10 Best Payment Gateways in the US in 2025

Choosing the right payment gateway is crucial for the success of an eCommerce business. It affects transaction security, user experience, and business scalability. In the US, several payment gateways offer reliable and secure services tailored for online stores. Below, we highlight the top payment gateways for eCommerce businesses in the US.

1. PayPal

PayPal is a globally recognized online payment system that allows individuals and businesses to send and receive money electronically. It serves as an alternative to traditional payment methods such as checks, money orders, and credit cards. PayPal enables secure transactions by acting as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, ensuring that sensitive financial information remains protected.

How PayPal Works

PayPal provides a platform where users can:

Send Money – Transfer funds to friends, family, or businesses.
Receive Money – Accept payments from customers or clients.
Make Online Purchases – Pay for goods and services from eCommerce stores.
Withdraw Funds – Transfer money from PayPal to a linked bank account.

To use PayPal, users must create an account, link it to a bank account, credit card, or debit card, and verify their identity.

Key Features of PayPal

1. Multiple Payment Options

PayPal allows payments via credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, and PayPal balance.
It supports one-time payments, subscriptions, and installment payments.

2. Security & Fraud Protection

PayPal encrypts user data and offers buyer and seller protection.
It monitors transactions for fraudulent activities and provides dispute resolution.

3. International Payments

PayPal supports transactions in multiple currencies and is available in over 200 countries.
It allows cross-border payments with automatic currency conversion.

4. Business Solutions

PayPal Business Accounts provide tools for invoicing, checkout integration, and subscription management.
PayPal integrates with eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and Wix.

5. Mobile & App Support

PayPal offers a mobile app for on-the-go transactions.
Features like Tap to Pay and QR Code Payments enhance user convenience.

Types of PayPal Accounts

Personal Account – For individual use, online shopping, and sending money.
Business Account – For merchants, offering advanced features like invoicing, PayPal Checkout, and API integration.

PayPal Fees

PayPal charges different fees based on transaction type:

Personal transactions (sending money to friends/family) – Usually free in the same country.
Merchant transactions (selling online) – Fees range from 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction in the U.S.
Currency conversion – Additional fees apply when converting currencies.

Advantages of PayPal

✅ Widely Accepted – Used by millions of merchants worldwide.
✅ Fast & Secure – Transactions are encrypted and protected.
✅ Easy Integration – Works with most eCommerce platforms.
✅ No Need to Share Bank Details – PayPal keeps financial information private.

Disadvantages of PayPal

❌ Transaction Fees – Higher than some traditional banks.
❌ Account Freezing – PayPal may limit or freeze accounts if suspicious activity is detected.
❌ Currency Conversion Fees – Exchange rates may not be favorable.

What is Stripe?

Stripe is a leading online payment processing platform that enables businesses to accept and manage online payments securely. It provides a robust suite of tools for eCommerce stores, subscription services, marketplaces, and mobile apps to process transactions seamlessly. Stripe supports credit and debit card payments, digital wallets, bank transfers, and even cryptocurrency payments in some regions.

How Stripe Works

Stripe acts as a payment gateway and a payment processor, allowing businesses to:

Accept Payments – Process online payments via various methods like credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank transfers.
Manage Transactions – Monitor payment history, handle refunds, and prevent fraud.
Automate Billing – Create recurring payments and subscriptions.
Integrate with eCommerce Platforms – Works with Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Wix, and custom-built websites via APIs.

Businesses can use Stripe’s APIs and SDKs to customize the checkout experience and integrate payment functionalities directly into their websites or mobile apps.

Key Features of Stripe

1. Multiple Payment Methods

Supports credit & debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.).
Digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services like Klarna and Afterpay.
Local payment methods like SEPA Direct Debit, ACH, and Alipay.

2. Global Payment Processing

Available in over 45 countries and supports 135+ currencies.
Offers automatic currency conversion and multi-currency support.

