WordPress Payment Processing: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Getting paid online should be simple. But for many WordPress store owners, it can be super confusing – especially when you’re a beginner. There are many payment tools to choose from, confusing tech terms to learn, and complicated setup steps to follow.

We can relate – you just want to accept payments without a bunch of problems.

We’ve been using popular payment processors like Stripe and PayPal in our own eCommerce stores for a few years now. And along the way, we have learned different tips about setting up secure payment systems.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll share everything you need to know so you can start easily accepting payments on your WordPress website.

We’ll teach you how payment processors work, the best plugins to use, and how to choose the right payment gateway for your business. We will also share some tips and tricks to sell different types of products online.

Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll go over in our in-depth guide to WordPress payment processing:

Now, let’s start by taking a look at what payment processors actually are.

What Are Payment Processors, and How Do They Work?

A payment processor is a service that handles online transactions between your customers and your bank.

You can think of it as the middleman that makes sure money moves safely from a buyer’s payment method, like a credit card or digital wallet, to your business account.

When you’re running a WordPress site, you can’t accept payments directly because WordPress doesn’t come with any built-in functionality for this. That’s why you need a payment processor like Stripe, PayPal, or Square to handle the technical side of things.

These services integrate with WordPress through plugins. This makes it easy to collect payments without needing to know how to code or set up complex systems.

Essentially, when a customer makes a purchase on your site, their payment details are sent to the payment processor. The platform then contacts the customer’s bank or card provider to check if they have enough funds.

If everything looks good, the payment is approved, and the money is transferred to your account. At the same time, the processor helps protect both you and your customers by encrypting data and blocking fake payments.

In short, payment processors handle everything to make online transactions smooth and secure.

When you use the right processor on your WordPress site, you can accept payments easily while keeping your business and your customers safe.

What Is the Difference Between Payment Processors and Payment Gateways?

Payment processors and payment gateways work together to handle online transactions, but they are not the same thing.

A payment processor is a service that moves money between your customer’s bank and your business account. It handles things like verifying funds, approving transactions, and making sure the money gets to you securely.

On the other hand, a payment gateway is a tool that collects and transfers payment details from your website to the payment processor. It acts as the bridge between your online store and the processor, making sure that sensitive data is protected.

Some services, like Stripe and PayPal, act as both a gateway and a processor, which makes setup easier.

In short, the payment gateway handles the front-end process, like collecting payment info from customers, while the payment processor does the back-end work of moving the money.

Which eCommerce Payment Options Are Available in WordPress?

When it comes to eCommerce payment options for WordPress, you have several great choices.

We recommend using PayPal and Stripe because they are both widely trusted and easy to integrate with popular eCommerce plugins like WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads, and WPForms.

These two options are great for beginners because they offer straightforward setup processes and powerful security features. They also support a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets.

However, PayPal and Stripe aren’t your only choices. If you want to give your customers more flexibility, then you can also consider integrating other payment options.

For instance, ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ services like Klarna allow customers to split their payments into installments, which can be a great option if you are selling expensive items.

Another option is integrating digital wallets like Apple Pay or even regional payment services like Bancontact, SEPA, or GrabPay.

These options are becoming more popular as consumers look for convenient ways to pay for their online purchases.

Ultimately, the best payment options for your eCommerce store will depend on your pricing model, target audience, and geographic reach.

Whether you stick with PayPal and Stripe or branch out with options like Klarna or GrabPay, the key is to provide your customers with a seamless and secure checkout experience.

This will not only help you increase conversions but also build trust with your customers, making them more likely to return for future purchases.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Payment Processor

Not all payment processors are the same. After testing different options on our eCommerce sites, we’ve learned that choosing the right one can make a big impact on your profit margins and daily operations.

Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting a processor for your online business:

• Transaction Fees: We have used processors with different fee structures, and those transaction costs can add up quickly. Most charge a percentage of each sale plus a fixed amount, while some have monthly fees. We recommend comparing costs so you don’t overpay.
• Processing Time: Not all payment processors send funds to your account instantly. Some take a couple of days, while others offer same-day payouts with an extra fee. In our experience, faster payouts are great, but they may come with hidden charges.
• International Payments: If you plan to sell globally, your payment processor should support international payments and multiple currencies. Before making your choice, make sure to research thoroughly because we have seen some services charge extra for foreign transactions.
• Payment Options: If your payment processor only accepts credit cards, this will almost certainly lead to lost sales. A good processor should offer multiple payment methods, including digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and even buy now, pay later (BNPL) options.
• Device Compatibility: Many of our customers shop from their phones, so having a mobile-friendly checkout is a must. Make sure your payment system works seamlessly across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
• Transaction Security: Security is a top priority. Choose a processor that offers encryption, fraud detection, and compliance with PCI DSS security standards to protect customer data.
• Customer Support: Payment issues are pretty common. When that happens, good customer support can be a lifesaver. We recommend choosing a processor that offers 24/7 support through live chat, phone, or email.

From testing different payment solutions, we have seen how the right processor can improve customer experience and boost conversions.

Best Payment Processors for WordPress Sites🏆

Now that you know what to look for in a WordPress payment processor, let’s discuss some of the best options available for WordPress.

Here’s a quick look at our expert picks:

1. Stripe

In our opinion, Stripe is, hands down, the best WordPress payment processor on the market. We have been using it in all of our eCommerce stores and have found it to be secure, reliable, and easy to manage.

One of the biggest reasons Stripe stands out is how simple it is to integrate it with WordPress. With plugins like WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads (EDD), and WPForms, adding Stripe to your checkout process is quick and straightforward.

Plus, it is super responsive and works smoothly across different devices, from desktops to mobile phones.

Stripe also offers competitive transaction fees of around 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction for U.S.-based cards. We really appreciate that there’s no monthly fee or hidden charges, which makes it an affordable option.

The platform also supports international payments, which is perfect if you plan to sell globally.

Another major plus is that Stripe can handle a variety of payment methods. It accepts credit and debit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as options like ACH payments and Buy Now, Pay Later features.

This is super convenient for online shoppers and can help speed up the checkout process.

We also love Stripe’s security features. With built-in fraud prevention and strong encryption, you can be sure that your transactions are safe.

Plus, the processor is PCI DSS compliant, which is a security standard that protects sensitive data and prevents fraud.

Pros of Stripe

• Stripe’s dashboard is super intuitive.
• We love its detailed reporting tools. You can view in-depth analytics on your sales performance, track customer payment behaviors, and monitor payouts to your bank account.
• The platform’s Starter plan includes 25 free invoices each month, with a 0.4% fee for every paid invoice after that.
• It’s available in over 46 countries and supports payments in more than 135 currencies.
• We were impressed by Stripe’s security features. It even replaces sensitive card details with secure tokens to protect customer data.

Cons of Stripe

• Stripe is available in fewer countries than PayPal.

☝ Note: Here are the main payment plugins that offer Stripe as a payment method:

• WooCommerce: Built-in Stripe integration for credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. This is ideal for traditional online stores. For more information, see our complete WooCommerce review.
• Easy Digital Downloads: You can use it to sell digital products just like us. Our brands use the built-in Stripe integration to accept payments. For details, see our full Easy Digital Downloads review.
• WP Simple Pay: A lightweight Stripe payment plugin that you can use to create payment forms for products and services. To learn more, see our detailed WP Simple Pay review.
• MemberPress: Supports Stripe for automated membership payments and course sales. To get started, see our complete MemberPress review.

Why we recommend Stripe: Overall, Stripe is the best WordPress payment processor because of its seamless integration with WordPress, easy payment management, and powerful features.

2. PayPal

If you are looking for a payment processor that is globally available, then PayPal is for you. We use PayPal ourselves and have found it to be super user-friendly and reliable.

A lot of customers already have PayPal accounts, which means they can make payments quickly without needing to enter their credit card details every time. This can lead to fewer abandoned carts and quicker checkouts.

You can even offer a simple ‘Pay with PayPal’ button to make the checkout process easier.

PayPal also offers a range of fraud protection features, ensuring both you and your customers are protected.

It uses advanced encryption technologies, including SSL, to protect sensitive customer data and offers 24/7 monitoring to prevent unauthorized transactions.

