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Last Updated: Apr 2024

The Best Online Payment Services of 2024

  • 1) Compare
  • 2) Sign-up
  • 3) Accept Payments
Top 3 Merchant Services
Special Deal
Stripe
Stripe
exceptional
9.7
Easy and simple account creation
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Merchant One
Merchant One
excellent
9.2
Easy payments solution
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Leaders Merchant Services
Leaders Merchant Services
very good
8.9
Save or get $200 guarantee
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Our Best Overall Provider

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Our Top Picks for April 2024
Stripe
favicon-STRIPE
Stripe
Rates from 2.9% + 0.30¢
Merchant One
favicon-MERCHANT ONE
Merchant One
Rates starting at 0.29%
Leaders Merchant Services
favicon-LEADERS MERCHANT SERVICES
Leaders Merchant Services
Rates as low as 0.15%

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
    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
  • 2
    Merchant One

    Merchant One

    • Best forBusinesses seeking merchant and payment processing solutions
    • Rates0.29%-1.55% per swiped card transaction
    • Contract Length3 years

    Merchant One is a credit card payment processing company that offers solutions to small and large businesses in various industries. The company partners with Clover to resell its state-of-the-art POS systems, provides its customers with free training on using them, and services the hardware in-house. This ensures a high-quality user experience.

    While Merchant One has excellent reviews on Trustpilot, several complaints indicate issues with customer service, billing, and contract terms. Nevertheless, Merchant One’s dedicated managers will respond to queries and guide you on setting up your account and processing transactions.

    Why we chose Merchant One - We chose Merchant One because it’s able to process both POS and mobile phone credit card payments.

    Our experience - We liked that Merchant One provides a dedicated account manager and offers lower card payment processing fees than some of its rivals.

    Pros
    • Assigned account managers
    • State-of-the-art technology
    • Tailored solutions for different businesses
    Cons
    • Free trial unavailable
    • Billing and pricing issues noted
  • 3
    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