8 Low-Fee Payment Gateways for European Startups in 2025

Finding ways to save money is essential when you’re launching a startup. In 2025, European founders are spoiled for choice with payment gateways that are fast, reliable, and keep costs down. Using a low-fee provider helps you keep more of every sale, boost trust with global customers, and scale faster.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler, a platform where your real project work makes you stand out and get opportunities. In this article, I’ll break down the smartest payment gateways designed for European startups needing affordability, security, and global reach. Much like building a portfolio of real results, choosing a smart payment solution shows your business is ready for serious growth.

Why Low-Fee Payment Gateways Are a Startup Essential

Paying high transaction fees hurts your profit especially in the early days. Low-fee gateways let you serve customers locally and globally, speed up onboarding, and offer helpful dashboards for managing payments without needing a finance team.

• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs or monthly charges
• Simple onboarding and integration for non-technical founders
• Multi-currency support to reach more customers
• Strong compliance, security, and easy chargeback handling

Why it matters: Getting started with a low-fee gateway means startups protect their margins, move faster, and project trust all of which drive early traction and ongoing growth.

1. Mollie

Mollie is a popular pick for startups in Europe thanks to its local payment support and no monthly fees. Setup takes just minutes, and you’re able to accept cards and local methods with clear per-transaction costs.

• Accepts iDEAL, Bancontact, SEPA, cards, Klarna, and more
• Easy connections with Shopify, WooCommerce, and major platforms
• Real-time reporting for cash flow management
• No contracts or hidden charges

Why it matters: Mollie gives startups the flexibility to accept payments the way Europeans want, while helping founders keep costs low and track every euro.

2. Stripe

Stripe stands out for its advanced technical tools and up-front pricing, making it loved by both techies and non-tech founders. With recurring billing, fraud detection, and broad international support, it’s made for fast-paced businesses.

• One account for 135+ currencies and most payment types
• APIs and plugins for SaaS, e-commerce, and mobile
• Handles recurring/subscription payments, invoices, and refunds
• Anti-fraud features out of the box

Why it matters: Stripe allows European startups to sell anywhere and innovate quickly, so they can compete with global brands and automate their financial workflows.

3. SecurionPay

SecurionPay simplifies taking payments online with easy tech integration and top-grade security. It supports 160 currencies and is fully compliant with the latest EU payment rules.

• Fast API setup with clear documentation
• PCI DSS and SCA compliance
• Supports both one-time and recurring charges
• No setup or monthly maintenance fees

Why it matters: With SecurionPay, startups get peace of mind about security, compliance, and user experience without the complexity or cost of legacy solutions.

4. PayPal

PayPal remains a global leader in trust and ease-of-use. For startups, it’s a “plug and play” way to accept cards, local wallets, and international clients instantly.

• Familiar to millions of buyers in Europe and globally
• Instant onboarding and easy integration for web shops
• Tools for invoices, subscriptions, and mobile payments
• Built-in buyer and seller protection

Why it matters: Adding PayPal reassures customers and streamlines payments, especially for founders new to online selling or expanding to new regions.

5. BlueSnap

BlueSnap combines broad international reach with competitive pricing and tools for subscription businesses. It appeals to startups planning to scale across Europe and beyond.

• Accepts 100+ currencies and alternative payment methods
• Provides recurring billing and payout flexibility
• Advanced reporting and chargeback support
• No setup or monthly fee

Why it matters: BlueSnap makes growing a digital or SaaS business easier by supporting global revenue collection and by providing real-time insights founders need to steer growth.

6. Vapulus

Vapulus is unique for European startups due to its zero-transaction-fee option. You can accept multiple payment methods without worrying about per-sale deductions.

• Charges zero per-transaction or monthly fees
• Works with cards, e-wallets, and mobile
• Offers analytics and digital marketing tools
• Quick online setup and approval

Why it matters: Vapulus lets early-stage businesses keep more money from each sale, reducing financial stress during the critical launch phase.

7. 2Checkout (Verifone)

2Checkout is built for startups that want to reach international customers with a simple fee model and global compliance.

• Supports 200+ countries and currencies
• Integrates with major ecommerce platforms
• Provides recurring billing for subscriptions
• No monthly or setup fees

Why it matters: 2Checkout offers access to new markets and new revenue opportunities, while keeping pricing simple for founders focused on expansion.

8. Melio

Melio is growing in popularity for startups that want free bank transfers and very low card processing costs. Its payment scheduling tools also help keep supplier relationships strong.

• Free domestic and EU bank transfers
• Minimal fees for credit and debit cards
• Built-in bill pay and scheduling
• Easy connection to accounting software

Why it matters: Melio helps startups manage cash flow and payments efficiently, keeping overheads low every month as the business grows.

Pro Tip: Show Real Payment Wins with Fueler

As with any business tool you choose, documenting how you saved time, reduced costs, or enabled new sales should be part of your portfolio. On Fueler, many founders upload case studies on their payment setup as real-world assignments, making it easier to earn partnerships, investment, or new clients.

Final Thought

Choosing the right low-fee payment gateway is a smart early move for any European startup wanting to go further, faster. Look past the hype and select a solution that prioritizes cost, security, easy setup, and trusted payment methods. Use those savings to reinvest in your team, your product, and your next big leap.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which payment gateway is cheapest for new European startups?

Mollie and Vapulus offer the lowest fees with straightforward integration, making them ideal for cost-focused startups.

2. Are all these gateways available in every European Union country?

Most support the majority of EU markets, but always check local restrictions and currency support before choosing.

3. Can I use several gateways together to reduce costs further?

Yes, it is common for startups to combine PayPal, Stripe, and a local provider to maximize flexibility and minimize fees.

4. Which gateway is easiest for non-technical founders?

PayPal and Melio have simple onboarding and plugins for most website platforms, requiring minimal technical knowledge.

5. Do these options support recurring billing and subscriptions?

Absolutely. Stripe, SecurionPay, Mollie, and 2Checkout all support automated billing—perfect for SaaS and subscription startups.

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