3. Advanced Security & Fraud Protection

Stripe Radar – Uses AI-powered fraud detection to prevent suspicious transactions.
3D Secure Authentication (3DS2) – Adds an extra layer of security for transactions.
PCI Compliance – Ensures secure handling of card data.

4. Subscription & Recurring Payments

Stripe Billing allows businesses to set up and manage subscription plans.
Supports automated invoicing and retry logic for failed payments.

5. Instant Payouts

Businesses can receive payouts in minutes instead of waiting for traditional bank transfers.
Stripe Treasury allows businesses to hold funds in Stripe accounts.

6. Seamless API & Developer-Friendly Integration

Stripe offers a powerful API that allows developers to customize payment processing.
Works with Node.js, Python, PHP, Java, and Ruby.
Provides plugins for platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce.

Stripe Fees & Pricing

Stripe operates on a pay-as-you-go model, meaning businesses only pay for what they use.

Standard transaction fees:
- 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (for online payments in the U.S.).
- 3.9% for international cards.
ACH bank transfers: 0.8% per transaction (capped at $5).
Instant payouts: 1% extra for immediate transfers.
Subscription billing: Additional fees apply for advanced billing features.

Stripe does not charge monthly fees, setup fees, or hidden costs.

3. Square

Square is popular among small businesses, offering easy integration, point-of-sale (POS) solutions, and online payment processing. It also provides detailed analytics to help businesses track their sales and customer behaviors. With features like invoice generation, mobile payments, and appointment scheduling, Square is a versatile option for brick-and-mortar stores transitioning to online sales. Its seamless checkout experience and security measures make it a strong competitor in the payment gateway market.

4. Authorize.Net

Owned by Visa, Authorize.Net is a reliable gateway that supports various payment methods, including credit cards, eChecks, and digital payments. It offers fraud prevention tools and recurring billing options. Businesses that need a robust and secure solution for handling multiple types of transactions, including subscription payments and one-time purchases, can rely on Authorize.Net for its ease of use and extensive customer support.

5. Braintree

A PayPal-owned service, Braintree provides advanced payment solutions for businesses, supporting multiple payment options, including PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. It is known for its flexibility and global reach. Braintree’s seamless checkout experience and built-in fraud protection make it a top choice for businesses that prioritize customer convenience and transaction security. It is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to expand internationally due to its multi-currency support.

6. Adyen

Adyen is a global payment solution provider that supports multiple payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and local payment options. It is widely used by large enterprises due to its strong security features and data-driven insights. Adyen’s payment processing capabilities include dynamic currency conversion, risk management tools, and advanced reporting features, making it a preferred choice for high-volume businesses and multinational corporations.

7. WePay

WePay, a JPMorgan Chase-owned payment gateway, specializes in integrated payments for platforms and marketplaces. It offers seamless payment processing with advanced fraud detection tools and strong banking integrations. WePay is particularly beneficial for platforms that facilitate third-party transactions, such as crowdfunding sites and service marketplaces. Its security measures and compliance support ensure safe transactions for businesses and customers alike.

8. 2Checkout

2Checkout is a versatile payment gateway that supports international transactions and multiple payment methods. It provides businesses with customizable checkout pages, subscription management, and fraud protection. The ability to accept payments from customers in various currencies makes it an attractive choice for global eCommerce businesses. Its integration capabilities with popular shopping carts and CMS platforms further enhance its appeal.

9. Worldpay

Worldpay is a leading payment processing solution that serves both online and offline businesses. It provides advanced fraud detection, multi-currency support, and recurring billing features. Worldpay’s strong reputation in the industry, coupled with its ability to handle high-volume transactions, makes it a suitable choice for enterprises and large-scale eCommerce stores. Businesses benefit from its comprehensive analytics and reporting tools to optimize their payment processes.

10. Skrill

Skrill is a digital wallet and payment gateway that facilitates fast and secure transactions for businesses and individuals. It supports multiple currencies and international payments, making it an excellent choice for eCommerce businesses with a global customer base. Skrill’s low transaction fees and instant withdrawal options add to its appeal, especially for businesses looking for a cost-effective payment processing solution.

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