9 Payment Gateways for US Startups in 2025

In 2025, seamless and secure payment processing is a cornerstone for US startups aiming to build strong customer relationships and accelerate growth. Choosing the right payment gateway ensures smooth transactions, lower fees, fraud protection, and support for multiple payment methods all critical in a competitive market where user experience can make or break sales. Whether you’re running an eCommerce platform, SaaS business, or any online service, the payment gateway you pick will directly impact your conversion rates and customer retention.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler, a platform that helps freelancers and professionals get hired through their work samples. In this article, I’ve walked you through the most in-demand freelance skills for 2025. But beyond mastering skills, the key is presenting your work smartly. Your portfolio isn’t just a collection of projects, it's your proof of skill, your credibility, and your shortcut to trust.

1. PayPal (with Payflow) — Trusted and Easy to Use

PayPal remains a household name, trusted by millions and widely accepted across the US and internationally. Its Payflow gateway lets startups accept payments through credit/debit cards, PayPal wallets, and even direct debit, making it highly versatile.

• Supports major cards, PayPal, Venmo, and other popular eWallets
• Easy integration with most shopping carts and platforms like BigCommerce, NetSuite, and Zuora
• Fraud protection and PCI DSS compliance built-in
• Quick onboarding and settlement within 2 - 5 business days

Pricing:

• Standard rate: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Micropayments: 5% + $0.05 per transaction
• Additional fees for currency conversion and chargebacks

Why it matters: PayPal’s strong brand trust and extensive ecosystem make it ideal for startups needing fast, secure, and widely accepted payment processing.

2. Stripe — Developer-Friendly and Scalable

Stripe is a favorite among US startups and tech companies for its flexible API, which allows complete customization of payment flows across web and mobile apps. It supports one-time payments, subscriptions, and global transactions, making it perfect for SaaS, marketplaces, and fast-scaling startups.

• Supports credit/debit cards, ACH, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and over 135 currencies
• Subscription billing and invoicing management tools
• Built-in fraud detection with advanced machine learning
• Instant payouts and easy integration with tools like Shopify and WooCommerce

Pricing:

• 2.9% + $0.30 per successful card transaction
• ACH payments: 0.8% capped at $5
• Custom pricing for enterprise-level volumes

Why it matters: Stripe’s developer-first approach and broad payment method support help startups build flexible, scalable checkout experiences that grow with their business.

3. Square — Simple Setup with Robust Tools

Square is known for its ease of use and all-in-one payment ecosystem, supporting both online and in-person payments. Ideal for startups with physical sales as well as eCommerce, Square offers POS systems, invoicing, and mobile card readers alongside its gateway.

• Accept payments online, in-store, and via mobile devices
• Integrated inventory and sales reporting software
• Supports ACH and digital wallets like Apple Pay
• Real-time analytics and customer engagement tools

Pricing:

• Online payments: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• In-person payments: 2.6% + $0.10 per swipe or tap
• Custom pricing for enterprise and high-volume merchants

Why it matters: Square’s simplicity and robust ecosystem accelerate startups’ ability to accept payments across channels while managing sales and customer data.

4. Braintree — Flexible and Mobile-First

Owned by PayPal, Braintree focuses on mobile and web payments with strong support for digital wallets such as Venmo, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Its seamless experience and easy integration make it popular for startups in marketplaces and subscriptions.

• Multi-currency and multi-payment method acceptance
• Advanced fraud detection and PCI compliance
• Supports seamless in-app and web payments
• Recurring billing and subscription management

Pricing:

• 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Volume discounts available for high-transaction businesses

Why it matters: Braintree offers startups an easy-to-use gateway with broad payment method support and a focus on mobile experience.

5. Authorize.Net — Reliable and Enterprise-Grade

A long-standing payment gateway, Authorize.Net is suitable for startups planning to scale into enterprise-level operations. It supports card payments, eChecks, and digital payment methods, with robust fraud prevention and customer support.

• Accepts major credit cards, eChecks, and digital payments
• Advanced fraud detection suite available for free
• Integrates with popular merchant accounts and shopping carts
• Provides virtual terminal for phone and in-person payments

Pricing:

• $25 monthly gateway fee
• 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• $49 setup fee (one-time)

Why it matters: Authorize.Net’s proven reliability and extensive features suit startups expecting growth and complex payment needs.

