Stripe leads for comprehensive integration capabilities and global reach, ideal for developers and scaling businesses. Square suits retail and service businesses with physical presence. PayPal remains the accessible choice for small merchants and marketplaces seeking established payment infrastructure.
RANKENTRYSCORETRENDFROM
1StripeProcesses over $1 trillion in annual transaction volume across 195 countries95.0NEW2.2% + $0.30 per transaction 2PayPalServes over 400 million active users and processes payments in 200+ markets92.7NEW2.2% + $0.30 per transaction 3SquareProcesses over $250 billion annually across 11 million square feet of retail space90.3NEW$0 (pay-per-transaction) 4AdyenPowers payment processing for major global brands and processes billions in transaction value annually88.0NEWCustom 5WorldpayProcesses millions of transactions daily for merchants in over 146 countries85.7NEWCustom 6Authorize.NetEstablished in 1996 and processes over $100 billion in annual transaction volume83.3NEW$25 monthly gateway fee + 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction 72Checkout (Verifone)Supports payments in 135+ currencies and operates in 200+ countries81.0NEWVariable based on payment method; 3.5% + per-transaction fees 8Wise (formerly TransferWise)Specialises in real mid-market exchange rates without hidden markups, saving businesses money on FX conversions78.7NEWMid-market rate (typically 0.4% spread) + service fee 9FirstData (now Fiserv)One of the world's largest payments processors with presence across North America and Europe76.3NEWCustom 10MollieBuilt from the ground up to simplify payment integration with a modern developer-friendly API74.0NEW2.0% + €0.05 per transaction The ranking, in detail
01
The full-featured payment infrastructure for internet businesses
Stripe provides a comprehensive suite of payment processing tools including payment acceptance, invoicing, subscription management, and advanced developer APIs. It supports 135+ currencies and is used by millions of businesses globally.
From 2.2% + $0.30 per transactionBest for SaaS companies, e-commerce platforms, developers, and high-volume merchants
95.0
02
The trusted global payment platform for any business size
PayPal offers payment processing, invoicing, and business solutions for online merchants. It provides both standalone payment acceptance and integrated solutions, with buyer protection and seller tools.
From 2.2% + $0.30 per transactionBest for Small to medium businesses, marketplaces, freelancers, and merchants seeking trusted brand recognition
92.7
03
Versatile point-of-sale and payment platform for small to mid-market retailers
Square provides point-of-sale systems, payment processing, and business management tools tailored for physical retail, restaurants, and service providers. It offers both card readers and integrated software.
From $0 (pay-per-transaction)Best for Small independent retailers and pop-up shops
90.3
04
Enterprise-grade payment infrastructure for global merchants
Adyen is a global payments company offering omnichannel payment solutions including online, in-store, and mobile payments. It serves large enterprises with high transaction volumes and operates its own payment processing infrastructure.
From CustomBest for Large enterprises, global retailers, and high-volume merchants requiring bespoke solutions
88.0
05
Connected payments solutions for merchants of all sizes
Worldpay (now part of Fiserv) provides payment processing, fraud prevention, and omnichannel payment solutions for businesses globally. It offers both hosted solutions and integrated merchant services.
From CustomBest for Mid to large-sized merchants, omnichannel retailers, and businesses requiring fraud protection
85.7
06
Reliable payment gateway and merchant services for any business
Authorize.Net is a payment gateway provider offering transaction processing, reporting, and fraud tools. It serves as a middle layer between merchants and payment networks, popular particularly in North America.
From $25 monthly gateway fee + 2.9% + $0.30 per transactionBest for Small to medium e-commerce businesses, resellers, and merchants seeking straightforward gateway solutions
83.3
07
Global payment platform with subscription and recurring billing capabilities
2Checkout (now owned by Verifone) provides payment processing, subscription management, and merchant services across multiple currencies and countries. It specialises in supporting digital goods and recurring billing.
From Variable based on payment method; 3.5% + per-transaction feesBest for Companies selling globally requiring multi-currency and multi-payment method support
81.0
08
Low-cost international payments and multi-currency accounts
Wise specialises in international money transfers and multi-currency payments using real exchange rates. It has expanded to offer API access for businesses requiring cross-border payment solutions.
From Mid-market rate (typically 0.4% spread) + service feeBest for Freelancers, importers/exporters, and businesses making frequent international payments
78.7
09
Payment processing and merchant services for all business types
FirstData (merged with Fiserv) provides merchant acquiring, payment processing, and point-of-sale solutions. It serves a broad customer base from small businesses to large enterprises with customised solutions.
From CustomBest for Established retail businesses, restaurants, and merchants already using FirstData terminals
76.3
10
European payment processor with simple API for online businesses
Mollie is a European payment service provider offering a simple API for merchants to accept payments. It focuses on straightforward integration and supports multiple payment methods popular in Europe.
From 2.0% + €0.05 per transactionBest for European e-commerce businesses, startups, and developers seeking simple payment integration
74.0
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a payment processor and a payment gateway?
A payment gateway is software that connects a merchant's website to the payment networks (like Visa or Mastercard), while a processor handles the actual settlement of funds and merchant services. Some platforms like Stripe combine both functions, whilst others like Authorize.Net function primarily as gateways requiring a separate merchant account.
What factors should I consider when choosing a payment processor?
Consider transaction fees, payment methods supported (cards, wallets, bank transfers), geographic coverage, integration ease, customer support quality, fraud prevention capabilities, reporting tools, and PCI compliance features. Your specific business type (e-commerce, retail, SaaS, etc.) should heavily influence your choice.
How do payment processor fees typically work?
Most processors charge a percentage of transaction value plus a fixed fee per transaction (e.g. 2.2% + $0.30). Some charge monthly gateway fees, setup fees, or chargeback fees. Volume discounts may apply for high-transaction businesses. Enterprise processors often use custom pricing negotiated based on business specifics.