How to choose the best payment gateway for e-commerce

Over the past decade, digital payments have overtaken cash and card as the preferred method for online shopping. In 2014, digital methods made up just over a third of global e-commerce spending. By 2024, that share rose to 66%, driven by mobile-first shoppers and digital wallets. Today, mobile commerce alone powers more than half of global online sales—a clear sign that checkout experiences must be secure, fast, and optimized for every device and region.

What is a payment gateway?

A payment gateway is a technology that securely transfers payment information from your website or app to a payment processor, then back again to confirm whether a transaction was approved or declined. It’s the bridge between your online store, your customer’s payment method, and your acquiring bank.

How it works:

1. A customer enters their payment details at checkout.
2. The gateway encrypts and sends this data to the processor.
3. The processor forwards the request to the issuing bank.
4. The bank approves or declines the transaction, and the response is sent back to your site.

A dependable payment gateway integrates seamlessly with your checkout process, supports multiple payment methods, from cards to local wallets, and keeps sensitive data encrypted and compliant with global security standards.

Types of payment gateways

For startups and SMEs, hosted gateways are often the fastest route to go live. Larger businesses with established infrastructure usually benefit from API-based or hybrid options that allow deeper customization and control.

Key features to look for in an e-commerce payment gateway

Security and compliance

Security is the foundation of any payment processing solution. Look for PCI-DSS Level 1 certification, encryption, and tokenisation. Fraud prevention tools such as AI-based monitoring, velocity checks, and 3D Secure 2.0 can reduce chargebacks and protect customer data.

Supported payment methods

A gateway should support major cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, plus regional wallets such as Alipay, GCash, and PayPay. APAC and Latin America buyers often prefer e-wallets or bank transfers over cards. The more options you offer, the higher your conversion rate.

Global coverage and currency support

Cross-border commerce is growing rapidly. Asia Pacific’s e-commerce market is projected to reach USD 2 trillion by 2025. To succeed, merchants need gateways that offer multi-currency acceptance, local acquiring to reduce cross-border fees, and settlement in home or local currencies.

Platform integrations

Your e-commerce payment gateway should integrate smoothly with platforms such as Shopify, Magento, or WooCommerce. Developer-friendly APIs and SDKs simplify integration, testing, and maintenance. Providers like Antom offer sandbox environments for safe testing before going live.

UX and checkout optimisation

A well-designed checkout improves conversion. Features like one-click payments, local currency display, and mobile-optimised design can reduce friction. Remember, every additional step increases cart abandonment risk.

Scalability and support

As transaction volumes grow, you need reliability. Look for uptime guarantees, fast response during peak periods, and multilingual support. For global merchants, around-the-clock technical help and transparent documentation are critical.

Cost considerations

Types of fees

Payment gateways usually charge several types of fees. The table below outlines the common fee types and typical market benchmarks (note: these vary by provider, region, and transaction volume).

Pricing models can vary. Interchange++ is more transparent, showing exact card network and processor costs. Tiered pricing groups transactions by type but can hide true costs.

Hidden costs

Watch for settlement delays, rolling reserves (especially for high-risk merchants), or FX loss from forced conversions. Reliable reporting and clear contracts prevent surprises. The best payment gateways provide predictable pricing and fast fund settlement.

How to choose the best payment gateway for your e-commerce business

Match your business model

If you run a subscription service, look for features like automatic recurring payments and easy subscription management. Marketplaces may need split settlement tools. For hybrid businesses operating both online and in-person, unified gateways supporting POS and online payments offer efficiency.

Evaluate based on business size

• SMEs: Prioritise easy setup, simple dashboards, and competitive fees.
• Enterprises: Require scalability, advanced analytics, and custom reporting. Features like tokenisation, routing optimisation, and multi-country support become crucial.

Questions to ask payment gateway providers

1. Which payment methods and currencies are supported?
   Understanding this ensures your gateway can cater to customer preferences in every market. A wide range of local and global payment methods improves conversion and customer trust.
2. How are chargebacks and disputes managed?
   Strong dispute management tools save time and reduce losses. Ask about automated alerts, documentation support, and clear chargeback workflows.
3. Is customer data stored securely under PCI-DSS?
   Compliance protects your business from data breaches and fines. Only choose providers with PCI-DSS Level 1 certification and proven encryption measures.
4. What are the settlement times for different regions?
   Settlement speed affects cash flow. Some providers settle within a day, others take several. Ensure your gateway aligns with your working capital needs.
5. Is there 24/7 support for critical issues?
   Payments happen around the clock. Look for accessible, multilingual support teams and clear service-level guarantees.

Conclusion: Choose a gateway that scales with you

Selecting the best payment gateway for e-commerce means balancing cost, coverage, and customer experience. Review how your current system performs, identify missed payment opportunities, and ensure your next solution supports your growth markets.

Antom offers flexible, secure solutions designed for global e-commerce merchants, with strong coverage across Asia and beyond. Whether you are scaling a start-up or managing international operations, choosing the right payment partner helps you accept payments with confidence and grow sustainably.