10 Best Payment Gateways: Easy Setup & Low Fees in 2024

Using a popular payment gateway like Apple Pay and Authorize.Net as your primary processor sounds sensible but can become problematic in the long run. That’s because they limit your payment methods, can often be costly, and don’t offer much in terms of customer or tech support.

The best solution is to access these payment gateways through a fully featured credit card processor. But finding a processor that offers the best payment gateway can add to the complexity.

Over the course of my month-long research, I found the best options to suit every type of business. Whether you’re dealing with e-commerce and subscriptions or are working in a high-risk industry, I’ve got a payment processor for you. My top recommendations also support international processing and integrate seamlessly with all major e-commerce platforms.

Leaders Merchant Services (LMS), in particular, made my inner finance critic happy with its suite of payment processing features and easy onboarding. It’s a certified reseller of Authorize.net, an exceptional payment gateway known for its powerful e-commerce software. Combining these two gives you the best of both worlds – all at an affordable price.

Unless you’re a micro business that’s exclusively online, my research shows you can get the best deal on payment processing by using a payment gateway through LMS or any other of my top recommendations.

What We Look For in the Best Payment Gateway

While researching various payment gateways, I specifically focused on these features and benefits to determine the best options for your business:

• Ease of use. I sifted through thousands of customer reviews to ensure my top recommendations provide a seamless payment experience. My suggestions can easily integrate with all major e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and WordPress. My picks also offer APIs for a customizable payment setup.
• Security. Merchants that accept card-not-present transactions can open themselves up to fraud. I looked for payment processors that provide advanced tools for fraud detection and protection, as well as prevention and risk management.
• Pricing. I found the best deal for every type of business and processing volume. My list has the best prices for small businesses that process low volume. High-volume businesses can save significantly with my subscription-based recommendations. I also tracked down the lowest fees for high-risk merchants and non-profit organizations.
• Analytics and reporting. Most of my recommendations have built-in or third-party business management software that allows you to monitor the performance of your business, manage transactions, and access reports that help you make better business decisions.
• Support for international transactions. All the payment processors on my list provide payment gateways that support international transactions in multiple currencies for US-based businesses.

1. Leaders Merchant Services: Best Payment Gateway for Most Businesses1

Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) is a certified reseller of Authorize.net, one of the most trusted payment gateways on the market with web, retail, mobile, and mail order/telephone order (MOTO) payment solutions. Although Authorize.net has stellar e-commerce features, its pricing plans don’t offer much value and it has terrible support. But you can get the best of all words when you pair it with LMS.

Authorize.net’s flexible API caters to different customization requirements. If you want greater control over the transaction journey, including custom payment forms and receipts, I’d suggest implementing the Advanced Integration Method. For basic customizations and minimal development resources, you can go with the Simple Integration Method or Certified Shopping Carts.

Getting Authorize.net through LMS will cost you less because you’ll avoid the 10¢ per-transaction and batch processing fee that Authorize.net typically charges. LMS’s low subscription fee at $9.00/month includes valuable e-commerce features and responsive support. Its flexible contracts and custom pricing allow you to pay only for what you need, which makes it ideal for low to mid-volume businesses.

Features and Benefits

• International payments. As long as you’re a US-based business, you can accept payments from anywhere worldwide for a small additional fee.
• Subscription tools. For an additional fee, LMS offers excellent recurring billing tools to ensure your customers never miss a payment.
• Take payments on the go. Authorize.net’s free mobile app can process credit card payments anywhere. This is a great option if you sell at remote events like fairs. You can connect a card reader to your device or key in transactions directly on your mobile phone.
• Payment links. You can use these payment links everywhere – on your website, social media accounts, and in direct messages with customers. You can customize them with your logo, special offers, ads, and more. They’re great for fostering repeat business, too.

Read our Leaders Merchant Services review for our expert opinion.

2. Paysafe: Best Gateway for Global High-Ticket Transactions & Subscriptions1

Paysafe offers processing capabilities in 120+ markets, in more than 40 currencies, and for over 250 payment types. This extensive range of payment solutions, paired with its low transaction fees of only 0.50% + $0.10, make Paysafe ideal for businesses that sell high-ticket items globally or operate on a subscription model.

Businesses using this model benefit from Paysafe’s direct partnership with Vindicia, advanced subscription, and payment recovery software. Vindicia’s solutions can help you improve customer retention, recover up to 50% of failed credit card transactions, and maximize revenue for your subscription business.

