5 Leading Payment Gateways in Europe You Should Know in 2025

If you want to build a trusted and thriving business in Europe, choosing the right payment gateway is as important as creating a great product or service. Today’s top gateways offer speed, strong security, and the multi-currency flexibility you need to attract both local and international customers. Picking the right solution means happier clients, smoother operations, and more sales for your business.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler, a platform designed to help professionals showcase real-world projects and stand out to employers. In this article, I'm breaking down the most trusted payment gateways in Europe, showing why each is a top pick and how they empower companies. Just like a good portfolio is proof of your skills, a great payment gateway is your business’s signal for credibility and customer-first thinking.

Why European Businesses Need Robust Payment Gateways

Using a powerful payment gateway is essential for European companies aiming to serve a variety of customers while remaining compliant with ever-changing regulations. Businesses benefit from platforms that enable seamless payments, provide strong anti-fraud features, and support local preferences.

• Allows you to accept payments from across the EU and beyond
• Automates compliance with strict European security standards
• Offers detailed reporting for better business insight
• Supports diverse payment methods for maximum conversion

Why it matters: The right gateway provides a secure, smooth experience for your customers, and switch-on compliance and analytics for your business. This keeps you focused on growth, not worrying about red tape or missed transactions.

1. Stripe

Stripe is recognized across Europe for combining developer-friendly tools with versatile features and clear pricing. It's ideal for businesses scaling fast or looking to offer advanced payment experiences.

• Accepts 135+ currencies, all major cards, wallets, and bank payments
• Seamless integrations with e-commerce, SaaS, and subscription platforms
• Built-in recurring billing and advanced invoicing tools
• Real-time analytics and in-depth fraud protection

Why it matters: Stripe powers modern business models with instant international reach and flexible automation, helping European companies simplify growth and revenue collection.

Pricing: 1.4% + €0.25 per EU card, 2.9% + €0.25 for international—no setup or monthly fees

2. Adyen

Adyen offers a unified payment solution prized by many of Europe’s biggest brands for its global reach and robust local payment support. It’s perfect for multinationals and ambitious digital companies.

• Supports 150+ currencies and numerous local EU methods like SEPA, iDEAL, Bancontact
• All-in-one solution for online, point-of-sale, and in-app payments
• Advanced fraud monitoring and PCI DSS compliance
• Real-time performance dashboards and analytics

Why it matters: Adyen helps European companies scale across borders without friction, giving both large and small brands strong local credibility and global flexibility.

Pricing: Typically 1.4% + €0.10 per EU transaction, varies with payment method

3. Mollie

Mollie brings European startups and smaller businesses a no-stress, highly transparent payment platform that’s easy to use from day one. It’s loved for local integrations and fair, flat pricing.

• Supports key European payment preferences: iDEAL, SEPA, cards, Klarna, Bancontact
• Plug-in ready for platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce
• Clean, user-friendly dashboard with real-time insights
• No lock-in contracts or hidden costs

Why it matters: Mollie gives smaller operators big company tools, boosting conversion rates while keeping cash flow management simple.

Pricing: Around €0.29 per standard EU transaction, no monthly charges

4. PayPal

PayPal is globally recognized, making it a must-have for European businesses seeking instant trust with buyers. Its broad acceptance makes checkout quick and easy, especially for cross-border sales.

• Accepts credit cards, debit, bank transfers, and PayPal wallets
• Easy to add to any site, no developer needed
• Comprehensive buyer and seller protection features
• Streamlined refunds, subscriptions, and invoice tools

Why it matters: Adding PayPal can boost European businesses’ conversions and customer satisfaction, especially with international and mobile shoppers.

Pricing: 2.9% + €0.35 per transaction, fees may vary by country

5. Worldpay

Worldpay has long been a trusted name for larger European merchants and those needing both online and in-person payment support. Its flexibility and wide market reach are distinguishing strengths.

• Accepts all major global and local payment types
• Omnichannel: POS, online, mobile, recurring billing
• High-level analytics and transaction monitoring
• Custom pricing for large volumes or enterprise needs

Why it matters: With Worldpay, European businesses future-proof their operations by accepting payments any way customers want, while maintaining reliable cash flow and data-driven sales strategies.

Pricing: Custom quotes, often starts at 1.5% per transaction

Fueler: Proof of Payment Skill in Real Work

More companies now want to see not just technical knowledge but proof of successful integration and payment system optimization. Documenting your gateway setup or payment process improvement on Fueler as a finished assignment can open new doors, especially when you combine payment experience with results.

Final Thought

Picking the right payment gateway means stronger customer trust, easier compliance, and more ways to grow. Whether your business is new to the European market or ready for its next leap, focusing on transparent fees, strong integrations, and proven security pays off with every transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which payment gateway is best for startups and small businesses?

Mollie and Stripe offer easy setup and transparent pricing that suit new companies managing cash flow.

2. Can these gateways process recurring or subscription payments?

Yes, Stripe, Adyen, and PayPal all feature built-in tools for subscriptions and automated billing.

3. What are the most widely accepted local European payment methods?

SEPA Direct Debit, iDEAL, Bancontact, and Klarna are essential for EU consumer trust and conversion.

4. Are gateway dashboards and analytics easy to use?

Most leading providers have clear, web-based dashboards offering real-time transaction views and performance reporting.

5. Can I use more than one payment gateway at the same time?

Absolutely. Combining providers like Stripe, Mollie, and PayPal is a common way to reduce costs and increase flexibility as your European business grows.

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You can create your portfolio on Fueler, thousands of freelancers around the world use Fueler to create their professional-looking portfolios and become financially independent. Discover inspiration for your portfolio

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