WordPress Payment Processing: Setup & Plugins for Beginners

Accepting payments online should be a straightforward process. However, many WordPress store owners, particularly beginners, find it perplexing. The abundance of payment tools, technical jargon, and intricate setup procedures contribute to this confusion.

We understand the desire to accept payments without unnecessary complications.

For several years, we’ve utilized widely-used payment processors such as Stripe and PayPal within our own eCommerce businesses. Through this experience, we’ve gained insights into establishing secure payment systems.

This guide is tailored for beginners and will provide all the essential information to enable you to effortlessly accept payments on your WordPress website.

You’ll learn about the functionality of payment processors, the optimal plugins for your needs, and how to select the most suitable payment gateway for your business. Additionally, we’ll provide guidance on selling various types of products online.

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

Let’s begin by defining payment processors.

Defining Payment Processors and Their Function

A payment processor is a service facilitating online transactions between your customers and your bank. It acts as an intermediary, ensuring secure transfer of funds from a buyer’s payment method (e.g., credit card or digital wallet) to your business account.

WordPress lacks built-in payment processing. Therefore, you’ll need a payment processor like Stripe, PayPal, or Square to manage the technical aspects of accepting payments.

These services integrate with WordPress via plugins, streamlining payment collection without requiring coding knowledge or complex system setups.

When a customer purchases on your site, their payment information is securely sent to the payment processor, which then verifies sufficient funds with the customer’s bank or card provider.

Upon approval, the payment processor transfers funds to your account while also safeguarding both parties through data encryption and fraud prevention measures.

In summary, payment processors manage and secure all aspects of online transactions.

By selecting the appropriate payment processor for your WordPress site, you facilitate secure payment acceptance, protecting both your business and customer data.

Understanding Payment Processors vs. Payment Gateways

A payment processor facilitates the transfer of funds from your customer’s bank to your business account, managing verification, transaction approval, and secure fund delivery.

Conversely, a payment gateway securely gathers and transmits payment information from your website to the payment processor, acting as a secure conduit between your online store and the processor.

Certain platforms, such as Stripe and PayPal, combine gateway and processor functionalities, simplifying the initial configuration.

Essentially, the payment gateway manages the initial stage of gathering payment details, while the payment processor handles the subsequent financial transactions.

Exploring eCommerce Payment Options within WordPress

WordPress offers a range of excellent eCommerce payment options to consider.

We suggest using PayPal and Stripe due to their widespread reliability and straightforward integration with common eCommerce plugins like WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads, and WPForms.

These options are ideal for those new to online payments due to their simple setup and robust security. They also support diverse 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:Transaction costs from payment processors can accumulate quickly, especially with varying fee structures. Most processors charge a percentage plus a fixed fee per transaction, while others have monthly charges. To avoid overspending, compare the fee structures of different processors.
• Regarding processing time, be aware of how long it takes for funds to become available.Payment processors vary in how quickly they transfer funds to your account. Some offer immediate payouts for an additional charge, while others may take several days. While faster payouts can be appealing, be aware of potential hidden fees.
• When handling international payments, verify that your chosen payment processor supports various currencies and regions.If you intend to sell internationally, ensure your payment processor supports multiple currencies and international payments. Some services levy extra charges for foreign transactions, so conduct thorough research before selecting a processor.
• When setting up payment options, consider which methods your customers prefer, like credit cards, digital wallets, and other alternatives.Limiting your payment options to only credit cards may result in lost sales. Your payment processor should support a variety of payment methods, including digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and even buy now, pay later (BNPL) services.
• For device compatibility, ensure the payment system works seamlessly on desktops, tablets, and mobile phones for all customers.Given that many customers use mobile devices for shopping, ensure your checkout is mobile-friendly. The payment system should function smoothly on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
• For transaction security, prioritize using payment gateways that offer robust fraud detection and data encryption features.Security is paramount. Select a payment processor that utilizes encryption, fraud detection, and PCI DSS compliance to safeguard customer information.
• When it comes to customer support, see what kind of assistance and resources are offered by the payment gateway.Customer support is crucial when payment problems arise. Choose a processor with 24/7 support via live chat, phone, or email.

