In today’s digital economy, choosing the right payment processor is crucial for business success. While industry giants like Stripe, Square, and PayPal offer reliable solutions, many businesses are discovering compelling alternatives that may better suit their needs.
Let’s explore twelve standout payment processors that deserve your attention:
- Stax
- Adyen
- WePay
- Authorize.net
- Braintree
- 2Checkout
- Helcim
- Payment Depot
- Shopify
- Clover
- ChargeBee
- Wise
Each of these providers brings unique strengths to the table, from competitive pricing to specialized features. However, before diving into research about individual processors, consider this: working with a payment consultant could save you significant time and money.
Why Consider a Payment Consultant?
A payment consultant like First Texas Payments can help you:
- Access better customer service with local support
- Reduce processing costs (businesses processing $5M annually typically save $50K)
- Strengthen fraud protection
- Minimize system downtime
- Streamline software integration
Best of all, these consulting services come at no cost to you – consultants earn through a small percentage of the processor’s margin while often securing you better rates than going direct.
For businesses ready to explore alternatives to major tech payment processors, we recommend starting with a free consultation to understand your options. Our network of payment consultants can help match you with the right solution for your specific needs.
Detailed Analysis of Top Payment Processing Alternatives
Stax (Formerly Fatmerchant)
A powerhouse in international payments, Stax serves over 20,000 customers and has processed more than $23 billion in transactions. Perfect for businesses handling at least $5,000 monthly in credit card transactions, Stax offers competitive interchange fees and comprehensive features including:
- Advanced QuickBooks integration with bi-directional syncing
- Automated billing and invoicing with customer reminders
- Level 1 PCI compliance for secure transactions
- Versatile terminal options for both mobile and fixed locations
Adyen Ideal for larger enterprises.
Adyen delivers a comprehensive payment solution focusing on fraud detection and omnichannel sales. Key highlights include:
- Single-platform solution for payment acceptance and revenue protection
- Global payment method support
- Advanced fraud protection using machine learning
- Robust analytics and reporting tools
WePay As part of Chase Merchant Services
WePay stands out with its SaaS-focused approach and platform integration capabilities. Notable features include:
- Streamlined onboarding process
- Developer-friendly APIs and SDKs
- White-label payment solutions
- Same-day deposits for Chase business accounts
Authorize.net
This Visa-owned payment gateway offers exceptional security and detailed reporting. Standout features include:
- 13 configurable fraud filters
- Support for multiple payment methods including digital wallets
- Comprehensive developer tools
- Free mobile point-of-sale app
Braintree A PayPal company
Braintree excels in online payment processing with features tailored for digital commerce:
- Customizable checkout experiences
- Seamless PayPal integration
- Multiple payment method support
- Strong security with built-in PCI compliance
2Checkout
Specializing in global commerce, 2Checkout empowers small businesses to expand internationally without complex coding requirements. Notable advantages include:
- Operation in 200+ countries with 45+ payment methods
- Support for 30 languages and 100 currencies
- Built-in subscription management tools
- Comprehensive tax and regulatory compliance handling
Helcim
Standing out with its interchange-plus pricing model, Helcim offers transparent pricing and robust features for both online and in-person payments:
- No contracts required
- Volume discounts for higher transaction amounts
- All-in-one business solution including inventory management
- Dedicated customer support teams
Payment Depot Owned by Stax
Payment Depot revolutionizes payment processing with its membership-based approach:
- Direct access to wholesale transaction rates
- Simple monthly membership structure
- Versatile industry support
- Comprehensive integration options
Shopify
Beyond just ecommerce, Shopify provides a complete payment processing solution:
- 190+ customizable website themes
- Integrated payment services through Shopify Payments
- Multiple payment method support
- Advanced security features and PCI compliance
Clover
Excelling in point-of-sale solutions, Clover offers comprehensive business management features:
- Variety of hardware options for different business needs
- Built-in analytics and customer management
- Employee management tools
- Extensive third-party integrations
ChargeBee
Focusing on subscription-based businesses, ChargeBee provides sophisticated billing solutions:
- Automated recurring billing
- Flexible pricing structure experimentation
- Revenue leak prevention
- Advanced workflow automation
Wise (Formerly TransferWise)
Specializing in international transactions, Wise offers cost-effective global payment solutions:
- Competitive exchange rates
- Multi-currency account capabilities
- International payroll management
- No hidden fees
Making Your Decision While each of these alternatives offers unique advantages, choosing the right payment processor depends on your specific business needs. Consider factors such as:
- Transaction volume
- International payment requirements
- Industry-specific needs
- Integration requirements
- Budget constraints
At First Texas Payments, we understand that navigating these options can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer free consultations to help you find the perfect payment processing solution for your business. Our experienced consultants can help you evaluate these options and potentially save thousands in processing fees annually.
Ready to explore your options? Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you find the ideal payment processing solution for your business.