search
Where Thought Leaders go for Growth
Reference a solution

Find the perfect alternative to Stripe: our selection of the 11 best payment programs

Find the perfect alternative to Stripe: our selection of the 11 best payment programs

By Maëlys De Santis

Published: April 19, 2025

Online payment is a mainstay of modern business, and Stripe has established itself as a key player thanks to its flexibility and robust API. But is it really the best option for all businesses? High fees, geographical limitations, restricted payment options... There are many reasons to look for a more suitable alternative.

Whether you're a freelancer, an e-merchant or the CFO of a multinational corporation, your needs differ: cost reduction, better management of international transactions, specific integrations... Fortunately, solutions such as PayPal, Square, Revolut Business or Airwallex offer solid alternatives, each with its own advantages and limitations.

In this guide, we take a close look at the best alternatives to Stripe, analyzing their features, pricing and use cases. Our aim: to help you choose the payment solution that will boost your business.

Stripe and its alternatives: what's the right choice for your business?

Stripe and its strengths

Stripe has established itself as an essential solution for online payment processing. Its success is based on a powerful API, seamless integration with e-commerce and SaaS sites, and support for international payments. It offers a complete range of functionalities:

  • Online payments and subscriptions (recurring billing, one-click payment management).
  • API and advanced customization, ideal for developers.
  • Security and compliance (PSD2, 3D Secure, advanced anti-fraud).
  • International payment management with multiple currencies and payment methods.

Stripe is a robust solution, but it's not for everyone.

Why look for an alternative to Stripe?

Despite its strengths, Stripe does have its limitations, which may prompt some companies to look for a more suitable alternative:

  • Fees can be high, especially for international transactions.
  • Geographical restrictions, with incomplete coverage for certain regions.
  • Criticised customer support, sometimes considered slow or difficult to access.
  • Lack of flexibility for certain business models, notably for in-person payments or specific marketplaces.

Fortunately, many alternatives exist to meet these challenges. We present them to you in alphabetical order. ⬇️

Comparison table: compare the 11 Stripe alternatives at a glance

Software name Most common use case Main benefit Entry fee
Adyen Large companies with complex payment needs Support for over 250 local and international payment methods Online: €0.11 per transaction + fees according to use case
Airwallex International transactions for growing companies Transparent exchange rates and multi-currency management Customized pricing based on company needs. From 1.30% + €0.25 per credit card transaction.
Braintree Businesses requiring a variety of payment methods Extensive payment method support, including PayPal Customized pricing with fixed rate or interchange plus options. No monthly fee for basic services.
Checkout.com Modern, global businesses Transparent pricing and multiple currency support Customized pricing based on company profile. No standard free version.
HiPay Specific industries requiring tailor-made solutions Customized features for specific industries. Customized pricing based on specific needs. No standard free version.
Mollie Companies looking for flexibility and ease of use Easy integration with various e-commerce platforms. Transaction-based pricing. No monthly fees. Free version available.
MONEI Small and medium-sized businesses in Spain Fast integration and local payment support. Transaction-based pricing. Free version available with limited functionality.
PayPal Online payments for businesses of all sizes Broad global recognition and ease of use Standard: 1.20% + fixed fee per transaction. No monthly fee for standard accounts.
PayPlug French merchants looking for a local solution Easy to use and adapted to the French market EU consumer cards: 1.1% to 1.5% + €0.25 per transaction with €10-30/month subscription. No free version.
Revolut Business Financial management for SMEs with international needs Competitive transaction fees and multi-currency management European consumer cards: 1% + €0.20 per transaction. Free version available with limited functionality.
Square All-in-one solution for small businesses Seamless integration of online and in-store sales In person: 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction. No monthly fee for basic services.

Note: The above prices are based on information available at the time of writing, March 2025, and may vary according to your company's specific needs and negotiations with the software publisher.

Adyen: a robust solution for large companies

Adyen is a powerful alternative to Stripe, designed for high-volume businesses. Adopted by giants such as Uber, Spotify and eBay, it boasts extensive global coverage, a unified infrastructure and advanced customization options.

