and in-person payments. Online, fees are 2.5%, 2.7%, or 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction8. For in-person, fees are 2.4%, 2.5%, or 2.6% plus 10 cents8. You can cancel anytime without fees9.

Pros of Shopify Payments:

  • Flexible and diverse checkout and payment methods
  • Ease of setup and use, integrated within the Shopify platform
  • Transparent and straightforward fee structure
  • 24/7 customer support included with all plans8
  • Two business days for payouts, with customizable options for weekly or monthly schedules8

But, there are downsides. Shopify Payments is only for Shopify users9. Businesses also face extra fees for third-party payment gateways8. The POS Pro service costs $89 per month per location8. While it doesn’t charge extra transaction fees, other fees like a $15 chargeback fee can add up.

Stripe: A Popular Shopify Payment Processor

multiple-payment-gateway-support-on-shopify

Stripe is a top choice for Shopify merchants because of its many benefits. It was started in 2009 by Irish brothers John and Patrick Collison. Today, it’s a leading payment gateway worldwide10. It’s known for its global reach and customization options, making it a favourite for businesses11.

Stripe supports many payment methods, including cards and digital wallets like Apple Pay10. This makes it easy for customers to pay in their preferred way. Stripe also uses advanced technology to prevent fraud, keeping businesses safe10.

Stripe’s fees are clear: 2.9% plus 30 cents per successful card charge10. Shopify Payments has a flat rate with no extra fees for transactions within the platform12. This lets businesses pick the best option for their budget.

While Stripe has many advantages, it also has some downsides. Its API-first approach can be challenging for those not tech-savvy10. Some businesses might also face account freezes for suspicious activity11.

Despite these challenges, Stripe’s global reach, payment options, security, and customization make it a great choice for many. But, it does require some technical know-how, which is important to consider when choosing a payment gateway for Shopify.

PayPal: A Trusted Payment Gateway Option

shopify-store-payment-processing-techniques

PayPal is widely accepted by both consumers and businesses. It’s used by nearly 80% of online shopping sites worldwide, showing its reliability13. This makes it a familiar and trustworthy choice for customers.

Setting up PayPal with Shopify stores is easy. It supports over 100 currencies and allows withdrawals to bank accounts in 56 currencies14. This makes it perfect for sellers who deal with international customers.

PayPal is known for its secure transactions. It has a Buyer Protection program and a Seller Protection program14. These programs protect both buyers and sellers, building trust among users.

But, PayPal has some downsides. Its transaction fees are higher than some other gateways like Shopify Payments. For example, PayPal charges 5.4% plus 45 cents per order for earnings below $5,00013. This can cut into a merchant’s profits.

PayPal also takes longer to pay out funds, taking 5-7 business days13. This is slower than Shopify Payments, which pays out in 3 days.

Another issue is that PayPal can freeze accounts. While rare, it can still cause problems for businesses. Despite these issues, PayPal’s strong features and global acceptance make it a good choice for many.

Here’s a table comparing Shopify Payments and PayPal:

FeatureShopify PaymentsPayPal
Transaction Fees2.4% to 2.9% plus $0.305.4% plus $0.45 (monthly earnings below $5000)
Payout Schedule3 business days5-7 business days
Security ProgramsHigh-security measuresBuyer and Seller Protection
Currency SupportMultiple local currencies100+ currencies
Dispute Resolution60 daysUp to 75 days
Customer Support24/7 support24/7 support

Adyen: A Scalable Solution for Large Enterprises

advanced-payment-gateway-strategies-for-shopify

Adyen is a top choice for big businesses wanting to grow globally. It supports over 180 currencies and nearly 100 countries, perfect for companies with international sales15. The payment gateway charges a fixed fee of €0.11 and a variable fee based on the payment method15.

Adyen stands out for its wide range of payment options. It supports credit cards, debit cards, and local payment methods. This makes it a great choice for Shopify businesses aiming for a smooth checkout experience16. It also has strong security, including fraud protection, to keep customer data safe16.