We also like its two-factor authentication (2FA) feature that adds extra security to your account.

Plus, it is easy to integrate with WordPress, allowing you to accept payments seamlessly.

Overall, PayPal is a solid payment processor that works well for many types of WordPress sites, from small blogs to larger online stores.

Pros of PayPal

• PayPal’s dashboard is super beginner-friendly.
• PayPal offers buyer protection. This means that the processor will step in if there’s a dispute over a transaction.
• It offers several payment options, including credit and debit cards, PayPal balances, and even bank transfers.
• The platform has a mobile app that makes it easy to view and manage your transactions.
• You can also see a breakdown of your recent sales and payment activity.

Cons of PayPal

• PayPal has higher transaction and conversion fees than Stripe.

☝ Note: Here are the main payment plugins that offer PayPal as a payment method:

• WooCommerce: Offers built-in PayPal support for online stores.
• Easy Digital Downloads: A great option for selling digital products with PayPal.
• WPForms: Allows you to accept PayPal payments through simple order and donation forms. We also use it to create contact forms and annual surveys. See our complete WPForms review for more information.
• MemberPress: Supports PayPal for recurring memberships and online courses.

Why we recommend PayPal: If you are looking for a globally available and trusted solution, then we recommend PayPal.

3. Square

Square is a great payment processor for WooCommerce stores with an online presence and a physical location. That’s because it can also give you a complete Point of Sale (POS) system for processing in-person payments.

During testing, we found that it easily integrates with WordPress and WooCommerce, allowing you to manage your online and physical sales all in one place.

Square also has a lot of flexibility when it comes to payment options. It accepts all major credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

It even supports EMV chip cards and contactless payments, which are becoming more popular in physical stores. This means your customers can pay however they like, whether they are shopping online or in person.

Square also has excellent tools for managing your business. From inventory management to reporting and sales analytics, its dashboard gives you everything you need to keep track of your sales across multiple channels.

In short, it is a great payment processor for WooCommerce stores, especially for businesses that sell both online and in person.

Pros of Square

• Square is available in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, France, and Spain.
• The transaction fee is usually around 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person sales and 2.9% + 30¢ for online sales, which is reasonable.
• It can seamlessly integrate with Square plugins like WPForms, Charitable, and MemberPress.
• We appreciate that it offers month-to-month services, meaning you are not locked into a long-term contract.

Cons of Square

• If you are selling internationally, Square requires you to create separate accounts for each country, each with its own currency. This can overcomplicate things.
• Square only provides chargeback protection up to $250 per month. For businesses with higher chargeback volumes, this may not cover all disputes.

☝ Note: Here are the main payment plugins that offer Square as a payment method:

• WooCommerce: We found it easy to sync WooCommerce with Square to accept online payments.
• WPForms: Comes with a premium addon to accept Square payments through forms, which is great for small businesses.
• WP Charitable: The best donation and fundraising plugin that enables you to accept donations via Square and other payment processors. For details, see our WP Charitable review.

Why we recommend Square: If you have both a physical and online store in WordPress, then Square is a great option for managing your transactions in one place.

4. Authorize.net

Authorize.net is an excellent choice if you have a growing business. It is reliable and has been around for years, with a solid reputation for supporting businesses of all sizes.

We love Authorize.Net because it’s very flexible. You can accept payments for your digital products, physical goods, memberships, recurring subscriptions, and courses, all within one platform.

If you offer a monthly membership, the payment processor can automate these payments. That way, your customers are billed on time without delay.

Authorize.Net supports multiple payment methods, from credit cards to eChecks, which means your customers have a lot of choices.

Additionally, it has amazing security features to protect sensitive payment data.

Pros of Authorize.net

• Authorize.Net integrates easily with Authorize.Net WordPress plugins like WooCommerce, WPForms, Easy Digital Downloads, and MemberPress.
• It has great fraud detection tools, including AVS (Address Verification System) and the option to enable CAPTCHA.
• It supports mobile payments, allowing you to accept payments on the go.
• Authorize.Net allows you to securely store customer payment details for future transactions.

Cons of Authorize.net

• Unlike some other payment processors, Authorize.Net charges a monthly fee for its services, which starts at $25 per month.
• It can be a bit complex to set up for beginners.

