Top 10 Best Shopify Payment Gateways 2025: A Complete Guide

For many merchants, choosing one (or more) Shopify payment gateways is certainly not the most glamorous part of building a store since there are so many options available. With each having its own pricing model, features, and regional limitations, the selection process can feel more confusing than it needs to be!

But no worries. To make it easier for you, this guide will break down:

• How Shopify payment gateways work
• How many gateways are available on Shopify
• Top 10 best payment gateways for Shopify
• Things to consider when choosing a gateway
• How to add multiple gateways to your store

Let’s get started!

---

How Does Shopify Payment Gateways Work?

Shopify payment gateways securely process customer payments by encrypting details, sending them to a processor, getting bank authorization, and then settling funds to the merchant, all while keeping the buyer and seller connected via the Shopify admin for order management and payouts.

Essentially, they act as a secure digital checkout, handling everything from card entry to bank transfers, ensuring PCI compliance and fraud checks. Let's see how the process works step-by-step:

1. Checkout initiation: A customer adds items to their cart and proceeds to checkout, entering their details.
2. Payment details entry: At the payment step, the customer chooses a method (card, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, etc.) and enters their information.
3. Encryption & transmission: The gateway encrypts this sensitive data (like card numbers) to prevent interception and sends it to a payment processor.
4. Authorization request: The processor acts as a messenger, sending the request to the card networks (Visa, Mastercard) and the customer's issuing bank for approval.
5. Fraud check: The gateway and processor may perform quick fraud checks.
6. Response & confirmation: The customer's bank sends an approval or denial back through the network to the processor, then to the gateway, and finally to your Shopify store.
7. Fund settlement: If approved, the bank deducts funds, and the gateway facilitates the transfer to your linked bank account (often via Shopify Payments).

---

How Many Shopify Payment Gateways Are There?

Shopify offers its own integrated system, Shopify Payments, and supports integrations with over 100 third-party payment gateways globally, including major ones like PayPal, Stripe, Adyen, and local options.

However, keep in mind that not every gateway is accessible in every country since their availability depends on local banking systems, regional regulations, and contractual partnerships.

To check which payment gateways are available in your specific country, Shopify provides an official search tool here. Using this directory, you can filter gateways by region and compare options for credit card processing, digital wallets, local payment methods, and Buy Now, Pay Later providers.

---

Top 10 Best Shopify Payment Gateways 2025

Though Shopify supports more than 100 payment gateways worldwide, only a handful consistently rise to the top for reliability, including Shopify Payments, PayPal, Stripe, Square Payments, Adyen, Amazon Pay, Klarna, Authorize.net, Skrill, and Opayo.

Let’s take a closer look!

1. Shopify Payments

Shopify Payments is among the best ways to accept payments on a Shopify store, as the gateway is built directly into the platform. There’s no external setup, no extra configuration, and (most importantly) no additional transaction fees from Shopify. Everything from fraud analysis to payout scheduling happens natively inside your dashboard, which makes day-to-day financial management much less overwhelming for merchants.

Better yet, Shopify Payments has grown more flexible over the years, now supporting local currencies, major credit cards, digital wallets, and even select cryptocurrencies such as USDC. Merchants don’t need to install any extra gateway to access these options.

Features

• Native, code-free integration that activates instantly within your Shopify dashboard
• Shop Pay one-click checkout with industry-leading conversion uplift
• Unified reporting that combines orders, payouts, returns, and disputes in one view
• Built-in support for selling across social channels (FB, IG, TikTok, YouTube) using the same payment system
• Automatic currency conversion and local payment routing optimized for the buyer location
• Crypto-friendly support for stablecoins like USDC without third-party apps

Fees (estimated)

Included in Shopify plan; card rates vary by plan:

• Basic: ~2.9% + 30¢ online
• Shopify (Grow): ~2.7% + 30¢ online
• Advanced: ~2.5% + 30¢ online

2. PayPal

PayPal remains one of the most recognizable names in digital payments, and that brand familiarity alone can meaningfully influence conversions.

For merchants, PayPal behaves much like an independent checkout option that runs alongside Shopify Payments. It’s easy to activate, easy for customers to use, and widely accepted across global regions. However, PayPal’s fees are higher than those of most other Shopify payment gateways, so it tends to work best as an additional payment option rather than the sole processor.

Features

• Instant brand trust: customers can pay without sharing card details with your store
• PayPal Checkout button for accelerated checkout from product pages or the cart
• Strong buyer and seller protection programs that reduce dispute risk
• Native tools for recurring billing, subscriptions, and installment payments
• Customers can pay using their PayPal balance, bank account, or linked cards
• High international adoption, useful for cross-border customers

Fees (estimated)

• PayPal Checkout: ~3.49% + fixed fee
• Standard credit/debit card payments: ~2.99% + fixed fee
• Cross-border payments: +1.5%
• (Fixed fees vary by currency; USD is typically ~49¢.)

