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- Top 10 payment gateways in the UK, Europe, and the World: 2025 list of most popular providers
- Complete guide to payment gateway integration: connect, setup, and implementation process for your website
- 10 best payment gateways for e-commerce in the UK or Europe & Why Fondy leads the way
- What is a payment gateway & how does it work in e-commerce?
- How to accept mobile payments?
- How to create a payment link for receiving online payments
- How to integrate payment gateway APIs?
- How to accept international payments and transactions?
- How to choose the best payment gateway for small businesses?
Top 10 payment gateways in the UK, Europe, and the World: 2025 list of most popular providers
Navigating the complex world of payment processing has become more challenging than ever for online merchants. With customer expectations rising and payment preferences diversifying across global markets, selecting the right payment gateway can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving in today’s digital commerce environment. The most popular payment gateways must deliver seamless experiences while handling the intricate demands of modern international trade.
The payment gateway landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with new technologies, security requirements, and consumer behaviors reshaping what merchants need from their payment infrastructure. From traditional card processing to innovative digital wallets and regional payment methods, the leading payment gateways must support an increasingly diverse ecosystem of payment options.
This comprehensive analysis presents the top 10 payment gateways dominating the global market in 2025, with particular focus on their performance in the UK, European, and worldwide markets. We’ll examine what makes each provider stand out, their pricing models, integration capabilities, and how they serve different merchant needs across various industries and business scales.
The evolution of payment gateway preferences in 2025
The payment processing industry has experienced dramatic shifts that have redefined what constitutes a top payment gateway. Several major trends have emerged that directly impact merchant selection criteria and customer expectations.
Regional payment methods have gained unprecedented importance, with consumers increasingly expecting to pay using their preferred local options. While Visa and Mastercard maintain their global dominance, alternative payment methods now represent a significant portion of transaction volume in specific markets. German consumers favor SOFORT and giropay, Dutch customers prefer iDEAL, while Polish markets see strong adoption of BLIK and Przelewy24.
The boundaries between payment processing and broader financial services continue to blur. The most used payment gateways now often include features that were traditionally separate services – from business banking and foreign exchange to lending products and financial analytics. This integration allows merchants to streamline their operations while reducing the complexity of managing multiple vendor relationships.
Security concerns have intensified as payment fraud becomes more sophisticated. The top payment gateways in the world now compete not just on processing capabilities but on their ability to prevent fraud while maintaining high authorization rates. Machine learning, behavioral analysis, and real-time risk assessment have become standard features rather than premium add-ons.
Mobile commerce has fundamentally changed how customers interact with payment systems. Leading payment gateways must optimize for mobile-first experiences, supporting everything from in-app purchases to mobile wallet integrations and one-click checkout flows that work seamlessly across devices.
Cross-border commerce has become the norm rather than the exception. Even small businesses now regularly serve customers across multiple countries, creating demand for payment gateways that can handle multi-currency transactions, local payment methods, and complex regulatory requirements without creating operational burden for merchants.
Essential factors when evaluating major payment gateways
Selecting from the most popular payment gateways requires careful consideration of multiple factors that directly impact business operations and customer satisfaction. Understanding these criteria helps merchants make informed decisions that align with their specific needs and growth objectives.