The right payment processor can elevate customer experiences and increase conversion rates. We’ve seen this firsthand through extensive testing.

Best Payment Processors for WordPress Sites🏆

Now that you’re aware of key aspects of WordPress payment processors, let’s examine some top choices for WordPress sites.

Here’s a brief overview of our expert recommendations:

1. Stripe

Stripe is arguably the premier payment processor for WordPress, offering security, reliability, and ease of management. It is a strong choice for e-commerce platforms.

Stripe’s easy integration with WordPress is a key advantage. Using plugins such as WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads (EDD), and WPForms, you can quickly incorporate Stripe into your checkout flow.

The system provides a responsive design, ensuring seamless operation across desktops and mobile devices.

Stripe’s transaction fees are competitive, around 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction for U.S. cards. The absence of monthly fees or hidden costs makes it an accessible option.

The platform facilitates international payments, ideal for businesses with global sales aspirations.

Stripe’s ability to process diverse payment methods is a considerable benefit. It supports credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, ACH payments, and Buy Now, Pay Later options.

Offering numerous options for online shoppers simplifies and accelerates the checkout experience.

Stripe’s built-in fraud prevention and robust encryption guarantee secure transactions.

Furthermore, Stripe adheres to PCI DSS standards, a security benchmark designed to protect sensitive information and prevent fraudulent activity.

Advantages of using Stripe

• Stripe provides a very user-friendly dashboard.
• Its detailed reporting features are excellent. You can examine comprehensive analytics regarding your sales, monitor customer payment patterns, and keep track of transfers to your bank.
• The Starter plan provides 25 complimentary invoices monthly; after that, each paid invoice incurs a 0.4% charge.
• It operates in over 46 countries and handles payments in over 135 currencies.
• Stripe’s security measures are notable, replacing sensitive card data with secure tokens for enhanced customer data protection.

Disadvantages of Stripe

• Stripe’s availability is more limited geographically than PayPal.

☝ Note: The following popular payment plugins include Stripe as a supported payment gateway:

• WooCommerce: Offers built-in Stripe integration for processing credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, perfect for traditional e-commerce sites. Consult our complete WooCommerce review for further details.
• Easy Digital Downloads: Like us, you can sell digital products using this. Our brands leverage the built-in Stripe integration for payment acceptance, and we’ve thoroughly tested it. Check out our complete Easy Digital Downloads review.
• WP Simple Pay: A streamlined Stripe payment plugin that facilitates the creation of payment forms for various products and services. Refer to our WP Simple Pay review for a detailed analysis.
• MemberPress:MemberPress supports Stripe to automate membership fees and course purchases. At CanadaCreate, we utilize it even for delivering complimentary courses. For a deeper understanding, read our comprehensive MemberPress review.

Here’s why Stripe is recommended:In summary, Stripe stands out as a top-tier WordPress payment solution due to its smooth WordPress integration, straightforward payment handling, and robust features.

2. PayPal

PayPal is an ideal choice if you need a payment gateway with worldwide reach. We rely on PayPal ourselves and appreciate its ease of use and dependability.

Since many users have existing PayPal accounts, they can complete payments rapidly, avoiding the need to search for their wallets and enter card details. This ease of use can result in fewer abandoned purchases and faster transactions.

You can streamline the payment process further by adding a simple ‘Pay with PayPal’ option.

PayPal also provides various fraud prevention tools, securing both you and your clientele.

It employs sophisticated encryption methods, such as SSL, to safeguard sensitive customer information and provides around-the-clock monitoring to block unauthorized transactions.

We also appreciate its two-factor authentication (2FA) feature, which adds an additional layer of protection to your account.

Furthermore, its simple integration with WordPress allows you to easily receive payments.

In general, PayPal is a reliable payment solution appropriate for various WordPress websites, from compact blogs to sizable e-commerce platforms.

Advantages of PayPal

• PayPal’s user interface is very intuitive for beginners.
• PayPal’s buyer protection can help resolve transaction disputes.
• Multiple payment methods are supported, such as credit cards, debit cards, PayPal balances, and bank transfers.
• PayPal’s mobile app simplifies the management and monitoring of transactions.
• You can view comprehensive reports detailing sales and payment actions.

