How to Choose the Best Card Processing Solution for Your SaaS Business

Card Processing

Sep 14

For SaaS companies, payments are a growth lever. A seamless checkout builds trust, reduces churn, and accelerates revenue. But with dozens of options, choosing the right card processing solution can feel overwhelming.

This guide breaks down what matters - from fees and security to global reach and integrations - and compares top providers so you can make the right choice for your SaaS business.

Choosing the right payment partner is a long-term decision. Get every detail you need in our Ultimate Guide to Card Processing for your SaaS business.

What to Look For in a Card Processor

Fee Structure

Transaction, interchange, chargeback, and cross-border fees.
Hidden costs can erode margins quickly.

Integration & API

Must work with your billing platform (Stripe, Chargebee, Recurly).
Developer-friendly APIs are crucial for SaaS scaling.

Security & Compliance

PCI DSS, tokenization, 3D Secure, fraud protection.

Global Reach

Multi-currency, local payment support. Essential for international SaaS.

Support & Reliability

24/7 support, clear SLAs, and proven uptime.

Confused by processor fees? Our Payment Price Guide breaks down exactly what you’ll pay - and where you can save.

Top Providers Compared

  
    
        Business Type
        Recommended Processor
        Key Features
        Pricing (Starting)
        Why It’s the Best Fit
      

    
        Startup SaaS
        Stripe
        Powerful APIs, subscription billing, global reach
        2.9% + 30¢ per transaction
        Fast integration, widely adopted by SaaS teams
      

        Enterprise SaaS
        Adyen
        Advanced fraud tools, multi-currency support, enterprise SLAs
        Custom pricing
        Robust compliance and global scalability
      

        SMB SaaS
        Braintree (PayPal)
        Flexible integrations, PayPal support, recurring billing
        2.9% + 30¢ per transaction
        Easy setup with PayPal ecosystem included
      

        Hybrid / Local SaaS
        Square
        Transparent pricing, POS hardware, simple setup
        2.6% + 10¢ per transaction
        Great for SaaS with physical sales touchpoints
      

        Scaleup SaaS
        Checkout.com
        Global processing, modular APIs, advanced analytics
        Custom pricing
        Strong for growth-stage SaaS expanding internationally
      

  

How to Decide

Early-stage SaaS → Stripe or Braintree for fast setup.
Enterprise SaaS → Adyen or Checkout.com for scale + complexity.
SMB SaaS → Square for simplicity.

Running SaaS with ecommerce elements? See how Shopify stacks up against BigCommerce for scaling subscriptions and payments.

Boosting Checkout Conversions

Offer multiple payment methods (card, PayPal, Apple Pay).
Keep checkout flows frictionless (auto-fill, one-click).
Display trust signals (PCI compliance, secure icons).
Test UX continuously (A/B test different flows).

ScaleUp Tip

Don’t choose a processor just for lower fees. For SaaS, failed transactions = lost MRR. Even a 1–2% improvement in successful payments often outweighs small cost differences in per-transaction pricing.

Card processing isn’t back-office admin - it’s a strategic growth driver. Choose a solution that balances fees, integrations, and conversion performance. For SaaS, the best payment partner is one that helps you scale globally while maximizing successful transactions.

FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between a gateway and a processor?
A: A gateway transmits data; a processor handles the transaction. Many providers combine both.

Q: Can we switch providers later?
A: Yes, but migrations are complex. Choose carefully upfront.

Q: Is Stripe always the best option?
A: Not always. Stripe is flexible and popular, but enterprise SaaS with complex global needs may benefit from Adyen or Checkout.com.

The Editors