While Adyen has many benefits, it also has some downsides. Its pricing can be complex, with fees of $0.13 per transaction and interchange fees from Visa and Mastercard16. It might also have fewer customization options than other providers, which could be a problem for businesses needing specific solutions.

Despite these challenges, Adyen is a powerful payment solution. It offers great features and supports many countries. Here’s a comparison of Adyen with other leading payment gateways:

Payment GatewayTransaction FeesSupported CurrenciesCountries
Adyen€0.11 + variable fee
$0.13 + interchange fees1516
180+100
Stripe2.9% + $0.30 per transaction16135+40+
PayPal2.99% + $0.49 (US)
4.4% + fixed fee (International)16
25+200+
Square2.6% + $0.10 (in-person)
2.9% + $0.30 (online)1516
120+150

Authorize.net: Best for Visa Merchant Accounts

recommended-payment-gateways-for-online-stores

Authorize.net is a top pick for Visa merchants on Shopify. It’s known for its easy setup and user-friendly interface. This makes it great for both merchants and customers17.

It’s also very reliable and secure, which is why many e-commerce sites choose it. The cost is reasonable, with a $25 monthly fee and a 10¢ fee per transaction. This is good for businesses that use Visa a lot, as it helps keep costs down18.

Authorize.net also protects Visa transactions well with its fraud protection. This is a big plus for retailers who want to keep their sales and customer data safe. Plus, it doesn’t charge extra for Shopify integration, which is a big plus for cost-conscious businesses17.

But, Authorize.net has some downsides. Its interface might seem old-fashioned compared to newer options. Also, the monthly fees could be a problem for small businesses with fewer transactions. Still, for those who value secure and reliable payment processing, Authorize.net is a great choice, even with these minor issues17.

So, if your Shopify store mostly deals with Visa payments, Authorize.net is a good choice. Here’s a quick look at the fees for different payment gateways on Shopify:

Payment GatewayTransaction Fees
Authorize.netFrom 10¢ + daily batch fee 10¢18
Shopify PaymentsNo additional fees17
Stripe2.9% + $0.30 per transaction18
PayPal2.9% + $0.30 per transaction; Pro plan: $30/month17

WorldPay: Ideal for International Transactions

WorldPay is a top choice for handling international payments. It supports over 300 payment methods and many currencies. This makes it perfect for businesses with global customers19.

But, setting up WorldPay on Shopify can be tough, mainly for small businesses. The start-up costs can be high, up to $250. Ongoing fees range from $10 to $5020. Transaction fees are 1% to 5% plus a 25¢ flat fee20.

Despite these challenges, WorldPay is great for big businesses. It has strong global banking connections. This ensures smooth payments from all over the world. But, consider the costs and complexity before choosing WorldPay for your Shopify needs.

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FAQ

How do payment gateways work?

Payment gateways are key in online shopping. They keep your payment info safe. They use encryption to protect your data during a transaction.

This means your payment info goes from you to the seller safely. The gateway checks and approves your payment right away.

What are the benefits of integrating payment gateways with Shopify?

Using payment gateways with Shopify has many perks. It boosts security and makes adding payment options easy. You can offer more ways to pay, like credit cards and digital wallets.

This can make shopping better for customers. It might also help you sell more.

What are the pros and cons of Shopify Payments?

Shopify Payments is great because it’s easy to use and has lower fees. But, it’s only for Shopify users. If you use other gateways, you might pay more.

This could be a problem if you want more payment choices.

Is Stripe a good payment processor for Shopify?

Stripe is popular with Shopify users. It supports many currencies and has strong security. But, it’s not for beginners. You might need help to use it well.

What are the advantages and limitations of using PayPal with Shopify?

PayPal is easy to use and trusted. It works well for international sales. But, it costs more to use, and your account can be frozen.

This could slow down your business.

Why should large enterprises consider using Adyen?

Adyen is best for big businesses. It supports many payments and is very secure. It’s great for companies selling worldwide. But, it’s pricey and not very customizable for small businesses.

What makes Authorize.net a good option for Visa merchant accounts?