In contrast to Stripe, Adyen targets large enterprises and offers a comprehensive solution integrating over 250 local and international payment methods, without the need for intermediaries.

Key features

  • Support for 250+ payment methods: CB, digital wallets, local methods.
  • Unified platform: online, in-store and mobile payments without the need for third-party gateways.
  • Advanced security: PCI DSS level 1 compliance, optimized fraud management.
  • Flexible API: integration with complex infrastructures and customized solutions.
  • Payment optimization: improved authorization rates thanks to transaction analysis.

Our opinion of Adyen

Adyen is a premium solution, perfectly suited to international companies and marketplaces looking for a stable, scalable payment infrastructure. However, its high cost and integration complexity make it less accessible to SMEs.

👉 Who is it for? Large corporations, marketplaces and global retailers.
🚨 Things to watch out for: high implementation costs and the need for technical resources for integration.

Airwallex: ideal for international transactions

For companies operating internationally, Airwallex offers a strategic alternative to Stripe, with a major advantage: lower conversion costs and simpler foreign currency payments. Unlike traditional banks, the platform offers competitive exchange rates and an infrastructure designed for global trade.

But while the efficiency of cross-border transactions is its strong point, its English-language interface and sometimes opaque pricing can put off some users.

Key features

  • Advantageous exchange rates: far more competitive than those of conventional banks.
  • Multi-currency accounts: receive, store and send money without opening local accounts.
  • Advanced payment API: automation and easy integration with e-commerce platforms.
  • Virtual and physical corporate cards to manage international spending.
  • Security and compliance with international financial standards.

Our opinion of Airwallex

Airwallex is a powerful solution for internationally-oriented companies looking to optimize their foreign currency payments while keeping costs down. Its flexibility and robust API make it an excellent choice for start-ups, scale-ups and global e-tailers. However, the lack of a French interface and perfectible customer support are points to watch out for.

👉 Who's it for? Companies operating internationally, e-tailers, expanding scale-ups.
🚨 Things to watch out for: English-only interface and sometimes complex pricing structure.

Braintree: the complete payment solution from PayPal

Braintree is a comprehensive payment gateway, a PayPal subsidiary since 2013, offering businesses a robust solution for accepting online and mobile payments. It stands out for its ability to handle a variety of payment methods and provide tools tailored to the needs of modern businesses.

Braintree's key features

  • Extensive payment method support: Braintree enables businesses to accept a wide range of payments, including credit and debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay and Google Pay, offering increased flexibility for customers.
  • Advanced subscription management: The platform offers sophisticated tools for managing recurring payments, making it easy to manage subscriptions and periodic billing.
  • Seamless integration: Thanks to its user-friendly APIs and SDKs, Braintree integrates easily with websites and mobile applications, enabling extensive personalization of the payment experience.
  • Fraud prevention tools: The platform offers basic fraud detection tools, with advanced options available via third-party services, enhancing transaction security.
  • PCI DSS compliance: Braintree complies with PCI DSS Level 1 security standards, guaranteeing optimum protection of sensitive customer data.

Our opinion of Braintree

Braintree is a robust and flexible payment solution, particularly suited to businesses looking to offer a variety of payment methods to their customers. Its tight integration with PayPal and its ability to handle recurring payments make it a wise choice for subscription-based or internationally-operating businesses. However, it's important to note that some advanced features, notably fraud prevention, may require additional services.

👉 Who is it for? Medium-sized to large companies, particularly those offering subscription-based services or operating in international markets, looking for a flexible payment solution integrated with PayPal.

🚨 Things to watch out for: although Braintree offers a comprehensive range of features, businesses should be aware that some advanced options may incur additional costs or require third-party integrations. It is therefore essential to assess these needs in relation to the company's specific objectives.

Checkout.com: a global payment solution for modern businesses

Checkout.com is an online payment platform that helps businesses accept payments in over 150 currencies, with local acquiring, anti-fraud filters and detailed reporting, all via a single API.

