What’s the best payment processor for WooCommerce—Stripe, PayPal, or WooCommerce Payments?
Each has strengths: Stripe gives a seamless, mobile-friendly checkout, PayPal adds trust and familiarity, and WooCommerce Payments keeps everything managed in WordPress. The best option depends on your store setup—which we break down below.
If you’re selling products or services online using WooCommerce, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how your customers pay you. While many payment processors offer similar pricing and solid integrations, they don’t all create the same checkout experience—and that can directly impact your sales.
Here’s a clear, no-fluff breakdown of my top recommended payment processors for WooCommerce, and why offering multiple options can increase conversions.
My Top 4 Recommendations
All of these integrate smoothly with WooCommerce and offer comparable fees:
- Stripe
- PayPal
- WooCommerce Payments
- Square (ideal for existing POS users)
Let’s look at what makes each one unique.
Why These Four?
1. Stripe: Clean & Flexible
- Accepts credit and debit cards
- Includes Apple Pay and Google Pay at checkout when customers are logged in on compatible devices
- Checkout stays on your website (no redirects)
- Easy to set up and maintain
Great for: A clean, mobile-friendly checkout experience.
Adding Apple Pay or Google Pay through Stripe can increase mobile checkout conversions by over 20%, making it one of the most seamless options for WooCommerce.
2. PayPal: Trusted and Familiar
- Lets customers pay by logging into their PayPal account—no card needed
- Optionally adds Venmo at checkout without extra setup
- Can be used alongside Stripe or WooCommerce Payments
Great for: Making checkout faster for users who prefer PayPal or Venmo.
PayPal is the most recognized digital wallet worldwide, and familiarity with its brand is one of the top reasons shoppers say they complete a purchase instead of abandoning their cart.
3. WooCommerce Payments: Built-In Convenience
- Powered by Stripe but managed directly in your WordPress dashboard
- Supports credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- Simplifies everything: setup, deposits, and reporting stay in one place
Great for: Store owners who want a native, all-in-one solution without leaving WordPress.
By managing payments directly inside WordPress, WooCommerce Payments reduces setup and management time, making it easier for small business owners to stay focused on sales.
4. Square: Ideal If You Already Use It In-Store
- Works best for businesses with a physical point-of-sale (POS) setup (e.g., farm stands, bakeries, local shops)
- Now supports Apple Pay and Google Pay when enabled
- Syncs in-store and online inventory under one account
Great for: Businesses already using Square hardware in a retail setting.
Businesses that unify in-store and online payments with tools like Square see higher customer satisfaction and smoother inventory management, especially for local shops.
Can You Use More Than One?
Yes—and in many cases, you should. Many of my clients use a combination like this:
- Stripe or WooCommerce Payments for credit card and digital wallet payments
- PayPal for customers who prefer logging in
- All managed seamlessly through one checkout flow in WooCommerce
The more payment methods you offer, the more likely your customer is to find their preferred one—without digging for their wallet.
Increased Conversions
Offering multiple payment methods can boost conversions by up to 30%, since customers are far more likely to finish checkout when their preferred option is available.
Key Takeaways
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Stripe = clean, flexible, and mobile-friendly checkout (great for Apple Pay & Google Pay).
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PayPal = trusted, familiar, and fast (plus Venmo built in).
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WooCommerce Payments = all-in-one convenience directly inside WordPress.
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Square = best fit if you already use it for in-person sales.
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Offering multiple payment options (e.g., Stripe/WooCommerce Payments + PayPal) increases conversions and reduces cart abandonment.
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Goal: Make checkout as easy as possible so more customers complete their purchase.
Final Thought
The goal is simple: make it easy for customers to pay. When users see Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or Venmo at checkout, they’re more likely to finish the purchase—especially on mobile. And thankfully, you can offer all of these options without needing separate accounts or complicated setups.
Need Help Setting It Up?
If you’d like support choosing the right combo for your store—or integrating one of these payment processors into WooCommerce Lets Chat.
Ecommerce Payment Processors FAQS
Can I use more than one payment processor with WooCommerce?
Yes! Many store owners use Stripe or WooCommerce Payments alongside PayPal to give customers multiple checkout options. This flexibility helps reduce abandoned carts.
What’s the main difference between Stripe and WooCommerce Payments?
WooCommerce Payments is powered by Stripe but managed directly in your WordPress dashboard. It’s a simpler, all-in-one option if you prefer everything in one place.
Is PayPal still worth offering if I already use Stripe?
Absolutely. PayPal adds trust and convenience for shoppers who prefer logging in instead of entering card details. Plus, it can include Venmo at checkout.
Who should use Square with WooCommerce?
Square is best for businesses that already use it in-store (like farm stands, bakeries, or local shops). It syncs inventory between your POS and WooCommerce store.
Which payment method gives the best mobile checkout experience?
Stripe and WooCommerce Payments both shine here—they support Apple Pay and Google Pay, making checkout quick and seamless on mobile devices.