Whether you're expanding internationally or already operating across borders, finding the right international payment gateway can make a world of difference to your customers and vendors—and your bottom line.
This guide explores the top international payment gateways and how to choose the best fit for your business.
What is an international payment gateway?
An international payment gateway processes electronic payments across national borders, enabling businesses to both make and accept payments worldwide. In other words, it acts as an intermediary between your business, the payment method being used (like a credit card or digital wallet), and any financial institutions involved in completing the transaction.
These gateways handle currency conversion, ensure compliance with international banking regulations, and provide security measures to protect sensitive financial data.
What kind of international payment gateway do I need?
1. Retail websites with international shoppers. If you have a retail shopping website and you're looking for a plug-and-play widget to take credit card payments from overseas customers, that's a very specific use of an international payment gateway. Look for one that:
- Covers the countries and currencies you need for your retail operations
- Works with your ecommerce platform
2. Overseas B2B payments. If your intention is to make B2B payments to overseas vendors or take B2B payments from overseas clients, that's a different kind of functionality—and precisely what BILL is designed for:
- Pay vendors with the same automated workflows you use for domestic payments
- Keep domestic and international AP tasks and data in one convenient dashboard
- Sync your AP activity with popular business accounting software and ERPs
11 best payment gateways for international transactions
If you're looking to take credit cards on a retail website with international shoppers, here are 11 notable international payment gateways as of the date of this writing. We defined "best" based on user feedback from prominent review platforms such as Capterra and G2 and internal analysis from the BILL team.
Rather than ranking them, we've listed them in alphabetical order. Each one covers different territories and works with different ecommerce platforms. The best choice for your business will depend on your specific needs.
2Checkout (now Verifone)
Key features include subscription billing, tax and compliance management, multiple integration options, and fraud prevention measures. The platform supports various payment methods in 200+ countries and territories and works with over 120 shopping carts. For pricing, see their plans and pricing page.
Adyen
Key features include the ability to handle both online and in-person payments, a risk management system, and the ability to optimize payment routing. The service supports 250+ payment methods and 150+ currencies. For pricing, see their plans and pricing page.
Amazon Pay
Key features include global payment integration with existing Amazon accounts and built-in fraud protection. Amazon Pay offers international coverage, which may not be as expansive as some users need. If however, you are looking for a system with less expansive international coverage, Amazon Pay may be right for you. For transaction pricing, see their fees page.
Authorize.net
Key features include an Advanced Fraud Detection Suite, virtual point of sale capabilities, recurring billing options, and invoicing. It also includes simple options for merchants who sell one item at a time—or take one donation at a time. For pricing, see their plans and pricing page.
Checkout.com
Key features include detailed analytics, advanced fraud protection, and local payment methods across different regions. Includes plug-ins for several ecommerce platforms, with specific solutions for the gaming industry, among others—and it's free for charities. For pricing, see their plans and pricing page.
FIS Global
Key features include comprehensive reporting tools and industry-specific solutions. The platform is designed for enterprise-level payment processing needs. For pricing, you'll need to fill out their contact form.
GoCardless
Key features include automated payment collection (such as for subscription services) and direct debit processing. The platform specializes in recurring payments and bank-to-bank transfers, using ACH bank drafts instead of credit cards. For pricing, see their plans and pricing page.
PayPal
Key features include buyer protection, integration options, instant access for PayPal users, and support for multiple payment methods. The service operates in 200+ countries and supports 25 currencies. For pricing, see their page on merchant fees.
Square
Key features include business management tools, inventory tracking, sales analytics, and support for both online and in-person payments with credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Cash App Pay. The platform is currently stronger internationally for in-person than online payments. For pricing, see their plans and pricing page.
Stripe
Key features include fraud prevention, customizable solutions, and extensive developer tools. The platform supports 135+ currencies. For pricing, you'll need to contact sales for country-specific rates.
Worldpay
Key features include fraud protection, detailed analytics, industry-specific solutions, and support for high transaction volumes. An enterprise solution for global business, the platform operates in 146 countries with 300+ payment methods. You can estimate your pricing with their pricing calculator.
How to choose the right international payment gateway
Choosing the right international payment gateway requires careful analysis of your current and near-future needs—including target markets and operational requirements.
If you need to pay overseas vendors and freelancers, BILL provides a B2B payments ecosystem that lets you pay domestically and internationally in the same system, right where you manage your bills and invoices—so you can handle your AP and payments in the same place, no matter where the payment is going.
If you're only looking to take international consumer payments on a retail or digital subscription website, here's a list of things to consider during your selection process.
Factors to consider when selecting an international payment gateway
Geographic coverage and currency support are foundational considerations, as your gateway needs to operate effectively in your target markets while supporting relevant currencies and local payment preferences.
Your payment gateway should offer transparent pricing with cost-effective transaction fees, competitive exchange rates, and no hidden costs that could impact your margins or pricing strategy.
Technical requirements and integration capabilities need careful evaluation to ensure the gateway will work smoothly with your existing systems while providing the API access and documentation you need.
Comparison of different international payment gateway providers
When comparing providers, focus on the key operational aspects that will impact your daily business activities and long-term growth potential.
Settlement periods and payout options vary significantly between consumer credit card payment gateways, affecting your cash flow and financial planning. Look for providers offering terms that align with your business model and cash flow needs.
Technical capabilities and integration options should match your current needs while providing room for growth, including API access, developer tools, and compatibility with your e-commerce platform.
Security and fraud prevention measures in international payment gateways
Security infrastructure is paramount for international payment processing, as cross-border transactions often face higher fraud risks and more complex regulatory requirements.
Your chosen gateway should be as secure as making payments through a bank, with industry-standard 2-step verification and SSL encryption.
Fraud prevention tools should include real-time monitoring and appropriate security measures based on your risk tolerance and market requirements.
Risk management capabilities need to extend beyond basic fraud prevention to include dispute resolution support and tools for managing regional compliance requirements.
Benefits of using BILL for B2B international payments
BILL simplifies international payments by letting you handle both domestic and international transactions in one streamlined system. Here's how BILL can transform your international payment processes:
- Unified workflow: Make international payments using the same automated workflows you use for domestic payments—no need to learn or manage separate systems for different payment types.
- Centralized management: Keep all your AP tasks and data in one convenient platform, whether you're paying vendors across town or across the globe.
- Seamless accounting integration: All your payment activity—domestic and international—syncs automatically with your accounting software and ERP systems, eliminating the need for manual data entry.
- Simple and secure process: Make international payments in just a few clicks, with the same top-tier you rely on for domestic payments through BILL.
- Flexible accessibility: Pay your international vendors anytime, anywhere through BILL's secure, cloud-based payment platform—perfect for today's mobile business environment.
