Choosing the right payment gateway is crucial for your online business operations and it's one of the most often asked questions. Two major contenders, Authorize.net and Stripe, offer powerful tools, but cater to different needs. Below, we break down the pros and cons of each platform to help you decide which best fits your business model.
Owned by Visa, Authorize.net has been a payment gateway industry leader since 1996. It’s known for its stability, fraud protection tools, and flexibility with multiple merchant accounts.
Stripe is known for its modern API, global reach, and seamless integration for online-first businesses and startups. It powers millions of e-commerce sites and SaaS platforms.
Feature | Authorize.net | Stripe |
Monthly Fee | $25 | $0 |
Transaction Fee | 2.9% + $0.30 (All-in-One Plan) | 2.9% + $0.30 |
Merchant Account | Yes (optional) | Included |
Recurring Billing | Yes | Yes |
Global Payments | Limited | Extensive (+135 currencies) |
Developer Tools | Basic | Advanced |
Fraud Protection | AFDS included | Machine learning-based |
Customer Support | 24/7 Phone | Email/Chat, limited phone |
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance is mandatory for any business that handles credit card information. Both Stripe and Authorize.net help with compliance—but how they handle it differs.
Choose Authorize.net if you’re a traditional business needing stability, want to use your own merchant account, or prioritize fraud protection and phone support.
Choose Stripe if you’re building a modern, online-first business that values flexibility, global reach, and powerful developer tools.
If you're unsure which fits your needs best, our team can help you assess your business model and integration requirements. Contact us to schedule a consultation.