Key Checkout.com features

  • Extensive payment method support: Checkout.com enables businesses to accept a wide range of payments, including major international credit and debit cards, as well as popular alternative and local payment methods.
  • Fraud prevention: The platform offers integrated anti-fraud filters, helping businesses minimize the risks associated with online transactions.
  • Real-time reporting and analysis: Checkout.com provides detailed reports and real-time analysis, enabling businesses to monitor and optimize their payment performance.
  • Seamless integration: Thanks to a unique API, Checkout.com integrates easily with websites and applications, providing a seamless payment experience for customers.

Our opinion of Checkout.com

Checkout.com is positioned as a complete payment solution for businesses looking to operate on a global scale. Its ability to support a wide range of payment methods and its focus on fraud prevention make it a solid choice for modern businesses. However, it's important to note that, according to some sources, ease of use and customer service can vary, with average scores of 2.0 and 2.5 respectively.

👉 Who is it for? Medium-sized to large companies operating in international markets and looking for a flexible, secure payment solution.

🚨 What to watch out for: Companies should pay attention to the potential complexity of integration and the quality of customer support, depending on their specific needs.

HiPay: a solution adapted to specific needs

HiPay is a French payment solution that stands out for its ability to adapt to the specific needs of various industries, including hospitality, entertainment and retail. It offers a personalized approach for companies requiring tailor-made solutions.

HiPay is present in over 85 countries and supports over 150 currencies, making it a suitable solution for businesses looking to expand internationally. The platform is multilingual, making it easy to engage with diverse markets while complying with local regulations.

Adapted functionalities

  • Omni-channel payment management: HiPay offers a single solution for online and in-store payments, facilitating a seamless shopping experience for customers.
  • Fraud protection: Using advanced analytics, HiPay secures transactions by integrating machine learning technologies to maximize revenue while minimizing risk.
  • Support for multiple payment methods: The platform accepts over 220 local and international payment methods, enabling businesses to adapt to the preferences of their customers in different regions.
  • Data analysis: HiPay offers real-time analysis tools, enabling companies to better understand purchasing behavior and optimize their business strategies.

Our opinion of HiPay

HiPay is a flexible and secure solution, particularly suited to businesses with specific payment needs. Its ability to handle a wide variety of payment methods and its user-friendly interface make it a solid choice for e-tailers of all sizes. However, for very high transaction volumes, it may be advisable to explore other alternatives such as Stripe or Adyen.

👉 Who is it for? Businesses in the hospitality, entertainment and retail sectors requiring customized payment solutions.

🚨 What to look out for: For very high transaction volumes, it may be wise to compare HiPay with other solutions to ensure that it meets the company's specific needs.

Mollie: flexibility and ease of use

Mollie is a European solution that stands out for its ease of integration and transparent pricing. Designed for SMEs and e-merchants, it accepts a wide range of payments, including credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay and SEPA transfers, with no commitments or hidden fees.

Its main advantage? Quick set-up and an intuitive interface requiring no advanced technical skills.

Key features

  • Easy integration with platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento.
  • Support for all major European payment methods, including iDEAL, Bancontact, Visa, PayPal and Klarna.
  • Transparent pricing: no subscription fees, only per-transaction charges.
  • Personalized payment experience for an optimized checkout process.
  • Customer service renowned for its responsiveness, an asset for SMEs.

Our opinion of Mollie

Mollie is an excellent solution for European businesses looking for a clear, flexible payment system that's quick to integrate. Its no-obligation pricing and responsive customer support make it ideal for online merchants and startups. However, it is limited to companies based in the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland or the UK, and transactions are only in euros, which may be a constraint for some businesses.

👉 Who is it for? SMEs, e-tailers and startups in Europe.

🚨 Things to watch out for: availability limited to European companies and restricted currency support.