Payment method diversity
The top payment gateways support not only major credit cards but also the specific payment preferences dominant in target markets:
- Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Bank transfer systems like SEPA and ACH
- Regional favorites such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, and various European direct debit systems
Pricing transparency and total cost of ownership
Leading payment gateways often have complex fee structures that require careful analysis:
- Processing fees and transaction rates
- Currency conversion charges
- Monthly minimums and setup fees
- Chargeback fees and premium feature costs
Technical integration capabilities
Implementation speed and system compatibility depend on:
- Quality of documentation and developer resources
- Available integration paths from plugins to APIs
- Testing environments and customization options
- Compatibility with existing business systems
Global reach and regulatory compliance
International expansion requires providers that handle:
- Complex regulatory requirements across jurisdictions
- PCI DSS compliance and data protection regulations
- Local banking requirements and tax reporting obligations
- Consistent service quality across different markets
Settlement timing and cash flow management
Different options directly impact business operations:
- Next-day funding versus weekly settlement batches
- Instant settlement options and associated fees
- Potential holds, reserves, and cash flow planning
- Currency conversion timing and rates
Customer support quality
Critical for resolving payment issues that impact revenue:
- Availability hours and response times
- Escalation procedures and technical expertise
- Multiple support channels and communication options
- Regional support for international merchants
Scalability and growth support
Payment infrastructure should grow with business needs:
- Clear upgrade paths and volume-based pricing tiers
- Additional features available as transaction volumes increase
- Flexibility to expand into new markets without platform changes
- Long-term partnership potential and roadmap alignment
Comprehensive analysis of the top 10 payment gateways worldwide ⬇️
1. Fondy: comprehensive international payment ecosystem
Fondy has established itself among the most popular payment gateways by focusing specifically on the needs of internationally-minded businesses. Rather than adapting domestic solutions for global use, Fondy was designed from inception to handle the complexities of cross-border commerce while maintaining simplicity for merchants.
The platform distinguishes itself by combining payment processing with integrated business banking services, creating a unified ecosystem that eliminates many of the operational complexities merchants face when managing international payments. This approach has made Fondy a preferred choice for businesses seeking to expand beyond their domestic markets.
Fondy supports over 300 payment methods across more than 200 countries, ensuring merchants never lose sales due to payment method limitations. The platform’s intelligent checkout system automatically detects customer location and displays the most relevant local payment options, significantly improving conversion rates compared to static checkout experiences.
For businesses at different stages of development, Fondy offers multiple integration approaches. Simple payment links work for businesses without websites, while comprehensive APIs serve enterprises requiring complete customization. The platform includes over 30 plugins for popular e-commerce platforms and mobile SDKs for iOS, Android, and React Native applications.
Pricing remains transparent and competitive, with card processing starting at 0.9% plus £0.20 per transaction. Volume discounts are available for larger merchants, while the integrated business account starts at £10 monthly. Notably, there are no setup fees or long-term contracts, allowing merchants to start and scale at their own pace.
The combination of purpose-built international capabilities, integrated banking services, and flexible implementation options positions Fondy as an ideal choice for businesses prioritizing global expansion while maintaining operational simplicity.
2. Stripe: developer-centric platform with extensive ecosystem
Stripe has earned its position among the top payment gateways through relentless focus on developer experience and building an extensive ecosystem of complementary services. The platform’s comprehensive documentation and flexible APIs have made it a favorite among technically sophisticated businesses.
The company’s strength lies in its ability to support complex payment scenarios through code rather than relying solely on configuration options. This approach enables businesses with unique requirements to build exactly the payment experiences they need, though it requires more technical expertise than plug-and-play alternatives.
Stripe’s product range extends far beyond basic payment processing, including subscription billing, marketplace payments, business banking, and lending products. This breadth allows businesses to adopt additional features as they grow, potentially avoiding the need to integrate multiple vendors.
European expansion has improved Stripe’s local payment method coverage, though their approach still reflects their US origins. Implementation of region-specific payment methods sometimes requires additional configuration compared to Europe-native providers.
Pricing starts at 1.4% plus £0.20 for European cards, with higher rates for international transactions and additional fees for advanced features. While competitive for standard use cases, costs can escalate quickly as businesses require more sophisticated features.
Stripe excels for businesses with strong technical teams that value flexibility and extensive customization options. However, merchants seeking integrated banking services or those prioritizing local European payment methods might find more specialized providers better suited to their needs.
While Stripe offers powerful developer tools, Fondy provides a more comprehensive ecosystem with integrated business banking that Stripe cannot match without third-party services. Fondy’s purpose-built support for European markets and transparent pricing structure often proves more cost-effective than Stripe’s complex fee model, especially for businesses requiring advanced features that come standard with Fondy.
