I Evaluated the 6 Best Payment Processing Software for 2025

I believe getting paid should be a simple, straight-forward process, not a stressful one.

As businesses grow, so does the need for reliable, secure, and flexible payment processing software. But the more I spoke with business owners, the clearer it became: the wrong payment processing software can cause real problems.

Delayed transactions, confusing checkout experiences, and unexpected fees can all quietly eat away at profits and customer trust. That realization led me to dig deeper into the payment processing landscape.

I didn’t skim through product pages, I evaluated the top payment processing software based on real customer feedback using G2 data. By analyzing verified reviews, I set out to find the tools that actually deliver secure, seamless, and cost-effective payment experiences.

6 best payment processing software I’d recommend

Payments may seem straightforward at first glance — accept the money, complete the sale, move on. But behind every smooth transaction is a complex payment system handling security, authorization, reporting, and reconciliation. 

The right payment processing software isn't just about getting paid, it's about protecting your cash flow, delivering a seamless customer experience, and setting up your business to scale. Whether it's an e-commerce store managing subscriptions, a B2B company handling large invoices, or a retail brand selling across multiple channels, the right processor makes every transaction faster, safer, and simpler.

When reviewing feedback and analyzing real-world customer experiences, a few platforms consistently rose to the top. Some focus on flexibility with multi-currency support and customizable checkout flows, while others shine with advanced fraud protection and low transaction fees. 

The payment processing platforms I recommend below reflect that balance. Each offers a unique set of strengths, but what they share is a proven track record of helping businesses streamline transactions, build trust, and grow without friction. 

My criteria for evaluating the best payment processing software 

I’ve spent enough time analyzing payment platforms to know that attractive interfaces and big brand names don’t always translate into a smooth experience for businesses. So I combined user insights from G2 reviews with hands-on research and feature analysis to build a criteria set grounded in what actually matters. Here's what I prioritized:

• Payment method flexibility: A great payment processor should meet customers where they are. I looked for platforms that support a wide range of payment options — credit and debit cards, ACH transfers, mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and even buy-now-pay-later services. The more options a processor supports, the fewer sales businesses risk losing at checkout.
• Transaction security and compliance: Trust is everything when handling payments. I prioritized platforms that offer PCI DSS compliance, end-to-end encryption, tokenization of customer data, and built-in fraud detection. Tools that also layer on additional features like two-factor authentication, chargeback management, and secure customer vaults stood out even more.
  
• Checkout experience: The checkout process should feel frictionless, not clunky. I gave preference to software that offers customizable, mobile-optimized checkout pages, easy-to-embed payment forms, and the ability to brand the payment experience. Bonus points for one-click checkout options and flexible APIs that allow businesses to tailor the experience across platforms.
• Transparent pricing and fees: Hidden fees can quietly chip away at profits. I prioritized processors that offer clear, upfront pricing models and competitive transaction fees without hidden surcharges. I also looked at how quickly businesses can access their funds, favoring platforms that offer fast settlements, same-day payouts, or flexible funding options to support healthy cash flow.
• Recurring billing and subscription management: For businesses that rely on ongoing payments, good subscription management is non-negotiable. I evaluated whether each processor offered recurring billing, automated invoicing, dunning management, and tools to reduce churn, essential features for SaaS companies, membership platforms, and service-based businesses.
• Multi-currency support: In an increasingly global economy, payment processors need to handle international transactions gracefully. I looked for tools that offer multi-currency support, local payment methods, transparent currency conversion fees, and compliance with cross-border regulations to help businesses expand without friction.
• Reporting and analytics: Visibility into transactions and trends is critical. I looked for platforms that provide real-time dashboards, detailed settlement reports, chargeback insights, and customer payment history tracking. Good reporting tools help businesses optimize processes, spot issues early, and maintain control over revenue operations.

Over the span of several weeks, I researched and evaluated around 25+ payment processing software. I narrowed down the best six based on their features and ease of use. 

