7 Best Payment Gateways in the US (2025 Ranking & Comparison)

Are you searching for the best payment gateways in the United States and wondering which platforms will still be relevant in 2025? According to recent projections, the US payment gateway market is expected to reach USD 35,245.9 million by 2030, up from USD 10,039.3 million in 2023, reflecting a CAGR of about 19.7%.[1] For business owners, freelancers, and finance teams eager to streamline how they accept payments, this forecast is a clear sign that choosing the right gateway can profoundly impact growth. If you’d like additional payment gateway insights before exploring the ranking below, check out our in-depth breakdown of payment processing trends.

Why Payment Gateways Matter in 2025

Payment gateways are the backbone of modern online transactions. As more buyers prefer card payments and mobile wallets, merchants must pick a platform that offers secure authorization and fast checkouts. Recent data shows that mobile point-of-sale (POS) payments in the US could reach a transaction value of USD 3.78 trillion by 2024, growing at around 15.90% year-over-year.[2] This surge in mobile transactions suggests that any payment solution lacking a strong mobile feature set could fall behind quickly.

With competition intensifying, many gateways now include optional features like artificial intelligence for fraud detection or advanced subscription billing. Even small oversights—like ignoring a gateway’s fee structure—can lead to unnecessary costs. Moreover, the rise of buy now, pay later (BNPL) services has prompted companies to accommodate varied checkout preferences. Whether it’s e-commerce or in-person sales, payment gateways in 2025 must cater to new payment behaviors, be intuitive for shoppers, and retain robust security certifications like PCI DSS.

Here are five key reasons payment gateways are so crucial in 2025:

• Security: Fraud detection tools and tokenization limit exposure of card data.

• Global Reach: Multi-currency options open doors for worldwide customers.

• Efficiency: Quick checkout processes can boost conversion rates.

• Scalability: Flexible APIs let businesses handle large volumes as demand grows.

• Trust: Recognizable gateway logos help customers feel safe completing purchases.

To learn more about the importance of aligning payment choices with cross-border commerce, consider exploring our early guide on Popular Payment Methods for International Trade (Edition). It covers additional details on how different solutions can facilitate overseas transactions.

Key Factors to Consider

Before examining the top gateways, it’s important to note that “best” can vary depending on your priorities. For instance, a small boutique may focus on user-friendly checkout, while a large company might seek advanced fraud prevention with custom APIs. Keep the following factors in mind as you evaluate:

• Transaction Fees
  Look for a straightforward fee model. Some gateways charge a flat rate (e.g., 2.9% + $0.30), while others use an interchange-plus format. If your business processes high volumes, ask about possible volume discounts.

• Integration Options
  Gateways differ in API flexibility and e-commerce platform compatibility. If you want a quick setup, ensure your chosen gateway has plugins for platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.

• Supported Payment Methods

Credit cards remain popular, but don’t overlook mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), ACH transfers, and BNPL integrations. Offering multiple payment methods can increase conversions.

• Security Standards
  Always verify PCI DSS compliance. Additionally, look for extra measures such as machine learning fraud screening, address verification (AVS), and 3D Secure 2.0.

• Customer Support
  A gateway’s support team can be vital when technical issues arise. Is there 24/7 phone service, live chat, or email support? Check user reviews to see how promptly the provider resolves problems.

The 7 Best Payment Gateways in the US (2025 Ranking & Comparison)

Below is a well-rounded list of the top seven payment gateways you should consider in 2025. Each platform brings unique strengths—whether it’s B2B flexibility, ease of integration, or advanced security. Let’s see how they stack up.

1. Mural Pay

Mural Pay stands out as a business-first global payments solution that doubles as a payment gateway for those looking to handle everything from domestic sales to cross-border transactions. While PayPal and Stripe often dominate headlines, Mural Pay sets itself apart with:

• Instant settlements and multiple payout options in over 40+ currencies

• A strong focus on bulk payments—ideal for payroll or vendor payouts

• Stablecoin on/off-ramp features for international operations in markets like LATAM

For companies that currently use Wise, Mural Pay tends to be faster and less expensive, especially for large B2B transfers. In contrast to some competitors, Mural Pay is specifically oriented toward compliance, making onboarding smoother for businesses that frequently handle large international transactions. To see how Mural Pay surpasses Wise in terms of features and fees, view our comparison of top Wise alternatives.

Some Advantages

• Strong multi-currency payouts and conversions

• Batch payments for mass contractor or vendor settlements

• Enhanced compliance for cross-border regulations

Where It Might Lag

• Not as universally recognizable to the average US-based shopper compared to big names like PayPal

• Less brand awareness among everyday consumers

2. Stripe

Stripe’s rise has been meteoric, and for good reason: developer-friendly integrations. With well-documented APIs, Stripe makes it simple to embed payment functionality on any online store or mobile app. Its key strengths include:

• Customization: Businesses can craft a checkout experience that matches their branding.

• Fraud Protection: Stripe Radar uses machine learning to spot suspicious activity.

• Subscription Management: Ideal for SaaS, membership sites, and recurring billing.

Stripe processed $640 billion in 2021—a 60% uptick from the year before—demonstrating its growing user base.[3] However, if you rely heavily on stablecoin options, you might still prefer Mural Pay’s specialized on/off-ramps. Stripe does offer crypto-related features but focuses more on direct credit card transactions.