6. Adyen — Global Reach with Unified Platform

Adyen provides startups with a single platform to accept payments globally, supporting local payment methods and currencies. Its unified system offers risk management, reporting, and seamless integration for omnichannel sales.

• Supports cards, digital wallets, ACH, and over 250 local payment methods
• Real-time risk management and advanced fraud protection
• Flexible APIs for customized checkout flows
• Consolidated global reporting and reconciliation

Pricing:

• Varies by region; typical US rate: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Volume discounts and custom pricing for larger startups

Why it matters: For US startups with international ambitions, Adyen simplifies accepting diverse payments worldwide on one platform.

7. BlueSnap — All-in-One Payment Platform

BlueSnap offers a smart payment gateway with global reach and rich features tailored for ecommerce and subscription businesses. It supports multi-currency payments and various channels including mobile and point-of-sale.

• Supports credit cards, ACH, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
• Built-in subscription billing and revenue recovery tools
• Advanced fraud prevention and PCI compliance
• Integrations with major ecommerce platforms

Pricing:

• Starting at 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Custom plans for higher volume merchants

Why it matters: BlueSnap’s scalable platform and broad payment support assist startups managing growth across multiple sales channels.

8. 2Checkout (Verifone) — Flexible for SMBs and Global Sales

2Checkout offers seamless global payment acceptance, supporting over 87 currencies and a variety of payment methods. It's well-suited for startups needing easy integration and multiple monetization options.

• Supports card payments, PayPal, and local payment options worldwide
• Subscription billing and customizable checkout pages
• Fraud protection and PCI compliance
• Integrates with major ecommerce and CMS platforms

Pricing:

• Starts at 3.5% + $0.35 per transaction
• Volume discounts available

Why it matters: 2Checkout’s flexibility and international support help startups expand beyond US borders effortlessly.

9. WePay — Integrated Payments for Platforms and Marketplaces

WePay, part of JP Morgan Chase, is tailored for startups building platforms or marketplaces that require integrated payments with escrow and disbursement features.

• Customizable payment processing with API access
• Support for credit cards, ACH, and mobile wallets
• Fraud detection and compliance with banking standards
• Integrated payout management for multiple sellers

Pricing:

• 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Custom enterprise pricing available

Why it matters: For US startups building marketplaces or platforms, WePay offers the specialized features needed for complex payment flows.

Promote Your Startup’s Payment Success with Fueler

Integrating the right payment gateway is crucial, but showcasing how you handle payments smoothly builds client confidence. Fueler lets startups and freelancers create portfolios that highlight real work, customer journeys, and operational excellence. Presenting your projects and successes with Fueler adds credibility and shortens the sales cycle, turning payment reliability into a competitive advantage.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right payment gateway is a fundamental step for US startups aiming for fast growth and excellent customer experience in 2025. Consider your startup’s size, sales volume, customer preferences, and expansion plans when selecting your gateway. Whether you prioritize ease of use, global reach, advanced fraud protection, or flexible APIs, this list has options tailored to diverse startup needs. Pairing your technical setup with a strong portfolio on Fueler further elevates your credibility and helps convert prospects into loyal clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best payment gateway for startups in the US?

It depends on your specific needs but Stripe, PayPal, and Square are popular for ease of use and scalability for most US startups.

2. How much do payment gateways usually charge?

Standard pricing is around 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, with some variation depending on the gateway and transaction type.

3. Can I use multiple payment gateways for my startup?

Yes, startups often use multiple gateways to offer more payment options and optimize costs and coverage.

4. Are payment gateways secure?

Reputable gateways follow PCI DSS compliance and use advanced encryption and fraud detection to protect customers and merchants.

5. How does Fueler help startups with payments?

Fueler enables you to showcase your operational strengths and customer success stories through professional portfolios that build trust with clients and investors.

What is Fueler Portfolio?

Fueler is a career portfolio platform that helps companies find the best talent for their organization based on their proof of work. 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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