Paysafe provides the reliable Authorize.net payment gateway at a significant discount. This gateway offers critical business features, including advanced fraud protection, customer information management to streamline payments, digital invoicing, account updating to reduce failed payments, and support for multiple payment types.

Features & Benefits

• Chargeback program. The Encytro program costs $29.95 per month per location, making you eligible to receive up to $250 in reimbursements for covered chargebacks. The program simplifies financial planning for businesses experiencing quite a few chargebacks.
• Robust API. The Paysafe API integrates seamlessly into existing systems, offering a customizable payment form and a single endpoint for multiple payment methods.
• Advanced security. Paysafe has a dedicated risk management team to help you mitigate fraud. It also offers the Enhanced Security package, which acts like an insurance policy against data breaches, providing peace of mind in an era where security attacks are common.
• MobilePay app. The MobilePay app by Paysafe enables on-the-go payment collection and business management, making it easier to manage your inventory and finances from anywhere.

Read our detailed Paysafe review to learn more.

3. Stax: Best Payment Gateway for High-Volume Businesses1

A fixed monthly fee and the industry’s lowest transaction fees of only 15¢ + interchange (online) make Stax ideal for high-volume businesses and those processing large transactions. Starting at $99.00, its subscription fees might seem high, but if you process $8,000+/month in credit card payments, this payment model can work in your favor. You can save up to 40% with Stax if you process even more.

Stax offers Authorize.net’s payment gateway for only $10/month – a bargain compared to Authorize.net’s own $25/month fee. Stax also provides advanced API and developer-friendly tools to customize the checkout flow, add branded elements, and implement advanced fraud prevention measures. It integrates seamlessly with various e-commerce platforms, shopping carts, and other business apps.

Stax also gives you access to real-time transaction data and powerful analytics. You can monitor sales, view detailed reports, and manage transactions efficiently from one centralized platform.

Features and Benefits

• Stax mobile app. This app allows you to manage every aspect of your business on the go at no additional charge. You can also turn any handheld device into a POS system. If you’re an online business but hold in-person events occasionally, this feature will save you from investing in dedicated POS equipment.
• Invoicing tools. Stax makes it easy to set up recurring payments. It also provides branded payment links, allowing customers to make quick payments. With Text2Pay, your customers can conveniently respond to texts to initiate payments. Best of all, these tools are included in your monthly fee.
• Effortless shopping cart setup. You can set up a custom shopping cart with a single click. Simply add the products or services you sell, click ‘create’, and you’re all set to start taking orders.
• One-click checkout. Your customers can complete their purchases in just a click, reducing friction and increasing spending.

Read our expert Stax review for more features.

4. Payment Depot: Best for Businesses Processing a High-Volume of Micropayments1

Payment Depot, a Stax subsidiary, is a compelling option for small businesses with high volumes due to its low transaction fees of only 0.2%-1.95%. It offers the same subscription-based model as Stax but at a lower monthly fee. This allows you to access many of Stax’s benefits at a lower cost. However, note that Stax provides a broader selection of POS systems, a mobile app, and a more advanced business analytics platform.

Payment Depot can particularly benefit businesses processing many micropayments, allowing for cost savings over traditional interchange-based fees. Still, its relatively high monthly fee makes it most suitable for businesses processing at least $8,000/month in card sales.

It integrates with the popular Authorize.net payment gateway for less than its regular price and offers a range of e-commerce features. You can use its pre-built shopping cart or create one tailored to your brand and audience. Through Authorize.net, you can simplify the checkout process with Buy buttons that take visitors directly to the checkout page, which is ideal for businesses selling fewer items.

Features and Benefits

• Shopping cart integrations. In addition to proprietary shopping cart solutions, Payment Depot integrates with a variety of popular shopping carts, such as OpenCart, 3D Cart, and ZenCart, making it adaptable for different online businesses​​.
• E-commerce integrations. Payment Depot also integrates with major e-commerce platforms such as BigCommerce, Magento, and WooCommerce. This ensures that your existing or upcoming online store can easily connect with the payment processing system, streamlining operations and sales management​​.
• 24/7 risk monitoring team. Payment Depot takes a proactive approach to risk management. Its dedicated team monitors for changes in bank policies and is always on the lookout for the latest fraud methods, acting swiftly to mitigate risks. You can also dispute chargebacks directly from your account. This integrated system, with all necessary information in one place, is a significant time-saver​​.
• Complimentary terminal. Payment Depot provides one Dejavoo terminal without a contract. For some businesses, Payment Depot may even offer multiple free Dejavoo terminals, which can help cut physical payment processing costs​​.

