As business owners, you have the responsibility to accommodate your customer needs. And that includes their preferred website payment options. 

Customers nowadays want a seamless and secure shopping experience. With these in mind, which payment options should be available on your website? 

With so many payment gateways available, finding the right ones that fit your eCommerce business can be challenging. You’ll need to consider factors like trustworthiness, security, transaction fees, and support for different currencies.

This article will guide you through the top online payment options for 2024. We’ll cover essential features and considerations, so you can choose the right gateways that align with your business needs. By offering the right payment solutions, you can enhance customer satisfaction and boost your eCommerce success.

Our Picks for the Best Payment Options for Your eCommerce Site

PayPal

PayPal is one of the most popular payment methods for eCommerce sites, and for good reason. It’s easy to use and highly trusted by millions of customers worldwide. With over 429 million active accounts, it provides a reliable way to send and receive payments.

Your customers can easily link it to their bank account, credit card, or debit card, giving them multiple ways to pay. It’s a household name and one of the must-have options in your website check-out process.

It has a global reach and supports over 100 currencies, making it ideal for international businesses. Plus, its one-touch feature allows users to make payments without re-entering their details. Your on-the-go customers will definitely love it as it speeds up their checkout process. 

PayPal is also simple to integrate with eCommerce platforms. Whether you use Shopify, Magento, or WooCommerce, adding PayPal to your site takes minimal effort. It’s this seamless integration that makes PayPal one of the best website payment options available. 

It’s important to note that PayPal’s fees vary. Domestic transactions cost 2.99% + $0.30 per transaction, while international ones have higher rates. There are also additional fees for cross-border transactions.

Benefits of PayPal

• Its app and website are optimized for mobile transactions​
• Many customers trust and prefer PayPal
• It supports digital goods sales
• Has automated Invoicing that easily sends professional invoices to customers​
• It handles recurring payments that are great for subscription-based businesses.

Drawbacks of PayPal

• May freeze accounts if it suspects fraud, which can disrupt your business​
• Can hold funds for up to 21 days, especially for new sellers​
• This platform manages disputes internally, which can take time​

Stripe

Stripe is trusted by over 1.14 million websites as a preferred payment solution. It’s popular, particularly for businesses needing flexibility and scalability. At the same time, its customizability allows you to adapt the checkout experience to match your brand. 

This platform supports a range of payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and even “buy now, pay later” options. This wide variety makes Stripe a smart choice for eCommerce stores that want to offer multiple website payment options.

One reason Stripe stands out is its developer-friendly approach. Its robust API makes integration smooth and straightforward, especially for businesses that require more control over their payment system. 

As of 2024, Stripe is estimated to have a 20% global market share, and it processes billions in payments annually. This makes Stripe a reliable and proven payment solution for large and small businesses alike.

Security is another key feature of Stripe. It is PCI Level 1 certified, ensuring the highest standard of security. It also offers encryption and fraud protection tools to give your customers peace of mind when making purchases.

Stripe’s fee structure is straightforward, similar to other common online payment options. For each successful transaction, you pay 2.9% + $0.30. Cross-border transactions come with an additional 1.5% fee. 

Benefits of Stripe

• No monthly fees, only per-transaction costs
• Multi-currency support for international sales
• Integrated invoicing and tax automation features
• Instant payouts in many locations
• Detailed analytics for better decision-making

Drawbacks of Stripe

• Customization requires coding expertise
• Has high international fees: an additional 1.5% for cross-border transactions
• Limited to email and chat support in certain countries​

Square

Square is a versatile payment solution that works well for small and medium-sized businesses. It’s a popular choice for businesses that need both in-person and online payment options. 

Originally, it was famous for its mobile card reader, but now it has grown into a complete point-of-sale system that integrates seamlessly with eCommerce platforms. 

Square supports multiple ways to pay, including credit cards, digital wallets, and ACH payments. If you’re just starting out with your business, this platform provides a basic free online store that syncs with their POS system. This all-in-one setup simplifies managing both physical and online sales.

Another key feature of Square is its inventory management system. It offers real-time tracking, low-stock alerts, and streamlined order management. If you have a brick-and-mortar store, this payment option can be perfect for you. 

