Choosing the right payment processor depends on how your website sells, how much control you need, and whether you also take payments in person.

PayPal

PayPal is best for simple websites, invoices, donations, and customers who already trust PayPal.

It is easy to set up and widely recognized. Many customers like using PayPal because they do not have to enter a credit card directly into a website.

The downside is that PayPal can be more expensive than other options, and the checkout experience may feel less seamless if customers are redirected away from your site.

Best for: Simple checkout buttons, invoices, donations, small ecommerce stores, and adding a trusted backup payment option.

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Stripe

Stripe is usually the best option for professional websites and ecommerce stores.

It works well with WordPress, WooCommerce, custom websites, subscriptions, memberships, booking systems, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH payments, and advanced checkout features.

Stripe gives website owners more control and creates a cleaner checkout experience. It is also a strong long-term choice if your website may grow or need more advanced payment features later.

The downside is that it can require more setup than PayPal.

Best for: WooCommerce, custom websites, subscriptions, memberships, online stores, and businesses that want a clean, flexible checkout.

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Square

Square is best for businesses that sell both online and in person.

It works well for restaurants, retail stores, salons, service businesses, markets, and events. Square combines online payments, invoices, payment links, card readers, point-of-sale tools, and reporting in one system.

The downside is that it may not be as flexible as Stripe for custom ecommerce websites or advanced checkout setups.

Best for: Retail, restaurants, service businesses, in-person sales, invoices, and simple online stores.

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Quick Recommendation

For most small business websites, Stripe + PayPal is the best setup.

Use Stripe for the main credit card checkout. Add PayPal because many customers trust it and prefer it.

Use Square if you also take in-person payments and want your website, invoices, and point-of-sale system connected.

Other Payment Options to Consider

Other options website owners may want to look at include:

Authorize.Net for traditional merchant accounts and payment gateways.

Braintree for more advanced ecommerce and app-based payments.

Shopify Payments if your store is built on Shopify.

WooPayments if your store is built with WooCommerce.

Apple Pay and Google Pay for faster mobile checkout.

ACH bank transfers for lower-cost payments on large invoices.

Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm for buy-now-pay-later options.

The best choice depends on your website platform, sales volume, average order size, and whether you sell online, in person, or both.