What makes customers feel most secure when shopping online?

The answer is a secure payment gateway that ensures their personal and financial information is protected.

When running a WooCommerce store, choosing the right payment gateway is crucial. It's not just about processing transactions—it's about ensuring your customers feel safe and secure when they buy from you.

A good payment gateway offers fast and secure transactions, which can lead to higher sales and happier customers.

But with so many options, how do you know the best fit for your store?

In this article, we’ll explore the top 8 WooCommerce payment gateways to help your store run smoothly and satisfy your customers with maximum security.

Let’s jump right in!

WooCommerce Payment Gateways Explained

A WooCommerce payment gateway manages the payment process for your online store, allowing shoppers to complete purchases securely.

It serves as a bridge between your WooCommerce site and financial institutions, ensuring transactions are processed efficiently and safely.

When a customer makes a purchase on the checkout page, the payment gateway securely collects their payment information, authorizes the transaction, and ensures that the funds are transferred from the customer’s account to your store’s account.

Here’s the workflow of how a payment gateway works in WooCommerce.

• The customer initiates payment: They select a product, head to checkout and place the order.
• Payment information sent to the gateway: Their payment details are securely sent to the gateway.
• Gateway authorized transaction: The gateway checks and authorizes the transaction.
• The bank processes payment: The gateway talks to the customer’s bank to process payment.
• Funds transferred to store: Once approved, funds are transferred to your store.
• Confirmation sent: Both you and the customer get a payment confirmation.

Let's look at why you should add a perfect payment gateway to your store.

Why is Adding Payment Gateways to Your WooCommerce Store Important?

Having a reliable payment gateway is not just an option—it's a necessity. Ensuring a secured payment gateway is like prioritizing your customers.

It provides a flexible, secure, and efficient platform for online transactions. As a result, they begin to trust you. So when customers trust you, they’re more likely to hit that Buy Now button.

But unfortunately, the default payment gateways in WooCommerce have limited options. Only bank transfers, cash payments, and cash of delivery are available.

However, you can use  WooCommerce payment gateways, which can help you integrate more payment opportunities. Such as:

• Provides instant, secured payment options
• Gives a flexible, user-friendly experience to users
• Protects users’ data with encryption
• Reduces the time required to pay off-line.
• Easy to access and track revenues

Top 8 Best WooCommerce Payment Gateways

Here we have discussed the top payment gateways with their key features, pros, and cons. It will give you a clear picture of the payment gateways.

Let’s get started!

1. Stripe

Stripe is a go-to payment gateway for WooCommerce. It supports a bunch of payment options, like credit and debit cards, Google Pay, AliPay, and Apple Pay, all without leaving your site.

Stripe is extremely simple to set up with WooCommerce and supports over 135 currencies, making it ideal if you're trying to reach customers all over the world. Big companies like Amazon and Shopify trust Stripe. Plus, there are no setup fees or sneaky charges to worry about.

Now, let’s learn a bit more about this popular payment gateway.

Key features of Stripe Payment Gateway

• It supports all popular credit and debit cards
• Flexible payment options with Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Gateways like Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay
• Supports express checkout like Apple Pay and Google Pay
• SCA (Strong Customer Authentication) and 3D Secure
• Supports local payments like SEPA, iDEAL, Bancontact, Przelewy24 (P24), etc.

Pros of Stripe

• User-friendly with a simple setup process
• Supports a variety of payment methods with credit and debit cards
• PCI-DSS compliant
• Smooth integration with WooCommerce

Cons of Stripe

• Limited customization options.
• Transaction fees may be high for small businesses.

Charges

• Stripe does not charge monthly fees for most of its services
• It charges 2.9% + $0.30 per successful transaction. The international per-transaction fee is 1.5%.
• Solutions like Klarna have a higher charge of 5.99% + $0.30 per transaction.

✅ Best for WooCommerce store owners who are looking for a simple way to accept online payments.

Please note: You probably already know that WooCommerce doesn’t have a Stripe payment gateway. But no worries—if you’re looking to get WooCommerce set up with Stripe, the Stripe Gateway for WooCommerce by FunnelKit is right there to help.

