Shopify Payments or Other Gateways: Which Is Right?

Choosing the right payment gateway for your Shopify store is more than a technical necessity; it's a crucial decision impacting customer trust and your bottom line. With 73% of consumers stating that the payment system significantly influences their purchasing decisions, the choice between Shopify Payments and other gateways is vital.

While Shopify Payments offers ease and immediate credit card processing with no need for third-party integration, over 100 alternatives exist, each with its unique features and fees. As fraud becomes more intricate, with an identity theft case every 22 seconds, the security provided by your chosen gateway is vital. This short guide will help you decide which payment gateway is right for your Shopify store.

Understanding Payment Gateways

A payment gateway is a service that processes credit card payments for e-commerce sites and physical stores. It acts as a bridge between your store and the payment processor that receives the payment from your customer. A robust gateway ensures security, reliability, and convenience.

Choosing the right payment gateway is a critical decision for your online store. It influences your revenue, impacts customer trust, and affects the overall shopping experience. Among the various options available, Shopify Payments and other third-party gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and Amazon Pay are prominent.

Shopify Payments

Pros:

Integrated Solution: Directly integrated with your Shopify store, offering a seamless user experience.
Diverse Payment Methods: Accepts major credit cards and alternative payment options.
Competitive Fees: Lower transaction fees for Shopify users.
Quick Payouts: Automatic deposit of funds into your account within specified time frames.
High Security: Strong measures to protect against fraud.

Cons:

Limited Availability: Not accessible in all countries.
Chargeback Fees: A fee of $15 for each chargeback.

PayPal

Pros:

Global Recognition: A well-known platform with extensive user trust.
Protection Policies: Offers seller protection against fraud.
Mobile Payments: Supports the growing trend of mobile commerce.

Cons:

Transaction Fees: Higher fees that can impact margins.
Redirection: Customers are redirected to PayPal's site, which might affect conversion rates.
Account Vulnerability: Potential account closure for high-risk activities.

Stripe

Pros:

Customization: Highly customizable for a unique checkout experience.
Global Currency Support: Accepts various world currencies.
3D Secure: Extra layer of security for online card purchases.

Cons:

Not for Dropshipping: Terms do not allow dropshipping businesses.
Complex Setup: Might require technical know-how for customization.

WorldPay

Pros:

International Reach: Operates in 120 countries.
Versatile Payment Options: Accepts a wide range of payment methods.

Cons:

Long Setup Time: Takes longer to get started compared to other gateways.
Monthly Fees: A monthly fee is charged based on transaction volume.

Amazon Pay

Pros:

Easy Integration: Customers can pay using their Amazon account.
No New Accounts: Shoppers don't need to create new accounts or enter payment info.

Cons:

Transaction Fees: Charges a percentage per transaction processed.
Chargeback Fees: A fee for disputed chargebacks.

Klarna: Flexible Payments

Pros:

Payment Flexibility: Options for installment payments and pay-later services.
No Setup Fees: No charges for setup or monthly fees.

Cons:

Transaction Fees: You'll pay per transaction.

Factors to Consider

Target Audience: Know where your customers are from and their preferred payment methods.
Fees and Charges: Consider the impact of transaction fees, monthly fees, and chargeback fees on your bottom line.
Security: Ensure robust fraud detection and security measures.
User Experience: Consider the checkout process from the customer's perspective.
Support and Reliability: Reliable customer support is crucial for addressing issues.