3. Stripe

Next, we have Stripe, which is known for its developer-friendly approach and has become a favorite among businesses that require advanced customization.

While it integrates perfectly with Shopify, Stripe operates independently and can support both online and in-person transactions, subscription billing, invoicing, and marketplace payments. Its infrastructure is built for global commerce, supporting 135+ currencies and a wide range of alternative payment methods.

Features

• Advanced APIs and developer tools suitable for customized payment flows
• Stripe Billing for subscription plans, trials, prorated charges, and invoices
• Stripe Radar AI-powered fraud detection trained on global transaction data
• Support for 135+ currencies and dozens of alternative payment methods (Klarna, iDEAL, Alipay, etc.)
• Tools for marketplace payouts and multi-vendor platforms (Stripe Connect)
• Real-time reporting, smart retries, and automatic card-update logic

Fees (estimated)

• Online payments: ~2.9% + 30¢
• In-person payments: ~2.7% + 5¢
• International cards: +1.5%
• Currency conversion: +1%

4. Square Payments

Square began as a simple mobile card reader but has evolved into a robust ecosystem for both online and offline sellers. Its real strength lies in its POS hardware and appointment-based features, which makes it especially appealing to service businesses, local shops, or merchants who want a strong in-person setup alongside their online presence.

To clarify, Shopify stores cannot directly integrate Square Payments for online sales. Nevertheless, Square remains a popular gateway in the broader eCommerce world and is still worth understanding for merchants who operate across multiple platforms.

Features:

• Wide POS hardware ecosystem, from handheld readers to full countertop registers
• Built-in appointment scheduling tools ideal for salons, spas, and service businesses
• Offline mode: allows card payments even when the internet drops
• Unified inventory that syncs between your POS and online store
• Mobile payments from phones/tablets without extra hardware (Tap to Pay options)
• Built-in invoicing system with automatic reminders and digital receipts

Fees (estimated)

• In-person: ~2.6% + 15¢
• Online: ~2.9% + 30¢
• Manually entered cards: ~3.5% + 15¢
• (Subscription options: Free, Plus ~$29/month, Premium with custom pricing)

5. Adyen

Let's move on to Adyen, one of the powerhouse Shopify payment gateways used by enterprise-level brands that require reliability across dozens of regions and payment types.

Rather than offering a flat rate, Adyen charges a base processing fee plus the specific interchange rate tied to the payment method. This pricing model can be extremely cost-effective for merchants with predictable transaction patterns, but it also requires a clearer understanding of your audience and their preferred payment methods.

Pricing aside, where Adyen truly stands out is its international reach. It supports an extensive list of local payment options (from European debit systems to Asian e-wallets), making it a strong fit for merchants scaling into multiple markets. Plus, its fraud-prevention tools and unified commerce system help businesses track payments across both online and physical channels.

Features

• Extensive catalog of local payment methods tailored for multi-region expansion
• Smart dynamic routing that sends payments through the most efficient path to boost approval rates
• Risk management system (RevenueProtect) with machine-learning fraud scoring
• Unified commerce: merges in-store and online payments into a single customer profile
• Detailed reporting for global enterprises with multi-market operations
• Highly customizable checkout flows for enterprise UX teams

Fees (estimated)

• Base fee: ~13¢ per transaction
• Additional cost varies by payment method (e.g., Mastercard: interchange + 0.6%)

6. Amazon Pay

Amazon Pay brings the convenience of the Amazon checkout experience directly into your Shopify store.

Instead of typing out shipping addresses or credit card numbers, shoppers can sign in with their Amazon credentials and complete the purchase almost instantly. This drastically reduces friction (especially for mobile buyers) because everything from saved payment methods to delivery preferences is already stored within their Amazon profile.

All in all, for brands that serve international shoppers or rely heavily on repeat customers, Amazon Pay can be a powerful way to reduce cart abandonment and offer the kind of optimized checkout experience people expect from top-tier ecommerce platforms.

Features

• One-click Amazon login and checkout with stored payment and shipping details
• Trusted brand recognition that enhances buyer confidence
• Mobile-friendly express checkout optimized for speed
• Support for Amazon address book and payment methods
• Strong built-in fraud detection powered by Amazon’s infrastructure
• Multi-device consistency for customers logged into Amazon across devices

Fees (estimate)

• Typically ~2.9% + 30¢ per domestic transaction
• Cross-border transactions: +1% fee
• (Exact fees vary by region and transaction type.)

7. Klarna

Considered one of the best Shopify payment gateways, Klarna reshapes the checkout experience by making flexible payments the default, not the exception.

Specifically, customers can split their purchase into installments or delay payment for a set period. This feature reduces psychological friction and gives shoppers more control over their budget, which is why it's highly recommended for higher-ticket items.