Lastly, Square’s fee structure is competitive, with online transactions costing 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. Its invoicing feature also allows businesses to send payment links or recurring invoices for subscription-based services.

Benefits of Square

• No chargeback fees, unlike many competitors
• Has employee management tools for tracking shifts and performance​
• Offers robust security features, including fraud detection and encryption
• Flexible pricing tiers for growing businesses
• Gift card and loyalty programs to drive customer engagement

Drawbacks of Square

• Limited availability in certain countries​
• Has transaction limits for new accounts, which can result in fund holds
• Advanced features like employee management require additional fees

Authorize.net

Authorize.net is a trusted payment gateway designed to help businesses securely process payments both online and in person. 

Owned by Visa, it supports major credit cards, electronic checks, and digital wallets. Businesses can choose between the All-in-One plan, which includes a merchant account and the gateway, or the Payment Gateway Only plan, ideal for those with an existing merchant account. 

Its Advanced Fraud Detection Suite helps you block suspicious transactions, adding an extra layer of security for your e-commerce store. It also handles recurring payments and simplifies subscription management by automating billing. 

Furthermore, Authorize.net offers Customer Information Management (CIM), which securely stores sensitive customer data. This way, future transactions become smoother and more secure. It also helps reduce the burden of maintaining PCI compliance.

If your business accepts checks, Authorize.net includes eCheck processing. It also supports mobile and virtual payments, which means businesses can accept payments on the go using a virtual terminal. This is particularly useful for businesses operating in multiple environments, like retail and eCommerce.

Authorize.net’s All-in-One plan costs 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, with a $25 monthly gateway fee. The Payment Gateway Only plan costs $25 per month, with an additional fee of $0.10 per transaction, plus a $0.10 daily batch fee. For e-Checks, the charge is 0.75% per transaction.

Benefits of Authorize.net

• Strong fraud protection with customizable settings
• Seamless QuickBooks integration
• 24/7 customer support
• PCI DSS compliance simplifies security management
• Virtual terminal for manual entry

Drawbacks of Authorize.net

• Monthly fees make it less attractive for very small businesses
• International support is limited compared to other gateways
• Setup can be complex for non-technical users

Google Pay

Google Pay is a mobile payment system that allows users to make purchases online, in-store, and within apps using their Android or iOS devices. It supports a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, PayPal, and even peer-to-peer transactions.

This payment platform prides itself on its security features. It uses tokenization to protect user data, ensuring that customer credit card information is never directly shared with merchants. 

Additionally, Google Pay integrates easily with websites and apps using simple APIs. It’s an attractive option for businesses looking to expand their payment offerings since they can easily add Google Pay to their websites or apps with simple tools. 

Google Pay is also available in 29 countries and supports many banks and cards, offering a smooth checkout process, especially for mobile users. 

One big plus for businesses is that Google Pay doesn’t charge extra fees. However, regular card processing fees still apply based on the payment method used.

Benefits of Google Pay

• Customers can use loyalty programs, gift cards, and rewards directly through Google Pay
• Customers are more likely to trust a site that supports Google Pay
• Able to add multiple cards to their Google Pay wallet
• Transactions are processed quickly​
• Offers promotions and cashback to encourage spending

Drawbacks of Google Pay

• It’s not available in all countries as of now
• Some banks do not support Google Pay​
• It’s less convenient for iOS users, especially outside the US

Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a mobile payment service that lets users make secure, contactless payments using their Apple devices. It works seamlessly for in-store, online, and in-app transactions, giving users a smooth checkout experience. 

With this platform, you can quickly complete payments without having to manually enter card details, which reduces friction during checkout. 

This service also integrates smoothly into websites and apps. Your business can easily add Apple Pay buttons to speed up the checkout process. You just need to download the Apple Pay mark to use within your email, website, terminal screen, or in your app.

Security is another important feature of Apple Pay. It uses advanced technologies like tokenization, Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to proceed with your purchases on your iPhone.

Apple Pay also brings the convenience of being directly integrated with Apple devices, which are used by millions worldwide. This makes it an ideal choice for mobile-first customers. 

Lastly, Apple does not charge additional fees for using Apple Pay. Merchants only have to pay the standard credit card processing fees, just like with any other website payment options. 

