Best Payment Gateway Providers in Europe in 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic did not spare the payment industry, which suffered a decline in revenues owing to the collapse of demand from key sectors. Such is true for industries like retail, travel, and entertainment. On top of that, experts see even ecommerce to decline once supply chains run dry and failure to meet consumer demand occurs. More than these, international systems, particularly in the European Union, are known to charge fees, forcing companies to pay more than they should.

The good news is, there are many popular EU payment gateways—as well as US-based ones—that offer Europe-specific plans. In this article, we will discuss the best EU payment gateway solutions to help you streamline transaction costs. After comparing them, we narrowed the choice down to the six best EU payment gateway providers to keep an eye on in 2025.

Despite the problems that came with the pandemic, one segment of the payment industry remains vibrant—the payment gateway market. In fact, the payment gateway market is expected to grow to $42.9 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 16.43%. This prediction is anchore on the growth of online retail. In the United Kingdom alone, online retail volumes have expanded by over 200% on selected products, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contributing to this growth is the retail and service industries’ rapid adoption of mobile payment gateway apps. The increased demand for online retail around the world is likewise expected to drive the growth of payment gateway providers.

And then there is the matter of the increased use of contactless cards. Consumers have been steering clear of payment methods like checks, cash, or signed receipts, making contactless cards popular among grocery shoppers. Likewise, the rise in the number of remote workers has given rise to the need for digital payment, which includes payment gateway providers.

This is why payment gateway providers are seen as the perfect choice for businesses who want to benefit from a stable payment system without breaking the bank. Read on to get a full picture of the benefits of enlisting the services of a payment gateway provider and who are currently leading the pack.

What to expect from an EU payment gateway provider?

1. Smooth payment validation. High-tier payment processing services have tested systems to handle every aspect of your billing process. Therefore, they are fully enabled to streamline money transfers without the glitch.
2. Approve transactions fast. The ideal payment gateway should serve as both your transfer operator and merchant account. Instead of going through troublesome authorizations, your provider should be able to approve (or decline) your transactions fast and transfer funds safely on schedule.
3. Reliable security. Payment gateways have two layers of protecting your money. First, they abide by strict international controls (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards); and second, they apply their own data safeguards such as screening tools and fraud detection. As a third security layer, they will invite you to set a local firewall, for instance, using multi-level user authentication.
4. Multi-lingual, multi-currency. A great payment gateway should support multiple languages and currencies for international transactions.
5. Reasonably priced. Some tips on payment gateway include comparing pricing. Keep in mind that you are likely paying for three things at once: implementation, fee structure, and administration. Setup fee varies anywhere from free to fairly expensive, depending on deployment and other preferences.

How can businesses reduce payment gateway fees?

Payment gateway fees can add up quickly, impacting the bottom line for businesses, especially those with high transaction volumes. While many payment gateways come with fixed fees, there are ways to minimize costs and improve overall payment processing efficiency:

• Choose a gateway with transparent fee structures: Some gateways have hidden fees or complicated fee schedules. Opt for payment providers that clearly outline costs, such as transaction fees, monthly fees, and cross-border charges. Gateways like Melio, which offer free bank transfers, can help reduce overall fees.
• Leverage volume-based pricing discounts: Many payment gateways offer volume discounts for businesses that process a high number of transactions. Negotiating a lower rate based on your monthly transaction volume can significantly reduce costs.
• Use ACH payments over credit cards: Credit card payments often come with higher fees compared to ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers. Encouraging customers to use bank transfers or ACH payments can help lower the transaction fees paid by your business.
• Negotiate fees with the provider: For businesses with high transaction volumes, it’s possible to negotiate lower transaction rates or reduced fees for specific payment types. This can be a beneficial strategy if you’re processing significant amounts of revenue through the gateway.
• Minimize cross-border fees: If your business operates internationally, selecting a payment gateway that supports multi-currency processing can reduce foreign exchange fees. Gateways like BlueSnap or 2CheckOut offer support for multiple currencies and may help avoid costly currency conversion charges.
• Use a no-fee provider for specific transactions: Some providers, like Vapulus, offer zero transaction fees. While this might not cover all transaction types, it can be used for certain sales or client payments to reduce overall processing costs.
• Avoid unnecessary payment add-ons: Some gateways offer additional features like recurring billing or advanced security options at extra cost. If these add-ons are not essential for your business, avoid them to save on fees.
• Monitor and review payment processor statements: Regularly reviewing your payment processing statements can help identify errors or unexpected charges. Make sure all fees align with your agreement and request adjustments if discrepancies are found.