This plugin is free and loaded with awesome features that make it shine compared to other Stripe gateway plugins out there. Worth checking out!

👉 Learn how to integrate Stripe with your WooCommerce store here.

2. PayPal

After Stripe, PayPal is one of the most widely recognized and trusted online payment systems globally.

Integrating PayPal with your WooCommerce store allows customers to pay using their PayPal balance, linked bank accounts, or credit/debit cards.

It's a go-to option for many online businesses because of its simple process and payment options.

By offering PayPal as a payment gateway on your WooCommerce site, you can reach a broad audience, including those who prefer using PayPal for online purchases.

Let’s learn a bit more about PayPal:

Key features of PayPal

• Quick funds credit option
• Professional invoice delivery system
• Customizable API Integration
• In-person payments via PayPal terminal
• Linked bank account transfers
• Encrypted Checkout Security
• PayPal Credit financing

Pros of Paypal

• Top-notch security features, including fraud detection.
• Simple setup and easy for customers to use.
• Supports multiple payment methods, including PayPal balance and credit/debit cards.

Cons of Paypal

• PayPal's dispute resolution process can sometimes favor buyers.
• Limited customization of the checkout experience.

Charges

• 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Extra charge of 1.5% for international transactions
• Other charges depend on the services you use

✅PayPal is an excellent choice for WooCommerce stores looking to offer a trusted, widely recognized payment option.

3. Authorize.net

Authorize.net is a well-established payment gateway known for its comprehensive features and high level of security.

It offers a range of services, including payment processing, fraud detection, and recurring billing. This makes it suitable for businesses of all sizes, particularly those that need advanced features and robust security.

Let’s learn a bit more about its pros and cons below:

Key features of Authorize.net

• Advanced fraud detection
• Recurring payments support
• Wide payment acceptance
• Acceptance of major payment methods
• Quick fund deposits
• Secure payment forms

Pros of Authorize.net

• Ideal for subscription-based services with automated recurring payments.
• 24/7 support via phone, live chat, and email.
• Easy integration with WooCommerce and other platforms.

Cons of Authorize.net

• Higher transaction fees may impact small businesses.
• Complex initial setup for new users.
• Limited availability outside the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Charges

• 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction 
• $25 Monthly fee

There are no additional fees beyond the prices noted above. The account updater and eCheck plan may charge additional costs. It does not have a contract or early termination fees.

✅ Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses and merchants who need to accept a variety of payment methods online, in-store, or on mobile.

4. Square

Square is a user-friendly payment gateway that’s especially popular among small to medium-sized businesses.

Known for its transparency and ease of use, Square offers a comprehensive solution that includes both online payment processing and a free POS system for in-person sales.

Its seamless integration with WooCommerce makes it a go-to choice for many store owners.

Let’s learn more about Square:

Key features of Square

• In-person and online payments
• Automatic sync with Square devices
• Coupons, Invoices, Appointments, and Instagram Integration
• Invoicing and inventory management
• PCI compliance with end-to-end encryption

Pros of Square

• No monthly fees
• Support for delivery and In-Store Pickup
• Real-time report checking
• Free POS system for physical stores
• Simple setup process
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Cons of Square

• Available in limited countries (US, Canada, Australia, Japan, UK).
• Customer support can be slow during peak times.
• Longer resolution times for chargeback disputes.

Charges

• 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person payments, 2.9% + $0.30 for online transactions, and 3.5% + $0.15 for manually entered payments
• No monthly fees

Custom pricing is available for businesses with larger transaction volumes.

✅ Best suited for small businesses and entrepreneurs with physical stores or pop-up shops.

5. Amazon Pay

Amazon Pay allows customers to use their Amazon account information to make purchases on your WooCommerce store.

This familiarity can increase trust and conversion rates, especially for customers who are already comfortable shopping with Amazon.

Amazon Pay is highly secure and offers a streamlined checkout process. Apart from that there are some other things to consider. Check out below:

Key features of Amazon Pay

• Integration with Amazon ecosystem
• Secure storage of payment information
• Multi-currency integration
• Support for nonprofits, small, and large businesses

Pros of Amazon Pay

• Leverages Amazon’s brand to boost customer trust.
• Quick checkout using existing Amazon payment details.
• Free to set up with robust security features.
• Optimized for mobile apps
• Accept Amazon payments on your site
• Customizable buttons and widgets

Cons of Amazon Pay

• Only useful if customers have Amazon accounts.
• Higher fees for international transactions.
• Does not support recurring billing, limiting its use for subscription-based businesses.

