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Last Updated: Dec 2025

The Best Online Payment Services of 2025

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  • 2) Sign-up
  • 3) Accept Payments
Top 3 Merchant Services
iconSpecial Deal
Leaders Merchant Services
9.8
Save or get $200 guarantee
Claim Offer
Paysafe
9.2
Worldwide payment solutions
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GoDaddy
9.2
Start saving with industry-low rates
Claim Offer
1
98% Approval Rateicon
Leaders Merchant Services
Read Review
Safe PaymentsSafe Payments
Transparent pricing with low rates & fees
  • Ideal for merchants of all sizes
  • Get approved within 24 hours
  • 24/7 technical support
  • Accept POS, in-store, mobile, and online payments
9.8
Exceptional
Visit Site
866-724-0648
2
Helping businesses of all sizes process payments globally
  • Supports over 260 payment methods
  • Get 50% off the latest POS terminals
  • Customized for your business
  • Trusted by 250,000+ merchants
9.2
Excellent
866-761-9332
3
All-in-one merchant services with low fees
  • Accept payments in person, online and on-the-go
  • Get paid out as fast as the next business day
  • 24/7 support by phone, text, and chat
9.2
Excellent
Visit Site
4
Merchant One
Credit card processing for businesses of all sizes
  • No application fees
  • Most customers get approved within 24 hours
  • Rates as low as 0.29%
5
Worldpay
Fast & reliable payment processing solutions
  • Countertop & mobile card devices
  • Contactless payments
  • Customizable pricing plans
6
Secure payment processing solution for restaurants and retail businesses
  • Accept payments anywhere
  • Automatic surcharging compliance
  • Access to all Clover hardware
7
Heartland
Custom payment solutions backed by real support
  • Real-time transaction reporting
  • Take any payment, anywhere on any device
  • 24/7 U.S.-based customer support
8.4
Good
8
Payment Depot
Wholesale rates ideal for minimizing fees
  • Rates as low as 0.2% - 1.95%
  • Pricing customized for your business
  • $0 setup + no cancellation fees
8.3
Good
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Our Best Overall Provider
Our Most Popular
Leaders Merchant Services
Safe PaymentsSafe Payments
Transparent pricing with low rates & fees
  • Ideal for merchants of all sizes
  • Get approved within 24 hours
  • 24/7 technical support
  • Accept POS, in-store, mobile, and online payments

Not Exactly What You Need? Find the Perfect POS System to Optimize Your Business Operations

1
Best for Retailicon
Lightspeed
Retail POSRetail POS
A one-stop POS platform for retail businesses
  • 24/7 expert support
  • Manage and access data anytime, anywhere
  • Serving retail & golf businesses
  • No setup fees
2
Custom hardware & intuitive software built for restaurants
  • Start for $0/month
  • Online ordering & flat-fee delivery
  • Portable POS handhelds
9.3
Excellent
Our Top Picks for December 2025
Leaders Merchant Services
favicon-LEADERS MERCHANT SERVICES
Leaders Merchant Services
Rates as low as 0.15%
Paysafe
favicon-PAYSAFE
Paysafe
Over 25 years of experience
favicon-GODADDY
GoDaddy

The Benefits of Using a Payment Gateway

Are you a business owner interested in understanding the available payment options for transactions? Online payments are becoming more convenient and safe through new technologies that facilitate credit card transactions. By using a payment gateway, companies are expanding their business across the Internet. Consider the various factors that go into online transactions and how you can choose the best payment gateway today.

What is a Payment Gateway?

Payment Gateways are a kind of software and server that is cable of transmitting the information from a transaction to banks during a purchase. This communication not only transfers the information and payment to the bank, but it also is capable of receiving such information as whether the transaction is approved or declined. These services include a high level of security to protect sensitive data such as credit card numbers that might be abused by fraudulent parties. Sometimes a service fee is applicable to utilize an online payment gateway. The details simply depend on the payment gateway providers themselves and the terms they have established. Although some research might be required to choose the best product, an ecommerce payment gateway certainly has its benefits for your business.

Benefits of Using a Payment Gateway

  • Much faster payment method than cheques or processing a credit card manually
  • Much easier way to process payments as well
  • No third-party site is needed to perform transactions

Various Types of Payment Gateway Services

First and foremost, these gateway services are used as a credit card payment gateway. A transaction using this kind of service retains and protects sensitive data while contacting banks with information. A credit card payment gateway should automatically guarantee a certain level of security by the very nature of its function. An ecommerce payment gateway might also be capable of other features, including a reporting system and the ability to process refunds. Sometimes, a merchant account payment gateway is capable of using multiple user accounts or of processing reoccurring transactions.

