It goes without saying that if Stripe has become one of the most used web payment methods, there is a reason. Stripe is in fact a reliable payment gateway, with modern APIs and that offers a optimal user experience, However, its commissions are not the lowest on the market.
If you are looking for alternatives to Stripe, equally functional and usable but with lower management costs, then you have found the article for you!

Why look for Stripe alternatives?

Stripe generally charges a fee of 2,9% + € 0,30 per standard credit or debit card transaction. This may seem like a competitive figure, especially when considering other more “standard” types of bank payments, but it is still a figure that can weigh on the net revenue of those who handle high transaction volumes or operate in sectors with low margins. 

In addition to the cost, there are those who need to diversify payment systems for reasons related to the geographic location of customers, customization needs or some specific collection methods. 

Below, we look at some alternatives to Stripe that may be beneficial to you, depending on your business. 

At the end of the article we have left a summary table of the main advantages for each payment method, so that you can choose with full knowledge of the facts.

Stripe alternatives with lower fees

1. Adyen

Adyen is a Dutch platform that stands out for its great flexibility and competitive commissions. It is generally used by those who manage large-scale transactions, because it is based on a variable commission based on the volume of operations (but also on the payment method).

Average commission: variable from 1,4% to 2,0% + 0,10€, depending on the payment method and monthly volume.

Advantages:

• Lower commissions for those who handle large volumes.
• Native support for over 250 global and local payment methods.
• Integrated and advanced risk management system.
• Support omnichannel (online and physical) transactions with a single platform.

Disadvantages:

• Complexity of initial configuration for small businesses (it is advisable to have a consultant follow you).
• Greater orientation towards medium and large companies, with customized contracts.

2. Mollie

If you haven't heard about it yet, it will happen soon: Mollie It is one of the most interesting solutions at the moment in Europe, especially for SMEs and startups. 

Average commission: 1,8% + € 0,25 for European cards (Visa, Mastercard), 2,8% + € 0,25 for non-EU cards. This is more convenient for many online businesses that operate predominantly in the EU market.

Advantages:

• No fixed or activation costs.
• Supports more than 25 payment methods, including Klarna, Apple Pay, iDEAL.
• Modern and easy to integrate APIs.
• Intuitive reporting and clear dashboard.

Disadvantages:

• Less competitive commissions for non-European cards.
• Customer support not always immediate in basic packages.

3. SumUp Payment Links

SumUp It is best known in Italy for its portable POS, but few people know that it also offers an online payment service via payment links and digital stores. 

Average commission: 1,95% for card payments in the EU via link or online store 

Advantages:

• Perfect for small businesses and professionals without a structured e-commerce.
• No monthly fees or recurring charges.
• It is a quick to implement solution for immediate online sales.
• Compatible with SumUp physical POS for in-store sales.

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for those who need customized payment flows.
• Limited functionality compared to more advanced gateways (no advanced custom APIs).

4. Satispay Business

For those who operate mainly in Italy or in markets where Satispay It is widespread, this mobile-first solution allows you to accept payments with significantly reduced commissions

Average commission: 0% on transactions up to €10, 0,20€ fixed over €10.

Advantages:

• Zero commissions for amounts under €10, ideal for micropayments.
• No activation or maintenance costs.
• It has a built-in cashback system to retain customers.
• It is becoming increasingly popular in Italy and in some European markets.

Disadvantages:

• Although it is becoming more widespread, it cannot be said to be as common as other payment methods, especially in non-Italian markets.
• It is only available for customers with a SEPA current account

Other factors to consider – besides commissions

Reducing transaction fees can have a big impact, especially for e-commerce and digital businesses with a high order frequency. However, the choice should not be based solely on cost, but also on parameters such as:

• Geographical Targeting and Local Methods

If your customers are international, you should prefer gateways that include local payment methods (e.g. Bancontact, Sofort, iDEAL). Mollie and Adyen excel at this thanks to their vast network of integrated local solutions.

• Scalability and volumes

Businesses with high transaction volumes benefit from Adyen’s scalable pricing, while those with smaller order volumes may find lean solutions like SumUp or Satispay more suitable.

• User experience and ease of integration

A seamless checkout reduces cart abandonment. Mollie, for example, allows for complete customization of the payment pages thanks to simple and well-documented APIs. SumUp, on the other hand, offers a more direct and immediate approach, but less customizable.

Here is a summary table of the main advantages/disadvantages for each solution:

Each company has its own payment method

As already mentioned, the choice of a payment system should not be based exclusively on commissions. In the next paragraph we will list some case studies of companies for business model, geographical location of the customers and growth strategy, and we will indicate the appropriate payment gateway for each.

1. For those selling in Europe with low margins

• Recommended gateways: Mollie, Satispay (for domestic payments).
• Why: Mollie offers great rates on EU cards and supports many local payment methods. Satispay is ideal for managing micropayments at almost zero cost.
• Focus: cost optimization and ease of integration.

2. For E-commerce expanding with high volumes

• Recommended gateways: Adyen.
• Why: Offers scalable and customizable pricing, with broad support for international methods and advanced risk management.
• Focus: reduction of commissions on large volumes, centralized management of global payments.

3. For freelancers, small business owners and local businesses

• Recommended gateways: SumUp Payment Links, Satispay.
• Why: SumUp allows you to collect with payment links without the need for a complex website. Satispay facilitates quick transactions without fixed costs.
• Focus: ease of use, no fixed costs, accessibility.

4. For those who sell globally, even outside the EU

• Recommended gateways: Adyen, Stripe.
• Why: Both offer global coverage and support for payments in multiple currencies, but Adyen is more cost-effective at high volumes.
• Focus: international compatibility, security, reliability.

Pizero's suggestion

Want to get the most out of each payment method we've listed here? The good news is that you can dynamically differentiate them based on country, payment method chosen, or transaction amount. 

This approach allows you to maximize margins and offer one best user experience.