Charges

• No setup, monthly, or annual fees
• Don’t charge for refunds
• The $0.30 authorization fee is non-refundable

✅A great choice for e-commerce businesses aiming to provide a seamless checkout experience.

6. Skrill

Skrill is a global payment gateway known for its low transaction fees and extensive support for multiple currencies.

It's an excellent choice for businesses that operate internationally and need a cost-effective solution for cross-border transactions. 

Skrill also offers a digital wallet service to store and manage funds. Let’s unlock some more information about Skrill:

Key features of Skrill

• All-in-one online wallet and payment gateway
• Hosted payments for enhanced security
• Cryptocurrency support
• Exclusive Mastercard integration

Pros of Skrill

• 16 Currencies supported Available in 200+ countries
• Zero monthly fees
• Local payment is available
• Skrill has personal and business accounts
• Competitive transaction fees for cross-border payments
• Simple integration with WooCommerce
• Works with most of the web browsers and apps

Cons of Skrill

• Limited customer support options
• Account validation takes a longer time
• The foreign currency exchange rate is high and it’s nearly 4.49%
• Slow account verification process reported by some users

Charges

• No monthly and setup fees
• Third-party fees may apply (2.5%)
• No service fee
• Sending and receiving money is available (the fees are applicable)

✅ Ideal for international businesses and freelancers who need to handle international payments.

7. WooCommerce Payments

WooCommerce Payments is a payment solution built by WooCommerce, specifically designed for WooCommerce stores.

It offers seamless integration and allows you to manage all payments directly from your WooCommerce dashboard. WooCommerce Payments supports all major credit and debit cards and provides detailed insights into your transactions.

What’s more? Let’s find out its key features, pros and cons below:

Key features of WooCommerce Payments

• Simple WooCommerce plugin setup
• Direct payments from Alipay and credit/debit cards
• Robust privacy and payment security
• Efficient recurring payment management
• PCI compliance for securing transaction data

Pros of WooCommerce Payments

• Perfect integration with WooCommerce
• No setup fees
• Easy management of payments, refunds, and chargebacks from your WooCommerce dashboard
• Support multiple payment methods
• Capacity to handle a high volume of transactions
• Detailed transaction reports for monitoring sales

Cons of WooCommerce Payments

• Limited availability (only in selected countries like the US, Canada, and a few European countries)
• Few advanced features for customization
• Slow support response times for complex issues

Charges

WooCommerce Payments does not charge a monthly fee. But they charge for international payments, currency conversion, and disputes.

However, depending on the country, they have different transaction fees. You can get a detailed idea from their external fee rules.

✅It's tailored for small to medium-sized e-commerce businesses with a simple and intuitive dashboard.

8. Alipay

Alipay is one of the most popular payment gateways in China. It processes billions of transactions annually. It supports 27 currencies and 110+ countries.

It’s a must-have for businesses targeting the Chinese market. It offers customers a familiar and trusted payment option.

Alipay supports mobile payments and is backed by robust security features, making it a reliable choice for WooCommerce stores.

Let’s get a sneak peek of this payment gateway:

Key features of Alipay

• QR code payment
• Scan to bind
• User-demand mode payment
• Direct Payments from Alipay account and Credit/Debit Cards
• The escrow system ensures legitimate payments

Pros of Alipay

• Easy integration with WooCommerce
• Supports payments directly from Alipay accounts
• High security with mobile support
• Efficient recurring payment management

Cons of Alipay

• Primarily used by Chinese consumers, it limits its reach outside China
• Higher fees for businesses outside China
• Limited functionalities outside China

Charges

Alipay charges 3% for each transaction. However, it may vary depending on the payment processor and transaction type (domestic or international).

They may charge some additional fees for currency conversion or international transactions.

✅ Best for businesses targeting Chinese consumers.