☝ Note: Here are the main payment plugins that offer Authorize.net as a payment method:

• WooCommerce: The platform easily integrates with Authorize.net to accept credit cards.
• WPForms: The beginner-friendly form builder accepts Authorize.net payments with its addon.
• MemberPress: This LMS supports Authorize.net for recurring payments and membership sites.

Why we recommend Authorize.net: If you have a growing business or a membership site, then Authorize.net is a solid option.

5. Braintree

Braintree is a great payment processor for WordPress-based eCommerce sites. Owned by PayPal, it is a flexible solution that integrates easily with WordPress plugins.

We included it on the list mainly because it supports numerous payment methods, including credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and even Venmo. This gives your customers a variety of ways to pay, which can lead to more sales.

Braintree also supports recurring billing, making it a great option for subscription-based businesses or membership sites.

Plus, it has powerful fraud protection tools, including data encryption and tokenization.

The processor uses a simple, flat-rate pricing model with no setup or monthly fees. You will just pay 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction. This can help you predict your payment processing costs easily.

Pros of Braintree

• Braintree supports payments in over 130 currencies.
• It’s a mobile-friendly payment solution, allowing your customers to easily make purchases from their smartphones and tablets.
• We were impressed by Braintree’s Customer Vault, which securely stores customer payment information for future transactions.
• The platform has great customer support.

Cons of Braintree

• Braintree is not available in all countries.
• It has a steeper learning curve than some other payment options.

☝ Note: Here are the main WordPress payment plugins that offer Braintree as a payment method:

• WooCommerce: It supports Braintree for accepting PayPal, credit cards, and Apple Pay.

Why we recommend Braintree: If you have a subscription service or membership site, then Braintree could be suitable.

Choosing Your Ideal WordPress Payment Plugin

Before you can start selling online with WordPress, you will need a payment plugin. This tool enables you to connect your WordPress site to your preferred payment processors.

That way, you can securely process transactions, whether you’re selling physical products, digital downloads, memberships, or services.

The best payment plugin for you will depend on what you’re selling and the type of store you have in mind.

For example, if you are selling physical products, then WooCommerce is the best option. It supports multiple payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, Square, and Authorize.net.

For digital products, we recommend Easy Digital Downloads because it’s optimized for selling downloads and includes built-in Stripe and PayPal support.

On the other hand, if you run a membership site or sell subscriptions, then MemberPress or WP Simple Pay work very well.

However, if your business needs custom order forms and subscription boxes, then WPForms is likely a better option. With Stripe and PayPal addons, you can create payment forms that fit your exact needs.

For details on all of these options, just see our detailed review of the best WordPress eCommerce plugins.

Now that you know which plugin works best for you, let’s walk through how to set up payments in WordPress.

How to Set Up Payment Processing for Physical Products 🛍 (WooCommerce)

If you want to sell physical products and start accepting payments online, then WooCommerce is the ideal choice.

It’s a powerful plugin that turns your WordPress site into a full-featured online store. It allows you to sell products, manage inventory, and accept payments.

Plus, WooCommerce is super flexible and supports all major payment processors, including Stripe, PayPal, Square, and even local payment gateways.

With the right plugins, you can also start processing payments with just a few clicks.

☝ We know every setting and feature of WooCommerce, and if you’re interested in our experience with it, we recommend you check out our detailed WooCommerce review.

For step-by-step instructions on how to start using WooCommerce, check out the WooCommerce section of our guide on how to accept Stripe payments in WordPress.

How to Set Up Payment Processing for Digital Products ⬇️ (eBooks, Software & Files)

If you are selling digital products like eBooks, software, or downloadable files, then Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) makes it super easy.

It is the best plugin for selling digital goods and comes with built-in support for Stripe and PayPal, so setting up payment processing with either option is a breeze.

We use EDD to sell our plugins and software, and it’s worked really well for us. To learn more, see our complete Easy Digital Downloads review.

Once your store is set up with EDD, you’ll need to visit the Downloads » Settings » Payments page in the WordPress dashboard.

Then, switch to the ‘Stripe’ or ‘PayPal’ tabs to integrate the payment processors.