Read our expert Payment Depot review for more information.

5. Chase Payment Solutions: Best Payment Gateway For Fast Payouts & Funding Options1

Small e-commerce businesses facing cash flow challenges will find Chase Payment Solutions ideal. You’ll get access to Authorize.net and a one-stop integration with the popular platform BigCommerce. If you sign up for a Chase Business Checking account, you can enjoy same-day deposits for in-person, mobile, and e-commerce sales at no additional cost. Chase also doesn’t charge monthly fees. You’ll only pay 2.9% + 25¢ for each online transaction.

As a large financial institution, Chase offers a range of financing options for small businesses, including SBA loans, commercial financing, and lines of credit, to help you support operations and stabilize sales. Chase’s versatile funding options suit businesses investing in growth or needing extra capital to navigate the competitive markets.

However, it has limitations when it comes to POS offerings and doesn’t widely support third-party devices. Unlike most processors, Chase doesn’t offer free equipment, but this might not be a drawback if you sell exclusively or primarily online. Despite these limitations, its various funding options and instant payouts make it a reliable choice if your business faces unpredictable sales volumes.

Features and Benefits

• Industry-specific software integrations. Chase offers a range of software integrations for various business types. For example, tools like Agree.com can help you send and create contracts in under two minutes. Moreover, Fusebill simplifies subscription management, while mHelpDesk is ideal for automating manual tasks for service-based businesses.
• Payment links. You can send secure payment links via text or email to speed up and simplify the transaction process for you and your customers.
• Tap to pay on iPhone. This payment method allows you to collect all types of payments in-store or on the go directly through your iPhone without any extra hardware. It’s set up through the Chase Mobile app, provided you have a Chase Business Complete Banking account and an iPhone XS or later. The simplicity and security of this method can significantly enhance the checkout process, making it ideal for fast-paced environments​​​​.
• Chase customer insights. Chase’s proprietary platform delivers analytics on customer behavior, performance, and other metrics to support your decision-making process. It’s a powerful tool for any business aiming to better understand its clientele and make informed decisions to drive growth and enhance customer experiences​​.

Read our Chase Payment Solutions review to discover more benefits.

6. Sekure Payment Solutions: A Range of Payment Gateways for E-Commerce Businesses1

Sekure Payment Experts is best for growth-focused e-commerce shops, offering customized solutions that scale with your business. Although not a credit card processor, Sekure leverages an extensive network of partners to tailor the best processing solution for your needs. This approach means you can start small and scale up, accessing services like the Authorize.net payment gateway at potentially reduced costs or even for free, depending on your plan​​​​.

Additionally, Sekure provides access to various other payment gateways to suit every kind of business. Options include Payeezy for e-commerce merchants, PayFlow Pro for those seeking advanced customization of the checkout experience, NMI for high-risk merchants, and Cybersource for businesses handling international payments. This variety ensures that your business can find the perfect gateway fit.

Despite multiple pricing options and the possibility for price negotiations, Sekure tends to have higher transaction fees. However, it balances by eliminating monthly fees for most plans. You can expect to pay 2.99% + 19¢ (in-person & online) per transaction for the Interchange Plus plan. For new businesses, Sekure might offer the Simplified Pricing plan, which is suitable for those prioritizing predictable costs, even if it means higher (flat) transaction fees of 3.5% + 19¢ (in-person & online) for all payment types.

Features and Benefits

• Zero-cost processing. Sekure offers up to 100% savings on credit card processing through the Edge program. For a fixed monthly fee of $39.95, you can pass transaction fees to credit card-paying customers through dual pricing, cash discount, or surcharging.
• Custom e-commerce plan. You’ll get assigned a dedicated payment expert to look for the best solutions for your business and prepare a personalized e-commerce plan based on your unique needs.
• Multiple e-commerce integrations. With its extensive e-commerce partner network, Sekure gives you access to platforms like BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and shopping cart integrations such as ZenCart and 3D Cart to streamline your online presence.
• Robust security and anti-fraud features. Sekure offers a free PCI compliance program, PCI Plus, for qualified merchants. It also boasts a dedicated chargeback management team. Qualified merchants can also take advantage of its breach forgiveness, a program that relieves you from financial burden if your business suffers a data breach and the amount doesn’t exceed $100,000.

See our Sekure Payment Experts review for more benefits.

