An international payment gateway is a platform that enables companies to accept payments from different parts of the world, while supporting multiple currencies and local payment methods. It’s much more than just a transaction tool: it’s a growth driver for companies looking to reach a global customer base.
How do you choose the right gateway? What criteria should you evaluate to maximize your sales? Let’s dive into the details to answer these questions and help you make the best decision.
Why opt for an international payment gateway?
An international payment gateway is more than just an online payment processing tool. It’s an essential solution for companies looking to expand globally. By facilitating transactions from any country, it is a key lever for conquering international markets.
Unlike local payment solutions, international gateways enable transactions to be carried out in multiple currencies, while supporting a variety of popular payment methods depending on consumer habits in each region. For example, in Europe, credit cards are widely used, while in Asia, digital wallets such as Alipay or WeChat Pay dominate the market.
📊 In an increasingly globalized economic context, integrating such a payment solution is essential to reduce friction and offer a fluid, reassuring user experience to international customers. The main objective? Maximize sales and simplify payment management for businesses.
Essential criteria for choosing an international payment gateway
Choosing an international payment gateway is not something to be done lightly. Several criteria need to be taken into account to ensure that the solution perfectly meets the needs of your company and your customers.
Payment gateway integration and deployment
Smooth integration and deployment of your online payment gateway are essential to avoid disruption to your merchant site and ensure a seamless transition to a new payment system.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of gateway:
✅ Integrated payment gateways: Once configured, these direct gateways are generally easy to deploy. They minimize interruptions, as customers remain on your site throughout the payment process, reinforcing the continuity of the user experience.
✅ Redirected payment gateways: Their integration is often simpler, as they don’t require major changes to your site’s user interface. However, redirection can appear less fluid to customers, which can affect the perception of the shopping experience.
✅ API payment gateways: Integrating gateways via API is often more complex, but offers a high level of flexibility and control over the payment experience. Once integrated, this solution enables extensive customization of the entire process.
Before integrating a payment gateway on your electronic payment terminal, make sure it meets your specific needs. Some providers specialize in e-commerce gateways, others in point-of-sale solutions, or offer both.
Don’t forget to check the gateway’s compatibility with your online store platform (such as PrestaShop, Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.). Perfect compatibility is essential to avoid integration problems and guarantee a smooth user experience.
Transaction costs
The costs associated with gateways vary from provider to provider. These often include fixed fees per transaction, percentages on the sale amount, or even monthly subscription fees.
For example
✔️PayPal: 3.4% €0.25 per transaction.
✔️Stripe: 2.9% $0.30 per transaction.
📊 Evaluate fixed and variable costs to choose a cost-effective solution, especially if you handle a high volume of transactions.
Currency support
A good international gateway should support the currencies most commonly used by your customers. If you sell mainly in Europe, you’ll want a solution that supports the euro, but also other currencies such as the dollar or pound sterling. Options such as Adyen enable automatic currency conversions, simplifying financial management.
Speed of payment
The time it takes for funds to be transferred to your account is a crucial point. Some providers, such as Authorize.net, offer fast transfers, usually within 2-3 business days. Others may take longer, which can impact your cash flow.
Compatibility with e-commerce platforms
If you’re using a solution like Shopify, WooCommerce or Magento, make sure the gateway integrates easily with your platform. Stripe, for example, is renowned for its ease of integration with many e-commerce platforms, enabling rapid deployment without extensive technical knowledge.
Ease of use for customers
To maximize conversions, opt for a gateway with a fluid, intuitive user interface. A payment page that’s too complex or not translated into your customers’ language can quickly put them off.
By carefully evaluating these criteria, you’ll be better equipped to select a gateway that will support the growth of your business in international markets.

Payment gateway security and compliance
In a digital environment where cyber-attacks are increasingly common, security is a top priority for companies and their customers. International payment gateways must therefore offer solid guarantees to protect sensitive data and maintain user confidence.
Security standards: PCI-DSS
Payment gateways must comply with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). These standards impose strict protocols to secure transactions and prevent data breaches. For example, Stripe and PayPal are both PCI DSS Level 1 certified, the highest security standard.
Data protection
Customer banking information, such as card numbers, must be encrypted and stored securely. Some gateways, such as Adyen, use tokenization technologies, where sensitive data is replaced by unique tokens, reducing the risks in the event of hacking.
Anti-fraud features
The best gateways include advanced tools to detect and prevent fraud. For example, Authorize.net offers an artificial intelligence-based detection system that analyzes suspicious behavior in real time. These features not only protect the company, but also reassure customers.
Compliance with local and international regulations
Depending on your geographical area, gateways must comply with specific laws such as the RGPD in Europe or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States. Non-compliance could result in fines and damage to your reputation.
Investing in a secure, compliant gateway is essential for reducing risk and building trust with your international customers.
Comparison of the main international payment gateways
Choosing the right gateway requires a good understanding of the major players in the market. Here’s a comparison of the most popular solutions, with their strengths and weaknesses.

PayPal
PayPal is a world-renowned solution, ideal for SMEs thanks to its ease of use and global coverage. However, its transaction fees are relatively high, especially for international payments (3.4% fixed fee).
Stripe
Stripe is, without doubt, one of the most popular payment solutions used by dropshippers. Available in over 20 countries, this platform accepts virtually all credit cards. It’s easy to learn and use, so you can quickly set it up in your online store.
One of Stripe’s main advantages over other payment platforms is its flexibility in terms of customization. You can, for example, adjust the appearance of your shopping cart page to match your brand. What’s more, Stripe integrates easily with most e-commerce or dropshipping web hosts.
As for fees, Stripe charges a 2.9% commission and a flat fee of $0.30 per successful transaction.
Adyen: a solution for large companies
Adyen is designed for large corporations seeking extensive support for local currencies and payment methods. Its compatibility with solutions such as Alipay or WeChat Pay makes it a preferred choice for Asian markets, but integration can be complex.
Authorize.net: a complete solution
Recommended for its advanced anti-fraud tools, Authorize.net is a robust solution that integrates easily with existing systems. However, its geographic coverage is less extensive, which may be a limitation for some companies.
Case study: Success thanks to a well-chosen gateway
Let’s take the example of a French company specializing in the sale of eco-friendly clothing. Wishing to expand its market to Asia, it opted for the Adyen gateway because of its support for local digital wallets such as WeChat Pay.
In three months, the company recorded a 40% increase in online sales, with a notable reduction in abandoned baskets thanks to the fluid user interface and payment methods adapted to Asian customers.
Results like these show just how much a well-chosen gateway can transform an online business and improve overall corporate performance.
Gateways, a lever for international growth
International payment gateways are essential for any company wishing to expand beyond national borders. By assessing your needs, comparing available options, and prioritizing security and compatibility, you can choose the ideal solution for your business.
Ready to make the leap into international business? Take the time to analyze your transaction flows, identify your target markets, and consult experts if necessary. Once equipped with a high-performance payment gateway, your company will be better prepared to seize global opportunities.
To find out more, explore resources such as the Stripe and PayPal gateway comparison guide, or consult an advisor specializing in payment solutions.