6 Best International Payment Gateways for Small Businesses

If you sell to customers outside your home country or plan to, your business needs an international payment gateway. These tools let you accept payments in different currencies, support local payment methods, reduce cross-border failures, and keep checkout secure for global buyers.

To help small businesses choose the right provider, I evaluated the top international payment gateways based on multi-currency support, global payment method coverage, pricing transparency, ease of setup, and overall value for new or growing businesses.

Here are the best options and who each one is right for.

Stripe: Best for selling online to customers around the world
Adyen: Best for fast-growing businesses that need reliable international payments
Checkout.com: Best for marketplaces and platforms selling globally
Airwallex: Best for businesses paid in multiple currencies
Rapyd: Best for reaching customers in emerging markets
Braintree: Best for accepting PayPal, cards, and wallets in one place

A payment gateway is the tool that lets your small business accept payments online. It securely captures your customer’s card, wallet, or bank details and routes the transaction to the right networks behind the scenes.

If you plan to sell online or accept payments from customers in other countries, you almost always need a payment gateway.

Below is a simple breakdown of what payment gateways do, how international gateways work, and how they differ from merchant accounts and payment processors.

Payment gateway vs merchant account vs payment processor

These three terms get mixed up a lot, but they play different roles in getting you paid.

Tool	What It Does	When You Need It	Best For
Payment Gateway “The online cash register”	Securely collects customer payment details online (cards, wallets, local methods) and sends them to the processor for approval.	Anytime you accept online payments, especially from international customers.	Ecommerce, subscriptions, online services, global checkout.
Payment Processor “The courier that moves the money from your customer’s bank to yours.”	Moves money between the customer’s bank, the card network, and your business. Approves or declines transactions.	Every card transaction uses a processor, whether online or in-person.	Behind-the-scenes transaction routing and approval.
Merchant Account “The holding tank for your credit card sales.”	A special account where card payments are held before they’re deposited into your business bank account.	Only needed with providers that require separate merchant accounts. Many modern gateways bundle this for you.	Businesses using traditional processors or needing customized underwriting.

How international payment gateways work

When a customer pays from another country, the gateway handles several complex steps behind the scenes:

1. It detects the shopper’s region: This lets it display the right currency and local payment methods automatically.

2. It processes multi-currency payments: Your customer pays in their currency; you get paid in yours or hold foreign balances if your gateway supports it.

3. It handles global authentication and compliance: The gateway manages 3D Secure 2 (SCA), fraud checks, and regional rules you’d never want to manage manually.

4. It sends the payment to your processor for approval: The processor communicates with card networks and banks.

5. It deposits the money into your merchant account or business bank account: Timing varies by provider, usually one to three business days.

When your small business needs a payment gateway

A payment gateway is essential when you:

Sell online or through an ecommerce store
Invoice clients overseas
Accept payments in different currencies
Want to reduce FX fees or provide better payment options to international customers
Need a secure, trusted checkout experience
Run a subscription, membership, or digital product business

If you only accept in-person payments, you may not need a gateway. But the moment you sell online or want customers from other countries, a gateway is the simplest and safest way to get paid.

Why You Can Trust Fit Small Business

Top international payment gateways comparison
Stripe: Best for selling online to global customers
Adyen: Best for fast-growing businesses needing reliable global processing
Checkout.com: Best for marketplaces and platforms selling globally
Airwallex: Best for businesses managing and getting paid in multiple currencies
Rapyd: Best for reaching customers in emerging markets
Braintree: Best for accepting PayPal, cards, and wallets in one place
How to choose an international payment gateway
Implementation checklist: Going live with cross-border payments
International payment gateway frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Bottom line

Top international payment gateways comparison

Here’s a quick side-by-side look at how the top international payment gateways compare on global coverage, payment method support, setup ease, and overall performance. Use this table to quickly identify which providers match your business needs before reviewing the detailed breakdowns.

Our Score(Out of 5)	Cross-Border Costs	Currencies Supported	Local Payment Methods	Wallet Support
4.70	1%-2% cross-border + 1% FX (varies by region)	135+ currencies	Extensive (iDEAL, SEPA, Sofort, FPX, Pix, more)	Apple Pay, Google Pay
Visit Stripe
4.54	Interchange++, FX, and cross-border fees vary by region (quote-based)	150+ currencies	Extensive (Klarna, iDEAL, bank debit, APAC/LATAM APMs)	Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, more
Visit Adyen
4.50	Quote-based (varies by region, card type, and APM)	150+ currencies	Extensive (strong in EU/APAC/LATAM)	Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, PayPal (some)
Visit Checkout.com
4.27	Low FX margin (0.3%-0.6%), card fees vary by region	40+ currencies (multi-currency accounts)	Moderate (Alipay, WeChat Pay, SEPA, FPS, etc.)	Apple Pay, Google Pay
Visit Airwallex
4.23	Varies widely by country/method; FX & cross-border not fully published	100+ currencies	Very extensive (hundreds of APMs, especially emerging markets)	Apple Pay, Google Pay, local mobile wallets
Visit Rapyd
4.02	1% cross-border + 1% FX (similar to PayPal ecosystem)	130+ currencies supported	Limited (mostly cards + PayPal ecosystem)	PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
Visit Braintree