Other Notable Payment Gateways

7. Helcim1

Helcim gives you access to its payment gateway solutions at no extra cost, including a virtual terminal, online checkout, hosted payment pages, and the Helcim Pay.js integration. Helcim offers a fully hosted e-commerce system and an intuitive online store builder, making it ideal for new and low-volume e-commerce businesses. It’s also a good option for restaurants thanks to its proprietary food ordering system.

However, Helcim doesn’t serve high-risk merchants, which can be a roadblock for certain business types. Also, it doesn’t integrate with third-party POS devices, which can be limiting, especially if you’ve already invested in other equipment. Despite these constraints, Helcim simplifies e-commerce complexities for startups.

8. Square1

Square is popular with small online and in-store businesses because it’s easy to use. You can quickly start taking payments with Square’s proprietary payment gateway solution and POS devices. It even offers a free online store, making it affordable to set up shop online. Whether your business is offline, online, or both, Square has something to offer.

However, Square doesn’t cater to high-risk merchants. Because of the lack of proper vetting, Square is known for terminating accounts or freezing funds without prior notice if it deems a merchant high risk. Also, you might find its customer support hard to reach, posing potential troubleshooting challenges.

9. POS Pros1

POS Pros is a great option if you’re primarily a brick-and-mortar business and need a reliable payment gateway. You’ll get access to dozens of POS brands, including tailored solutions for industries like retail, hospitality, restaurants, and healthcare. A specialist will be on hand to offer free virtual demos so you can choose the best POS solution for your needs. Additionally, POS Pros gives you access to the trusted Authorize.Net at a discounted price.

While it excels for POS support, POS Pros offers minimal e-commerce features. Competitive card-present transaction fees and a wide range of POS devices make POS Pros great for businesses selling in person. However, if you prioritize e-commerce, I recommend checking out Leaders Merchant Services’ high-converting features.

10. ProMerchant

If you sign up with ProMerchant you’ll have access to Authorize.net and its robust set of features while having a dedicated account manager by your side. If your business sells over the phone or by mail (MOTO), you can also use its Payments Hub Virtual Terminal to manually key in transactions. There are no extra monthly fees, which is ideal if you’re on a budget.

If you run a restaurant or retail business, you can save with ProMerchant’s zero-cost processing program. Its minimalist approach is perfect for cost-conscious businesses seeking affordable payment processing solutions. That said, you might find it limiting if you don’t qualify for its zero-cost program or are looking for additional processing features.

Select the Best Payment Gateway for Your Business

Bundling your payment gateway with a reliable payment processor is a winning combination as you’ll get more benefits, including better features, lower fees, and additional support.

If you’re a low- to mid-volume business, Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) and Authorize.net make the best bundle. LMS balances affordable pricing1, exceptional customer support, and valuable e-commerce features like payment links and subscription tools.

With low online transaction fees, discounted access to Authorize.net, and support for international transactions, Paysafe is the best option1 for businesses processing high-ticket transactions globally. It also offers advanced subscription management features and an attractive chargeback management program.

If you run a high-volume business, Stax’s subscription pricing can save you up to 40%1 compared to traditional processors. It offers Authorize.net for less than its original price and a robust API to fully customize the payment experience.

Take a look at my bite-sized table for a quick comparison of my top recommendations that offer payment gateway solutions:

FAQ

Which is the best payment gateway for international transactions?

Paysafe integrates with the trusted Authorize.net payment gateway at a discounted rate and offers support for processing transactions in 120+ markets globally and 40+ currencies. Its risk monitoring, chargeback mitigation, and privacy features, such as end-to-end encryption and fraud detection, guarantee secure transactions.

Which is the cheapest payment gateway?

Sekure Payment Experts provides the cheapest payment gateway. By partnering with Sekure, you can get access to the popular Authorize.net gateway for much lower than the regular rate. In some cases, Sekure might even waive the gateway fee. Sekure also doesn’t charge a monthly fee, making it an excellent choice for businesses seeking a budget-friendly payment gateway.

What is the best payment gateway?

Powered by the trusted Authorize.net payment gateway, Leaders Merchant Services offers a winning combination of reliability, robust features, and affordability. It’s an ideal option for low to mid-volume businesses that want to provide high-value services at competitive prices.

What are common payment gateway costs?

Common payment gateway costs include setup fees, monthly gateway fees, transaction fees, and additional fees for specific features or services. Setup fees can range from zero to a few hundred dollars. Monthly gateway fees are around $10 to $30/month. Transaction fees are typically a percentage of the transaction amount, ranging from 1% to 3% or more.