Top Online Digital Payment Methods and Gateways

The Future of Digital Online Payment: Best Platforms and Payment Gateways for Your Business

With Australia moving closer to becoming a cashless society, there has been lesser emphasis on physical wallets and most people are adopting digital payment methods.

As a result, businesses must ensure they provide seamless online payment options to meet customer expectations. In fact, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia, in 2022/23, Australians made an average of around 730 electronic transactions per person, compared with 330 a decade earlier.

Since consumers increasingly seek faster and more convenient online payment services, selecting the right website payment processing platforms is critical for eCommerce businesses. However, with so many choices available, it can be overwhelming to determine which solution best suits your needs.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top methods for collecting payments online, highlighting their features, fees and ease of implementation. Our aim is to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your business needs.

Online Digital Payment Methods

Why Choosing the Right Digital Payment Gateway Matters

The payment gateway you choose can significantly impact your business’s bottom line. Here’s why it matters:

• Transaction fees: High transaction fees can erode profit margins, especially for small businesses. Understanding fee structures, including setup costs, per-transaction fees and currency conversion charges, is vital.
• Security: A secure payment system builds trust with customers. Look for gateways that comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), offer encryption and have fraud detection mechanisms.
• Ease of integration: Time is money. A payment gateway with a user-friendly Application Programming Interface (APIs), detailed documentation and plugins for popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce can save hours of development time.
• Customer trust: Recognisable payment methods like PayPal or Stripe can reassure customers and reduce cart abandonment rates. Offering multiple payment options also caters to diverse customer preferences.

By prioritising these factors, you can optimise the checkout experience, enhance customer trust and drive conversions.

Best Online Payment Services to Consider for your Business

Let’s dive into some of the top online payment services and analyse their unique strengths and best use cases.

1. PayPal: The Reliable Classic

PayPal remains a household name in digital payments. It has been operating for over 20 years and is used to process payments from credit cards, debit cards and bank transfers. With over 400 million active users worldwide, it’s a trusted choice for businesses and consumers alike. In fact, when compared to Q1 2024, where the platform had 427 million users, this amount has since increased by over 2 million users.

Key features:

• Multi-currency support across 200+ countries and regions.
• Buyer and seller protection programs.
• Easy integration with major eCommerce platforms.
• 97% of PayPal users worldwide are millennials with 19% of users aged between 35 to 44 years.
• No fees in Australia when no currency conversion is involved.

PayPal is best suited for small businesses, freelancers and marketplaces looking for a recognisable, reliable solution.

2. Stripe: Developer-friendly Solution

Whether you want to reach new prospective clients with options for alternative payment methods or increase the number of orders with options to buy now and pay in instalments, Stripe remains a favourite among developers for its extensive API capabilities and customisation options.

Key features:

• Stripe supports various payment methods, ranging from Apple Pay to Afterpay, Klarna, PayPal, Cash App Pay, link and more.
• Provides an optimised checkout experience with a pre-built payment form optimised for conversion. Businesses can embed Stripe’s checkout feature on their website or direct customers to a Stripe-hosted page to accept one-time payments or subscriptions.
• It provides customers with a convenient one-click payment using a link. The Checkout tool supports 30+ languages and 135+ currencies and provides seamless integration with custom-built websites. Businesses can customise the checkout site to suit their branding.
• It can be optimised for different devices, whether it’s mobile, tablet or desktop.
• Offers pay-as-you-go pricing with no set up costs or hidden fees. Fees are 1.7% + A$0.30 for domestic cards and 3.5% + A$0.30 for international cards.

Stripe is best for startups, SaaS businesses, and tech-savvy enterprises that require a flexible and scalable solution.

3. Square: Perfect for SMBs

Square is an excellent tool for accepting payments online and is recommended for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Businesses can integrate this payment solution into their eCommerce platforms and use their current website to accept debit and credit card payments from clients online with Square.

Key features:

• Square has prebuilt online payment services with top eCommerce companies / providers, from Magento to BigCommerce, WooCommerce and GoDaddy.
• Its secure online system protects valuable customer payment data with 24/7 processing protection.
• This system uses advanced machine learning to help prevent payment fraud and secure all businesses, big or small, without any added cost.
• Square manages any payment disputes on your behalf without charging you any additional fees.
• This tool unifies your sales and customer data all in one informative report based on real-time results.
• The free point-of-sale app allows you to sell in person and integrates seamlessly to optimise your online store.
• Provides fixed rates of 2.2% per transaction.