Related:

Stripe: Best for selling online to global customers

Ease of setup: Easy

Stripe stands out because it combines global payment coverage, ease of use, and transparent pricing better than any other provider on this list. Unlike enterprise-first gateways such as Adyen or Checkout.com, Stripe offers instant onboarding and plug-and-play integrations, making it easy for small businesses to start accepting international payments without complex contracts or technical hurdles.

It also delivers one of the best checkout experiences and the widest support for currencies and local payment methods. While Airwallex and Rapyd offer strong multi-currency and emerging-market tools, Stripe provides a more polished platform with excellent automation, documentation, and customization. For most small businesses selling online, it’s the best balance of global reach and simplicity.

Key limitations: Cross-border/FX fees can increase costs; best features may require some technical setup.

Cross-border fees: +1%
FX fees: +1% when currency conversion applies
Transaction fees: 2.9% + 30 cents (U.S., online card payments)
Monthly fees: $0
Contract terms: Month-to-month; no commitment

Supported currencies: 135+
Settlement currencies: Multiple (country-dependent)
Local payment methods (APMs): iDEAL, SEPA, Sofort, Bancontact, FPX, Pix, Boleto, and more
Wallet support: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Link by Stripe
Multi-currency pricing: Yes
Fraud tools: Stripe Radar (ML-driven)
SCA/3DS2 support: Fully automated
Multi-currency reporting: Yes
Global payouts/local deposits: Available in supported countries

Adyen: Best for fast-growing businesses needing reliable global processing

Ease of setup: Requires approval

Adyen earned a top spot because it offers some of the strongest global acquiring and international payment method coverage available. While Stripe is easier to start with, Adyen provides higher authorization rates and deeper regional support, especially in Europe and APAC, which helps small businesses expand into multiple markets with fewer payment failures.

Compared with options like Checkout.com or Rapyd, Adyen stands out for its advanced fraud tools, automated SCA handling, and consistent cross-border performance. Its enterprise-grade infrastructure gives growing small businesses reliability and global reach that simpler gateways can’t match. Although onboarding is more involved, the long-term stability and wide APM coverage make Adyen a powerful choice for businesses expecting to scale internationally.

Key limitations: Not instant to set up; pricing and fees depend on approval and contract structure.

Cross-border fees: Varies (interchange+ model)
FX fees: Varies by currency pair and region
Transaction fees: Interchange++ (differs by card type and region)
Monthly fees: None for most merchants; enterprise contracts vary
Contract terms: Custom agreement; may require volume

Supported currencies: 150+
Settlement currencies: Many (varies by merchant location)
Local payment methods (APMs): Very extensive (iDEAL, SEPA, Klarna, Bancontact, Boleto, GrabPay, FPX, etc.)
Wallet support: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, more
Multi-currency pricing: Yes
Fraud tools: RevenueProtect (advanced ML fraud suite)
SCA/3DS2 support: Fully automated with smart routing
Multi-currency reporting: Yes
Global payouts/local deposits: Strong global acquiring and settlement options

Checkout.com: Best for marketplaces and platforms selling globally

Ease of setup: Requires approval

Checkout.com stands out because it’s built for businesses that need more advanced global payment capabilities than a standard plug-and-play gateway. Its infrastructure is well-suited for platforms and marketplaces that sell across multiple countries, need to route payments intelligently, or handle multi-party payouts. While Stripe is easier to start with, Checkout.com provides more control over how transactions flow, which can help businesses improve performance in specific regions.

Compared with Adyen or Rapyd, Checkout.com offers a cleaner API design and highly customizable checkout options, making it ideal for digital-first brands building their own payment experience. It’s especially strong for businesses that rely on recurring billing or need to manage payouts to multiple sellers in different countries. Although the approval and pricing process is more involved, the flexibility and scalability make it a powerful option for online businesses that expect to grow globally.

Key limitations: Requires custom pricing; onboarding may not be immediate.