PayPal’s Disadvantages

• Compared to Stripe, PayPal’s transaction and conversion costs are often more expensive.

☝ NoteThese popular payment plugins offer direct PayPal integration:

• WooCommerce:WooCommerce has integrated PayPal support for e-commerce sites.
• Easy Digital Downloads: This plugin is ideal for selling digital goods using PayPal.
• WPForms:WPForms allows PayPal payments via order and donation forms. We utilize it for contact forms and yearly surveys. See our WPForms review for details.
• MemberPress:PayPal is supported for recurring subscriptions and online courses via MemberPress.

Why PayPal is recommended:PayPal is a reliable and globally accessible payment platform that we recommend.

3. Square

Square is suitable for WooCommerce stores needing both online and in-person payment processing. It provides a Point of Sale (POS) for physical transactions.

Our tests show easy WordPress and WooCommerce integration. Manage online and physical sales in one system.

Square offers considerable flexibility in payment methods, taking major credit and debit cards along with mobile options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Square also supports EMV chip cards and contactless payments, increasingly common in brick-and-mortar locations, giving customers diverse payment choices online or off.

Square provides robust business management tools. Its dashboard offers inventory management, reporting, and sales analytics, letting you monitor sales across all channels.

Square stands out as a strong payment processor for WooCommerce, particularly for businesses operating both online and offline.

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 MyPayKit, WPForms, Charitable, and MemberPress.
• Its month-to-month service is advantageous because it does not require long-term contracts.

Cons of Square

• For international sales, Square mandates distinct accounts for each country and currency, which can complicate the process.
• Square’s chargeback protection extends only to $250 monthly. Businesses with more chargebacks might find this insufficient.

☝ Note: The primary payment plugins offering Square integration include:

• WooCommerce:Integrating WooCommerce with Square simplifies online payment acceptance.
• MyPayKit:This plugin simplifies Square payment form creation, ideal for small businesses, offering both free and paid options.
• WPForms:A premium add-on enables Square payment acceptance via WordPress forms.
• WP Charitable:This is a top donation and fundraising plugin, facilitating donations through Square and other processors; see our WP Charitable review for more information.

Why we recommend Square:Square provides a centralized transaction management solution for businesses with both physical and online WordPress stores.

4. Authorize.net

Authorize.net is a strong choice for growing businesses, known for its reliability and long-standing support for businesses of all sizes.

Authorize.Net’s flexibility is a major benefit, supporting payments for digital and physical goods, memberships, recurring subscriptions, and courses within a single platform.

For monthly memberships, this processor automates payments, ensuring timely and consistent billing for your customers.

Authorize.Net accepts various payment methods, including credit cards and eChecks, providing customers with ample choices.

Robust security features are in place to safeguard sensitive payment information.

Pros of Authorize.net

• It has great fraud detection tools, including AVS (Address Verification System) and the option to enable CAPTCHA.
• Authorize.Net integrates easily with popular WordPress plugins like WooCommerce, WPForms, Easy Digital Downloads, and MemberPress.
• 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.

You can think of Braintree as PayPal’s more advanced platform for businesses that want to build a custom checkout experience that accepts PayPal, Venmo, and credit cards all in one place.

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.
• Easy Digital Downloads: You can use the Braintree extension to accept payments for digital products.
• MemberPress: Integrates with Braintree to handle recurring payments for memberships and courses.

Why we recommend Braintree: If you want to offer your customers a wide variety of payment options like PayPal, Venmo, and credit cards through a single, powerful integration, then Braintree is an excellent choice.

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 CanadaCreate, 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.

These processors also handle complex security rules called PCI DSS compliance. This is a huge benefit because it means your website doesn’t have to directly handle or store sensitive credit card information, which keeps both you and your customers much safer.

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:

• How to Allow Users to Choose a Payment Method on WordPress Forms
• How to Add Stripe QR Code Payment in WordPress
• PayPal Alternatives for Freelancers to Collect Payments in WordPress
• How to Integrate Square Payments in WordPress (Step by Step)
• How to Accept Giropay Payments in WordPress (The Easy Way)
• How to Accept Deposit Payments in WordPress
• Best Credit Card Processing Plugins for WordPress (Compared)
• How to Accept iDEAL Payments in WordPress

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