How to Choose the Right Payment Processor in 2026
By Itai Varochik | Updated February 18, 2026 | 3 min read
Affiliate Disclosure: GetASearch may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. This doesn't affect our ratings or editorial independence. Read our methodology.
1. pricing models
Payment processors use different pricing structures that significantly impact your total cost:
- Flat-rate (Stripe, Square, PayPal): Fixed percentage per transaction. Simple, predictable, but more expensive at volume
- Interchange-plus (Helcim, Payment Depot): Actual card network fees + fixed markup. Cheaper at volume, more complex statements
- Tiered (many traditional processors): Qualified, mid-qualified, non-qualified rates. Least transparent
2. online vs. in-person payments
Stripe dominates online payments with the best developer API, extensive documentation, and support for 135+ currencies. Square leads in-person with its POS hardware ecosystem. PayPal offers universal brand recognition for checkout conversion. Helcim provides both online and in-person at interchange-plus rates.
3. developer experience & integration
For online businesses, API quality matters enormously. Stripe has the gold-standard API with comprehensive documentation, SDKs for every language, and pre-built UI components. Square offers solid APIs for omnichannel commerce. PayPal has improved its developer experience but remains more complex.
4. fraud prevention
Built-in fraud tools save you from chargebacks and losses:
- Stripe Radar: ML-powered fraud detection included free
- Square: Built-in fraud detection for in-person and online
- PayPal: Seller protection program
- Adyen: Enterprise-grade risk management
5. international payments
If you sell globally, evaluate multi-currency support, local payment methods, and cross-border fees. Stripe supports 135+ currencies and dozens of local payment methods. Adyen offers the broadest international coverage for enterprise. PayPal provides familiar checkout worldwide.
6. pricing comparison
- Stripe: 2.9% + $0.30 per online transaction
- Square: 2.6% + $0.10 per in-person, 2.9% + $0.30 online
- PayPal: 2.99% + $0.49 per transaction
- Helcim: Interchange + 0.3% + $0.08 (volume discounts)
Frequently Asked Questions
Stripe or Square?
Stripe for online-only businesses with developer resources. Square for retail, restaurants, and businesses needing POS hardware. Many omnichannel businesses use both.
Why is PayPal more expensive?
PayPal charges a premium for brand recognition and buyer trust. The PayPal button can increase checkout conversion by 30%+ in some markets, which may offset the higher fees.
When should I switch from flat-rate to interchange-plus?
Generally when processing over $10,000/month. At that volume, interchange-plus pricing from Helcim or similar providers saves significantly over flat-rate.