MONEI: the all-in-one payment solution for European e-tailers

MONEI is an innovative payment gateway designed to simplify online transactions for businesses of all sizes. The platform enables merchants to accept payments via a variety of channels, including credit cards, digital wallets and bank transfers, all in a secure environment.

Through seamless integration with e-commerce platforms, MONEI ensures a smooth payment experience for customers.

Key MONEI features

  • Easy integration: MONEI integrates directly into your website or online store with a single line of code, simplifying the installation process.
  • Multi-currency support: The platform can handle payments in over 150 currencies, facilitating international transactions.
  • Enhanced security: MONEI is PCI DSS compliant, supports 3D Secure payments and uses tokenization to encrypt sensitive information, ensuring transaction security.
  • Wide choice of payment methods: Merchants can accept a variety of local and international payment methods, such as credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, SEPA, Bizum (in Spain) and MB WAY (in Portugal).
  • Real-time analytical tools: MONEI provides detailed payment data, enabling companies to make informed decisions to optimize their sales.

Our opinion of MONEI

MONEI is positioned as a comprehensive, secure payment solution, particularly well-suited to European e-tailers. Its ease of integration, compliance with the most stringent security standards and support for a multitude of payment methods make it a wise choice for companies looking to optimize their payment processes. What's more, users praise the platform's ease of use and the security it offers their customers.

👉 Who's it for? SMEs, startups and large e-commerce companies in Europe looking for a flexible, secure payment solution.

🚨 What to look out for: Although MONEI offers a wealth of features, it's important to check compatibility with your company's existing systems and ensure that the payment methods offered match the preferences of your target customers.

PayPal: the benchmark for online payments

PayPal has established itself as one of the giants of online payment, with over 400 million active users and a presence in more than 200 countries. Its main asset? Massive adoption that inspires consumer confidence and facilitates transactions, particularly in e-commerce. Its rapid integration with platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce or Magento makes it a turnkey solution.

But is it the ideal alternative to Stripe? Not quite. Between high transaction fees, criticized customer service and limits on subscriptions, PayPal can also have its drawbacks.

Key features

  • Easy integration with popular CMS and marketplaces.
  • Extensive international coverage with payment in multiple currencies.
  • Advanced security (SSL encryption, purchase protection).
  • Financing options for customers (PayPal Credit).
  • In-person payments with PayPal Here.

Our opinion of PayPal

PayPal is a safe bet for those who want a solution that works right out of the box. Ideal for freelancers and small businesses, it may lack flexibility for subscriptions or personalized payments. Its high fees and perfectible customer service drive some companies to seek a more economical or robust alternative.

👉 Who's it for? Merchants, freelancers and SMEs looking for a fast, reassuring solution.
🚨 Things to watch out for: transaction fees and currency conversion.

PayPlug: the French omnichannel payment solution

PayPlug is a French payment solution dedicated to merchants, offering services tailored to both online and in-store sales. Designed to simplify transactions, it is positioned as a serious alternative to giants such as Stripe and PayPal.

Key PayPlug features

  • Simplified integration: PayPlug offers ready-to-use modules for major e-commerce platforms such as PrestaShop, Shopify and WooCommerce, facilitating rapid implementation.
  • Omnichannel payment: The solution handles both online and in-store payments, delivering a consistent customer experience across all channels.
  • Enhanced security: With PCI DSS certification and advanced fraud detection tools, PayPlug ensures secure transactions for merchants and their customers.
  • Payment page personalization: Merchants can adapt the appearance of payment pages to match their brand's visual identity, enhancing the user experience.
  • Responsive customer support: Users appreciate the quality of PayPlug's customer service, which offers fast, efficient assistance when needed.

Our opinion of PayPlug

PayPlug stands out for its ease of use and its focus on the needs of French SMEs. Its easy integration with e-commerce platforms and high-quality customer service make it an attractive option for merchants looking for a reliable, secure payment solution. However, some users note that fees can be slightly high for businesses with low transaction volumes.

👉 Who is it for? Small and medium-sized French businesses looking for a payment solution tailored to their specific needs, with local support and easy integration.