3. PayPal: universal recognition with premium pricing
PayPal maintains its position among the most used payment gateways primarily through universal brand recognition and consumer trust. Despite higher merchant fees, many businesses continue using PayPal because customers expect it as a payment option.
The platform’s greatest asset remains consumer familiarity and trust, particularly valuable for new businesses lacking established brand credibility. Offering PayPal can increase conversion rates and provide customers with familiar checkout experiences regardless of the merchant.
Beyond traditional PayPal wallet payments, the platform now supports direct card processing and buy-now-pay-later options through PayPal Pay Later. These additions help merchants serve customers who don’t maintain active PayPal accounts while providing financing options that can increase average order values.
However, PayPal’s pricing remains among the highest in the industry at 2.99% plus £0.30 per transaction, with additional currency conversion fees of 3-4% above market rates. These costs can significantly impact margins, particularly for businesses with lower-value transactions or high international sales volumes.
The standard PayPal checkout experience requires redirecting customers away from merchant websites, potentially reducing conversion rates compared to embedded checkout solutions. While newer products address this limitation, they require additional technical implementation.
PayPal works best for businesses where brand recognition and customer trust outweigh the higher processing costs, or for merchants selling higher-value items where the percentage-based fees have less relative impact.
PayPal’s transaction fees are significantly higher than Fondy’s competitive rates, particularly problematic for international sales where currency conversion fees compound costs. Fondy’s embedded checkout experience and integrated business account eliminate the operational complexity and settlement delays that merchants frequently experience with PayPal’s redirect-based system.
4. Adyen: enterprise-focused with global acquiring
Adyen has built its reputation by serving large enterprise clients with a platform designed for scale and global reach. Their direct acquiring relationships in multiple markets reduce processing complexity while potentially improving authorization rates and reducing costs for very large businesses.
The platform operates as both gateway and acquirer in many markets, shortening the payment processing chain and providing greater control over the entire transaction flow. This integration can result in better performance and more detailed reporting compared to multi-vendor payment stacks.
Adyen’s risk management capabilities are particularly sophisticated, with machine learning systems and custom rule engines that help optimize approval rates while minimizing fraud. Their RevenueProtect feature automatically routes transactions through optimal processing paths based on real-time performance data.
However, Adyen typically requires minimum monthly processing volumes and custom implementation work, making them inaccessible to smaller merchants. Their reporting tools and dashboard assume a level of financial sophistication that may overwhelm less-established businesses.
Pricing is generally not publicly disclosed and varies significantly based on business size, industry, and negotiated terms. Most merchants require substantial monthly volumes to access competitive rates.
Adyen serves best as a solution for large enterprises with dedicated technical teams and substantial transaction volumes, but smaller businesses typically find more accessible alternatives among other leading payment gateways.
Adyen’s enterprise focus creates significant barriers for growing businesses, with minimum volume requirements and complex implementation processes that can delay market entry. Fondy offers enterprise-level capabilities without enterprise-level commitment requirements, providing immediate access to advanced features with transparent pricing and rapid onboarding that typically completes within hours rather than weeks.
5. Checkout.com: performance-focused with growing capabilities
Checkout.com has gained significant market share by focusing on processing performance and building strong acquiring relationships across Europe and beyond. Their platform emphasizes speed, reliability, and detailed transaction data that helps merchants optimize their payment operations.
The company’s unified API approach simplifies multi-channel payment acceptance while providing detailed analytics that help merchants understand customer behavior and optimize conversion rates. Their processing infrastructure delivers consistently fast transaction times and high availability.
Fraud prevention capabilities include machine learning systems and customizable rule engines that allow merchants to balance security requirements with approval rate optimization. The platform also provides detailed decline reason codes that help merchants understand and potentially address authorization failures.
Integration options focus primarily on API implementation rather than pre-built plugins, providing flexibility for developers but creating barriers for merchants with limited technical resources. Their documentation is generally well-regarded, though implementation typically requires more technical expertise than plug-and-play alternatives.