Best Payment Gateway Providers in Europe in 2022

1. Melio

Melio is an accounts payable software that facilitates payments through bank transfer and credit cards free of charge. This software solution is currently available to small businesses in the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe.

On behalf of your company, Melio deposits to a bank account or sends a check for free. For payments via credit card, the transaction fee is fixed at 2.9%. Melio is the ideal payment gateway because it is free, it is web-based which means that Melio can be accessed from any internet-enabled device. For entrepreneurs and freelance professionals looking for software that can manage cash flow on the go, Melio is the solution.

The payment scheduling features of Melio allow you to schedule payments while the payment approval workflows allow you to invite users to the platform. Your teams can easily collaborate in Melio while you monitor all transaction approvals. Melio easily integrates with QuickBooks accounting software.

Why choose Melio?

• Payment management made easy. Melio organizes your payment management system by allowing you to add vendor and bill details. Upload copies of your invoice using your smartphone, or you can also link the platform to QuickBooks Online to synchronize all accounts payable information.
• Multiple payment channels. With Melio, you can pay through bank transfer (ACH), debit cards, and credit cards. Credit card payments are charged a 2.9% transaction fee while bank transfers are free of charge. If you have vendors or suppliers that do not accept card payments, Melio will send the payment thru check or bank transfer.
• Make on-time payments all the time. Late payments typically have corresponding penalties, but this will not be a concern with Melio. The software offers payment scheduling features that automatically send payments as scheduled on the platform.
• Receive digital payments minus the service charge. You can receive payments from customers and clients via bank transfer or card using your Melio pay link. This transaction through Melio has no service charge and the sender need not have a Melio account. Payments will be deposited into your bank account in two business days.
• No monthly subscription fees. With Melio as your accounts payable platform, you do not have to pay any monthly subscription fee. Designed for small businesses, Melio provides free software as you grow your business.

2. BlueSnap

BlueSnap All-in-One Payment Platform is a global payment processing service designed to help businesses find a better way of accepting payments by simplifying complex payment processes. The platform helps businesses grow and fully expand by enabling them to process and accept payments from local and international clients. The software is built with a state-of-the-art fraud prevention system to significantly minimize instances of fraudulent payments by up to 80%.

BlueSnap is an integrated global payment management and affiliate marketing service designed to help businesses fully manage all their payment processes. With it, companies can process and accept payments from local and international clients as well as generate insights into their sales performance. What’s more, it has a vast global network of acquiring banks so it can ensure that you are getting the highest payment conversion rates to generate bigger revenues.

Why Choose BlueSnap?

• More ways to pay. BlueSnap accepts global payments via Online and Mobile Checkout, Subscriptions, Invoices, Virtual Terminal, Marketplaces, and others. By combining the functions of a payment processor, gateway, and merchant account into a compact, unified platform, BlueSnap gives customers an abundance of payment choices.
• Global cross-border eCommerce and integration. BlueSnap features a worldwide network of 30+ acquiring banks that works with its single global payment solution. This eliminates the need to manage multiple integrations and source for local acquiring banks.
• Pay globally using local currency. BlueSnap bridges the currency gap by accepting more than a hundred currencies and payment types. This includes popular online payment systems such as Paypal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, MasterPass, Visa Checkout, and others.
• Simplified payout. Instead of just focusing on main currencies like the dollar and the euro, BlueSnap pays out clients in multiple currencies, including USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, DKK, NOK, SEK, CHF, ZAR, with even more currencies available soon.
• Security and fraud prevention. BlueSnap features anti-fraud technology to help ensure pain-free and secure transactions. You can customize fraud prevention strategies using its three-tiered services, while the comprehensive fraud stack can protect businesses throughout the buying process.

