5 Best Alternatives to Stripe for Payment Processing in 2026

Why look beyond Stripe

Stripe is a widely adopted platform for online payment processing, known for its developer-friendly APIs, extensive feature set covering payments, billing, and connect, and its global reach. It supports a broad range of businesses, from startups to large enterprises, with a particular emphasis on e-commerce and subscription-based models. However, organizations may seek alternatives for several reasons.

One common factor is pricing structure. While Stripe offers pay-as-you-go transaction fees, competitors may provide different models, such as lower percentages for specific transaction types, custom enterprise rates, or alternative fee structures for microtransactions or high-volume businesses. Another consideration is geographic presence and local payment method support; while Stripe is global, some alternatives might offer stronger local banking relationships or a wider array of country-specific payment options in particular regions. Merchant account control and direct banking relationships also differentiate providers, with some alternatives offering direct merchant accounts rather than a aggregated model. Furthermore, specific industry needs, such as a strong focus on in-person point-of-sale (POS) solutions, integrated e-commerce platforms, or specialized fraud prevention tools, might lead businesses to evaluate platforms with a more specialized focus than Stripe's general-purpose offerings.

Top alternatives ranked

1. 1. PayPal — Broadly accessible payment gateway

   PayPal offers a suite of payment processing services, including online payments, in-person solutions, and peer-to-peer transfers. Its primary strength lies in its brand recognition and extensive user base, making it a familiar option for consumers globally. PayPal supports a wide array of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, PayPal balances, and local payment options, facilitating transactions for businesses of various sizes. The platform provides tools for invoicing, recurring billing, and fraud protection. For developers, PayPal offers APIs and SDKs to integrate its payment gateway into websites and applications. PayPal's offerings are designed to be accessible, with various solutions tailored to small businesses, enterprises, and individual sellers. Businesses can implement PayPal Buttons for quick integration or utilize its more comprehensive API for custom payment experiences. PayPal also provides a payment gateway service, Braintree, which offers more granular control and supports additional payment methods.

   • Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses, businesses requiring a widely recognized payment brand, quick e-commerce integrations, and international sales.

   Learn more on the PayPal official site.

2. 2. Adyen — Unified commerce platform for enterprises

   Adyen is a global payments technology company that provides a single platform for accepting payments across online, mobile, and in-store channels. It is designed to cater to large enterprises and global merchants, offering direct connections to card schemes and local payment methods worldwide. Adyen's platform supports a wide range of currencies and payment types, including credit cards, digital wallets, and local bank transfers, enabling businesses to optimize payment acceptance globally. Beyond payment processing, Adyen offers advanced fraud prevention tools, risk management, and data analytics to provide businesses with insights into their transaction performance. Its unified commerce approach allows businesses to consolidate payment data and streamline operations across different sales channels. Adyen provides comprehensive APIs and SDKs for custom integrations, along with a user-friendly back office for managing transactions and reporting. The platform emphasizes flexibility and scalability, making it suitable for businesses with complex payment needs and international ambitions.

   • Best for: Large enterprises, global retailers, businesses seeking a unified commerce solution, and those requiring extensive international payment method support.

   Learn more on the Adyen official site.

3. 3. Square — Integrated POS and online payments

   Square offers a comprehensive ecosystem of business tools, with a strong emphasis on point-of-sale (POS) systems and in-person payments. Its offerings include hardware like card readers and registers, software for inventory management, employee management, and customer relationship management, alongside online payment processing capabilities. Square provides solutions for businesses of all sizes, from sole proprietors to multi-location enterprises, particularly those with a significant physical presence. Its online payment processing integrates with its POS system, enabling businesses to manage both online and offline sales from a single platform. Square supports various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, contactless payments, and online invoices. For developers, Square offers APIs and SDKs to integrate its payment processing and other business tools into custom applications and websites. The platform's ecosystem also includes Square Online for e-commerce, Square Payroll, and Square Capital for business lending, providing an all-in-one solution for many operational needs.

   • Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses, businesses with significant in-person sales, restaurants, retail stores, and those seeking an integrated POS and payment solution.

   Learn more on the Square official site.

