Best Payment Processing tools

Payment processing tools handle the complex infrastructure of accepting money online — credit cards, subscriptions, invoicing, and tax compliance. The right choice depends on your business model, geographic scope, and technical capabilities.

Stripe dominates among developers for its powerful API and flexibility. Merchant of record services like Paddle and Lemon Squeezy handle tax compliance and billing, which is increasingly valuable as global tax regulations tighten. Creator-focused platforms like Gumroad prioritize simplicity over customization.

When choosing a payment processor, consider transaction fees (they add up fast), subscription management needs, international selling requirements, and whether you need a merchant of record for tax compliance. The cheapest option isn't always the best when you factor in development time and operational complexity.

B Braintree PayPal's payment gateway for online and mobile payments with support for multiple payment methods. 2.59% + $0.49 A Adyen Enterprise payment platform processing for global businesses with unified commerce. Custom pricing M Mollie European payment service provider with simple integration and transparent pricing. €0.25 + % Stripe Payment processing platform with powerful APIs for online payments, subscriptions, and marketplaces. Free Paddle Payment infrastructure that handles tax, compliance, and billing as your merchant of record. Free Lemon Squeezy All-in-one platform for selling digital products with merchant of record and tax handling. Free Gumroad Simple e-commerce platform for creators to sell digital products, memberships, and courses. Free PayPal Global payment platform for online and in-person payments, invoicing, and transfers. Free Square Payment processing with point-of-sale hardware, online payments, and business tools. Free