To be included in this category, a solution must:

• Collect customer payment information and relay it to a bank for approval or denial
• Transmit approval or denial of a transaction back to the customer or merchant
• Support multiple payment methods such as credit card, ACH, or wire transfer
• Define and track customizable payment rules, terms, and deadlines
• Identify errors such as late payments, overpayments, or failed transactions
• Integrate with ERP, accounting, or accounts receivable and accounts payable systems

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity. 

1. PayPal Payments 

From the reviews I evaluated, it’s pretty clear that PayPal Payments has earned its spot as a go-to payment platform for a lot of users.

What came up again and again was just how easy it is to use. The interface feels intuitive, whether you're sending money to a friend, paying for an online purchase, or setting it up on your own site. People genuinely appreciate not having to jump through hoops to get things done.

The security factor is a major highlight. Over and over, users call out how trusted and safe the platform feels. That kind of peace of mind is huge, especially when you're dealing with payments that cross borders or involve sensitive financial details. Whether you're buying something on Etsy or receiving payment from overseas, there’s a sense that PayPal has your back.

One thing that really stood out in the feedback was how widely accepted PayPal is. It’s everywhere. From major online retailers to small virtual stores and that makes it incredibly convenient. On top of that, the international payment support gets a lot of love. Users mention being able to send and receive payments globally with ease, which is a big deal for freelancers, remote workers, and global businesses.

Technically speaking, I noticed several reviews calling out API integration and in a positive way. That’s the kind of developer-friendly experience that makes a real difference behind the scenes. Others highlighted neat features like QR code generation for quick in-person payments and invoicing tools that help streamline business transactions.

That said, there was some critical feedback as well. One such factor was the fee structure. Between transaction fees, withdrawal charges, and currency conversion rates, some users feel the costs stack up quickly, especially for international payments or when moving money between accounts. 

I also picked up on a theme of fund holds and account freezes. Several users mentioned frustrations with not being able to access their money right away, particularly when PayPal flagged a transaction or account for review. These delays can be stressful, especially for small businesses or individuals relying on that cash flow. 

Lastly, the dispute resolution process earned some criticism for being lengthy or not favoring the buyer, especially in cases where the situation wasn’t black and white.

All in all, PayPal offers a powerful, flexible platform that balances simplicity with robust functionality. It’s fast, widely supported, and generally reliable. If you’re running an online business or doing cross-border transactions, there’s a lot to love.

What I dislike about PayPal Payments: 

• When dealing with currency conversions, users felt like the rates weren’t competitive. It’s a subtle but consistent point mentioned by international users.
• One of the most common complaints was about high fees, especially for international transactions, currency conversions, and business-related payments.

What G2 users dislike about PayPal Payments: 

"I don't like some service fee its to high just to transfer to other bank and the process its take some business working 7 days before it reflect to my PayPal dashboard."

- PayPal Payments Review, Richard P. 

2. Amazon Pay for Business

One thing is super clear: Amazon Pay for Business is a platform built on trust. The brand recognition alone goes a long way. Users like that it's backed by Amazon and the fact that it’s already integrated across so many platforms. It makes adoption feel natural. That name carries weight, and for a lot of users, it made the onboarding feel easier and more credible. 

A recurring theme among reviews was how easy it is to use. Whether it’s for sending money, receiving payments from customers, or scanning QR codes, the interface just makes sense to most people. Terms like simple, user-friendly, and straightforward came up often, especially from smaller business owners who don’t have time to deal with clunky dashboards.

When it comes to core functionality, the basics work well. Users consistently praised how quickly payments process, how seamless UPI transactions feel, and how convenient it is to manage everything in one place. It’s not just about doing payments, users also mentioned liking the ability to handle bill payments, recharges, and merchant services through one account.

Oh, and the cashback offers? People definitely notice them. Several users mentioned these little incentives as a reason they stuck with the platform. Getting rewarded for regular transactions, even small ones — made Amazon Pay feel like more than just another payment app.

Some users had issues specifically with the mobile app. I saw a few reviews where people described crashes, lag, or general clunkiness that made the mobile experience less enjoyable than the web version. The functionality might be there, but the reliability clearly isn’t always consistent.