Authorize.net is reliable and secure. It’s good for Visa users. But, it has an old interface and monthly fees. This might be too much for small shops.

What are the features and drawbacks of using WorldPay with Shopify?

WorldPay is great for international sales. It has strong global banking connections. But, it’s expensive and hard to set up. This might be a problem for small shops looking for something cheaper and easier.

Source Links

  1. https://naturaily.com/blog/best-payment-gateway-for-shopify – Best Payment Gateway For Shopify – Top Options Guide | Naturaily
  2. https://eastsideco.com/blog/shopify-payment-gateways – 9 Best Shopify Payment Gateways In 2024 | Eastside Co
  3. https://www.swipesum.com/insights/shopify-payment-processor-the-ultimate-guide-to-shopify-payments-gateways-reducing-fees – Shopify Payment Processor: The Ultimate Guide to Shopify Payments, Gateways & Reducing Fees
  4. https://www.shopify.com/blog/payment-gateway-vs-payment-processor – Payment Gateway vs. Payment Processor (2024) – Shopify
  5. https://www.shopify.com/blog/ecommerce-payment-gateway – 9 Best Ecommerce Payment Gateways & How They Work (2025) – Shopify
  6. https://www.elsner.com/shopify-payments-vs-third-party-gateways/ – Shopify Payments vs. Third-Party Gateways: Smoothen Your Checkout (2025)
  7. https://www.setubridge.com/shopify-vs-third-party-payment-gateway/?srsltid=AfmBOorE4QJapMcA0Y88j3JBqo17dzVXz0J6GIUsNW5TLnsHbi4ZVGpq – Shopify vs Third-Party Payment Gateway: Pros and Cons
  8. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/shopify-payments-review – Shopify Payments Review: Pros, Cons, Alternatives – NerdWallet
  9. https://www.setubridge.com/shopify-vs-third-party-payment-gateway/?srsltid=AfmBOopu_Vgn-D1FVu-MO4fAW6IIy5WnwNRPugSQ0jOG5F_leIa86_jp – Shopify vs Third-Party Payment Gateway: Pros and Cons
  10. https://penji.co/stripe-vs-shopify/ – Stripe vs Shopify: A Head-to-Head Comparison – Unlimited Graphic Design Service
  11. https://www.freshbooks.com/hub/payments/stripe-vs-shopify?srsltid=AfmBOorsbR8k020_sOUekP0f7neRY67zVy19N7GvTSNLxuDTLWEGDic0 – Stripe vs Shopify: Which Is Best for Your Business
  12. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/stripe-vs-shopify – Stripe vs. Shopify: Which Is Right for Your Business? – NerdWallet
  13. https://bsscommerce.com/shopify/paypal-vs-shopify-payment-comparison/ – Shopify Payments vs Paypal: Which One to Choose in 2024?
  14. https://magenest.com/en/shopify-vs-paypal/?srsltid=AfmBOooOMz8iqsTS4TLnRwVYIYJZaib1-2GjxMURy0G23IhWpI7H2O1k – Shopify vs PayPal: Navigating Your Best Payment Options
  15. https://www.shopify.com/nz/blog/ecommerce-payment-gateway – 9 Best Ecommerce Payment Gateways & How They Work (2025) – Shopify New Zealand
  16. https://www.chargeflow.io/blog/best-shopify-payments-alternatives-for-2024-comparison-guide – Top Shopify Payments Alternatives 2024: Compare & Choose
  17. https://www.whitepeakdigital.com/blog/best-shopify-payment-gateways/ – 11 Best Shopify Payment Gateways in 2024
  18. https://www.shopify.com/au/blog/ecommerce-payment-gateway – 9 Best Ecommerce Payment Gateways & How They Work (2025) – Shopify Australia
  19. https://www.roqqett.com/blog/top-payment-gateway-providers-to-consider-for-your-business – Top Payment Gateway Providers to Consider for Your Business
  20. https://www.chargeflow.io/blog/best-payment-processors-shopify – The Best Payment Processors for Shopify

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