Benefits of Apple Pay

• Integrated with loyalty programs and gift cards
• Works without internet connection for in-store payments​
• Supports in-app purchases for iOS apps​
• Has a large and loyal user base, especially for mobile shoppers
• Facial recognition support for an even faster checkout experience

Drawbacks of Apple Pay

• Only works with Apple devices
• Dependent on card issuers. Banks must support Apple Pay for you to be able to use it
• Limited to iOS users, restricting accessibility to Android users​

Amazon Pay

With Amazon Pay, users can make purchases on third-party websites using their existing Amazon account. It offers a fast and secure checkout process by pulling payment and shipping information directly from the user’s Amazon profile.

This website payment option is popular with millions of people worldwide, especially in the U.S. which includes Amazon’s 200 million Prime members. Plus, Amazon Pay has no setup or monthly fees, which makes it an easy option for your businesses to implement without upfront costs.

Your customers don’t need to remember passwords with Amazon Pay. All they need is their Amazon account and they can easily complete their purchases with just a few clicks. This convenience is paired with strong security features, including advanced fraud protection and encrypted data to ensure safe transactions. 

Plus, If you integrate Amazon Pay as one of your website payment options, your businesses can benefit from increased customer trust, thanks to Amazon’s global reputation.

Amazon Pay also works with its AI assistant Alexa, which allows voice-activated payments for certain businesses. This feature adds another layer of convenience, particularly for users already familiar with Amazon’s ecosystem. 

In terms of fees, Amazon Pay is competitive with other payment gateways. Merchants pay 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for web and mobile payments within the U.S. Cross-border transactions come with an additional 1% fee, and there’s a $20 chargeback fee in the event of a dispute. 

Benefits of Amazon Pay

• Seamless integration with eCommerce sites and Amazon
• Support for mobile and web payments
• Strong encryption and tokenization for security
• Compatible with Amazon’s loyalty program
• Has A-to-Z guarantee for customer satisfaction

Drawbacks of Amazon Pay

• Limited global reach compared to other payment platforms
• Requires an Amazon account to use
• Can hold funds for up to seven days for new merchants

Helcim

Helcim is a payment processing platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses in North America, especially in the U.S. and Canada. It’s a go-to option for retailers, subscription services, and B2B companies. 

This platform works best for businesses that process at least $5,000 in monthly transactions, as its pricing model becomes more cost-effective with higher volumes. 

Known for its transparent pricing, Helcim avoids monthly fees and surprises to business owners. It operates on an interchange-plus pricing model. This means merchants pay the standard card network fees plus a small markup.

The platform also supports different ways to pay online, including credit cards, debit cards, ACH transfers, and contactless payments. It allows businesses to manage payments through multiple channels like websites, in-store, or via mobile. 

In addition, Helcim provides businesses with tools to manage customer profiles, track purchase histories, and securely store payment details for recurring transactions. The platform also supports invoicing, billing, and customizable payment pages via API.

Benefits of Helcim

• Easy integration with eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce and Magento
• Mobile-friendly POS system
• Excellent customer support
• Volume discounts for higher transaction amounts
• PCI-compliant for secure transactions

Drawbacks of Helcim

• Not ideal for businesses with low transaction volumes
• Initial setup can be complex for new users
• Has limited third-party integrations compared to competitors

Afterpay

Afterpay is a popular Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service that lets customers split their purchases into four equal payments, paid every two weeks. It has over 8 million users globally and partnerships with over 48,000 merchants.

This platform is widely used in the fashion, beauty, and home goods industries. It is especially popular in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, where it has become a key player in the rise of alternative website payment options.

Afterpay primarily appeals to Millennials and Gen Z, who prefer flexible payment plans over traditional credit cards. These younger generations are drawn to Afterpay because it offers interest-free payments, allowing them to spread out costs without additional fees. 

Moreover, it integrates seamlessly with both online and in-store checkouts. The platform also does not require a hard credit check, meaning customers can qualify more easily without affecting their credit score. 

In addition to being user-friendly, Afterpay benefits businesses by providing immediate payment for transactions. Merchants receive full payment upfront while customers enjoy flexible terms.

Overall, Afterpay is a flexible, accessible BNPL option that enhances both customer experience and business performance. Its ease of use, interest-free plans, and impact on sales make it a strong contender in today’s website payment options landscape.