A few reviews touched on the idea that Amazon Pay, despite being a big brand, doesn’t always deliver at scale. They talked about slowness during peak times or transactions timing out.

Overall, Amazon Pay for Business seems to do a lot of things right: it’s trusted, easy to use, feature-packed, and rewarding. But based on what users shared, it still has some kinks to iron out when it comes to app stability, transaction reliability, and support during critical moments. If those areas improve, I’d say it has everything it needs to be a long-term player in the payment game.

What I dislike about Amazon Pay for Business: 

• A common complaint was the slowness of the application, especially during busy times. It gets difficult when you're trying to close a sale quickly.
• A few users said they struggled a bit with the interface at first, especially if they weren’t already familiar with Amazon’s layout and tools.

What G2 users dislike about Amazon Pay for Business: 

"It is slow and buffers a lot and sometimes because of this, transactions fail and money gets debited and are stuck for days after that, although the customer service support is incredible to help out." 

- Amazon Pay for business Review, Vaidehi K.

3. FreshBooks

FreshBooks stands out for people who want a simple, approachable payment processing and accounting tool. Users constantly talk about how easy it is to navigate. Whether it’s creating invoices, pulling reports, or reconciling transactions, the interface feels clean and intuitive. You don’t need an accounting degree to figure out what’s going on, and for a lot of users, that’s the biggest win.

Invoicing is hands-down one of the most praised features. People love how fast they can whip up a professional invoice, send it off, and even set up recurring invoices. It’s all built in, and it doesn’t feel like you’re wrestling with the system just to get paid.

I also noticed quite a few users highlighting the time tracking tools. Especially for service-based businesses, this has been a huge help. You can track hours directly within FreshBooks and even convert that time into billable invoices with a few clicks.

Beyond that, users seem genuinely pleased with the reporting features. Things like income summaries, expense breakdowns, and sales tax reports. Several reviews mention how helpful these are for staying on top of finances, especially around tax time. And let’s not forget the bank integration. Being able to connect your accounts and pull in transactions automatically is a massive time saver for many people.

Interestingly, while some folks had issues with the mobile app, others found it convenient and easy to use for quick updates and invoice checks on the go. It’s a mixed bag, but the mobile experience clearly works well for certain use cases.

Several users brought up that the mobile app lacks key features. If you're someone who relies on logging hours from the road, this might be a bit of a letdown.

Bank and payment gateway syncing can also be a minor setback at times. I came across mentions of bank accounts disconnecting, balances not syncing properly, and issues with platforms like Stripe or PayPal.

A few users flagged refund processing as complex, and others didn’t love the forced 2FA verification steps, especially when logging in frequently. I also saw pricing increases that didn’t feel justified for growing teams.

Bottom line? FreshBooks delivers a lot where it matters: invoicing, ease of use, reporting, and time tracking. If you're a freelancer or small business who needs smart, no-fuss accounting, it’s a strong contender. Just know that as your business grows, you may find yourself needing a bit more flexibility.

What I dislike about FreshBooks: 

• I noticed complaints about the app being buggy or lacking some of the desktop features. But the support team was always available. 
  
• Some users mentioned lack of integration with their choice of software. 

What G2 users dislike about FreshBooks: 

"What I dislike about FreshBooks is the limitation on the number of clients for certain plans and the need for workarounds to manage more clients. As a premium paying user, these restrictions feel frustrating, especially when I have to delete and undelete clients just to stay within the limit. It’s a bit cumbersome for what should be a simple process, and I wish there were more flexibility in this area."

- FreshBooks Review, Brent G.

4. Stripe Payments 

Stripe’s got a lot going for it when it comes to ease of use and setup. It's quick to get started with, whether you're a developer spinning up a new SaaS platform or a business owner plugging it into your site. The dashboard feels intuitive, and you don’t need to be buried in technical documentation just to send your first invoice or collect your first payment.

But if you are the technical type, Stripe’s API documentation is a standout feature. Developers repeatedly said the docs are clear, well-structured, and backed with working examples. A lot of users praised how smooth the integration is with other platforms.

