WooCommerce is the world’s leading eCommerce platform for WordPress, powering over 28% of all online stores. A vital element of any WooCommerce setup is selecting the right payment gateway, a critical decision that affects everything from customer satisfaction to transaction security and ecommerce business growth. A smooth, reliable payment gateway can enhance the user experience and boost conversion rates, while a poor choice may lead to issues like cart abandonment, increased transaction fees, or security concerns.
This guide from our web design experts explores the best payment gateways for WooCommerce, assessing their pros, cons, costs, and features to help you make the best choice for your business.
What to Look for in a WooCommerce Payment Gateway
Before diving into specific payment gateway options, it’s important to understand what to look for:
Compatibility with WooCommerce
Choose a gateway that integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce to ensure smooth transactions.
Transaction Fees
Different gateways charge various fees for processing transactions, which can add up depending on your sales volume.
Customer Support
Responsive customer support is essential for addressing issues quickly, especially for eCommerce businesses operating outside standard business hours.
Security
Payment security is paramount. Look for gateways with PCI compliance, fraud protection, and secure encryption protocols.
User Experience
An easy, user-friendly checkout process increases the likelihood of conversion.
Availability in the UK
Not all gateways work globally. Make sure the chosen gateway operates in your target market(s).
The Best Payment Gateways for WooCommerce to Consider
1. PayPal
Overview: PayPal is one of the most widely recognised and trusted payment processors globally. Integrating PayPal with WooCommerce is straightforward, making it a common choice for many WooCommerce stores.
- Pros:
- Familiar to users, boosting customer trust.
- Easy to set up and integrate with WooCommerce.
- Offers multiple payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal balance.
- Secure and PCI compliant.
- Cons:
- Higher transaction fees, particularly for international transactions.
- Redirects customers to PayPal’s website, which can interrupt the checkout experience.
- Cost:
- Transaction fees start at 2.9% + £0.30 for UK transactions, with additional fees for international payments.
Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a quick, recognisable, and secure solution.
2. Stripe
Overview: Stripe has become increasingly popular for its developer-friendly API and seamless integration with WooCommerce. It enables businesses to accept a wide range of payment types directly on their site, eliminating the need for redirection.
- Pros:
- No redirection, offering a seamless checkout experience.
- Supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and local payment methods.
- Strong fraud prevention and encryption security.
- Transparent pricing.
- Cons:
- Not available in every country, which may limit international use.
- Requires a small degree of technical know-how to set up advanced customisations.
- Cost:
- Stripe charges 1.4% + £0.20 for European cards and 2.9% + £0.20 for non-European cards, with additional fees for currency conversion.
Best For: Medium to large eCommerce businesses prioritising user experience and secure, direct checkouts.
3. Square
Overview: Originally designed for in-person transactions, Square has expanded to offer online payment solutions that integrate seamlessly with WooCommerce. Square is known for simplicity, making it ideal for small businesses.
- Pros:
- Allows you to manage both online and offline payments, ideal for businesses with physical locations.
- Simple setup and easy integration with WooCommerce.
- No monthly fees.
- Transparent, flat-rate transaction fees.
- Cons:
- Limited to certain regions (primarily the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan).
- Fewer options for online payment methods compared to Stripe or PayPal.
- Cost:
- Square charges 2.9% + £0.30 per transaction.
Best For: Small to medium businesses, especially those with physical locations or mobile payment needs.
4. Authorise.Net
Overview: Authorise.Net, a well-established payment processor, offers strong integration with WooCommerce and has features aimed at both small and large businesses.
- Pros:
- Supports multiple payment methods, including credit cards, eChecks, and digital payment options.
- Strong fraud prevention tools and PCI compliance.
- 24/7 customer support, which can be invaluable for eCommerce businesses.
- Cons:
- Monthly gateway fees, which can add to costs for small businesses.
- Slightly more complex setup than some other options.
- Cost:
- A monthly gateway fee of £19, plus 2.9% + £0.30 per transaction.
Best For: Established businesses looking for advanced fraud protection and 24/7 support.
5. Amazon Pay
Overview: With Amazon Pay, customers can pay using their Amazon credentials, creating a fast and familiar checkout experience. Amazon Pay’s integration with WooCommerce is straightforward and attractive for merchants targeting customers who already trust Amazon.