Cross-border fees: Quote-based
FX fees: Varies by region and currency
Transaction fees: Custom pricing
Monthly fees: Varies by region and currency
Contract terms: Custom agreement; may require volume

Supported currencies: 150+
Settlement currencies: Multiple (region-dependent)
Local payment methods (APMs): Extensive (EU/APAC/LATAM)
Wallet support: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, PayPal (some regions)
Multi-currency pricing: Yes
Fraud tools: Advanced risk engine and rules
SCA/3DS2 support: Full automation
Multi-currency reporting: Yes
Global payouts/local deposits: Supported in many countries

Airwallex: Best for businesses managing and getting paid in multiple currencies

Ease of setup: Moderate

Airwallex stands out because it combines multi-currency accounts, low FX rates, and international payment acceptance in one platform — something most gateways don’t offer. It’s especially strong for small businesses that invoice clients overseas or receive payments in several currencies, allowing them to avoid unnecessary conversions and high bank fees.

Compared with Stripe or Checkout.com, Airwallex offers more flexibility around managing and holding foreign currencies. And while it doesn’t match Adyen or Rapyd in sheer depth of local payment methods, it excels in FX transparency and global account infrastructure. This makes it a great fit for small businesses selling internationally through invoices, B2B services, or digital products with global clients.

Key limitations: Limited APM list compared with larger gateways; onboarding may vary by region.

Cross-border fees: Varies by region; generally competitive
FX fees: 0.3%-0.6% margin (low compared to banks)
Transaction fees: Varies by method and region
Monthly fees: None for core features
Contract terms: No long-term contract

Supported currencies: 40+ (multi-currency accounts)
Settlement currencies: Multiple; strong global support
Local payment methods (APMs): Moderate selection (Alipay, WeChat Pay, SEPA, FPS, etc.)
Wallet support: Apple Pay, Google Pay
Multi-currency pricing: Yes
Fraud tools: Built-in risk controls
SCA/3DS2 support: Fully supported
Multi-currency reporting: Yes
Global payouts/local deposits: Strong international payout network

Rapyd: Best for reaching customers in emerging markets

Ease of setup: Moderate

Rapyd stands out because it provides one of the widest networks of local payment methods available, particularly in emerging markets where credit card usage is low. Its infrastructure is designed for businesses that need to accept payments from customers who prefer bank transfers, e-wallets, and regional payment rails rather than cards. This makes Rapyd especially valuable for small businesses expanding into markets that Stripe or Airwallex may not cover as deeply.

Compared with Adyen or Checkout.com, Rapyd shines in its ability to offer hundreds of localized payment methods through a single platform. And while it isn’t as transparent on pricing and may require more onboarding steps, its global coverage and flexibility give small businesses access to regions that many gateways struggle to reach. It’s an excellent fit for digital products, cross-border marketplaces, and apps targeting emerging economies.

Key limitations: Pricing can vary significantly by region; onboarding is not always quick.

Cross-border fees: Varies widely by market
FX fees: Not fully published; depends on corridor
Transaction fees: Depends on payment method and country
Monthly fees: None for standard usage
Contract terms: Custom agreement

Supported currencies: 100+
Settlement currencies: Multiple (country-dependent)
Local payment methods (APMs): Hundreds (very extensive in emerging markets)
Wallet support: Apple Pay, Google Pay, regional mobile wallets
Multi-currency pricing: Yes
Fraud tools: Built-in risk engine
SCA/3DS2 support: Fully supported
Multi-currency reporting: Yes
Global payouts/local deposits: Very strong payout capabilities

Braintree: Best for accepting PayPal, cards, and wallets in one place

Ease of setup: Easy

Braintree earned a spot on this list because it offers one of the simplest ways for small businesses to accept PayPal, Venmo, credit cards, and digital wallets from international customers, all through a single gateway. Unlike more complex global processors like Adyen or Checkout.com, Braintree is easy to set up, charges no monthly fees, and integrates smoothly with most ecommerce platforms.

While it doesn’t match Stripe or Rapyd in terms of local payment method coverage, Braintree stands out for businesses that want PayPal built directly into their checkout flow. Its combination of flexible APIs, strong mobile wallet support, and PayPal’s global brand recognition makes it a practical choice for small ecommerce sellers and subscription businesses.

Key limitations: Limited APM list; occasional account reserves depending on risk profile.

Cross-border fees: +1% for international cards
FX fees: +1% when currency conversion applies
Transaction fees: 2.89% + 29 cents
Monthly fees: $0
Contract terms: Pay-as-you-go; no long-term contract

Supported currencies: 130+
Settlement currencies: Select currencies (merchant location–dependent)
Local payment methods (APMs): Limited; mainly cards + PayPal options
Wallet support: PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
Multi-currency pricing: Yes
Fraud tools: Basic fraud tools + optional advanced tools
SCA/3DS2 support: Fully supported
Multi-currency reporting: Yes
Global payouts/local deposits: Available in supported regions

Related:

How to choose an international payment gateway

Choosing the right international payment gateway comes down to understanding your costs, where your customers are, how you plan to integrate payments, and how reliable your cash flow needs to be. For small businesses, the best choice is the one that keeps more money in your pocket while making global checkout as smooth as possible.