Users also appreciate the wide range of payment methods. From credit cards to Apple Pay, Google Pay, Affirm, Klarna, and more. Stripe gives businesses a lot of flexibility in how they accept payments. That’s a big win for conversion, especially when you're working with a global audience or across different devices.

The dashboard and reporting tools got special attention. Users talked about how you can generate reports, export data, and even run custom data queries, which is incredibly helpful for finance teams or anyone trying to get a deeper look at performance. Stripe’s focus on security and PCI compliance also shows through. Users consistently mentioned that they feel confident handling customer payments without stressing over compliance checklists.

Fees were a big sticking point. Many users flagged Stripe’s transaction and refund processing fees as expensive, particularly for smaller businesses. And it’s not just the cost, some people found it confusing how fees are calculated or when they apply.

Another common thread was around account issues. Payout delays, especially over weekends was something that came up in a couple of reviews. While the core of Stripe’s payment engine is fast, these delays can leave businesses waiting longer than expected to access their money.

In short, Stripe offers a powerful, flexible payment system that’s especially appealing if you need strong integration capabilities, a developer-friendly API, and diverse payment options. It’s trusted, secure, and packed with features.

What I dislike about Stripe Payments: 

• While some people praised the support team, others said they experienced slow responses or had a hard time getting help when issues were urgent.
• I do find Stripe Payments interest fees have increased over the years which makes it difficult to use for small businesses.

What G2 users dislike about Stripe Payments: 

"They can block your account without providing any explanation, and in such cases, technical support does not respond at all. You have no idea why your account was blocked, and there’s nothing you can do about it. This results in financial losses and disrupts all work processes.

I recommend connecting an additional payment system as a backup in case of a block. We use the fraud prevention service Radar, and since its implementation, account blocks have not occurred anymore. However, it is quite expensive."

- Stripe Payments Review, Evgeniya P. 

5. Thryv

From the reviews I evaluated, Thryv seems to strike a real chord with small business owners who want to keep everything in one place. A lot of users talked about how helpful it’s been for managing their business end-to-end. From client communication to scheduling to social media. What came up over and over was that Thryv isn’t just a CRM or a scheduler, it’s the central hub for their operations.

One feature that got a ton of praise was social media management. Several users appreciated being able to create, schedule, and post to their social channels directly from the platform. For business owners who aren’t keen on juggling five apps just to stay visible online, this feature was a big relief.

The feedback around customer support was mostly positive. Users described the support team as responsive, helpful, and easy to work with, especially during onboarding or when they had technical questions. It’s clear that Thryv has invested in making sure its team is accessible and customer-centric.

There was also consistent praise for how friendly and well-designed the platform is. I also noticed multiple shoutouts for website integration, which seems to work smoothly and is especially useful for businesses without a dedicated web dev team.

That said, not everyone had a seamless experience. One theme that came up often was around features people wish the platform had. Whether it’s more advanced automation, deeper reporting, or integrations, there’s clearly a desire for the platform to grow in depth.

Some users felt that certain processes within the platform were time-consuming, or that support responses, while helpful, sometimes took longer than expected. It wasn’t a dealbreaker for most, but it was enough to be mentioned.

A handful of reviews mentioned issues with account and client management, like wanting more flexibility with how client data is stored or displayed, or better controls around permissions and access. 

All in all, Thryv seems to do a lot right. Users value how it pulls together business essentials — CRM, scheduling, communications, even social media into one place. The platform is accessible, backed by a supportive team, and designed to make running a business a little less chaotic. It’s still evolving.

What I dislike about Thryv:

• It takes a while to learn and get used to everything the platform has to offer. Can be time-consuming. 
• Sometimes the application can be slow to load and cause delays. 

What G2 users dislike about Thryv:

"The app needs some optimization. When you're in the field and need to access someones customer card for information or to upload something or to take a payment, it needs to be quick and seamless. Currently the app can be slow but overall is still does a good job of providing the information needed." 

- Thryv Review, Brandon M.

6. checkout.com 

What stood out right away is how much trust users have in Checkout.com as a payment platform. Across the board, people described it as a reliable solution with a user-friendly interface, solid payment processing capabilities, and a strong support team backing it up. Whether you're a developer integrating payments via API or a business owner managing your account dashboard, users felt like the experience was smooth and straightforward. 