- Pros:
- Familiar, trusted brand that can boost customer confidence.
- Fast, easy checkout experience that uses Amazon’s stored payment and shipping information.
- Secure and PCI compliant.
- Cons:
- Limited availability in certain countries.
- Higher fees compared to other options.
- Cost:
- Transaction fees are 2.9% + £0.30 per transaction, with additional fees for cross-border transactions.
Best For: Businesses targeting customers who frequently shop on Amazon and prefer a seamless checkout experience.
6. Klarna
Overview: Klarna’s “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) service allows customers to split payments or defer them, which can increase average order value and reduce cart abandonment.
- Pros:
- Popular BNPL options that can boost conversions.
- Easy WooCommerce integration.
- Trusted by customers across the globe.
- Cons:
- Higher transaction fees for businesses.
- Not suitable for low-cost products, as BNPL fees may reduce profitability.
- Cost:
- Fees vary depending on the region but start around 2.9% per transaction.
Best For: Mid-sized to large eCommerce businesses that want to offer flexible payment options to increase order value.
7. Braintree
Overview: Owned by PayPal, Braintree supports credit and debit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and other popular options, providing a flexible and secure checkout experience.
- Pros:
- Multi-currency support and global reach.
- Offers PayPal, Venmo, and other digital wallets, appealing to a broad audience.
- Seamless integration with WooCommerce.
- Cons:
- Slightly more complex setup than simpler options like Stripe.
- Not all payment methods are available in every region.
- Cost:
- Braintree’s fees start at 2.9% + £0.30 per transaction.
Best For: Growing businesses needing a multi-currency, global gateway with a variety of payment options.
8. Worldpay
Overview: Worldpay is a popular choice among international businesses thanks to its extensive global network. It is known for supporting a wide array of currencies and payment methods.
- Pros:
- Strong international presence with support for multiple currencies.
- Robust fraud detection tools.
- Detailed analytics and reporting tools.
- Cons:
- Monthly fees, which may be prohibitive for smaller businesses.
- Setup and integration can be complex.
- Cost:
- Worldpay charges vary but typically include a monthly fee and transaction fees around 2.75% + £0.20.
Best For: Established businesses with high international sales volumes.
WooCommerce Payment Gateway FAQs
What is a payment gateway, and why is it essential for WooCommerce stores?
A payment gateway is a service that processes and authorises online payments by securely connecting your WooCommerce eCommerce website to the financial network handling the transaction. It’s essential for WooCommerce stores as it ensures payments are processed safely, offers various payment methods, and provides a smooth checkout experience, which can boost customer trust and reduce cart abandonment.
Which payment gateways are compatible with WooCommerce?
WooCommerce is compatible with a wide range of payment gateways, including popular options like PayPal, Stripe, Square, Authorise.Net, Braintree, Amazon Pay, and Klarna. Each gateway has its own set of features, fees, and geographic availability, making it important to choose one that aligns with your business needs and customer base.
How do I choose the best payment gateway for my WooCommerce store?
Choosing the right payment gateway depends on factors like transaction fees, security, user experience, and compatibility with your eCommerce goals.
What are the most popular payment gateways for WooCommerce?
The most popular payment gateways for WooCommerce include PayPal, Stripe and Square.
Conclusion
Choosing the best payment gateway for WooCommerce largely depends on your specific business needs and ecommerce growth goals. For smaller businesses, PayPal and Square are excellent choices due to their ease of use and straightforward fee structure. If a seamless checkout experience and developer-friendly integration are a priority, Stripe and Braintree offer robust options without redirecting users. Authorise.Net provides advanced security and fraud prevention, making it ideal for businesses that prioritise security. For those targeting high-volume international sales, Worldpay offers global support.
Take Your WooCommerce Store to New Heights with Expert Ecommerce Web Development and Maintenance
Selecting the best payment gateway can significantly impact your store’s performance, customer trust, and ultimately your bottom line. Yellowball’s expertise in WooCommerce design and development as well as PPC management and SEO services will ensure that your payment gateway not only functions smoothly but also complements a streamlined, customer-friendly site. Get the ball rolling and contact our London WooCommerce website design agency today!