3. 2CheckOut

2CheckOut is an all-in-one monetization system serving companies in Europe, North America, and other continents. Founded in 2006, this global payment platform is now being utilized by thousands of companies across the globe. With it, you get access to payment processing tools that will allow you to simplify the many back-end responsibilities involved in modern digital commerce.

The platform makes it easy for you to accommodate transactions quickly and securely through its comprehensive functionalities. For starters, it can process online and mobile payments as well as support different payment methods. Furthermore, it can process different currencies and display checkout pages in different languages to localize the transaction for each customer.

In addition to the abovementioned features, 2CheckOut also gives merchants the option to set up subscription plans and recurring billing. Meaning, it can easily accommodate whatever payment scheme your business operations require.

Why Choose 2CheckOut?

• Multiple currencies and language support. Whether you only handle EU-based clients or transact with customers across the globe, 2CheckOut can localize your transactions. The platform can support 15 languages and process 87 currencies. This way, you can handle all aspects of your transaction without relying on separate applications, such as currency conversion systems.
• Supports various payment options. Customers nowadays expect brands to provide them with fast, secure, and convenient transactions. This means allowing them to send their payments using whichever method they prefer. To help you accommodate this, 2CheckOut supports all transactions via debit and credit cards such as Visa, Discover, American Express, MasterCard, JCB, and Diner’s Club. It even lets you process payments through PayPal and online marketplaces.
• Custom checkout options. 2CheckOut allows you to create the ideal checkout process for your customers by providing you with customization options. It can support Standard and Inline checkout pages, so using it for your website is easy. Moreover, it lets you set up different subscription plans or recurring billing options, depending on your requirements.
• Seamless integrations. This platform was created to help you streamline your payment transactions. For starters, it can integrate with hundreds of shopping carts and invoicing systems. If that’s not enough, it also comes with open API capabilities that allow it to connect with virtually any other third-party application.
• PCI Level 1 compliance. Your customers entrust you with their credit card details and other confidential financial data. To help you protect their information, 2CheckOut comes equipped with a variety of security options. Moreover, the platform is PCI Level 1 compliant for your peace of mind.

4. Vapulus

Vapulus is a digital payment processor that’s specifically designed for ecommerce, but it also offers a payment app for consumers. By integrating Vapulus into your online store or website, you can receive online payments without a transaction fee. Other than this core feature, Vapulus has some advantages: no monthly fees, no cross-border fees, and no hidden charges.

You can try Vapulus and all its features for free when you sign up for a trial.

The Vapulus dashboard for sellers lets you track your sales, customize your payment methods, and share discounts and other promos to your customers. Meanwhile, the Vapulus mobile app can let your customers pay for your products and/or services by linking their bank accounts, debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and even the Vapulus card. And all transactions are secured using the software’s two-factor authentication.

The consumer app also allows users to pay for utilities. This way, not only is Vapulus a useful platform for businesses but also an end-to-end solution for all online payment activities.

Why choose Vapulus?

• Zero transaction fee. With Vapulus, you can receive 100% of your product sales. In using this software, you do not need to pay subscription fees, cross-border payment fees, or any hidden charges.
• Accessible digital payment platform. You can receive payments straight to your smartphone from customers around the globe. You can also integrate the Vapulus platform into your website from where you can monitor your sales, customize your account, and send special promotional offers to customers.
• Secured payment system. Payments made via Vapulus are 100% safe and secure. The two-factor authentication process ensures secure transactions and eliminates fraudulent incidents.
• Reliable payment platform. Supporting over 135 currencies worldwide, Vapulus makes it easy for multi-currency users to cash out their payments. This feature also allows you to charge your customers in their local currency.
• Includes marketing management. The marketing management feature of Vapulus sets it apart from other payment gateway solutions. This feature monitors product performance based on transaction records and order volume. As a result, you will be able to collect data and get insights that can help you grow your business.