Key Standouts

• Highly flexible and developer-centric

• Wide array of payment methods, including wallets like Apple Pay

• Straightforward pricing (2.9% + $0.30 for online transactions, subject to change)

Possible Drawbacks

• Not as strong for offline or POS scenarios

• Transaction fees add up for large volumes unless you qualify for custom rates

3. PayPal

PayPal has been a household name for years, boasting over 400 million active accounts worldwide. Its gateway, PayPal Payments Pro, provides:

• Buy Now, Pay Later functionality

• Invoicing tools for freelancers and one-off transactions

• Broad consumer trust—customers are often more willing to pay if PayPal is an option

Despite its popularity, PayPal fees can climb for high-volume businesses, and acceptance in certain emerging markets may be limited. If you want to see how PayPal differs when used for personal versus business needs, check out our article on PayPal Business vs. Personal. It outlines the key differences in fee structures and features.

Notable Highlights

• Powerful brand recognition, especially in the US

• Simple dispute resolution for many e-commerce stores

• Easy setup for online stores or personal websites

Watch-Outs

• Fees may be higher than other gateways, especially for international transactions

• Customer support can be slow for smaller merchants

4. Braintree

A subsidiary of PayPal, Braintree handles payments for companies like GitHub and Airbnb. While it shares some similarities with PayPal, Braintree is known for:

• Customizable checkout: Direct API access or drop-in UI

• Advanced fraud tools: Leveraging Kount technology for real-time fraud analysis

• International acceptance: Over 130 currencies

Braintree’s pricing is often the same as PayPal (2.9% + $0.30), but merchants can qualify for special rates when transaction volumes rise. Compared to Stripe, Braintree has fewer advanced developer features, though it still remains a strong contender due to its user-friendly dashboards.

Pros

• Streamlined integration

• Built-in recurring payments

• Access to PayPal user base

Cons

• Some advanced functionalities require extra code

• Limited brand identity compared to PayPal itself

5. Square

Square is highly visible for its card readers and POS systems, but it also serves as an online payment gateway. It’s a great pick if you operate both physically and online:

• Holistic ecosystem: POS hardware, online store, invoicing, scheduling, and more

• Transparent fees: Typically 2.9% + $0.30 for online transactions

• Unified reporting: Access all sales data, whether in-store or on the web

While Square is more widely recognized for POS, its online flow is continually growing. Businesses that want polished POS hardware but also need a functional e-commerce setup often turn to Square over gateways like Authorize.net.

Key Wins

• Allows a consistent brand feel across in-person and online channels

• No monthly gateway fees, which is attractive to smaller merchants

• Great for restaurants, retail, and service-based businesses

Potential Downsides

• Less flexible for deeply customized online experiences

• Advanced subscription or marketplace features may require additional modules

6. Authorize.net

Authorize.net has been in operation since the mid-1990s—making it one of the oldest payment gateways. Now owned by Visa, it’s lauded for:

• Stability and reliability: Trusted by thousands of merchants for decades

• Fraud filters: 13 advanced filters that help protect merchants from chargebacks

• Multiple processors: Works with different merchant account providers

One main consideration is the monthly fee of around $25, which some newer gateways do not charge. If monthly fees are not a deterrent, Authorize.net’s features are robust and well-supported by Visa’s resources.

Benefits

• Suitable for merchants wanting multi-processor flexibility

• Recurring billing and Customer Information Manager (CIM)

• Generally stable, long-standing reputation

Limitations

• Monthly gateway fee can complicate cost calculations for low-volume sellers

• Interface can feel outdated compared to next-gen rivals

7. Adyen

Adyen focuses largely on enterprise-level merchants, but small to mid-sized businesses also benefit from its global coverage:

• Omnichannel capabilities: Online, in-store, and mobile solutions under one roof

• Advanced reporting: Revenue optimization features that help reduce payment failures

• Buy Now, Pay Later integrations**: Through partners like Klarna and Afterpay

Adyen uses an interchange++ pricing model, giving larger businesses transparency into each cost component. Its wide range of accepted payment methods is appealing for global companies, making it a potential alternative to Stripe if you sell internationally at scale.

High Points

• International currency support across more than 100 markets

• “Risk Management” suite to reduce fraud and cart abandonment

• Transparent pricing structure for enterprise clients

Drawbacks

• Setup may be too involved if you only process minimal volumes

• Less brand awareness among everyday US consumers compared to PayPal or Square

Bottom Line: Making Your Choice

Selecting a payment gateway requires balancing ease of use, transaction fees, security, and advanced features. Mural Pay tops this list for businesses that handle cross-border operations and want a gateway rooted in compliance. Stripe and Square excel in integrated solutions, while PayPal appeals to customers’ sense of familiarity. Authorize.net remains a fixture if you prefer time-tested service, and Braintree thrives as a flexible alternative. No single gateway reigns for every scenario; the right fit depends on your volumes, international needs, and checkout preferences.

If you’re interested in going deeper on payment best practices, our guide on Invoice Payments 101: How They Work & Expert Tips can offer additional advice on taking your businesses’ finances online. Ultimately, you can mix and match features, test transactions, and listen to feedback from your customers to discover which gateway leads to secure and frictionless payments in 2025.

References

1. Grand View Research. (2023). “United States Payment Gateway Market Outlook.” Available at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/payment-gateway-market/united-states.

2. ElectroIQ. (2024). “Online Payment Statistics.” Available at: https://electroiq.com/stats/online-payment-statistics/.

3. Aureate Labs. (2025). “10 Best Payment Gateways in the US.” Available at: https://aureatelabs.com/blog/best-payment-gateways-in-us/.

1. NerdWallet. (2025). “Best Payment Gateways of February 2025.” Available at: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/small-business/payment-gateways.