How To Choose the Best Payment Gateway for Your WooCommerce Store?

Choosing the right payment gateway for your WooCommerce store should be a top priority. 

With so many options available, the decision can be overwhelming, but it becomes easier when you know what to look for. 

Your choice should align with both your store's requirements and your customers' needs.

Here are six key factors to consider before choosing a WooCommerce payment gateway:

1. Security measures

Data privacy is a top concern for everyone online, and it's especially critical when it comes to payment gateways. Security should be your number one priority when selecting a payment gateway solution.

Choose one that offers strong fraud protection and complies with PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) standards. This will keep your customers' data safe and secure.

2. Transaction fees

Payment gateways come with different fee structures, like setup fees, monthly fees, and per-transaction fees. Pick one that suits your budget and gives you good value for the features you need.

3. Customer experience

A good payment gateway offers a seamless checkout experience. Features like multiple payment options, guest checkout, and a mobile-friendly interface can make a big difference in customer happiness.

4. Supported payment methods

Ensure the gateway supports the payment methods preferred by your customers, such as credit cards, digital wallets, local payment options, buy now pay later options, etc. Offering diverse payment methods can reduce cart abandonment and improve customer satisfaction.

5. Transaction time

Fast transaction processing is key to keeping your customers happy and minimizing frustration with delays. Choose a gateway known for quick processing times to maintain a smooth operation and enhance customer satisfaction.

6. Customer Support

Reliable customer support is invaluable when issues arise. Opt for a payment gateway that offers responsive, easy-to-reach support to resolve any problems quickly.

This can save you time and keep your business running smoothly without unnecessary stress.

These are the most common six factors to consider before using a WooCommerce Payment Gateway.

A Comparison Table of The Best WooCommerce Payment Gateways

Here’s a quick comparison of the best WooCommerce payment gateways to help you decide which one is the best fit for your business:

Winner: Stripe Gateway for WooCommerce

After comparing the top options, Stripe stands out as the best WooCommerce payment gateway. 

It’s easy to set up, supports various payment methods (like Apple Pay and Google Pay), and ensures strong security with features like SCA and 3D Secure.

Plus, with a competitive pricing, international availability, and multi-currency support, Stripe is a versatile and reliable choice. It supports local payment gateways such as iDEAL, SEPA, P24, BanContact, and more.

In addition, it's compatible with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) payment gateways such as Afterpay, Klarna, and Affirm. Offering an upsell to BNPL customers can boost average order value.

These things make the shopping experience even better overall. For a secure and feature-packed payment gateway, Stripe is a great pick.

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WooCommerce Payment Gateway FAQs

Here are some of the common queries about the WooCommerce payment gateways:

• Which payment gateway is best for WooCommerce?

Stripe is often considered the best due to its global reach, developer-friendly features, and flexible integration options. However, WooCommerce Payments is a great choice for a more seamless, built-in solution.

• Is the WooCommerce payment gateway free?

Different gateways have different setup processes. For example, you can set up Stripe with WooCommerce using the Stripe Gateway for WooCommerce by FunnelKit.

• Are WooCommerce payments better than Stripe?

It depends on your needs. WooCommerce Payments is more integrated with WooCommerce, making it easier to manage within your store, while Stripe offers more customization and advanced features.

• Why is it important to choose the right WooCommerce payment gateway?

The right gateway affects transaction fees, user experience, and global reach. Choosing the best one ensures smoother transactions and better customer satisfaction.

Wrapping Up - Choosing the Right WooCommerce Payment Gateway

That's a wrap! We reviewed the top WooCommerce Payment Gateways, their features, pros, and cons. Plus, we compared them to see which one came out on top.

Stripe is the winner with its versatile features, customization options, and reasonable fees. If you’re already using it, great choice! But if you're thinking about switching things up, Stripe’s worth a look. It's got the flexibility and power that many businesses need.

To maximize your payment gateway's potential, explore FunnelKit Automations. It streamlines marketing, recovers abandoned carts, and boosts sales with automated follow-ups. Integrating it with Stripe through WooCommerce enhances your checkout process and helps grow your business efficiently.

Ready to take your WooCommerce store to the next level? Discover more with FunnelKit Automations.