5. SecurionPay

SecurionPay is one of the more popular providers among online merchants in the EU, given its high conversion rates and reliable security. Designed for European retailers, SecurionPay is no doubt a regional leader. Other than its high conversion margins, it is recommended by our experts for compliance and administration excellence, inarguably the industry gold standard.

Developed by Swiss experts, SecurionPay simplifies card payments, while supporting a variety of payment methods. It features a secure and elegant interface. Meantime, the service is backed by 24/7 tech support.

Its versatile APIs can create flexible workflows for different business requirements and payment scenarios. Moreover, SecurionPay is incredibly easy to use, suitable for both experienced and inexperienced users.

Why choose SecurionPay?

• A truly EU payment gateway. SecurionPay is designed for merchants registered within Europe, which is why it abides by all EU policies and regulations and introduces innovations based on how this market functions. Yet, it supports a total of 160 currencies (24 settlement currencies) and even 23 languages, making it one of the best European payment gateways for cross-border transactions. Likewise, SecurionPay provides access to all major banks in Europe, allowing you to streamline credit card payments.
• Adapts to your payment model. SecurionPay allows multiple checkout services and supports common payment models used by B2C services. Aside from credit card payments, you can use it for ecommerce transactions with shipping, prepaid services, credits, and pay-per-use models. Mixed payment models are also an option.
• Recurring billing and payment. SecurionPay adapts to different billing cycles and comes with a built-in updater for expired cards. Upon request, recurring payments can be set up as donations to be completed in different currencies.
• Wide array of security tools. SecurionPay has extensive experience in fraud prevention, and it is one of the leading systems that keep online transactions safe. The service has an excellent track record against fraudulent transactions and chargebacks, and it relies on artificial intelligence and machine learning to spot and blacklist potential threats. As expected, SecurionPay is fully PCI-compliant and able to encrypt your data; and comes with a variety of DIY safety measures for internal security.

6. Skrill

Another name that rings a bell among European users is Skrill, a UK solution we recommend due to its neat UI, smooth navigation, and risk-free administration. It allows users to complete online payments and transfer money via an email address, and it guarantees security with a 24/7 anti-fraud team that monitors each transaction.

Among European payment gateways for international transactions, Skrill counts as one of the fastest; funds are put in your digital wallet as soon as they are transferred, and it takes only 5 to 7 days to move them to your bank account.

Skrill abides by the Electronic Funds Transfer Disclosure and Error Resolution Policy and is a signatory to a number of fraud prevention and anti-money laundering agreements. The service is relatively young compared to PayPal and other leading gateways, but, already, it is gaining market traction in the region. At the same time, it is one of the few providers in this industry that adapts to EU requirements; therefore, it gives unique benefits to European clients.

Why choose Skrill?

• Incredibly easy to use. You can sign up for Skrill within minutes, as the gateway requires nothing but your email address to get it running. It organizes your funds into a compact e-wallet you can use to complete online payments and connects easily to your banking provider to shorten withdrawal times. You will also be entitled to a Skrill Mastercard you can use to complete payments and withdraw money anywhere in the world.
• Reasonable fees. Signing up for a Skrill account is free (the provider charges 1.45% of each completed transaction when you send money while receiving money is always free). The loading fund fees, on the other hand, depending on the method you’re using (free for bank transfer, 1-7.50% for credit cards, ACH, and PaySafe cards). The currency conversion fee is fixed and costs 3.99%.
• No minimum transaction. Skrill imposes no minimum restrictions on your transactions, and currently makes those transactions possible worldwide. The maximum transfer, however, is limited to $25,000 per month.
• Mobile-ready. Skrill can also be managed via mobile devices, as it offers both an Android and an iOS app.