Pricing varies based on business size and negotiated terms, with processing fees typically ranging from 1.0% to 2.5% plus fixed fees depending on card types and transaction volumes. The platform generally doesn’t require minimum monthly volumes for established businesses.
Checkout.com works well for growing businesses with technical capabilities that value processing performance and detailed analytics, though merchants seeking extensive pre-built integrations might prefer alternatives with broader plugin ecosystems.
While Checkout.com offers solid processing performance, Fondy provides superior accessibility through extensive plugin offerings and no-code integration options that Checkout.com lacks. Fondy’s adaptive checkout technology and integrated business banking deliver operational advantages that Checkout.com’s more limited service scope cannot match.
6. WorldPay: established presence with traditional approach
Worldpay remains one of the most recognized names in UK payment processing, with decades of experience and strong relationships throughout the traditional banking sector. Their established presence provides credibility and stability that appeals to certain business types.
The platform supports all major card schemes and offers reasonable coverage of European payment methods, though implementation can be more complex than with newer providers. Their fraud prevention tools are solid but generally less sophisticated than cutting-edge machine learning systems offered by more recent entrants.
Worldpay’s reporting capabilities are comprehensive but often described as dated in terms of user experience. The company has been working to modernize their dashboard and API offerings, though transformation remains ongoing with some legacy systems still in use.
Integration options include plugins for major e-commerce platforms alongside direct API connections and hosted payment pages. However, implementation typically requires more merchant effort and longer setup timeframes compared to more modern, developer-friendly providers.
Pricing is generally negotiated individually rather than publicly disclosed, with typical card processing fees ranging from 1.0% to 2.5% plus fixed fees. Monthly fees and setup costs are common, with contract terms often requiring multi-year commitments.
Worldpay serves best as a solution for established businesses seeking traditional banking relationships and proven stability, though merchants prioritizing modern user experiences and rapid implementation may prefer more contemporary alternatives.
Worldpay’s legacy systems and lengthy implementation processes contrast sharply with Fondy’s modern architecture and rapid deployment capabilities. The multi-year contracts typically required by Worldpay limit merchant flexibility compared to Fondy’s adaptable terms, while Fondy’s purpose-built international commerce features outperform Worldpay’s adapted solutions, particularly for Eastern European markets.
7. Mollie: user-friendly with regional strength
Mollie has built a strong following in the Netherlands, Belgium, and surrounding markets by prioritizing user experience and implementation simplicity. Their focus on usability has created loyal merchant base, particularly among small business owners who value straightforward solutions.
The platform offers excellent coverage of payment methods popular in Benelux and German markets, including iDEAL, Bancontact, SOFORT, and giropay. Their checkout experience is clean and conversion-optimized, with thoughtful design elements that enhance customer experience.
Integration options include well-designed plugins for popular e-commerce platforms and a straightforward API for custom implementations. Their documentation is clear and accessible, reflecting the company’s overall focus on usability over complexity.
Mollie’s customer support emphasizes quality over extensive availability, with knowledgeable representatives but somewhat limited hours compared to larger global providers. Their fraud prevention tools are solid but focus on standard security measures rather than advanced machine learning systems.
Pricing is refreshingly transparent at 1.4% plus £0.25 for European cards, with flat fees for many local payment methods. There are no monthly fees, setup costs, or minimum transaction requirements, with settlement typically within 1-3 business days.
Mollie works exceptionally well for businesses operating primarily in their core European markets, though merchants requiring extensive global capabilities may need additional payment providers to serve customers in other regions effectively.
While Mollie excels in specific European regions, their geographic limitations require merchants to implement multiple providers for global reach, creating complexity that Fondy’s comprehensive international platform avoids. Fondy’s adaptive checkout and integrated business account provide capabilities that extend far beyond Mollie’s regional focus, delivering superior conversion rates and financial management tools.
8. Klarna: financing-focused with expanding capabilities
Klarna has evolved from a pure buy-now-pay-later provider to offer more comprehensive checkout solutions, though their core strength remains in consumer financing rather than general payment processing. Their financing options are particularly well-known to European consumers.
