The real question: where are your clients, and how do they pay?
Payment gateways don't really compete on features — they compete on reach. The right choice is the one that lets the highest share of your clients pay the way they already prefer, at the lowest cost. So start with your client base, not the brand name.
Stripe — the global default for cards and ACH
Stripe is the developer-favorite global processor: a clean checkout, card and ACH bank payments, and presentment in 135+ currencies. If your clients are spread across the US, Europe, and global markets and mostly pay by card, Stripe is the strongest all-round rail. Availability and onboarding requirements vary by country, so confirm eligibility for your business location before relying on it.
PayPal — universal recognition and buyer trust
PayPal's edge is familiarity. Clients across the world recognize it and many already have an account, which lowers friction on one-off and international invoices. Its exact capabilities differ by country (in some markets it's geared to cross-border rather than domestic payments), but as a widely trusted "pay now" option it's hard to beat for reach.
Regional gateways (e.g., Razorpay) — local reach, lower cost
In many markets, local payment rails — domestic cards, bank transfers, and wallets — dominate over international cards. A regional gateway can reach those payers more reliably and often more cheaply than routing everything through cross-border card payments. If a meaningful share of your clients are concentrated in one region, a regional gateway alongside a global one is the most cost-effective setup.
Quick decision matrix
| Your situation | Enable |
|---|---|
| Clients are global / US / EU, paying by card | Stripe (+ PayPal for trust) |
| Clients want a familiar, one-tap option | PayPal |
| Clients are concentrated in one region with strong local rails | a regional gateway (e.g., Razorpay) |
| Mixed client base | enable two — a global rail + the option your clients prefer |
How payment gateways work in ClientDeck
ClientDeck doesn't sit between you and your money. You connect your own gateway account with your own API keys, and payments go 100% directly to you — ClientDeck charges zero transaction fees. You still pay your processor's standard fees, but nothing extra from ClientDeck.
Which gateways you can enable depends on your plan:
- Free: no payment gateways.
- Plus ($9/mo): connect PayPal and Razorpay.
- Pro ($24/mo): adds Stripe for global card and ACH payments.
So if your clients mostly pay by card across global markets, Stripe on Pro is the upgrade that matters. If a familiar option or a regional gateway covers your client base, Plus may be all you need.
What about fees?
Processor fees change and vary by payment method and country, so always confirm current rates on each provider's pricing page before deciding. As a rough guide: domestic/local payment methods tend to cost less, while international cards plus currency conversion cost noticeably more once cross-border and FX charges stack up. The practical takeaway — collecting via the rail your client already uses is usually the cheapest path to getting paid.
Don't over-think it: enable two
For most freelancers and agencies, the right answer isn't one gateway — it's the right two for your client mix: a global rail (Stripe and/or PayPal) plus whatever option the bulk of your clients prefer. Offering the payment method a client already uses is the single biggest lever on getting paid quickly.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on where your clients are. Stripe is the strongest global rail for cards and ACH, PayPal offers the widest recognition, and a regional gateway can be cheaper and reach more payers in a specific market. Many freelancers enable two.
No. ClientDeck charges zero transaction fees. You connect your own gateway account and the money goes directly to you; you only pay your processor's standard fees.
Stripe is available on the Pro plan. PayPal and Razorpay are available on Plus.
Yes. Connect Stripe (on Pro) for global card and ACH payments, or use PayPal for card and wallet payments — clients pay directly from the invoice.
Connect your gateway and get paid directly.
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