Whether you're setting up your payment stack or reviewing existing contracts, gateway fees can add up fast. What seems like a small percentage per transaction often comes with extra charges—some expected, others not so obvious. This guide breaks down what those costs really mean, shows how your setup compares to industry standards, and shares realistic ways to cut down on fees.
This is the core cost of using a payment gateway. Most providers charge either a flat rate (for example, 2.9% plus a small fixed amount per sale) or a variable rate that changes depending on factors like payment method, transaction volume, or region. Whether the customer pays with a card or a digital wallet, each payment comes with its own cut taken by the gateway.
Some gateways bill a one-time fee when you start, covering things like onboarding, integration support, and access to testing environments. Large businesses or those with custom needs might face higher setup costs, often tied to tailored solutions.
In addition to per-transaction costs, many gateways have a regular subscription fee for platform access, support, and extra tools. Businesses with higher payment volumes sometimes benefit from this model if it comes with lower per-transaction rates.
If a customer disputes a charge and files a chargeback, the gateway will likely charge a handling fee. The amount varies by provider and is meant to cover the admin work of managing the dispute.
Accepting payments from abroad often means extra charges. Gateways may add a markup to currency conversion or tack on an international card fee. The exchange rate they use can also include a margin, making foreign transactions pricier than domestic ones.
Some providers charge ongoing fees for keeping your account compliant with PCI DSS security standards. These costs help ensure payment data is processed and stored securely.
If you end your contract before the agreed term, you might face a penalty. The details depend on your agreement, so it’s worth checking the fine print before signing.
This model charges a fixed percentage and fee per transaction regardless of payment method. It’s predictable, but may not reflect your real cost for different payment methods.
Often used by larger businesses, this model separates the card network’s interchange fees from the gateway’s markup. It offers transparency, especially for those looking to understand processing fees in detail.
Here, transactions are categorised into tiers (qualified, mid-qualified, non-qualified), each with a different rate. While it may seem straightforward, tier definitions are often opaque, which can complicate fee audits.
These charge a flat monthly fee alongside low per-transaction charges. For businesses with high transaction volume, this model can reduce the average cost per sale.
Gateways often adjust pricing based on how much you process each month. A higher volume can sometimes justify lower fees.
Businesses deemed higher risk—such as travel or online gaming—may face elevated gateway charges. Riskier profiles can trigger higher chargeback rates, which affect overall pricing.
The payment method you offer—whether bank transfers, e-wallets, or cards—affects transaction costs. Supporting different payment methods allows for broader reach but adds complexity to cost management.
If your business accepts international transactions, expect additional fees. Domestic transactions are generally cheaper to process than cross-border ones due to international fees, exchange rate fluctuations, and currency conversion costs.
|
Fee type |
Typical range |
When it applies |
What to watch for |
|
Setup fee |
USD 0 – 250 |
One-time during onboarding |
Often waived for online businesses |
|
Transaction fee |
1.5% – 3.5% + USD 0.10 – 0.30 |
Per transaction |
High-volume discounts; varies by payment method |
|
Monthly fee |
USD 0 – 100 |
Monthly access to platform/tools |
Charged even if no transactions are processed |
|
Chargeback fee |
USD 15 – 100 |
Per disputed transaction |
Can add up if fraud rate is high |
|
Currency conversion |
1% – 3% markup on exchange rate |
Cross-border or multi-currency transactions |
Hidden margins in exchange rates |
|
International card surcharge |
0.5% – 2% |
Non-domestic card usage |
Check for surcharges on wallets vs. cards |
|
PCI compliance fee |
USD 15 – 25 monthly |
Data security and fraud protection |
Sometimes bundled, sometimes separate |
|
Early termination fee |
USD 100 – 500+ |
Ending contract early |
Often overlooked in contract reviews |
Focus not just on the gateway fee per transaction, but on all ongoing fees: setup, monthly fee, chargeback fee, currency conversion costs, and PCI compliance. Consider how these costs scale with your transaction volume.
Look beyond marketing rates. A common payment gateway may promote low per-transaction rates but apply surcharges for international transactions or additional fees for specific card types.
Merchants with consistent or growing transaction volume may qualify for lower gateway charges. Sharing performance forecasts can help secure better rates.
Using a single payment provider for multiple channels—like online checkout, subscription billing, and payment links—may reduce your monthly charges and simplify reconciliation.
Track your transaction fees and conduct regular reviews. Spotting inconsistencies can lead to cost-saving adjustments and help catch pricing creep.
It varies. Most providers charge between 1.5% and 3.5% plus a fixed amount per transaction. The actual rate depends on your transaction volume, region, and payment method.
There’s no universal answer. The gateway with the lowest fees for you depends on your business model, payment mix, transaction size, and market. Comparing payment gateway charges is the best way to identify the most cost-effective option.
In many jurisdictions, yes. Gateway fees and pricing can typically be classified as a business expense. Check with your financial advisor for specifics.
Antom’s pricing model is designed for clarity. You’ll always know what you’re paying for and why.
With local connections in major markets, Antom reduces international card and conversion fees by processing locally.
Antom offers integrated tools to maintain compliance and reduce chargeback risk, helping you protect card information and lower costs.
Whether you run an online business or a multi-market operation, Antom can build a pricing model to fit your transaction profile.
Ready to reduce your payment costs? Speak to our team for a free fee audit and see how Antom compares.