How to Choose the Best Online Payment Gateway

Payment gateways are becoming increasingly popular. With this popularity comes a wide variety of options for your business. Some of the most important factors in choosing an online payment gateway of course include pricing, but also its features and support. The best payment gateway doesn't rack up significant fees but also guarantees security in your online transactions. Payment gateway providers should be able to provide information regarding their services and associated costs. As pricing is sometimes the most inhibitive factor, be sure to gather this information when making a payment gateway comparison between companies.

By doing just a little research, you should be able to make a basic payment gateway comparison that will help you choose a service for your business. With so many payment gateway services available for use today, your choices should be plentiful. Start investigating today how a merchant account payment gateway can significantly benefit you and your business.

Our Top 3 Picks

  • 1
    Industry-leading CCP with value-added services
    Visit Site
    Call866-724-0648866-724-0648
    • Best for - Additional value-added services, low rates
    • Rates - Starts at 0.15%
    • Contract Length - 3 years
    top10_badge_icon_secure.20221107162832
    Safe Payments
    Industry-leading CCP with value-added services
    top10_badge_icon_secure.20221107162832
    Safe Payments
    866-724-0648Visit Site

    Leaders is one of the best credit card processing services in the industry. It’s been around for 20 years, and its parent company is the reputable Paysafe Group Subsidiary. Leaders gives businesses a lot of reasons to love it, including some of the best credit card processing rates in the industry. We’re talking about rates that start at just 0.15%. Plus, Leaders has a 98% approval rating. So, businesses having a hard time getting the green flag will find Leaders’ process refreshing.

    What's more, Leaders offers a solid $500 Assurance guarantee. This states that if the company can't save you money within the first 6 months of your contract, you'll be awarded $500 in compensation. Leaders works with the reliable Clover point of sale system, and it also integrates with QuickBooks. New SMBs will appreciate the helpful glossary of terms and 24/7/365 customer service for troubleshooting any issues. Additionally, Leaders offers value-added services such as business cash advances, loyalty programs, gift cards, check guarantee services, and point of sale systems.

    Read Leaders Merchant Services Review

    Leaders Merchant Services Pros & Cons

    PROS

    $500 Assurance Program
    Integrates with QuickBooks
    Rates starting at 0.15%

    CONS

    Long contract terms
    Pricey early termination fee
    Leaders Merchant Services
    866-724-0648Visit Site
  • 2
    Offers global payments in 17 countries
    • Best for - Businesses and corporations looking to scale up
    • Rates - Quote-based
    • Contract Length - From month-to-month to three years
    Offers global payments in 17 countries

    Paysafe is a comprehensive payment solution that is transforming how businesses handle transactions. It accepts global payments in 17 currencies, including credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, POS systems, cash cards, and installment payments. The scale-based pricing starts at 15% for low volume, 3.9% per volume, and 9.5% for higher volume. There's also a fixed fee of 1.5 euros per transaction. Paysafe offers various services, including online, digital wallet, and in-person payments, and additional benefits like POS systems, receipt management, and currency conversion. This makes it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes and types.

    Paysafe offers several tools to assist businesses with their in-store payment processing. One of the notable equipment offerings is Paysafe's Android tablet POS (Point of Sale) system, which facilitates on-the-spot payment acceptance. This POS system, combined with Paysafe's sophisticated in-store payment structure, allows businesses to provide their customers with various payment options, including installment payments and mobile purchasing. For detailed pricing, contact Paysafe directly for a tailored quote.

    Read Paysafe Review

    Paysafe Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Flexible pricing
    Integrates with major Ecommerce platforms like Shopify
    Advanced security measures including tokenization

    CONS

    Customer support response can take up to 24 business hours
    No clear application process mentioned for setup
  • 3
    A versatile all-in-one payment processing solution
    Visit Site
    • Best for - Small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs
    • Rates - From 2.5%
    • Contract Length - Monthly
    A versatile all-in-one payment processing solution

    GoDaddy Payments is an all-in-one payment processing solution designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It integrates seamlessly with GoDaddy’s website builders and e-commerce tools, offering competitive transaction rates and fast payouts. Businesses can accept online, in-person, and remote payments, making it a versatile choice for merchants in the U.S.

    Read GoDaddy Review

    GoDaddy Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Seamless integration with GoDaddy’s ecosystem
    Competitive transaction fees, especially for in-person payments
    Fast payouts, often within the next business day

    CONS

    Reports of unexpected account holds and closures
    Limited international support