Rainforest – Embedded Payments for Vertical SaaS Platforms

Rainforest is a modern payment gateway designed for vertical SaaS companies. It provides a platform that allows software providers to embed and make money from payment acceptance while handing off complex compliance, risk, and infrastructure challenges. With a focus on customization, transparency, and scalability, Rainforest offers a strong alternative to traditional payment providers and general platforms like Stripe Connect.

Tailored for Vertical SaaS

Rainforest isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It was designed specifically for software companies that want to turn payment processing into a revenue stream. The platform allows SaaS providers to embed card, ACH, Apple Pay, and in-person payment options directly into their user experience. They can maintain full control over pricing, branding, user interfaces, and contracts.

Instead of forcing platforms to become registered Payment Facilitators, Rainforest offers a Payfac-as-a-Service model. This lets SaaS companies operate like payment facilitators while managing the merchant experience and financial relationships. They can do this without taking on the burden of compliance and operational costs.

Key Features and Functionality

Component Studio and Embedded UI

Rainforest accelerates integration with its Component Studio, a library of white-labeled UI modules that allow platforms to deploy embedded payments quickly. These include:

• Merchant onboarding flows with built-in KYC collection and document verification

• Payment acceptance components for web, mobile, and in-person terminals

• Chargeback management workflows

• Reconciliation and reporting dashboards

These pre-built components are customizable and embeddable, allowing a consistent and branded user experience across the platform.

Comprehensive Payment Method Support

Rainforest supports a wide range of payment methods:

• Card payments: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover

• ACH transfers: Including verified bank accounts via Plaid

• Digital wallets: Apple Pay

• In-person payments: Through EMV-compliant card terminals

This flexibility ensures platforms can support their customers in various industries and contexts, from online-only platforms to those needing in-person point-of-sale capabilities.

Fast Payouts and Transparent Reporting

Rainforest provides next-day payouts and offers full control over the metadata included with deposits. Platforms benefit from:

• Consolidated daily deposits

• Detailed fee reporting at the transaction level

• Real-time status updates through webhooks

• Customizable financial dashboards for merchants

This enables both platforms and their merchants to reconcile funds efficiently and reduce support inquiries.

End-to-End Risk and Compliance Management

Rainforest assumes responsibility for the complete compliance stack, reducing friction and risk for SaaS providers. Key services include:

• KYC and KYB onboarding

• PCI DSS compliance

• 3D Secure for fraud prevention

• ACH return handling

• Chargeback dispute management

This managed compliance model means platforms can scale without needing to invest in in-house legal, risk, or compliance teams.

Developer-Friendly Environment

Rainforest is built with developers in mind. The platform provides:

• Robust APIs and SDKs (including JavaScript and Vue)

• A full-featured sandbox environment

• Real-time logs and testing tools

• Detailed documentation and responsive developer support

This accelerates time to market and ensures smooth implementation and iteration.

Ideal Use Cases

Rainforest is best suited for:

• Vertical SaaS platforms processing between 50 million and 2 billion USD in annual volume

• Platforms in industries such as healthcare, logistics, education, field services, retail, or donation management

• Companies seeking to monetize payments without becoming a registered PayFac

• Platforms replacing legacy processors or migrating from Stripe Connect for better margin control

Competitive Advantages

Rainforest distinguishes itself from other embedded payment providers in several ways:

• SaaS-first focus: Tailored architecture for vertical software platforms

• Brand control: Platforms retain full control over branding, contracts, and merchant communications

• Clear pricing: Transparent interchange-plus rates with no hidden costs

• No revenue share: All processing revenue is retained by the platform

• White-glove support: Dedicated assistance for onboarding, integration, and scaling

Compared to competitors like Stripe Connect or traditional merchant acquirers, Rainforest delivers more flexibility, better cost control, and a shorter path to payment revenue.

Conclusion

Rainforest provides vertical SaaS companies with the tools to embed payments easily. It combines the simplicity of an integrated solution with the control of a PayFac, without the operational or regulatory issues. Its platform-focused approach, clear pricing, and quick integration features make it a great option for companies looking to grow payment monetization.