Pricing and total cost

International payments cost more than domestic transactions because most gateways add cross-border fees and currency conversion markups. If your gateway charges 2.9% + 30¢ plus 1% cross-border and 1% FX fees, a business processing $10,000 per month with 20% international sales might pay around 3.3% overall, while a business with 80% international volume could pay closer to 4%–4.5%.

If most of your customers are overseas, focusing on lower FX margins can save more than choosing a lower base rate.

Countries, currencies, and local payment methods

Your gateway should support the countries and currencies you actively sell into, not just offer a long list on paper. Being able to display prices in local currencies and accept region-specific payment methods can significantly improve conversion rates. A gateway with fewer supported countries but strong local payment method coverage in your target markets is more valuable than one with broad but shallow reach.

Integrations and developer effort

Your ecommerce platform and technical resources should guide your choice. Some gateways offer plug-and-play integrations that require little to no development work, while others are built for businesses that want customized payment flows and have access to developer support. The easier the integration, the faster you can start accepting payments without added cost or complexity.

Security, PCI DSS, and SCA/3D Secure

A good international gateway handles most compliance requirements for you. Hosted checkout options reduce your PCI burden, while built-in support for 3D Secure 2 ensures you stay compliant in countries that require additional authentication. Fraud protection tools also vary by provider, so choosing a gateway with automated risk screening can save time and reduce chargebacks.

Account stability and cash-flow risk

Consider how each provider manages payout schedules, reserves, and risk reviews. Gateways that approve you quickly may also place temporary holds on funds if they detect unusual activity, while providers with more thorough onboarding tend to offer more stable cash flow once you’re approved. If predictable payouts are important for your business, choose a gateway with clear policies and a reputation for consistent settlement timelines.

Implementation checklist: Going live with cross-border payments

Before accepting international payments, make sure your gateway, checkout flow, and accounting setup are configured for multiple currencies and regions. Use this quick checklist to ensure a smooth launch.

Confirm which currencies you will display to customers.
Choose your payout/settlement currencies to minimize FX fees.
Enable local payment methods for each target region (e.g., iDEAL, SEPA, Pix, Alipay).
Turn on automatic currency and location detection in your checkout settings.
Test international transactions in the gateway’s sandbox (cards, wallets, APMs).
Verify 3D Secure/SCA prompts appear when required.
Check that receipts, invoices, and confirmation emails show the correct currency.
Review your provider’s payout schedule for international transactions.
Confirm how FX, cross-border fees, refunds, and disputes appear in reporting.
Update your accounting system to properly record multi-currency payments.

International payment gateway frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Click through the sections below to read answers to common questions about international payment gateways:

Do I need an international payment gateway to sell to customers in other countries?

Yes. Without one, many foreign cards will fail, customers won’t see prices in their currency, and you won’t be able to offer preferred local payment methods like iDEAL, Pix, or Alipay. An international gateway makes cross-border payments smoother and more reliable.

What fees should I expect for international payments?

Most providers charge a base processing fee plus a cross-border surcharge and FX markup. Combined, these usually total 3%–5% per transaction depending on the country and payment method. Lower FX margins can make a bigger difference than the base rate.

Can I accept payments in multiple currencies?

Yes, most international gateways let you accept many currencies. Some (like Stripe, Adyen, and Airwallex) also let you settle in multiple currencies or hold foreign balances to reduce conversion costs.

What are the most important payment methods for international customers?

It depends on the region. Popular examples include iDEAL and SEPA in Europe, Pix and Boleto in Brazil, Alipay and WeChat Pay in Asia, and various digital wallets. Supporting local methods often improves conversion far more than cards alone.

Which gateway is easiest for a small business to set up?

Stripe and Braintree are the simplest because they offer instant approval, transparent pricing, and plug-and-play ecommerce integrations. Gateways like Adyen and Checkout.com offer stronger global acquiring but typically require onboarding and approval.

Bottom line

A reliable international payment gateway makes it easier for small businesses to sell to customers abroad, reduce failed transactions, and offer payment methods buyers trust. Stripe is the most flexible all-around choice for new and growing businesses thanks to its global reach, easy setup, and transparent pricing. If you want the fastest path to accepting international payments with minimal friction, Stripe is a strong place to start.

Visit Stripe

6 Best International Payment Gateways for Small Businesses