Affiliate link - we may earn a commission
Overview
Stripe is the payment processor of choice for developers and tech-savvy businesses. Founded in 2010, Stripe has built a reputation for its excellent API, developer-friendly documentation, and seamless integration experience.
As a former payment processing industry insider, I've seen firsthand how Stripe has revolutionized online payments. Their focus on developer experience and modern payment methods makes them ideal for SaaS companies, e-commerce platforms, and businesses that need custom payment flows.
Stripe processes billions of dollars in payments annually and supports businesses in over 40 countries. They offer both online and in-person payment solutions, making them a versatile choice for businesses of all types.
Pricing Breakdown
Standard Pricing
| Payment Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online payments (US) | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction |
| In-person payments | 2.7% + $0.05 per transaction |
| International cards | 3.9% + $0.30 per transaction |
| Currency conversion | 2% additional fee |
No monthly fees, no setup fees, no contract. Stripe charges only when you process payments, making it ideal for businesses just starting out or with variable sales volumes.
Key Features
Developer-Friendly API
Stripe's API is widely considered the best in the industry. Comprehensive documentation, SDKs for every major language, and excellent developer tools make integration straightforward.
Subscription Billing
Built-in subscription management with support for metered billing, prorations, and multiple pricing models. Perfect for SaaS businesses.
Global Payment Methods
Accept payments from 40+ countries with support for local payment methods like Alipay, iDEAL, and SEPA Direct Debit.
Fraud Prevention
Stripe Radar uses machine learning to detect and prevent fraud, with customizable rules and 3D Secure support.
Payment Links
Create shareable payment links without any code. Perfect for invoices, donations, or one-off payments.
Stripe Terminal
In-person payment solution with pre-certified hardware and unified reporting across online and offline sales.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Excellent API and developer experience
- No contract or monthly fees
- Comprehensive documentation
- Strong fraud prevention tools
- Global payment method support
- Great for subscription businesses
- Fast setup and integration
✗ Cons
- Higher fees than some competitors
- Requires technical knowledge for full customization
- Limited phone support (email/chat primarily)
- Account holds possible for new businesses
- Not ideal for high-risk industries
Who Should Use Stripe?
SaaS Companies
Stripe's subscription billing is second to none. Perfect for recurring revenue businesses.
E-commerce Stores
Easy integration with major e-commerce platforms and custom checkout experiences.
Marketplaces
Stripe Connect enables multi-party payments, perfect for platforms connecting buyers and sellers.
Developers
If you have technical resources, Stripe's API gives you complete control over payment flows.