This digital payment method is ideal for SMBs with physical and digital storefronts seeking a seamless omnichannel solution.

4. Amazon Pay

Amazon Pay is designed to offer a seamless checkout experience by leveraging the trust and familiarity of Amazon’s ecosystem. Customers can use their existing Amazon accounts to make purchases, simplifying the payment process and boosting conversions.

Key features:

• Integrates with major eCommerce platforms, from Shopify to Commerce, Woo and BigCommerce.
• Enables businesses to access over 300 million worldwide active customer accounts.
• Provides robust fraud protection to ensure optimal safety and security when customers shop at your store.
• Can increase conversion rates by 35% compared to native merchant checkouts.
• 93% of consumers say they will use Amazon Pay again.

5. Apple Pay

Apple Pay has quickly become a go-to payment option for Apple device users. Its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and advanced security features makes it a top choice for businesses targeting tech-savvy and mobile-first consumers.

Key Features:

• Boasts over 500 million users worldwide, dominating the US digital wallet market with a share of over 90%.
• Supported in nearly 100 countries and regions, with a global reach made possible by varying partnerships with banks and financial institutions that allow easy integration with international bank accounts and credit cards.
• One-touch payment with Face ID or Touch ID authentication. Users can add their credit or debit card to their Apple wallet and make payments easier than ever before.
• Tokenisation for enhanced security (no card details are stored or shared).
• It is compatible with iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and Macs.
• Supports in-app, online and in-store payments.

Apple Pay is typically used by millennial and Gen Z customers, high-income customers, tech-savvy customers and urban dwellers.

6. Afterpay: Revolutionising Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)

Afterpay is a leading BNPL solution that allows customers to split their purchases into interest-free instalments. This makes it a popular choice for boosting conversion rates and average order values.

Key Features:

• Customers can pay in four equal instalments over six weeks.
• Interest-free for customers if payments are made on time.
• Merchants receive full payment upfront from Afterpay.
• Depending on the business agreement, merchant fees range from 4% to 6% per transaction.

Afterpay is an attractive website payment processing platform for Retail and eCommerce businesses looking to attract younger customers and increase average order sizes.

Tips for a Seamless Payment Gateway Integration

Implementing a payment gateway doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these steps for a smooth integration:

1. Choose the right platform

Ensure the payment gateway you select supports your eCommerce platform. Many gateways offer dedicated plugins for platforms like Magento, Shopify and WooCommerce.

2. Optimise the checkout process

To reduce cart abandonment rates, keep the checkout process simple and intuitive. Minimise the number of steps and provide clear instructions.

3. Test transactions

Thoroughly test the payment system before going live. Simulate various scenarios, including refunds and failed transactions, to identify potential issues. For more complex situations, consider seeking developer support to ensure a seamless integration.

4. Offer multiple payment options

Cater to diverse customer preferences by offering a mix of traditional and modern payment methods. This can include credit/debit cards, digital wallets and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services.

By following these tips, you can ensure a hassle-free payment experience for your customers.

Get Expert Advice from Online Marketing Gurus on Choosing Your Digital Payment Service

Choosing the right online payment gateway is pivotal for any eCommerce business. The ideal solution should balance affordability, security and user-friendliness while aligning with your target audience’s preferences.

By staying informed about emerging trends and following best practices for integration, you can create a seamless checkout experience that drives customer satisfaction and boosts your bottom line.

While choosing the right digital payment method for your organisation is essential, many businesses are turning to the expertise of digital marketing experts, like our Australian based SEO agency at Online Marketing Gurus, to increase visibility through eCommerce SEO and Search Engine Marketing / SEM, bring more visitors to your website, grow your sales and keep tabs on competitors.

The opportunities for optimising digital payments are greater than ever. Make the most of them by choosing a gateway that positions your business for success.

You may also want to review: The Ultimate Guide to eCommerce SEO | Guide To Shoppable Media — An Innovative eCommerce Solution | Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR) in eCommerce | Product SEO: How to Write Product Descriptions That Sell | Guide To Sustainable & Ethical Marketing

About the Author

Danny Andrawes

Danny Andrawes, Chief Executive Officer of OMG, plays a pivotal role in shaping the agency's strategic direction. With nearly 20 years of experience, he progressed from Content Specialist and Digital SEO Specialist to CEO, leveraging his impressive background in SEO/SEM delivery, client acquisition and retention, and change management to enhance OMG's service offerings. Danny’s leadership emphasises client partnerships and the integration of cutting-edge tools to optimise digital campaigns, positioning OMG as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.