Sep 2, 2025 Running an online store is exciting because it allows you to reach customers anywhere and at any tim[...]
Sep 2, 2025
Running an online store is exciting because it allows you to reach customers anywhere and at any time. However, key obstacles are: If customers can’t find their preferred payment option, experience slow load times, or experience security risks, you probably can lose them.
Choosing the right payment gateway in Singapore is more than a technical decision. As in 2025, Singapore businesses will have more powerful and customer-friendly payment options than ever.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the top 10 payment gateways thoroughly, so that you can find out which one is best for your business.
What is a Payment Gateway?
A payment gateway is a service that enables online payment transactions. It works as a bridge between your customer, their bank, and your business.
- Collects payment details from the customer.
- Checks if the payment method is valid.
- Transfer the money to your account securely.
Without it, manual payment collection is not a practical task. It wastes time and effort.
If you’re building an online shop, our eCommerce website development team in Singapore can help you integrate the right gateway seamlessly.
Top 10 Payment Gateways in Singapore
Below are the top 10 payment gateways in Singapore. Ranked not by popularity alone, but by features, trust, and business needs.
1.Stripe – Best for Flexibility and Global Reach
A global payment solution supporting 135+ currencies, ideal for businesses requiring fully customisable checkout experiences. Offers Apple Pay, Google Pay, and fraud protection. Best for tech-savvy merchants with international customers. Fees: 3.4% + SGD 0.50 per local transaction.
Advantage
- Integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and custom sites
- Strong fraud prevention tools
- Transparent pricing
Disadvantage
- Higher fees for international cards
- It can be technical for beginners
2.PayPal – Trusted Worldwide
The world’s most well-known digital wallet, PayPal, has over 430 million users globally. It enables quick checkouts via PayPal balance or cards, with strong buyer/seller protection. While convenient for international sales, its 3.4% + fixed fee per transaction is relatively high. Funds take 2-3 days to settle in Singapore’s bank account. Best for freelancers, dropshippers, and businesses prioritising customer trust over lower fees.
Advantages
- Globally trusted brand
- Quick setup and activation
- Supports subscriptions and recurring payments
Disadvantage
- Higher transaction fees
- Slower payouts
3.HitPay – Made in Singapore for Singapore
HitPay is a Singapore-based payment method like PayNow, GrabPay, and ShopeePay. With no setup or monthly fees, it’s perfect for SMEs. You only pay when you make sales (0.8% for PayNow, ~2.9% for cards). Also supports QR payments and invoicing. Limited global capabilities, but excellent for domestic-focused businesses wanting affordable rates.
Advantages
- Wide local payment options
- Affordable for small businesses
- Invoicing and QR code support
Disadvantage
- Limited international reach.
4.Shopify Payments – Best for Shopify Stores
Shopify has its own payment processor, eliminating extra transaction fees charged. It supports all major cards for faster checkouts. Pricing starts at 3.5% + S$0.50, decreasing with higher Shopify plans. Includes built-in fraud analysis. The obvious choice for Shopify merchants wanting seamless integration and avoiding extra fees.
Advantages
- Simple setup for Shopify merchants
- Trusted fast checkout with Shop Pay
- Built-in fraud analysis
Disadvantage
- Only for Shopify users
- Fees are slightly higher than some local gateways
Our Shopify development services ensure smooth integration of Shopify Payments for fast checkout.
5.Worldpay – Strong for Large Businesses
It processes huge numbers of transactions in over 120 currencies. It creates custom payment systems for big businesses with top-notch fraud protection and multi-currency support. Pricing depends on how much you use it, so you’ll need to discuss rates. While it’s too much for small shops, it’s perfect for large companies.
Advantage
- Scales for large transaction volumes
- Multi-currency pricing
- Customisable checkout
Disadvantage
- Not beginner-friendly
- Rates need negotiation
6.2C2P – Strong in Southeast Asia
2C2P is popular in Southeast Asia, like local bank transfers, digital wallets, and BNPL options. It’s perfect for businesses growing in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. While its interface isn’t the most modern as competitors, 2C2P does something important. It helps stores accept the ways local shoppers like to pay, not just credit cards. This makes it a smart pick for merchants who want to reach customers in these fast-growing markets.
Advantage
- Excellent ASEAN coverage
- Different payment methods
- Good for the tourism and travel sectors
Disadvantage
- Outdated interface
7.Adyen – Enterprise-Grade Power
Adyen is the payment method used by major companies like Uber and Spotify. It lets businesses accept payments online, in apps, and in physical stores. It supports over 250 payment methods worldwide and has powerful reporting tools. It’s perfect for large businesses that operate globally. It features support for businesses with high sales volume. If you’re an established business looking for a single platform to handle all payments with detailed analytics, Adyen is a top choice.
Advantage
- Single system for all channels
- Advanced reporting tools
- High security
Disadvantage
- Requires high transaction volume
8.GrabPay – For Mobile-First Customers
GrabPay is the digital payment service built into Grab’s all-in-one super app. By this, businesses get direct access to millions of users across Southeast Asia. It offers fast, convenient mobile payments through QR scans and in-app purchases. It charges low at 2-2.8% making it a favourite for young adults and startup owners. GrabPay works best for local Singaporean businesses rather than international transactions. This makes it a smart choice for merchants capturing mobile users in the region.
