An online payment gateway can be literally explained as an online payment service providing entities that processes, verifies, and accepts or declines direct payments or credit card processing on behalf of businesses selling goods or services.
It acts as a bridge between the customer, merchant, and the financial institutions involved in the transaction.
Started: December 1998
PayPal is one of the oldest and most widely recognized online payment gateways. It allows users to send and receive money in over 200 countries and supports multiple currencies.
PayPal offers various services, including online invoicing, payment processing for e-commerce websites, and a mobile app for easy transactions.
Started: September 2011
Stripe is a developer-friendly payment gateway that enables businesses to accept payments online. It provides a robust set of tools and APIs for developers to integrate payment processing into their websites or mobile apps. Stripe supports over 135 currencies and offers advanced features like subscription billing and fraud prevention.
Started: February 2009
Square is known for its sleek and user-friendly point-of-sale (POS) system, but it also offers online payment processing. It allows businesses to accept payments on their websites or through a mobile app. Square provides features like inventory management, invoicing, and analytics to help businesses streamline their operations.
4. Amazon Pay
Started: October 2007
Amazon Pay is a payment gateway offered by the e-commerce giant, Amazon. It allows customers to use their Amazon accounts to make purchases on third-party websites. Amazon Pay provides a seamless checkout experience, leveraging the trust and convenience of Amazon’s platform.
Started: 1996
Authorize.Net is a long-standing payment gateway that focuses on providing secure and reliable payment processing services. It offers a range of features, including recurring billing, fraud detection, and a virtual terminal for manual transactions. Authorize.Net is widely used by businesses of all sizes.
Started: 1989
Worldpay is a global payment processing company that offers online payment solutions for businesses. It provides a variety of payment options, including card payments, alternative payment methods, and mobile wallets. Worldpay also offers advanced features like real-time reporting and analytics.
7. Adyen
Started: 2006
Adyen is a payment gateway that focuses on providing a seamless and unified payment experience across multiple channels. It supports various payment methods, including cards, digital wallets, and local payment methods. Adyen’s platform is designed to handle high transaction volumes and offers advanced fraud prevention tools.
Started: 2007
Braintree, a subsidiary of PayPal, is a payment gateway that specializes in mobile and online payment processing. It offers a developer-friendly platform with robust APIs and SDKs for easy integration.
Braintree supports multiple payment methods and provides features like recurring billing and customizable checkout experiences.
Started: 2006
2Checkout is a global payment gateway that enables businesses to accept payments in over 200 countries. It supports multiple payment methods, including cards, PayPal, and local payment options. 2Checkout offers features like recurring billing, subscription management, and fraud detection.
Started: 2002
PayU is a leading payment gateway in emerging markets, primarily focusing on Latin America, Africa, and Asia. It offers a range of payment solutions, including card payments, bank transfers, and digital wallets. PayU provides localized payment options and supports multiple currencies.
Started: 2001
Skrill, formerly known as Moneybookers, is an online payment gateway that specializes in international money transfers and digital wallet services. It allows users to send and receive money globally, make online purchases, and manage their funds through a mobile app.
Started: 2005
Payoneer is a payment gateway that focuses on facilitating cross-border payments for businesses and freelancers. It offers a global payment platform that supports multiple currencies and provides features like mass payouts, virtual accounts, and prepaid cards.
13. BlueSnap
Started: 2001
BlueSnap is a payment gateway that provides global payment processing solutions for businesses. It offers a wide range of payment options, including cards, digital wallets, and local payment methods. BlueSnap also provides features like subscription billing, fraud prevention, and global tax calculation.
Started: 2008
Dwolla is a payment gateway that focuses on bank transfers and ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments. It provides a simple and secure way to send and receive money directly from bank accounts. Dwolla’s platform is designed for businesses that require reliable and cost-effective payment solutions.
Started: 2008
WePay is a payment gateway that specializes in serving small businesses and crowdfunding platforms. It offers an easy-to-use platform for accepting payments online, including card payments and bank transfers. WePay provides features like integrated risk management and customizable payment experiences.
Started: 2004
Alipay is a leading payment platform in China, operated by Ant Group, an affiliate of Alibaba Group. It enables users to make payments online and offline, transfer money, and manage their finances through a mobile app. Alipay supports various payment methods, including QR code scanning and facial recognition.
Started: 2013
WeChat Pay is a popular mobile payment platform in China, integrated within the WeChat messaging app. It allows users to make payments, transfer money, and access various financial services. WeChat Pay supports QR code payments and is widely used for both online and offline transactions.
Started: October 2014
Apple Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service offered by Apple. It allows users to make secure payments using their Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. Apple Pay supports contactless payments, in-app purchases, and online transactions.
Started: September 2015
Google Pay is a mobile payment platform developed by Google. It enables users to make payments using their Android devices, both in-store and online. Google Pay supports contactless payments, peer-to-peer transfers, and integration with various apps and websites.
Started: 1998
QuickBooks Payments is a payment processing solution offered by Intuit, the company behind QuickBooks accounting software.
It allows businesses to accept payments online, in-store, and through mobile devices. QuickBooks Payments integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting software, providing a streamlined financial management experience.
