Want to get paid faster, with lower fees, and zero headaches? Of course. But the best payment processor depends on your unique needs — not just fees. This guide will help you choose with confidence.
What Should You Look For?
- Where you sell: Online, in-person, or both?
- Transaction fees: How much of your revenue goes to fees?
- Setup: Plug-and-play or fully custom?
- Payout speed: How soon do you need funds?
- Payment methods: Cards, wallets, currencies?
PayPal – Trusted by Millions
Best for: Freelancers and service businesses who value familiarity and easy setup.
Pros
- Brand recognition inspires trust.
- Fast setup and integration.
- Supports cards, bank transfers, and Pay Later options.
- Payouts as fast as 1 business day.
Cons
- Higher fees.
- Account holds are common.
- Limited checkout customization.
Fees: Online: 2.99% + $0.49 | In-Person: 2.29% + $0.09 | Keyed-In: 3.49% + $0.09
Stripe – Best for Online Businesses
Best for: E-commerce, subscriptions, and global sales.
Pros
- Fully customizable checkout.
- Lower fees on large transactions.
- 135+ currencies supported.
- Advanced fraud protection.
Cons
- Requires developer help for setup.
- Limited in-person support.
- Payouts can take 2–7 days.
Fees: Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | In-Person: 2.7% + $0.05 | Keyed-In: 3.4% + $0.30
Square – Best for In-Person Sales
Best for: Retail stores, restaurants, and local services.
Pros
- Free POS and card reader.
- Flat-rate pricing.
- Fast payouts (next day or instant).
- No monthly fees for core tools.
Cons
- Limited international support.
- Not ideal for high-volume online sales.
- Potential account holds.
Fees: Online: 2.9% + $0.30 | In-Person: 2.6% + $0.10 | Keyed-In: 3.5% + $0.15
Which One is Right for You?
- PayPal – Fast setup and customer trust.
- Stripe – Full control and global reach.
- Square – Best in-store experience.
Need a website that connects seamlessly to any processor?
Want a Website That Gets You Paid — and Found?
Choosing the right payment processor is important — but it only works if your website is built to convert. I create modern, mobile-friendly websites that work with PayPal, Stripe, Square, and more — and I help businesses climb to the top of Google with my proven review-boosting system.
Let’s make it easier for customers to find you, trust you, and pay you — all with one simple, done-for-you setup.
