Integrating Online Payments: Stripe, PayPal and Alternatives

July 16, 2026 · 8 min read

For taking payments online the two standards are Stripe and PayPal: Stripe is ideal for cards and subscriptions with an experience built into your site, while PayPal adds a method many customers know and trust. In practice it's best to offer both: the more payment methods you accept, the fewer carts you lose. Fees are around 1.5-3% per transaction depending on the gateway and card type.

Stripe, PayPal and alternatives compared

Gateway	Strengths	To consider
Stripe	Cards, subscriptions, excellent technical integration	More technical setup
PayPal	Widespread trust, fast checkout	Fees, dispute handling
Bank transfer / SEPA	Low fees, useful in B2B	Payment not immediate
Cash on delivery	Reassures wary buyers	Risk of returns and no-shows

Security and compliance

The good news is that with Stripe and PayPal the card data never passes through your server: PCI compliance is handled by the gateway, which greatly reduces your obligations and risks. What stays on you is basic website security: HTTPS on all pages, updated software and reliable hosting. In Europe strong authentication (SCA/3D Secure) is mandatory, and both already support it.

Which to choose

For a standard e-commerce, the Stripe + PayPal combination covers the vast majority of customers. If you sell by subscription or need custom logic, Stripe integrated into custom software offers the most flexibility. The platform you pick also affects fees, as we explain in our WooCommerce vs Shopify guide.

We integrate payments securely into any site or e-commerce. If you want to start taking payments online, get in touch: we'll assess the right gateways for your case together.

Frequently asked questions

Stripe or PayPal for an e-commerce?

It's best to offer both. Stripe is ideal for card payments and subscriptions with an experience built into the site; PayPal adds a widespread method many customers trust. The more methods you accept, the fewer carts you lose.

How much are online payment fees?

Typically between 1.5% and 3% per transaction, depending on the gateway and card type. A small fixed fee per transaction may also apply. SEPA bank transfer has lower fees but the payment is not immediate.

Is integrating payments safe for card data?

Yes. With Stripe and PayPal the card data doesn't pass through your server: PCI compliance is handled by the gateway. You still need to ensure HTTPS, updated software and reliable hosting.

Which payment methods should I offer?

At least card (Stripe) and PayPal, which cover most customers. In B2B, SEPA bank transfer can be useful, while cash on delivery reassures wary buyers but carries the risk of returns and no-shows.

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