Another perk is that Klarna integrates smoothly into Shopify stores, showing pricing breakdowns directly on product pages and during checkout. Such transparency helps shoppers understand exactly what they’ll owe and when, further contributing to higher purchasing confidence.

Features

• Multiple “Buy Now, Pay Later” options: pay in full later, split into installments, or financing plans
• Klarna-paid purchases give merchants the full amount upfront while Klarna handles the customer’s repayment
• In-checkout price breakdowns for improved transparency
• Strong risk assessment tools and fraud protection handled by Klarna

Fees (estimate)

• Typically 2.99%–5.99% + 30¢ depending on payment option and region
• Merchants are charged per successful transaction; no monthly fee in most markets

8. Authorize.net

Since its release, Authorize.net has become one of the longest-standing payment gateways in eCommerce. Backed by Visa, it’s understandably appealing to merchants who need more control over fraud filters, customer data storage, or recurring billing setups than modern lightweight gateways usually provide.

Unlike newer wallet-style gateways, Authorize.net behaves like a full-service processor with detailed customization options. Merchants can create sophisticated billing cycles, securely store tokenized customer information, and enable eChecks or subscription payments, all from one interface.

Of course, the trade-off is price: Authorize.net isn’t the cheapest option, and merchants usually pay both a monthly fee and processing fees.

Features

• Advanced fraud protection suite (including customizable filters and velocity controls)
• Support for recurring billing, subscriptions, and secure customer data storage
• Compatibility with eChecks (ACH payments)
• Tokenized card storage for returning customers
• Detailed reporting and batch processing tools
• Suitable for high-risk or security-sensitive industries

Fees (estimate)

• Gateway + merchant account: $25/month + ~2.9% + 30¢
• Gateway only: $25/month + 10¢ per transaction + 10¢ daily batch fee

9. Skrill

Also regarded by many as one of the best Shopify payment gateways, Skrill offers a streamlined way for customers to pay without directly sharing credit card details with merchants. Instead, payments route through the customer’s Skrill wallet, which can be funded by a bank account, cards, or other local payment methods.

For Shopify merchants, Skrill can reduce exposure to fraud and chargebacks because many risk-related elements are handled by Skrill itself. Hence, it's quite attractive for digital goods, gaming-related products, or international sales where fraud rates tend to run higher. Skrill is also recognized for competitive pricing compared to traditional card processors, including cross-border transactions.

Features

• Wallet-based payments that limit exposure to stolen card data
• Lower-than-average processing fees for many markets
• Strong international coverage and support for alternative local payment methods
• High-level fraud protection with built-in risk screening
• Simple setup and widely recognized in EU markets

Fees (estimate)

• Skrill fees vary by transaction type, but generally involve:
• Costs for currency conversion (up to 4.99% markup)
• Credit card deposits (up to 2.99%)
• Skrill-to-Skrill transfers (around 2.99% for standard users).

10. Opayo (formerly Sage Pay)

Last but not least, we have Opayo, another long-trusted payment provider.

One of Opayo’s strengths is its flexibility: merchants can accept payments through debit cards, credit cards, and even PayPal through unified processing. The platform also supports both online and in-person transactions, meaning brands with retail locations or multichannel sales operations can consolidate their payment workflow under one provider.

Features

• Highly reliable gateway with excellent uptime and fraud prevention tools
• Flat-fee pricing structures that simplify budgeting
• Supports card payments and popular e-wallets (including PayPal)
• Strong customer support and well-established UK/EU presence
• Offers both online and in-store payment capabilities

Fees (estimate)

• Typical packages start around £25/month with a fixed number of transactions included
• Additional transactions often charged at ~10–12p each

---

Factors to Consider When Choosing Shopify Payment Gateways

Since there are Shopify payment gateways available, it's high time you evaluated each option carefully before deciding which ones fit your store best. The following criteria will help you understand what to look for:

• Transaction fees and pricing: This factor determines how much of each sale you actually keep and whether you can protect profit margins.
• Supported payment methods: A gateway must offer the payment options your customers actually use; otherwise, shoppers may abandon checkout.
• Security: Strong protection against fraud, chargebacks, and unauthorized payments ensures safe transactions.
• Geographic availability: Not all gateways work in every country, so you must confirm that the provider supports both your business location and the regions where your customers are based.
• Customer experience: The way a gateway handles checkout (speed, number of steps, mobile friendliness, and whether it redirects) has a direct impact on your conversion rate.

Keep scrolling for further discussion.

1. Transaction fees and pricing

For starters, you should plug your own store’s numbers into each gateway’s fee structure.

For example, if your average order value is $40 and you process 500 orders a month, a gateway with high fixed fees (like 30¢ per transaction) will cost you more than a gateway that charges a slightly higher percentage but a lower fixed fee.