For detailed instructions, see the Easy Digital Downloads section of our tutorial on how to accept Stripe payments in WordPress.

How to Set Up Payment Processing for Recurring Subscriptions ☁️ 🔒 (SaaS and Traditional Memberships)

If you are selling recurring subscriptions, a SaaS product, or a traditional membership, then a payment form that works for recurring subscriptions is your best bet.

To get a subscription feature on a payment form, WP Simple Pay is ideal. It comes with built-in integration with Stripe.

Plus, it supports various local gateways like iDEAL, Bancontact, GrabPay, SEPA, Cash App, Affirm, and Klarna. So many options make it super convenient for your customers to pay.

The best part? The tool gives you an intuitive builder, complete spam protection, and numerous form templates. This allows you to start collecting payments without setting up a full eCommerce store.

We’ve tested this plugin ourselves on real websites, and we were super impressed. See our full WP Simple Pay review if you’re curious about our experiences with it.

For more information, see our guide on how to set up recurring payments in WordPress.

How to Set Up Payment Processing for Membership Sites 👥 📚 (Online Communities & eLearning)

If you are building an online community or selling courses, then MemberPress is one of the best ways to accept payments and manage a membership site.

It lets you restrict content, sell access to courses, and create exclusive members-only areas without needing a complicated setup. Plus, it has built-in support for Stripe and PayPal, so you can start accepting payments right away.

At WPBeginner, we have been using it to share free video courses with our readers and have had a great experience. To find out more, see our full MemberPress review.

The tool is super beginner-friendly, and you will just have to follow the on-screen instructions to add PayPal or Stripe as a payment option.

For details, see our tutorial on how to connect WordPress to PayPal Commerce.

How to Set Up Payment Processing for Online Forms 📋 📦 (Order Forms and Subscription Boxes)

If you need to set up order forms or sell subscription boxes, then WPForms is a great choice.

It lets you create custom payment forms for online restaurant orders, donations, subscription boxes, different services, and more.

WPForms also comes with built-in Stripe and PayPal integration through its addons, so you can start collecting payments in just a few clicks.

After you download the addon, you can just visit the WPForms » Settings » Payments page to connect the plugin with the processor.

Once you do that, you can use a premade template to build a form with payment options.

For step-by-step instructions, see our tutorial on how to accept Stripe payments in WordPress.

Related Post: How to Create an Online Order Form in WordPress

Frequently Asked Questions About WordPress Payment Processing

Here are some questions that are frequently asked by our readers about WordPress payment processing.

Can I accept payments internationally with WordPress?

Yes, many payment processors, including Stripe, PayPal, and Square, allow you to accept payments from customers worldwide. They support multiple currencies, making it easier to sell globally.

However, it’s important to check whether the processor you choose supports the countries you are targeting before you set up the account.

Is it safe to process payments on my WordPress site?

It is completely safe to process payments on a WordPress site as long as you use a reliable payment processor and secure your site properly.

Most payment processors use encryption, tokenization, and fraud protection tools to keep your customers’ payment information safe.

Additionally, you should ensure your WordPress site has an SSL certificate to encrypt data between your site and your users. For more tips, you can see our ultimate WordPress security guide.

Can I use more than one payment processor on my WordPress site?

Yes, you can use multiple payment processors on your WordPress site. This is helpful if you want to offer your customers various payment options.

For example, you could integrate both PayPal and Stripe, allowing customers to choose their preferred method at checkout.

Do I need a merchant account for WordPress payments?

A merchant account is a special type of bank account that allows you to accept payments. These accounts are usually provided by a bank or a financial institution, and they will be linked to your payment processor to handle transactions.

Some processors, like PayPal and Stripe, don’t require you to set up a separate merchant account. These services act as both the payment processor and the merchant account, handling all the back-end tasks like collecting funds and transferring them to your business account.

On the other hand, platforms like Authorize.Net require a separate merchant account.

Overall, if you are just starting out with WordPress and want a simple, straightforward solution, you can use services like PayPal or Stripe. However, if you want to scale your business, you may want to consider a processor that requires a merchant account.

Related Guides for Accepting Payments in WordPress

Looking for more information about accepting payments in WordPress? Check out these related guides:

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