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The Complete Payment Processing Companies List (2026)
Browse the industry’s most comprehensive database of payment providers. Whether you need high-risk merchant accounts, global payment gateways, or low-fee processors, use the filters above to find your perfect match.
Top Rated Payment Solutions by Business Type
Not all payment processors are built the same. While some specialize in low fees for startups, others offer the robust fraud protection needed for enterprise or high-risk industries. Use the guide below to find the category that matches your needs.
Best Payment Providers for Small Business (SMB)
If you are processing under $10,000/month, your top priority should be transparent pricing and no monthly fees. Look for providers offering “Flat Rate” pricing models to keep costs predictable.
- Key Features to Look For: No long-term contracts, instant onboarding, and mobile POS options.
- Recommended Filter: Select “Target Merchant Size: SMB” and “Fee Structure: Flat Rate” in our directory or payment processing companies.
View Top Rated SMB Payment Providers
High-Risk Merchant Accounts
Businesses in industries like iGaming, Crypto, Adult, or CBD often face account freezes with traditional providers. You need a specialized high-risk payment service provider that understands your specific regulatory environment and offers higher chargeback thresholds.
- Key Features to Look For: Specialized underwriting, chargeback management tools, and multi-currency support.
- Recommended Filter: Select “Risk Management: High-Risk Merchant” and “Industry Focus: High-Risk/Adult/CBD & Cannabis/Crypto/Dating/Forex/iGaming & Gambling”.
View High-Risk Payment Gateways in the USA
View High Risk Payment Gateways in LATAM
Enterprise & Global Payment Gateways
For businesses processing over $1M annually or selling internationally, “Interchange Plus” pricing is essential to reduce transaction costs. You need a global gateway that supports local payment methods (like Pix in Brazil, SEPA in Europe, UPI in India) to increase conversion rates at checkout.
- Key Features to Look For: Volume-based discounts, cross-border acquiring, and robust API orchestration.
- Recommended Filter: Select “Global Payments: Cross-Border Acquiring” and “Fee Structure: Interchange Plus”.
Best for SaaS & Platforms (PayFacs)
If you run a software platform or marketplace and want to monetize payments between your users, you need a Payment Facilitator (PayFac) or a white-label solution. This allows you to onboard sub-merchants instantly and take a slice of the transaction revenue.
- Key Features to Look For: Automated onboarding, split payments, and white-label UI options.
- Recommended Filter: Select “Category: Payment Facilitator”, “Industry Focus: “Marketplaces”, and “Checkout & Billing Flows: Marketplace (Split Payments)”.
How to Choose the Right Payment Provider
Choosing a payment processing company involves more than just accepting cards. It is crucial to protect your margins and make sure your checkout flow is effective. Before picking a provider from the the payment processing companies list, you need to make two important decisions: how you will pay (Fee Structure) and how you will connect (Developer & Integration).
Check the Fee Structure: Flat Rate vs. Interchange Plus
The “lowest rate” you see on a homepage is rarely the full story. Payment providers typically offer one of two pricing models. Your monthly volume should dictate which one you choose.
| Feature | Flat Rate Pricing | Interchange Plus Pricing |
| Best For | Startups & Low Volume (<$20k/mo) | Established Business & High Volume (>$20k/mo) |
| Transparency | Low (Fees are bundled) | High (You see exactly what the bank charges) |
| Predictability | High (Always the same %) | Medium (Varies by card type) |
| Example | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction | Interchange (e.g., 1.8%) + 0.20% markup |
Expert Advice:
- Go with Flat Rate if you are just launching. It is simpler to understand, and you will not get hit with unexpected monthly fees or statement costs.
- Switch to Interchange Plus once you cross roughly $20,000 in monthly processing. The savings are significant because you aren’t paying a premium markup on low-cost debit cards.
Verify Integration Support: Hosted Pages vs. API
How the payment form looks on your website affects your conversion rate and your security liability (PCI Compliance).
Option A: Hosted Payment Page (Redirect)
The customer is redirected from your site to the processor’s secure page to pay, then sent back to you.
- Pros: Easiest setup; the processor handles all PCI compliance security; trusted look (e.g., seeing the PayPal logo).
- Cons: Higher cart abandonment risk because users leave your URL; limited branding control.
- Verdict: Choose this if you do not have a dedicated developer team.
Option B: Web Services API
The customer stays on your website for the entire transaction. You send the payment data securely via API code.
- Pros: Seamless user experience (UX); full control over branding; higher conversion rates.
- Cons: You bear more responsibility for security (PCI SAQ A or A-EP); requires developer maintenance.
- Verdict: Choose this if you are a SaaS platform, a large brand, or if you need a fully white-labeled checkout experience.
You can find more information in our “Hosted Payment Pages vs. API Integration: Security and UX” article.
FAQ: Payment Processing Companies List
Which payment service provider is best for small businesses?
For small businesses (SMBs), the best providers offer no monthly fees, no long-term contracts, and instant onboarding.
What does “high-risk merchant” mean?
A “High-Risk” classification applies to businesses in industries with higher rates of chargebacks, fraud, or regulatory scrutiny (e.g., iGaming, Crypto, Adult, or CBD). Standard processors often reject these businesses. You must select a provider that specializes in high-risk merchant acquiring to ensure your funds are not frozen during routine risk checks.
How do I choose the best payment service provider?
To choose the best payment provider, evaluate your business volume and technical needs. For small businesses processing under $20k/month, look for ‘Flat Rate’ providers with no monthly fees. For enterprise or global businesses, choose ‘Interchange Plus’ pricing to lower transaction costs. Always verify if the provider supports your required integration method (Hosted Page vs. API).
What is the difference between Flat Rate and Interchange Plus pricing?
Flat Rate pricing charges a single fixed percentage (e.g., 2.9% + $0.30) for all transactions, making it predictable and ideal for startups. Interchange Plus pricing passes the direct cost from the credit card networks (Interchange) to you with a small fixed markup. Interchange Plus is generally transparent and cheaper for businesses processing over $20,000 per month.
Should I use a Hosted Payment Page or API Integration?
Use a Hosted Payment Page if you want the easiest setup and reduced PCI compliance scope, as the customer is redirected to a secure page to pay. Use an API Integration if you need a fully white-labeled checkout experience where the customer never leaves your website, though this requires more technical maintenance and strict security measures.
Can I switch payment processors easily?
Yes, but it requires planning. If you use a Hosted Payment Page, switching is as simple as changing your API keys. If you use a direct API Integration, you may need developer resources to update your checkout code.