The payment system itself earns a lot of praise. I saw multiple users highlight how stable and consistent the platform is when it comes to handling transactions. For businesses that process high volumes of payments daily, that kind of reliability really matters. A few reviewers also appreciated the speed and security of transactions, along with the ability to manage international payments seamlessly.

One of the biggest positives that kept coming up was support. A lot of users shared that when they reached out, especially during onboarding or implementation the support team was responsive and helpful. Some even mentioned their account managers by name, which says a lot about the kind of personalized service they felt they were getting.

Even though many people loved the platform, there were also clear requests for better or additional features. A recurring theme was that checkout.com could do more, whether it’s enhanced reporting, more customizable tools, or better automation options. Some users felt like the platform delivers the basics well, but could add more features. 

 A few users mentioned they didn’t have the flexibility they wanted in how accounts were set up or managed across teams. There were also subtle notes about the platform needing to be more competitive, particularly in terms of feature depth and customization compared to other major players in the space.

The API and integration experience seem positive. Developers find it easy to plug into their systems, but there were also hints that more robust features or tooling could make those integrations even better.

Bottom line: checkout.com is a strong, stable, easy-to-use payment processor, and users clearly appreciate the team behind it. If you’re looking for a platform that gets the job done and keeps things user-friendly, it’s a solid pick. But based on what users shared, there’s still room to grow.

What I dislike about checkout.com:

• The fee structure can be somewhat complex to navigate, especially for new customers. 
• Some users felt that, compared to bigger players, Checkout.com doesn’t offer the same pricing flexibility. 

What G2 users dislike about checkout.com:

"There’s room for them to expand their range of products and services. Plus, having a bigger influence over third parties to help speed up process resolutions would be a big plus."

- checkout.com Review, Luis C. 

Frequently asked questions about the best payment processing software

Have more questions? Find more answers below.

Q1. What is payment processing software?

Payment processing software enables businesses to accept and manage electronic payments from customers, typically via credit/debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, and alternative methods (like Buy Now, Pay Later). It facilitates the secure transfer of funds from the customer to the business.

Q2. Is payment processing software secure?

Yes, if it's compliant with PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). Many platforms also include: tokenization, encryption, 3D secure, AI-based fraud detection. 

Q3. What’s the difference between a payment gateway and a payment processor?

A payment gateway is the front-end tech that captures and encrypts payment data (e.g., the checkout form). A payment processor moves the money between banks and card networks. Some companies (like Stripe or Checkout.com) bundle both together.

Q4. Can I process international payments?

Yes, many platforms support multi-currency and cross-border payments. Check if they offer local payment methods, favorable exchange rates, and fraud protection for global sales.

Q5. Is PayPal a PSP?

Yes. PayPal is a payment service provider (PSP). It lets businesses accept online payments (cards, PayPal, wallets) without needing their own merchant account. It handles processing, security, and settlement all in one platform. 

Q6. What is the best payment processing system?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your business model, location, scale, and technical needs. Some of the best payment processing software have been discussed above and include PayPal, Amazon Pay, checkout.com, Stripe payments and more. 

Power up your payments

Getting paid might seem like a simple part of running a business. But in reality, it’s where trust, security, and user experience all converge. The right payment processing software doesn’t just complete transactions; it sets the tone for how smoothly your business operates and how confident your customers feel when handing over their information.

I focused this evaluation on tools that have proven themselves in real-world business environments, not just in product demos or spec sheets. By analyzing thousands of G2 reviews, digging into how each platform handles critical workflows, and comparing their strengths across industries, I narrowed it down to six standout solutions that go beyond the basics.

Some tools shine with their simplicity and quick setup, ideal for startups and growing teams. Others are built for scale, offering advanced controls, global capabilities, and deep integrations. If you're ready to take the complexity out of payments and build a more reliable revenue engine, these tools offer a solid starting point. 

Looking to dig deeper into payment processing? Check out the best Payment Gateway Software to understand how funds move securely between your customers and your business.