Choosing the right payment gateway can make or break the customer experience on your website. Whether you’re running an e-commerce store, a subscription-based business, or a local service, your payment processor needs to be secure, fast, and reliable. With so many options available in 2025, we’ve handpicked the top 10 payment gateways in the USA that combine performance, features, and affordability to help you grow your business.
1. Stripe
Stripe continues to dominate the payment gateway space thanks to its clean API, extensive documentation, and modern features tailored for developers and fast-scaling startups. It supports over 135 currencies and multiple payment options like credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and ACH transfers. With built-in fraud protection and customizable checkouts, Stripe makes accepting payments online seamless and secure. It’s ideal for SaaS companies, subscription services, and businesses looking for advanced features.
2. PayPal
PayPal is one of the most recognized names in the payment world — and for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to set up, offers robust protection for buyers and sellers, and supports international payments. For small businesses and freelancers, PayPal offers a trusted and familiar way to accept payments. Plus, features like “Pay in 4” and PayPal Credit give your customers more flexibility, which can boost conversions.
3. Square
If you’re running a retail store, food truck, or local business that also sells online, Square is your all-in-one solution. Known for its sleek POS hardware and mobile-friendly system, Square offers an intuitive interface for both in-person and digital transactions. It’s perfect for solopreneurs and small businesses that want a simple setup, and it even comes with free invoicing and scheduling tools.
4. Authorize.Net (a Visa Solution)
Authorize.Net has been a staple in the payment industry for decades, and it’s still one of the best options for businesses that need reliable, secure processing. It’s especially useful for companies that handle large volumes of credit card transactions or offer subscriptions. With features like a virtual terminal, e-check acceptance, and advanced fraud detection tools, Authorize.Net is built for scalability and peace of mind.
5. Braintree (by PayPal)
Braintree brings you the best of both worlds: the trust of PayPal and the flexibility of a modern gateway. It supports major payment types like PayPal, Venmo, cards, and even local wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Developers love Braintree for its sleek API and support for recurring billing, while businesses appreciate its strong fraud detection and global capabilities.
6. Amazon Pay
Amazon Pay lets you leverage the trust customers already have in Amazon. With this gateway, shoppers can use their Amazon accounts to check out quickly and securely on your site. This reduces friction at checkout and increases conversion rates. If your audience is already familiar with Amazon (and let’s face it — who isn’t?), this could be a smart addition to your payment stack.
7. Adyen
Adyen is a powerful option for businesses operating on a global scale. It supports more than 250 payment methods and offers unified reporting for in-store, mobile, and online sales. With built-in risk management tools and real-time insights, Adyen helps large businesses stay agile and secure. It’s trusted by big brands like Spotify, Uber, and Microsoft — so you know it’s enterprise-ready.
8. 2Checkout (now Verifone)
For businesses selling digital products, software, or subscriptions globally, 2Checkout is a solid choice. It offers multiple localized checkout options, global tax compliance, and automated billing tools. Whether you’re managing subscriptions or selling digital downloads, 2Checkout simplifies international selling with ease — making it popular among SaaS and e-commerce platforms.
9. Klarna
Klarna is a top Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service that’s gained massive popularity in the US. It allows your customers to split their purchases into smaller, interest-free payments, which can increase average order value and reduce cart abandonment. Klarna handles all credit risk, and you get paid upfront — making it a win-win for businesses looking to offer flexible payments.
10. PaymentCloud
If you’re in a high-risk niche like CBD, supplements, or adult products, PaymentCloud is a gateway worth looking into. It specializes in working with businesses that struggle to get approved by traditional processors. With strong customer support, integrations with major platforms, and a wide range of supported industries, PaymentCloud helps you process payments securely without the headaches. You can also read more at The Recent Magazine
Final Thoughts
In 2025, having a reliable payment gateway is more than just a tech requirement — it’s a core part of the customer journey. Whether you’re optimizing for speed, trust, flexibility, or global reach, there’s a gateway that fits your needs. From Stripe’s advanced APIs to Klarna’s shopper-friendly options, the choices are better than ever. Choose the one that aligns with your business model and your customer’s expectations — and you’ll be setting yourself up for growth.