Benefits of Afterpay

• Higher customer engagement with loyalty programs
• Appeals to budget-conscious shoppers
• Integrates with Apple and Google Wallet
• Expand customer base with international availability
• Supports in-store and online payments

Drawbacks of Afterpay

• Higher merchant fees compared to other payment gateways
• Only offers low spending limits for customers. It does not support larger ticket items due to its spending limits

Choosing the Right Payment Option

We’ve mentioned several payment platforms above, but not all of them can be a good choice for your website. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the best website payment options for your eCommerce store.

Think About Your Customer’s Region

The region where your customers are located greatly impacts their payment preferences. You need to understand and cater to these preferences to help you improve customer trust and sales. Here’s a breakdown of some commonly preferred payment methods by region.

1. Europe

In Europe, customers widely prefer bank transfers for online payments. Systems like SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) are popular in countries using the euro. SEPA allows for seamless bank-to-bank transfers across many European countries, making it a common option for e-commerce stores.

Additionally, Sofort (Germany) and iDEAL (Netherlands) are regional favorites for secure, direct bank payments. In the UK, PayPal and credit cards remain widely accepted but are increasingly complemented by mobile payment solutions like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

2. North America

Credit and debit cards are the dominant payment methods for online transactions in the United States and Canada. PayPal is also highly popular due to its ease of use and buyer protection features.

Furthermore, mobile payment solutions such as Apple Pay and Google Pay have seen increased adoption. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options like Klarna and Afterpay have also gained traction in this market.​

3. Latin America

Latin American countries tend to favor localized payment solutions. For example, MercadoPago is a leading digital payment platform in Argentina and Brazil.

Many customers also prefer to use Boleto Bancário in Brazil, a payment slip system that allows consumers to pay with cash at physical locations. Additionally, OXXO is widely used in Mexico for cash-based transactions.​

4. Asia

In Asia, payment preferences vary by country. Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate the China market, with millions of consumers using these platforms for everything, from online shopping to daily transactions.

Japan, on the other hand, has a mix of preferences, with credit cards (especially JCB cards) and Konbini payments (convenience store payments) being popular.

5. Africa

Africa has a strong mobile money presence due to the lower penetration of traditional banking systems. In countries like Kenya and Tanzania, M-Pesa, a mobile phone-based money transfer service, is extremely popular.

Other regions see the use of services like Airtel Money and Orange Money. 

6. Australia

In Australia, credit and debit cards are the most popular online payment methods. PayPal is also widely used, and Afterpay, a BNPL service, has recently gained significant market share.

For mobile payments, Apple Pay and Google Pay are also popular choices.

Review Past Payment Trends

Looking into the payment methods customers have used previously helps you determine which to prioritize. If most of your customers use credit cards, you may want to focus on optimizing that option while possibly cutting lesser-used methods like cryptocurrency.

This streamlines the checkout process and reduces maintenance.

Ask Your Customers Directly

Why guess when you can directly ask your customers about their preferred payment method?

By surveying your customers, you might find that younger shoppers prefer mobile payment options like Google Pay or Apple Pay, while older customers still rely on traditional methods like credit and debit cards​.

Compare Transaction Fees

Each payment method comes with its own set of fees. For example, credit card transactions usually have higher fees, while direct bank transfers or ACH payments are cheaper. Weigh the benefits of offering more popular payment options against the additional costs.

Incorporate Recurring Payment Options

If your business offers subscriptions, you should use a payment method that supports recurring payments. Platforms like Stripe make it easy to set up recurring billing.

With this, customers don’t have to re-enter payment information, which encourages long-term retention​.

FAQs About eCommerce Website Payment Options

Wrapping Things Up

When considering website payment options for your eCommerce site, it’s important to choose methods that are secure, fast, and user-friendly. 

And perhaps the most crucial thing is that you have to provide the payment options that your customers would prefer to use. As mentioned in our article, you can include payment methods like credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and buy now, pay later options. 

But first, you have to thoroughly test your new payment method before fully implementing it on your website. You wouldn’t want to introduce faulty payment options for your customers, would you?

Overall, integrating trusted payment options creates a seamless and secure shopping experience that keeps customers coming back. So choose your website payment options wisely.