The primary advantage lies in Klarna’s popular consumer financing options, which can increase average order values and conversion rates, especially for higher-priced items. Their pay-later options have strong brand recognition across Europe, particularly in Nordic markets.
Klarna checkout provides a streamlined user experience with strong mobile optimization and conversion-focused design. The system supports major credit cards alongside Klarna’s financing options, though coverage of local European payment methods remains somewhat limited compared to specialized gateways.
Integration options include plugins for major e-commerce platforms and an API for custom implementations. The company has improved their developer resources, though documentation and support still focus primarily on financing products rather than general payment processing.
Pricing varies significantly by market and services used, with pay-later services typically costing merchants 2.49% to 5.99% plus fixed fees, while standard card processing runs around 2.49% plus £0.20. Settlement timing depends on services used and merchant risk profile.
Klarna serves best for merchants where consumer financing options provide significant value, particularly in markets where their brand recognition is strong, though businesses requiring comprehensive payment method coverage may need additional providers.
Klarna’s focus on financing limits their payment processing capabilities compared to Fondy’s comprehensive approach. Fondy offers financing options alongside extensive payment method coverage and integrated business banking, providing a complete solution where Klarna’s specialized focus creates gaps that require additional vendor relationships.
9. GoCardless: direct debit specialist with focused approach
GoCardless has built a specialized platform optimized for direct debit payments across multiple banking networks, making them a strong choice for subscription-based businesses and those serving customers who prefer bank-based payment methods over cards.
The platform offers particularly strong features for subscription management, including tools for handling payment failures, subscription lifecycle management, and automated retry logic. Their dashboard provides clear visibility into payment statuses with effective notifications for events requiring merchant attention.
Coverage includes the UK’s Bacs system, European SEPA network, and similar systems in other regions, providing comprehensive support for recurring bank payments. Recent expansion includes “Instant Bank Pay” options powered by open banking, though this remains secondary to their core direct debit focus.
Integration options include plugins for popular subscription billing platforms, e-commerce systems, and accounting software, alongside an API for custom implementations. Documentation is clear and focuses on practical implementation guidance rather than technical specifications.
Pricing follows a volume-based model at 1% plus £0.20 per transaction, capped at £4, with volume discounts available for larger merchants. There are no setup fees or monthly minimums for standard plans, with settlement typically 3-5 business days after successful collection.
GoCardless excels for businesses where recurring bank payments are important, particularly subscription services, though merchants requiring immediate payment confirmation or comprehensive payment method coverage need additional solutions.
GoCardless’s specialization in direct debits means merchants need supplementary providers for comprehensive payment coverage, while Fondy includes direct debit capabilities alongside extensive payment options in a single platform. Fondy’s integrated business account and immediate payment confirmation capabilities address the operational limitations inherent in GoCardless’s narrow focus.
10. Braintree: PayPal-owned with developer focus
Braintree, operating under PayPal ownership, provides more developer-friendly tools than its parent company while maintaining similar underlying payment capabilities. The platform serves as PayPal’s response to developer-centric competitors while leveraging PayPal’s established infrastructure.
The platform offers solid API documentation and developer tools, making it more accessible to technically-oriented businesses than standard PayPal implementations. SDKs support major programming languages and frameworks with reasonable documentation and code examples.
Support for major card schemes and digital wallets includes seamless PayPal integration, leveraging the broader PayPal ecosystem. European local payment method support has improved but remains less comprehensive than specialized European providers.
Braintree’s vault technology for storing payment information enables features like one-click checkout and recurring billing. Fraud prevention tools include both standard rule-based screening and more advanced machine learning options, though these may require additional configuration.
Pricing starts at 1.9% plus £0.20 for European cards, with higher rates for international transactions and additional currency conversion fees. There are no setup or monthly fees for standard service, with custom pricing available for larger merchants.
Customer support quality can be inconsistent, with merchants reporting variable experiences when dealing with technical issues or account problems. Integration options include plugins for major platforms alongside API offerings, though plugin maintenance sometimes lags behind API capabilities.