Likewise, if you sell internationally, make sure to check the gateway’s surcharge for foreign cards. Suppose 40% of your customers are from Europe: a gateway charging an extra 1.5% on international transactions becomes significantly less economical than one with standard global rates. You can even simulate a month of sales by running your past Shopify data through each gateway’s pricing model to see the real-world cost difference.

2. Supported payment methods

Next, analyze how your customers currently pay and choose gateways that align with their preferences.

For example, if most of your shoppers browse on iPhones, a gateway supporting Apple Pay can cut checkout time dramatically. Or, if your store sells higher-ticket items like electronics or furniture, choosing a gateway that offers Klarna or Affirm can increase conversion by letting buyers split payments over time.

For international stores, this becomes even more practical. A Dutch customer who doesn’t see iDEAL at checkout is far less likely to complete a purchase; similarly, a German shopper might abandon checkout without SEPA or SOFORT. By matching the gateway to your buyers’ real habits, you eliminate unnecessary drop-offs at the most sensitive stage of the buying journey.

3. Security

Next, it's important to compare how each gateway handles fraud based on the types of orders your store receives.

For shops that sell digital goods or gift cards (categories often targeted for fraudulent purchases), you’ll benefit from a gateway that includes machine-learning fraud models or granular rule-based filters. A provider like Stripe Radar, for example, can automatically flag suspicious patterns, whereas a simpler processor may require manual review by you.

Or, if you have recurring subscriptions, we suggest checking whether the gateway supports tokenized card storage. Without tokenization, customers may need to re-enter card details every billing cycle, leading to failed payments and churn.

Also, consider how the gateway handles 3D Secure authentication: in regions like the EU, this is legally required under PSD2, so a gateway with automated 3D Secure (rather than manual triggers) will save you operational headaches.

4. Geographic availability

Another critical factor is geographic availability: you need to confirm whether the gateway operates in your business’s registered country.

For example, Shopify Payments isn’t available in every region; if your business is based in Vietnam, you cannot use it. This instantly removes it from consideration, no matter how attractive the features are.

Then evaluate availability from your customers’ perspective:

• Suppose you're planning to sell to Japan, a region where Konbini and local bank transfers are widely used. A gateway supporting only Visa/Mastercard may technically “work,” but your conversion rate in that market will likely be poor.
• Conversely, if you sell in Europe, a gateway that supports iDEAL, Bancontact, and SEPA will give you a more seamless entry into those markets.

5. Customer experience

Last but not least, don't forget to interact with the checkout just as your customers would. Some gateways keep the buyer on your domain the entire time; others redirect to an external site.

• If you’re building a highly branded premium experience (for example, a skincare store with a luxury feel), a redirect-based checkout may break the immersion and reduce trust.
• However, for gateways like PayPal, the redirect can actually create comfort because customers recognize the platform.

Mobile experience is another practical test. Try completing a checkout with one hand on a phone. Gateways that support express checkout buttons (Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay) can reduce the process to 5 seconds, and this difference will directly translate into higher or lower revenue!

---

Bonus: How to Add Multiple Shopify Payment Gateways

Here's the good news for merchants who can’t decide on just one gateway: Shopify doesn’t limit you to a single option!

To enable several Shopify payment gateways at the same time, simply add each provider through your Shopify Payments settings, configure them individually, and activate them side by side:

Step 1. Open the Payment Settings in your Shopify Admin

First, navigate to the bottom-left corner and select Settings, which opens the main configuration panel for your store.

From here, choose Payments to access the area where all your active and available payment providers are managed. This section is where Shopify displays your current gateway setup and where you’ll control any additional providers you want to offer your customers.

Step 2. Choose and configure additional Shopify payment gateways

Now, inside the Payments page, you’ll find an option labeled Add payment methods. Click this to open Shopify’s directory of supported payment providers.

You can then search by payment method (if you already know what type of solution you want to offer) or search directly by provider name if you already have a processor in mind.

When you select a gateway, Shopify will display the requirements and setup instructions specific to that provider. Follow the prompts, enter any required account credentials, and complete the configuration so Shopify can link your store to the gateway properly.

Step 3. Activate the gateways and verify they appear at checkout

Once each gateway has been configured, the final step is to activate them!

Shopify will allow you to enable multiple gateways simultaneously, and each active option will appear during checkout whenever its conditions are met (for example, region, currency, or customer device). After enabling the providers, remember to perform a quick test checkout to ensure that all payment options display correctly and function as expected.

---

Shopify Payment Gateways: FAQs

---

Final Words

Shopify payment gateways play a central role in how customers experience your Shopify store, from the moment they decide to check out to the moment their payment is approved. By understanding the strengths of each gateway and applying the selection criteria we’ve discussed, you can build a checkout experience that feels reliable, intuitive, and tailored to your audience!

For more tips and guidance, check out our Shopify blogs and join our Facebook Community.