Starting up? Great. Now, let’s talk about how you’re going to get paid.
Whether you’re building the next big SaaS unicorn or selling hand-painted coffee mugs from your garage in Goa, there’s one truth all startup founders face: money needs to flow in (preferably faster than it flows out). And if your customer base is spread across the globe, choosing the right international payment gateway can literally make or break your revenue stream.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the most popular international payment gateways—Stripe, Razorpay, Wise, and a few more underrated gems. We’ll compare features, costs, pros and cons, and give you a founder-friendly view of how to choose the one that fits your startup.
So, grab a coffee (or a Red Bull), and let’s decode the world of global payments.
Why Do Startups Need an International Payment Gateway?
Picture this: You’ve built an amazing product. A potential customer from Germany wants to pay you $99. But oops—your payment system only accepts INR via UPI. That’s not just a missed opportunity, it’s death by limitation.
An international payment gateway solves this. It lets you accept payments in multiple currencies, using international credit/debit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, and sometimes even crypto. It handles the complex stuff—currency conversion, fraud prevention, local tax rules, and payment compliance—so you can focus on growth.
TL;DR: If you want to sell globally, you need a gateway that speaks the world’s financial language.
Stripe: The Silicon Valley Sweetheart
What is Stripe?
Stripe is like the cool kid in school who also happens to be the valedictorian. Used by tech giants like Amazon, Shopify, and Zoom, Stripe is known for its sleek APIs, insane developer experience, and global reach.
Why Startups Love Stripe:
- Supports 135+ currencies and 45+ countries
- Easy-to-integrate APIs and SDKs
- Recurring billing, invoicing, tax handling
- Super transparent pricing
Downsides:
- Stripe isn’t available in every country (India just got limited support recently)
- May be a bit complex for non-tech founders
Pricing:
- 2.9% + 30¢ per successful card charge (U.S. cards)
- Additional 1% for international cards and currency conversions
Verdict: If your team is tech-savvy and you want to scale globally fast, Stripe is your weapon of choice.
Razorpay: The Desi Powerhouse Going Global
What is Razorpay?
Born in India, Razorpay has become a household name in the Indian startup ecosystem. But don’t sleep on it—it now offers international payment support and is slowly expanding beyond Indian borders.
Why Startups Love Razorpay:
- Seamless UPI, NetBanking, and wallet support (for local)
- Accept international cards and currencies
- Built-in GST, compliance tools, and Indian bank integration
- RazorpayX for business banking
Downsides:
- Still evolving on the international front
- Customer support can be hit or miss
Pricing:
- 2% for international cards, 18% GST on fees
- Settlements can take longer than Stripe
Verdict: If you’re India-first but dream global, Razorpay gives you the best of both worlds.
Wise (formerly TransferWise): Not Your Typical Gateway
What is Wise?
Wise isn’t a “payment gateway” in the traditional sense, but it’s a game-changer for receiving and sending international payments at ridiculously low conversion rates. It’s perfect for freelancers, bootstrapped startups, and founders tired of banks eating up margins.
Why Startups Love Wise:
- Open “local” bank accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, etc.
- Real exchange rate (mid-market) with low fees
- Integrates with platforms like Stripe and Shopify
Downsides:
- Not a complete gateway—no checkout buttons, cart integration, etc.
- Can’t process card payments directly
Pricing:
- Conversion fees vary (typically 0.35%–2%)
- No monthly fees
Verdict: Perfect for managing international invoices, subscriptions, and payouts without the big-bank nonsense.
PayPal: The Oldie But Goldie
What is PayPal?
Love it or hate it, PayPal is everywhere. From marketplaces like eBay to SaaS platforms and donation portals, PayPal remains a staple for startups needing a quick and trusted international payment solution.
Why Startups Love PayPal:
- Instant brand recognition
- Easy to implement, minimal coding needed
- Works in 200+ markets, 100+ currencies
Downsides:
- High transaction fees
- Funds may be held unexpectedly
- Not ideal for recurring payments
Pricing:
- 4.4% + fixed fee based on currency
- Currency conversion fee: 2.5% above mid-market
Verdict: A great backup gateway, especially if you need quick setup and global trust. But watch the fees.
Other Cool Alternatives Worth Checking Out
1. Payoneer
- Perfect for freelancers and global B2B transactions
- Easy to get paid from marketplaces like Fiverr, Upwork, Amazon
2. Revolut Business
- Great for EU/UK-based startups
- Multi-currency accounts, team cards, API-friendly
3. 2Checkout (now Verifone)
- Ideal for SaaS businesses
- Handles tax compliance (VAT, GST), global checkout
4. Instamojo (India-focused)
- Easy payment links and store setup
- Not ideal for high-volume international payments yet
How to Choose the Right Gateway for Your Startup?
Every startup is different. Here’s a cheat sheet:
| Startup Type | Best Gateway(s) |
|---|---|
| SaaS / Subscription | Stripe, 2Checkout, Razorpay |
| Ecommerce Store | Stripe, PayPal, Razorpay |
| Freelancers/Consultants | Wise, Payoneer, PayPal |
| India-first Startups | Razorpay, Instamojo |
| Marketplace sellers | Payoneer, Wise |
Ask yourself:
- Where are most of my customers located?
- What currencies do I need to support?
- Do I need subscription billing or one-time payments?
- How tech-savvy is my team?
- How important is settlement time?
The World is Your Market
Choosing an international payment gateway isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a growth strategy. The right gateway opens doors to new customers, smoother conversions, and fewer headaches down the line.
Start simple, experiment, and don’t be afraid to mix and match. You can use Stripe for subscriptions, Wise for invoicing, and Razorpay for local flavor. It’s 2025. Your payment stack can (and should) be as flexible as your startup.