Its worth noticing that some payment gateways works well in some jurisdiction than others. Some of these online payment gateways may not be available in Africa and therefore the need to highlight on some easy to use paymet gateways available in Africa. The best ten online payment gateways in Africa, some popular choices are:
In recent years, Africa has witnessed a significant surge in digital payment solutions, transforming the way people transact and conduct business. With the rise of e-commerce and the increasing demand for seamless online payment experiences, several payment gateways have emerged to cater to the diverse needs of businesses and consumers across the continent.
In this blog post, we will explore and provide an extensive overview of the top online payment gateways in Africa, including Flutterwave, Paystack, Paga, M-Pesa, DPO Group, Interswitch, PayU, VoguePay, Amplify, and Pesapal. Let’s dive in!
Flutterwave, founded in 2016, is a leading payment gateway that enables businesses to accept and make payments across Africa and globally. With a wide range of payment options, including card payments, bank transfers, and mobile money, Flutterwave has become a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.
Their user-friendly API and developer-friendly platform make integration seamless, allowing businesses to easily accept payments online. To learn more about Flutterwave.
Established in 2015, Paystack is a Nigerian payment gateway that offers innovative solutions for businesses to accept payments online.
Paystack provides a simple integration process, allowing businesses to start accepting payments within minutes. Their features include recurring billing, international payments, and a robust dashboard for managing transactions. Paystack has gained popularity due to its excellent customer support and commitment to helping businesses grow. To explore Paystack’s offerings.
Paga, founded in 2009, is a Nigerian mobile payment platform that allows users to send and receive money, pay bills, and make online purchases. Paga’s platform is accessible via mobile phones and offers convenient services such as airtime top-up, cash withdrawal, and person-to-person transfers. With over 17 million users, Paga has become a trusted payment gateway in Nigeria and beyond. To discover more about Paga.
M-Pesa, launched in 2007 by Safaricom in Kenya, revolutionized mobile payments in Africa. It enables users to deposit, withdraw, and transfer money using their mobile phones. M-Pesa’s success lies in its extensive agent network, allowing users to convert cash to digital currency and vice versa.
The service has expanded to other African countries, including Tanzania, Mozambique, and Ghana. M-Pesa’s impact on financial inclusion in Africa has been significant, empowering millions of people to access financial services. For more information about M-Pesa.
DPO Group, established in 2006, is a pan-African payment gateway that enables businesses to accept online payments across multiple African countries.
With a robust payment platform and a wide range of payment options, including cards, mobile money, and bank transfers, DPO Group provides seamless payment solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Their secure infrastructure and fraud prevention measures ensure safe transactions for both businesses and consumers. To explore DPO Group’s services.
Interswitch, founded in 2002, is a leading payment gateway and digital payment solutions provider in Nigeria. With a focus on enhancing financial inclusion, Interswitch offers a range of services, including online payment processing, card issuance, and transaction switching.
Their platforms cater to various industries, including banking, e-commerce, and government sectors. Interswitch’s commitment to innovation and reliability has made it a trusted partner for businesses and consumers in Nigeria.
PayU, a global online payment service provider, operates in several African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. PayU offers a secure and user-friendly platform for businesses to accept online payments.
Their services include card payments, digital wallets, and recurring billing options. PayU’s extensive experience in the payment industry and their commitment to customer satisfaction make them a reliable choice for businesses across Africa. To explore PayU’s offerings.
VoguePay, established in 2012, is a Nigerian online payment gateway that provides secure and reliable payment solutions for businesses. With features such as multi-currency support, recurring payments, and fraud prevention, VoguePay offers a comprehensive platform for businesses to accept online payments.
Their user-friendly interface and customizable payment pages make the integration process seamless. To discover more about VoguePay.
Amplify, founded in 2019, is a Ghanaian payment gateway that aims to simplify online payments for businesses in Ghana and beyond.
Amplify provides businesses with a range of payment options, including mobile money, card payments, and bank transfers. Their platform focuses on ease of use and seamless integration, enabling businesses to accept payments efficiently. To learn more about Amplify.
Pesapal, established in 2009, is a Kenyan-based online payment gateway that operates across East Africa. It offers businesses and consumers a secure platform to make and accept online payments.
Pesapal supports various payment methods, including cards, mobile money, and bank transfers. Their comprehensive suite of products caters to different industries, including hospitality, e-commerce, and travel. To explore Pesapal’s offerings..
The rise of online payment gateways in Africa has revolutionized the way businesses and consumers transact, fostering economic growth and financial inclusion. Flutterwave, Paystack, Paga, M-Pesa, DPO Group, Interswitch, PayU, VoguePay, Amplify, and Pesapal are among the leading payment gateways in Africa, each offering unique features and services to cater to diverse business needs.
By leveraging these payment gateways, businesses can enhance their online presence, improve customer experiences, and expand their reach in the digital era.
Keep in mind that the best online payment gateway for a business often depends on various factors such as the target market, transaction volume, security requirements, and available features. It’s important to research and select a payment gateway that aligns with the specific needs of your business.
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