Payment Gateway Platforms in Europe

Clearly, payment gateway providers in Europe will reach new heights as a result of the pandemic. But more importantly, With 56 states and a population of almost 750 million, Europe certainly is an attractive and rewarding market for any business. Considering that the number of mobile payment users was predicted to reach $503 billion in 2020, you’ll need a payment processing service that captures the best this market has to offer, and which guarantees that your transactions are legal and instantly verified. According to our experts, these six payment gateways do an admirable job meeting these expectations, and the leader among them is Melio.

For starters, Melio deposits to a bank account or sends a check on your behalf. The cross-platform capability of Melio lets you process transactions across various channels. However, if you intend to do more research, our list of the best payment gateway providers can also help you evaluate more options.

Key Insights

• Melio: Melio stands out as the top European payment gateway due to its free bank transfers, fixed transaction fee for credit card payments, and comprehensive payment scheduling features. It supports integration with QuickBooks and offers no monthly subscription fees, making it ideal for small businesses.
• BlueSnap: BlueSnap offers a global payment solution with extensive fraud prevention measures. It supports over 100 currencies and multiple payment methods, making it suitable for businesses aiming for international reach.
• 2CheckOut: Known for its flexibility, 2CheckOut supports multiple currencies, languages, and various payment options. It offers custom checkout options and seamless integration with numerous shopping carts and invoicing systems.
• Vapulus: Vapulus provides a no-fee transaction service, making it attractive for businesses looking to maximize revenue. It supports multiple currencies and includes marketing management features.
• SecurionPay: This gateway is tailored for EU merchants, supporting 160 currencies and 23 languages. It excels in security with robust fraud prevention tools and is designed for high conversion rates.
• Skrill: Skrill offers an easy-to-use interface and quick sign-up process. It features low transaction fees and no minimum transaction limits, making it accessible for a wide range of businesses.

FAQ

1. What makes Melio the best European payment gateway? Melio is considered the best due to its free bank transfers, fixed 2.9% transaction fee for credit card payments, and robust payment scheduling features. It also integrates with QuickBooks and charges no monthly subscription fees, making it ideal for small businesses.
2. How does BlueSnap ensure secure transactions? BlueSnap utilizes a state-of-the-art fraud prevention system that minimizes fraudulent payments by up to 80%. It also offers customizable fraud prevention strategies and a comprehensive fraud stack to protect businesses throughout the buying process.
3. What payment options does 2CheckOut support? 2CheckOut supports various payment methods, including debit and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), PayPal, and online marketplaces. It also accommodates multiple currencies and languages, making it versatile for global transactions.
4. Why choose Vapulus for your business? Vapulus is attractive for businesses due to its zero transaction fees, support for over 135 currencies, and inclusion of marketing management features. It offers a secure two-factor authentication process and allows payments via various methods, including bank accounts and e-wallets.
5. What security measures does SecurionPay implement? SecurionPay employs extensive fraud prevention techniques, including artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and prevent fraudulent transactions. It is fully PCI-compliant and offers various security tools to ensure safe transactions.
6. How user-friendly is Skrill for businesses and consumers? Skrill is highly user-friendly, requiring only an email address for sign-up. It offers low transaction fees, no minimum transaction limits, and a mobile app for managing transactions on the go. Additionally, it provides a Skrill Mastercard for easy payments and withdrawals worldwide.

By Shaun Baker

With 5 years of experience in digital marketing and retail strategy under his belt, Shaun Baker is the resident eCommerce expert at FinancesOnline. A contributor to Entrepreneur, The Atlantic, and other business portals, he has spoken and written about various eCommerce subjects, from AI and headless commerce to the economics of Black Mirror’s “Fifteen Million Credits”. His (highly) opinionated pieces on the ebbs and flows of eCommerce as an industry remain both a dynamic resource of talking points and entertainment in itself.