Running a successful online store demands more than a great product, it requires seamless, secure and flexible payment processing systems that customers can trust. Whether you’re just launching your ecommerce site or scaling a growing business, choosing the right payment tool is critical. The ideal solution should support multiple currencies, offer smooth integrations, comply with financial regulations, and simplify both customer payments and business payouts. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to identify the most reliable platforms. That’s why we’ve reviewed 10 outstanding tools that support efficient billing, cross-border payments, subscription management and more.
1. Flutterwave
Flutterwave is a powerful African-based payment gateway that enables businesses to accept payments from customers across the world via cards, mobile money, bank transfers and local payment options.
Benefits & Specialities:
- Supports over 30 African countries and global currencies
- Offers recurring payments, invoicing and virtual cards
- Strong focus on local markets with global reach
Getting Started & Integrations:
Sign up via their website, verify your account and integrate through plugins (e.g., WooCommerce, Shopify) or developer APIs. Setup is straightforward for both small shops and enterprises.
Pros:
- Highly localized for African businesses
- Fast settlement and reporting
- Scalable for SMEs to large companies
Cons:
- Some features limited to African merchants
- Customer support can be slow
Pricing: No setup fee. Transaction fees vary by country (e.g., 1.4% for local transactions, 3.8% for international).
2. PayPal
PayPal is a globally trusted online payment processor that allows businesses to accept payments in over 200 countries, with support for major credit/debit cards and PayPal accounts.
Benefits & Specialities:
- Recognized brand with customer trust
- Instant global payments and refunds
- Easy to embed checkout buttons
Getting Started & Integrations: Create a Business account, set up payment buttons or integrate with ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce.
Pros:
- Global acceptance
- Secure and compliant
- Buyer and seller protection
Cons:
- High transaction fees (esp. currency conversions)
- Account holds and freezes possible
Pricing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (varies by location and volume).
3. Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Wise offers borderless banking, helping online businesses pay and get paid globally with real-time exchange rates and low fees.
Benefits & Specialities:
- Multi-currency accounts
- Real exchange rates (mid-market)
- Great for paying international suppliers
Getting Started & Integrations: Sign up, verify business identity, and generate virtual accounts in different currencies. Integrates with marketplaces via API or third-party tools.
Pros:
- Lowest FX fees in the industry
- Transparent pricing
- Great for freelancers and ecommerce payouts
Cons:
- Not a payment gateway for direct customer checkout
- Limited to business transfers
Pricing: Low variable fees (e.g., 0.5–1%) based on currency and method.
4. Pabbly Subscription Billing
Pabbly Subscription Billing is a robust platform for managing recurring billing, subscriptions and customer invoicing without transaction fees.
Benefits & Specialities:
- No per-transaction fee
- Advanced automation and dunning management
- Custom checkout pages and affiliate tracking
Getting Started & Integrations: Create an account, build subscription plans, integrate with Stripe or PayPal and embed checkout forms into your website.
Pros:
- Unlimited subscriptions
- Easy-to-use dashboard
- Affordable for startups
Cons:
- No native payment gateway (relies on others)
- Limited advanced analytics
Pricing: Starts at $19/month with unlimited access features.
5. Stripe
Stripe is a leading developer-friendly payment processor offering powerful APIs, advanced fraud detection, and global payment acceptance.
Benefits & Specialities:
- Accepts over 135 currencies
- Offers recurring billing and checkout customization
- Built-in tools for fraud prevention and tax handling
Getting Started & Integrations: Sign up, verify your business, and use plugins or APIs for integration into platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Shopify.
Pros:
- Developer-friendly APIs
- Global reach and scalability
- Real-time analytics
Cons:
- Complex for non-tech users
- Available only in certain countries
Pricing: 2.9% + 30¢ per successful transaction; custom pricing for enterprises.
6. ThriveCart
ThriveCart is a premium cart and checkout solution designed to boost conversions and simplify product and subscription selling.
Benefits & Specialities:
- One-time payment for lifetime use
- High-converting checkout templates
- Built-in affiliate management
Getting Started & Integrations: Purchase a lifetime plan, create product pages, and connect payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe. Integrates with CRMs, autoresponders, and membership platforms.
Pros:
- Lifetime pricing
- Conversion-focused tools
- Supports digital and physical products
Cons:
- No monthly plan
- Limited built-in analytics
Pricing: One-time fee of $495–$690 (lifetime access).
7. Online Check Writer
Online Check Writer is a financial software that helps businesses manage checks, ACH, wires and printable payments in one dashboard.
Benefits & Specialities:
- Print checks from home
- Integrates with 22k+ banks and QuickBooks
- Send payments via checks, ACH and cards
Getting Started & Integrations:
Sign up, sync your bank account, and use web-based tools or integrations with QuickBooks, Zoho, or Xero.
Pros:
- Versatile payment methods
- Strong reporting features
- Supports payroll
Cons:
- Not ideal for ecommerce checkout
- Limited global support
Pricing: Free plan available; Premium starts at $49.99/month.
8. Pabbly Form Builder
Pabbly Form Builder is a flexible tool for creating payment-enabled forms used in online sales, registrations, and lead collection.
Benefits & Specialities:
- Unlimited forms and submissions
- Payment integration with PayPal and Stripe
- Drag-and-drop builder
Getting Started & Integrations: Create a Pabbly account, design your form, integrate with payment gateways, and embed on your website or landing page.
Pros:
- Great for custom order/payment forms
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not a full ecommerce platform
- Limited payment gateway options
Pricing: One-time fee starts at $15 (lifetime plan).
9. Airtm
Airtm is a digital wallet and peer-to-peer exchange platform ideal for freelancers and global sellers looking to receive international payments.
Benefits & Specialities:
- USD-based wallet
- Fast P2P withdrawals and deposits
- Strong Latin American user base
Getting Started & Integrations: Create an account, verify ID, and fund or withdraw using local methods or cryptocurrencies. Use Airtm APIs for advanced integrations.
Pros:
- Great for underserved markets
- Crypto and fiat options
- Transparent fees
Cons:
- Not a direct ecommerce checkout tool
- Limited business-specific features
Pricing: Varies by transaction type (typically 1–3%).
10. Payoneer
Payoneer enables businesses and freelancers to receive payments globally and access funds via bank transfers, prepaid cards, or virtual accounts.
Benefits & Specialities:
- Receive payments in USD, EUR, GBP, etc.
- Partnered with Amazon, Upwork and Fiverr
- Local receiving accounts for global payouts
Getting Started & Integrations: Sign up, verify your identity, and start accepting payments from clients, marketplaces, or ecommerce platforms. Can be integrated into Shopify, Amazon and other platforms.
Pros:
- Widely accepted
- Easy mass payouts
- Prepaid debit card
Cons:
- High ATM withdrawal fees
- Limited shopping cart integration
Pricing: Free account; 1% fee on receiving USD; card and withdrawal fees apply.