The 8 Best International Payment Gateways to Streamline Your Business in 2026

International payment gateways are crucial for businesses looking to accept global payments. This article covers the top 8 payment gateways for 2026, highlighting their features, benefits, and how they simplify global transactions.

Key Takeaways

• International payment gateways are essential for businesses going global, as they enable multi-currency transactions, enhance security, and comply with international standards.
• Top providers like PayPal, Stripe, and Adyen offer robust features, competitive fees, and local payment methods to improve sales and customer experience.
• Choosing the right gateway involves considering factors like multi-currency support, pricing transparency, integration capabilities, and quality customer support.

Understanding International Payment Gateways

International payment gateways facilitate online payment processing for businesses operating globally. They enable businesses to:

• Accept payments worldwide
• Process transactions
• Convert currencies
• Screen for fraud
• Take responsibility for fraud prevention, ensuring compliance and protecting transactions
• Comply with international standards.

International payment gateways allow businesses to accept global payments, improve approval rates, and manage transaction fees effectively. They enable processing international payments in multiple currencies to collect payments internationally, ensuring seamless global transactions.

Adhering to standards like PSD2, PCI DSS, and 3D Secure enhances transaction security, making these gateways indispensable for global operations.

Local Payment Methods vs Card Payments

Local payment methods facilitate transactions by offering familiar and convenient options, significantly boosting business sales. Adopting these methods enhances trust and comfort, leading to higher conversion rates in local payment processing and local payments.

Card payments, including credit card payments and debit cards, are widely accepted for international transactions. However, card payments can sometimes fail due to expired or blocked cards, and when payments fail, it can disrupt revenue streams. Failed payments can also lead to involuntary churn, but proactive management of payment retries and reminders can help reduce this risk. Integrating local payment methods, such as those using bank accounts, offers a more comprehensive solution. Bank accounts are often more reliable than cards, as they are less prone to issues like expiration and facilitate automatic, direct transfers, reducing administrative burdens for businesses. This ensures customers have their preferred payment options and increases overall sales.

Top International Payment Gateway Providers in 2026

In 2026, the landscape of international payment gateways is more competitive than ever. Among the best international payment gateways are the best international payment gateway:

• PayPal
• Stripe
• Adyen
• Airwallex
• Checkout.com
• Worldpay
• Authorize.net
• GoCardless.

These international payment gateways are widely used to facilitate online sales, supporting transactions in multiple currencies and helping businesses reach global customers.

These providers offer multi-currency support, competitive exchange rates, robust security features, and seamless integrations, making them top choices for streamlining global payment processing.

PayPal

PayPal is a trusted eCommerce name with the following features:

• Available in over 200 countries and regions
• Supports transactions in 25 currencies, facilitating international sales
• Known for its reliability
• Charges a transaction fee of 3.4% plus a fixed fee that varies by currency, making it competitive for global businesses.

These features enhance PayPal’s appeal as a reliable international payment gateway to expand globally for global expansion.

Stripe

Stripe is known for its robust handling of online transactions. Its comprehensive API flexibility allows developers to customize payment gateways to fit specific needs. Integration options include popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Webflow.

Stripe supports over 135 currencies, enabling payments in various local currencies globally. Its competitive fees and ease of setup make it accessible for businesses of all sizes.

Adyen

Adyen provides a unified payment solution with the following features:

• Supports over 250 payment methods
• Handles multi-currency transactions with over 150 currencies
• Adheres to security and compliance standards such as PSD2 and PCI DSS
• Uses risk control tools
• Employs in-house acquiring

With API-first integration and POS and eCommerce plugins, Adyen is a versatile choice for streamlining payment processes.

Airwallex

Airwallex is an excellent payment gateway for international enterprises, offering multi-currency accounts and charging 1.3% plus 20p per UK card transaction. It supports over 160 payment methods across 180+ countries.

Airwallex simplifies global transactions and manages multi-currency funds, making it a top choice for handling global payouts or marketplace flows. It also offers competitive FX rates, making cross-border payments more cost-efficient for businesses.

Checkout.com

Checkout.com offers various payment methods, including a payment method that encompasses payment types such as:

• Credit/debit cards
• APMs
• Mobile wallets
• Bank transfers

Partnering with over 50 vendors, it builds comprehensive payment systems for developers and large-volume merchants, facilitating scalable solutions.

Checkout.com supports over 150 currencies, making it a versatile option for international merchants.

Worldpay

Worldpay supports various payment methods, including cards, wallets, POS, and bank transfers, and over 120 currencies. It processes payments both online and in-store and employs security measures such as PCI DSS compliance, tokenization, and various fraud tools.

Despite an unclear pricing structure, Worldpay remains a strong contender among international payment gateways.

