On this page
A payment gateway is not just plumbing behind the scenes. A missing or unfamiliar payment method at checkout is enough to make some customers abandon an otherwise completed purchase.
In this guide
- What a payment gateway actually does
- Factors to compare
- Payment gateway comparison factors at a glance
- Using more than one gateway
What a payment gateway actually does
A payment gateway processes the transaction between a customer’s payment method and your store, handling the security and authorization in the background. Different gateways support different payment methods, currencies, and fee structures.
Factors to compare
- Transaction fees, usually a percentage plus a small fixed amount per sale.
- Payout speed, how quickly funds actually reach your bank account.
- Supported payment methods, matched to what your specific customers use.
- Platform compatibility, so it integrates cleanly with your store.
Payment gateway comparison factors at a glance
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Fees | Directly reduces margin on every single sale |
| Payout speed | Affects cash flow, especially early on |
| Payment methods | Missing an expected method can cost sales at checkout |
| Fraud and dispute tools | Some gateways offer stronger built-in chargeback protection |
Using more than one gateway
Some stores use more than one gateway, either to cover different regions or to have a backup if one account is ever delayed or restricted. This adds setup complexity, but reduces the risk of a single point of failure at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
What fees should I expect from a payment gateway?
Most gateways charge a percentage of each transaction plus a small fixed fee, though exact rates vary by provider, region, and payment method.
How fast do payment gateways typically pay out?
Payout speed varies widely, from same-day to several business days, and is worth checking directly since it affects cash flow, especially for a new store.
Should I use more than one payment gateway?
Many established stores do, either to cover multiple regions or to have a backup if one account is ever delayed or restricted.
Does the payment gateway I choose affect chargebacks?
Yes, some gateways offer stronger built-in fraud and dispute tools than others, which can meaningfully affect how chargebacks are handled.