Advantage
- Popular among younger customers
- Quick mobile checkout
- Works online and offline
Disadvantage
- Limited international use
9.eNETS – Long-Time Local Player
A long-standing Singapore payment institution specialising in direct bank integrations. Local business owners trust it for secure card and online bank transfer processing. It lacks global payment options. But offers secure domestic transaction processing with genuine rates. Best for Singaporean customers who prefer paying directly through their banks.
Advantage
- Trusted by local businesses
- Reliable domestic processing
Disadvantage
- Fewer global payment options
10.Atome – Buy Now, Pay Later Option
A leading Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service allowing customers to split purchases into 3 interest-free instalments. It increases conversion rates and average order values. Especially for fashion, electronics, and beauty products. Merchants receive full payment upfront while customers enjoy flexible payments. It works best for pricier items like clothing, tech gadgets, and makeup. Though not everything qualifies. It’s perfect for those ‘want-but-don’t-want-to-pay-all-at-once’ purchases!
Advantage
- Boosts conversions
- Increases average order value
- Simple integration
Disadvantage
- Not all products qualify
Quick Comparison Table:
| Payment Gateway | Best For | Local/Global | Popular Payment Methods | Fees (SGD) |
| Stripe | Global sales | Both | Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay | 3.4% + 0.50 |
| PayPal | International buyers | Global | PayPal, cards | 3.9% + fixed |
| HitPay | Local SMEs | Local | PayNow, cards, GrabPay | 0.8%–2.9% |
| Shopify Payments | Shopify stores | Both | Cards, Shop Pay | From 3.2% |
| Worldpay | Large businesses | Global | Cards, multicurrency | Custom |
| 2C2P | Regional SEA sales | Both | Cards, e-wallets, and bank | Custom |
| Adyen | Enterprise brands | Global | 250+ methods | Custom |
| GrabPay | Younger audience | Local | GrabPay app | 2%–2.8% |
| eNETS | Local bank transfers | Local | Cards, bank | Varies |
| Atome | BNPL shoppers | Local | Split payments | Custom |
Fees are accurate at the time of writing but may change.
Top Payment Gateway Picks:
- Best overall (global): Stripe
- Cheapest local (PayNow): HitPay
- Best for Shopify: Shopify Payments
- Best for SEA expansion: 2C2P
- Best BNPL: Atome
Want expert help in choosing the right gateway? Our website design company in Singapore can design checkout flows that increase conversions while keeping fees low.
Extra Tips for Choosing & Using a Payment Gateway
- Test It Yourself – Try buying something from your store. If the checkout feels slow or hard to use, make changes.
- Offer Different Payment Choices – Let customers pay themselves with many options like credit cards, e-wallets and PayNow.
- Watch Out for Extra Costs – Some payment services have hidden fees for currency exchange or withdrawing your money. Check it before making any transaction.
- See How Fast You Get Paid – Payment companies send you your money at different speeds, some daily, others weekly. Pick what works for you.
- Make Sure It Works Well on Phones – Since many people shop on mobile, your payment process should be quick and easy on small screens too.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right eCommerce payment gateway in Singapore is more than a tech decision. It’s all about improving customer experience, building trust, and increasing sales.
- Selling globally? Choose Stripe or PayPal.
- Focused on locals? HitPay, GrabPay, or eNETS are strong.
- On Shopify? Go with the built-in payment gateway.
- Want BNPL? Try Atome for a reliable payment gateway for an eCommerce website, offering flexible payments.
The right choice from these top 10 payment gateways can help your business grow in 2025 and beyond. It’s not about processing payments. It’s about building trust, boosting sales, and keeping your customers satisfied. If you need help integrating any of the gateways into your store, our team at Awebstar Technologies can guide you.
FAQs
Which payment gateway is safe?
Stripe, for example, has advanced fraud prevention tools, while PayPal provides robust buyer and seller protection. Safety largely comes down to choosing a trusted provider with a proven track record and compliance with security standards.
How to choose a payment gateway?
When selecting a payment gateway, prioritise MAS-licensed providers, PCI DSS compliance, and 3DS2 support. For global sales, choose Stripe or PayPal, and for Singapore, consider HitPay or GrabPay.
Which payment gateway is best, PayPal or Stripe?
Stripe is best for tech-savvy global businesses with multi-currency needs, while PayPal offers quick setup and buyer trust but higher fees. Choose Stripe for flexibility or PayPal for simplicity and protection.
Which payment gateway has lower fees?
For Singapore-based businesses, HitPay offers lower fees compared to global gateways like Stripe/PayPal. If serving local customers, HitPay or eNETS provides better cost efficiency than pricier international options.
What’s the best method of payment in Singapore?
The ideal payment mix depends on your target audience:
- PayNow: Cost-effective solution for fast domestic transfers
- Credit/Debit Cards: Essential for international customer reach
- E-Wallets (GrabPay, ShopeePay): Preferred by local mobile-first consumers
- Global Processors (PayPal/Stripe): Critical for cross-border transactions