4. 4. Shopify Payments — E-commerce focused integrated payments

   Shopify Payments is the native payment gateway for businesses using the Shopify e-commerce platform. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with Shopify stores, simplifying payment processing for online merchants. By using Shopify Payments, businesses can avoid third-party transaction fees that Shopify typically charges when other payment gateways are used. The service supports major credit cards, accelerated checkouts like Shop Pay, and various local payment methods, depending on the region. Shopify Payments handles all aspects of payment processing, from card authorization to fund transfers, and provides integrated reporting within the Shopify admin dashboard. It also includes built-in fraud analysis tools to help protect merchants from fraudulent transactions. This tightly integrated solution is particularly beneficial for Shopify store owners looking for a straightforward, all-in-one e-commerce platform experience without the need for extensive custom development for payment integration.

   • Best for: E-commerce businesses using the Shopify platform, online retailers seeking simplified payment setup, and merchants looking to avoid additional transaction fees.

   Learn more about Shopify Payments on help.shopify.com.

5. 5. Braintree (by PayPal) — Developer-centric payment gateway

   Braintree, a PayPal service, offers a payment gateway designed for businesses that require more customization and control over their payment experience. It supports a wide array of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and various local payment options. Braintree is known for its robust API and SDKs, providing developers with flexibility to integrate payment processing into web and mobile applications. It caters to businesses seeking a developer-first approach to payments, often preferred by marketplace platforms, subscription services, and on-demand businesses. Braintree also includes advanced fraud tools, data portability, and recurring billing functionalities. While it is part of PayPal, Braintree operates as a distinct service, offering a different value proposition focused on custom integrations and multi-payment method support. It provides a more tailored solution for businesses with specific technical requirements or complex payment flows compared to standard PayPal integrations.

   • Best for: Developers and businesses requiring highly customizable payment integrations, marketplaces, subscription services, and mobile-first applications.

   Learn more about Braintree Payments on braintreepayments.com.

Side-by-side

How to pick

Selecting the right payment processing solution requires evaluating several factors based on your business model, target audience, and operational needs. Consider the following decision-tree style guidance:

1. What is your primary sales channel?

   • If primarily online e-commerce and subscriptions, evaluate platforms with strong API integrations and recurring billing features. Stripe, Braintree, and PayPal are strong contenders.
   • If focused on in-person sales with POS needs, look for integrated hardware and software solutions. Square is a frontrunner here, offering a comprehensive ecosystem for physical retail and services.
   • If running an e-commerce store on Shopify, Shopify Payments provides the most seamless and cost-effective integration within that ecosystem.

2. What is your business size and growth trajectory?

   • Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often prioritize ease of setup, transparent pricing, and broad consumer accessibility. PayPal and Square offer accessible entry points.
   • Large enterprises and global corporations require scalability, extensive international payment method support, and unified commerce solutions. Adyen is designed specifically for these complex requirements.

3. How important is developer control and customization?

   • If you have a development team and require granular control over the payment flow, custom UI, and integration with complex business logic, Stripe and Braintree provide robust APIs and SDKs for deep customization.
   • If you prefer a ready-to-use solution with minimal coding, PayPal's standard integrations or Shopify Payments (within Shopify) simplify setup.

4. What regions do you operate in, and what payment methods do you need to support?

   • For extensive global reach and support for local payment methods across many countries, Adyen and Stripe offer strong international capabilities.
   • If your customer base is primarily in specific regions, investigate which providers have the strongest local banking relationships and preferred payment options in those areas. PayPal generally has broad acceptance.

5. What are your specific pricing and fee structure preferences?

   • Compare transaction fees, monthly fees, chargeback fees, and currency conversion rates. Some providers offer custom rates for high-volume businesses.
   • Consider whether an aggregated model (like Stripe or PayPal) or a direct merchant account (like Adyen and Braintree for certain services) aligns better with your financial reporting and risk management strategies.
   • If using Shopify, remember that Shopify Payments eliminates additional transaction fees that apply when using other gateways on the platform.

6. What are your fraud prevention and compliance requirements?

   • Evaluate the built-in fraud detection tools and customizable risk management features offered by each platform. Stripe Radar and Adyen's advanced solutions are notable.
   • Ensure the provider meets relevant compliance standards (e.g., PCI DSS Level 1, GDPR) important for your business and region.

7. Do you need an all-in-one business ecosystem or just payment processing?

   • If you need more than just payments—such as inventory, payroll, or CRM—Square offers a wide array of integrated business tools for SMBs.
   • If you need a dedicated e-commerce platform with integrated payments, Shopify and Shopify Payments are a cohesive solution.