Authorize.net

Authorize.net is known for its adaptability, offering highly customizable payment solutions tailored to business needs. Primarily serving the U.S., Canada, and Europe, it is a reliable choice for businesses seeking flexibility and regional focus.

GoCardless

GoCardless specializes in direct bank payments, offering:

• Cross-border payments without requiring a foreign currency account in over 30 countries
• The ability for users to create payment links for one-off or recurring payments
• A user-friendly dashboard that enhances the customer experience

GoCardless also enables businesses to send payments internationally with ease, streamlining global payout processes.

Focusing on direct bank payments, GoCardless offers a cost-effective alternative to bank debits and card payments.

Amazon Pay and Other Emerging Players

Amazon Pay is rapidly gaining traction as a leading international payment gateway, offering merchants a secure and efficient way to accept payments online and in-app. With its digital wallet functionality, Amazon Pay enables customers to complete transactions quickly using their existing Amazon account details, streamlining the checkout process and reducing friction. Merchants benefit from features such as payment links, recurring payments, and support for a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards and debit cards. This flexibility makes it easier to cater to global customers and expand internationally.

Beyond Amazon Pay, other emerging players like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Facebook Pay are reshaping the digital payments landscape. These platforms leverage their vast user bases and advanced technology to deliver seamless payment experiences across devices and platforms. Google Pay and Apple Pay, for example, offer contactless payments and easy integration with online stores, making them attractive options for businesses targeting tech-savvy consumers worldwide. As these payment gateways continue to innovate, they are set to play a pivotal role in the evolution of international payment solutions, offering merchants new ways to reach and serve global customers with secure, convenient, and flexible payment options.

In-Person Payments and International Payment Gateways

In-person payments remain a vital component of international payment gateways, especially for businesses with a physical presence in multiple countries. By supporting in person payments, these gateways empower merchants to accept payments from customers face-to-face, whether through traditional point-of-sale (POS) systems, mobile payment processing, or contactless payment options. This capability is essential for expanding your global reach, as it allows you to cater to local preferences and provide a consistent payment experience across all locations.

International payment gateways that facilitate in-person payments offer a unified platform for managing both online and offline transactions. This integration simplifies payment processing, reduces administrative overhead, and minimizes the risk of errors or disputes. For example, a retailer operating in both the US and Europe can use a single payment gateway to accept payments in local currencies, manage payment details, and reconcile transactions seamlessly. By combining in-person and online payment capabilities, businesses can deliver a cohesive customer experience and maximize their ability to accept payments worldwide.

Key Considerations When Choosing an International Payment Gateway

Selecting the right international payment gateway involves considering multi-currency support, pricing, integration capabilities, and customer support.

Understanding your business requirements and evaluating the payment process user experience can minimize cart abandonment and enhance customer satisfaction; this is just the first step.

Multi-Currency Support

Accepting multiple currencies is crucial for businesses operating internationally. Payments in local currencies enhance customer experience and drive sales. Gateways like Stripe, Airwallex, and Checkout.com support a wide range of currencies, making them versatile for international merchants.

Pricing and Fees

Understanding pricing and fees is crucial. Here are the fee structures for different platforms:

• PayPal charges a 3.4% transaction fee plus a fixed fee and additional foreign exchange processing fees.
• Stripe and Airwallex offer competitive fees.
• Checkout.com uses a custom pricing model based on transaction volume and region.

Fees vary depending on the provider and payment method, and may include transaction fees, currency conversion costs, and other charges. Some international payment gateways charge monthly or setup fees in addition to transaction or FX fees. Monthly or setup fees are common in the industry, and setup fees may be required when establishing an account with certain providers.

Businesses should seek transparent pricing, real-time FX rates to avoid hidden costs.

Integration Capabilities

Effective payment gateways integrate seamlessly with existing e-commerce platforms and business management tools. Key features include:

• Direct integrations with software like Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite
• Smooth transaction reconciliation with accounting systems
• Enhanced operational efficiency

Customer Support

Responsive customer support is crucial. Quick resolution of payment inquiries significantly impacts revenue.

Providers like Airwallex offer UK-based assistance and dedicated support, while others may have slower onboarding processes.

Benefits of Using International Payment Gateways

International payment gateways enable seamless global transactions. Automated processes and integrated tools for payment and reconciliation simplify operations and enhance customer experience, providing a comprehensive global payment processing solution.

Cost-effective solutions and lower fees enhance profit margins.

Improved Global Reach

Payment gateways enable businesses to access a wider audience by allowing transactions in multiple currencies and payment methods. Accepting local payment methods increases sales volume by removing payment barriers, especially when setting up a merchant account, thereby enhancing the overall payment flow.

The demand for alternative payment methods, including digital wallets and biometric authentication, is growing, promising enhanced security and ease of use.