🚨 What to watch out for: Fees may be a little high for companies with low transaction volumes.

Revolut Business: the cost-effective alternative

For businesses looking to reduce transaction costs, Revolut Business is a competitive alternative to Stripe. Designed for SMEs and startups, it combines multi-currency management, business cards and accounting integrations in a fluid interface.

Its key advantage? Reduced fees on payments and currency conversions, ideal for companies operating internationally. However, there are a number of functional limitations that may hamper more demanding structures.

Key features

  • Multi-currency management: over 30 currencies with reduced conversion fees.
  • Issuance of physical and virtual cards with expense control.
  • Integration with Freshbooks, Indy, Sellsy, Pennylane, Odoo, Zoho Books and others for simplified accounting.
  • Digital invoicing with direct payment from invoices.
  • Instant transfers between Revolut accounts, speeding up B2B payments.

Our opinion on Revolut Business

Revolut Business is an affordable and effective option for SMEs and freelancers wishing to minimize costs and simplify the management of their finances. However, the lack of native recurring payments and the sometimes slow customer support can be hindrances for businesses with more advanced needs.

👉 Who is it for? SMEs, startups and freelancers looking for a cost-effective solution.
🚨 Things to watch out for: limited card compatibility and lack of integrated subscription management.

Square: all-in-one solution for small businesses

For small businesses, Square is the ideal alternative to Stripe, combining online and in-store payments on one intuitive platform. With its modern payment terminals, inventory management system and invoicing tools, Square offers a turnkey solution for merchants and freelancers.

What sets it apart? Fearsome ease of use, a no monthly fee model and an omnichannel approach, perfect for those juggling physical sales and e-commerce.

Key features

  • Online and in-store payments with contactless terminals and options.
  • Real-time inventory management to avoid stock-outs.
  • Analytical dashboard to track sales and optimize performance.
  • Integrated CRM tools to build customer loyalty and personalize offers.
  • Employee management with time tracking and payroll simplification.
  • Digital invoicing with fast, secure payment options.

Our verdict on Square

Square is an excellent option for convenience stores, cafés, restaurants and entrepreneurs looking for an all-in-one, easy-to-use solution. Its subscription-free model and integrated tools make it attractive, but its per-transaction fees can add up for high-volume businesses.

👉 Who's it for? Small businesses, independents, physical shops with an online presence.
🚨 Watch out for slightly higher fees on remote payments.

Conclusion: which Stripe alternative to choose?

Choosing an alternative to Stripe depends above all on your business and your specific needs.

  • For rapid adoption and widespread recognition, PayPal remains a safe bet, although its fees can be high.
  • If you run both physical and online businesses, Square offers an intuitive omnichannel solution.
  • For companies with international transactions, Airwallex and Revolut Business are strategic choices thanks to their competitive conversion fees.
  • Larger companies looking for a robust infrastructure will opt instead for Adyen or Checkout.com.
  • For a simple, flexible European solution, Mollie, MONEI and PayPlug are excellent options.

👉 So the right choice will depend on your transaction volume, the countries in which you operate and your customers' preferred payment methods.

Still not sure? Try out several solutions and compare the real costs based on your transactions!

Article translated from French

Maëlys De Santis

Maëlys De Santis, Growth Managing Editor, Appvizer

Maëlys De Santis, Growth Managing Editor, started at Appvizer in 2017 as Copywriter & Content Manager. Her career at Appvizer is distinguished by her in-depth expertise in content strategy and content marketing, as well as SEO optimization. With a Master's degree in Intercultural Communication and Translation from ISIT, Maëlys also studied languages and English at the University of Surrey. She has shared her expertise in publications such as Le Point and Digital CMO. She contributes to the organization of the global SaaS event, B2B Rocks, where she took part in the opening keynote in 2023 and 2024.

An anecdote about Maëlys? She has a (not so) secret passion for fancy socks, Christmas, baking and her cat Gary. 🐈‍⬛