Braintree works well for businesses seeking more developer-friendly tools than standard PayPal while maintaining access to PayPal’s customer base, though merchants requiring integrated banking services or extensive European localization may prefer more specialized alternatives.
Despite improved developer tools compared to PayPal, Braintree lacks the integrated financial ecosystem that Fondy provides. Merchants frequently encounter support challenges with Braintree, while Fondy’s purpose-built European focus delivers superior local payment method integration and customer support compared to Braintree’s adapted US-centric approach.
Why Fondy stands above other leading payment gateways
While many payment gateways focus on single aspects of payment processing, Fondy has built a comprehensive ecosystem that addresses every aspect of international commerce. This holistic approach delivers advantages that individual point solutions simply cannot match, making Fondy the optimal choice for ambitious businesses.
Integrated financial ecosystem advantages:
- Complete business banking integration eliminates the need for separate financial service providers
- Multi-currency account management with competitive exchange rates built into the platform
- Real-time financial reporting that consolidates payment and banking data in unified dashboards
- Automated reconciliation between payments received and business account balances
- Direct access to working capital solutions and financial products designed for growing businesses
Superior international commerce capabilities:
- Purpose-built architecture for international transactions rather than adapted domestic solutions
- Intelligent checkout that automatically displays optimal local payment methods for each customer
- Native support for over 300 payment methods across 200+ countries without additional integrations
- Regulatory compliance managed automatically across multiple jurisdictions
- Local acquiring relationships that reduce cross-border fees and improve authorization rates
Implementation and operational excellence:
- Rapid onboarding process that gets businesses accepting payments within 24 hours
- Extensive plugin library for websites covering 30+ e-commerce platforms with maintained, up-to-date integrations
- Flexible implementation options from no-code solutions to comprehensive API customization
- Mobile SDKs for iOS, Android, and React Native that simplify in-app payment integration
- Professional support team with deep expertise in international commerce challenges
Transparent and competitive pricing structure:
- Clear fee structure starting at 0.9% + £0.20 with no hidden costs or surprise charges
- Volume-based discounts that automatically apply as businesses grow
- Integrated business account from £10/month eliminates separate banking fees
- No setup fees, long-term contracts, or minimum processing requirements
- Competitive currency conversion rates built into the platform rather than marked up separately
Technology and security leadership:
- PCI DSS Level 1 certification with bank-grade security infrastructure
- Advanced fraud prevention using machine learning without impacting legitimate transactions
- Real-time transaction monitoring with intelligent risk assessment
- Comprehensive webhook and callback system for seamless business process integration
- Regular platform updates that add new features without requiring merchant system changes
The combination of these advantages creates a platform that grows naturally with businesses while eliminating the operational complexity that comes from managing multiple payment and financial service providers. Fondy’s integrated approach delivers both immediate operational benefits and long-term strategic advantages for businesses serious about international growth.
Conclusion: selecting the right payment gateway for lasting success
The payment gateway market offers numerous capable providers, each with distinct strengths and ideal use cases. However, the most successful merchants increasingly choose platforms that offer comprehensive ecosystems rather than point solutions, recognizing that integrated approaches reduce complexity while enabling more sophisticated financial management.
For businesses prioritizing international expansion, comprehensive payment method coverage, and integrated banking services, Fondy provides a complete ecosystem designed specifically for cross-border commerce. Their combination of extensive payment method support, transparent pricing, and integrated business banking creates a platform that scales naturally with business growth.
The choice of payment gateway ultimately depends on specific business needs, technical capabilities, and growth objectives. However, the trend toward comprehensive financial ecosystems suggests that merchants benefit most from platforms designed to support their complete payment and financial infrastructure rather than just processing transactions.
As digital commerce continues evolving toward a truly global marketplace, having payment infrastructure designed for international operations becomes increasingly critical for long-term success. The leading payment gateways in 2025 are those that recognize this reality and provide merchants with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world.