Enhanced Security and Compliance

Security and compliance are critical in international transactions. PayPal guarantees compliance with PCI DSS standards and offers protection for buyers and sellers. Checkout.com and other top gateways use advanced encryption technologies to secure sensitive data.

AI and blockchain enhance fraud detection and block fraud transaction security, making gateways more reliable.

Streamlined Currency Conversions

Streamlined currency conversions offered by payment gateways reduce manual errors and save time. Real-time currency conversion helps avoid delays and unexpected fees, enhancing the transaction experience.

Embedded finance simplifies payment processes, making them less visible to consumers, resulting in smoother transactions.

Comparing Top International Payment Gateways

When comparing top international payment gateways, consider their unique features, benefits, and limitations. PayPal offers fast payment acceptance and multi-currency support with strong buyer trust, though its fees can be higher.

In contrast:

• Stripe and Adyen support a broader range of currencies and offer extensive API flexibility, ideal for customization.
• Integration with accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks enhances operational efficiency.
• Gateways like Checkout.com and GoCardless are excellent for seamless financial management.

Each gateway has its strengths, so choose based on your specific business needs.

How to Implement an International Payment Gateway for Your Business

Implementing an international payment gateway involves choosing between hosted checkouts and APIs. Hosted checkouts are easier to set up and require less technical expertise, ideal for small businesses. APIs offer greater flexibility and customization, suitable for businesses with technical capacity.

For businesses migrating from another eCommerce platform, solutions like FastSpring provide migration assistance, API access, and developer support for a smooth transition. Consider your technical resources and business needs when choosing the integration method.

Best Practices for Using International Payment Gateways

To fully leverage the benefits of international payment gateways, merchants should adopt best practices that enhance security, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Start by selecting a payment gateway that supports a broad range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and alternative payment methods like PayPal and Amazon Pay. Offering diverse payment options helps reduce cart abandonment and increases conversion rates by meeting the preferences of international customers.

Security should be a top priority—choose payment gateways that are PCI-DSS compliant and provide advanced fraud protection and dispute management tools. Transparent pricing is equally important; look for gateways with clear, competitive fees and no hidden charges to keep your international payments cost-effective. Additionally, prioritize user experience by opting for gateways that offer intuitive checkout processes, payment links, and recurring payments, making it easy for customers to complete transactions.

Regularly review your payment gateway settings to ensure compliance with evolving regulations such as GDPR and PSD2, and stay updated on industry best practices. By following these guidelines, you can optimize your payment processing, minimize risks, and drive global revenue growth through efficient and secure international payments.

Future Trends in International Payment Gateways

The future of international payment gateways is shaped by emerging trends. AI and machine learning revolutionize fraud detection and transaction security, providing real-time risk assessments. Blockchain technology is integral to payment systems, enabling faster and more secure transactions.

Consumers increasingly favor payment methods allowing local currency transactions, boosting sales and conversion rates. Regulatory changes prompt providers to enhance compliance measures, and innovative currency management tools are emerging to manage foreign currencies transactions, including cross border transactions, and reduce conversion fees.

Staying abreast of these trends helps businesses leverage new technologies for better payment processing.

Summary

In conclusion, selecting the right international payment gateway can significantly impact your business’s global reach, security, and operational efficiency. From understanding the basic functions of payment gateways to comparing top providers like PayPal, Stripe, Adyen, and GoCardless, this guide has covered essential aspects to consider. Embracing future trends such as AI and blockchain will further enhance your payment processing capabilities. By carefully evaluating your business needs and the features of various gateways, you can make an informed decision that will streamline your international transactions and drive growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are international payment gateways?

International payment gateways are essential for businesses operating globally because they help manage online transactions, accept various currencies, and enhance security. They streamline the payment process, making it easier for you to support customers worldwide.

Why is multi-currency support important for international businesses?

Multi-currency support is crucial for international businesses because it meets diverse customer needs and boosts sales by allowing customers to pay in their local currencies. This not only enhances the overall customer experience but can also lead to increased loyalty and satisfaction.

How do payment gateways ensure security and compliance?

Payment gateways keep your transactions secure by following strict standards like PCI DSS and using advanced encryption and AI to detect fraud. This means you can shop with confidence, knowing your information is well protected.

What are the benefits of using payment gateways like GoCardless?

Using GoCardless can save you money with lower fees than card payments and simplify cross-border transactions without needing a foreign currency account. Plus, their user-friendly payments dashboard makes managing payments a breeze!

What are the future trends in international payment gateways?

Future trends in international payment gateways are leaning towards AI and machine learning for better fraud detection, blockchain technology for quicker and safer transactions, and a growing preference for local currency transactions. It’s clear that advancements in technology will make payments more efficient and secure.