In 2025, payment gateways are the backbone of app-based transactions. They help businesses take payments quickly and safely, keeping the process smooth for both sellers and buyers.
Leading providers like Razorpay and Paytm Payment Gateway make mobile payment integration reliable and straightforward.
In India, UPI leads the way, while worldwide, people are using more options like cards, wallets, and international payments. Users now expect speed, security, and choice in every transaction.
This guide will help business owners, app developers, and end users find the right payment gateway for their needs and audience.
Top 5 Leading Payment Gateway Providers For Apps (2025)
The top 5 payment gateways, like Razorpay, PayPal, and Paytm, offer easy and secure payment solutions for apps in 2025
These five providers offer unique advantages for different app categories and business requirements across various markets.
| Payment Gateway Provider | Key Features | Best Suited For | Official Website |
| Razorpay | Fast settlements, secure, developer-friendly APIs | Startups, enterprise apps | razorpay.com |
| Paytm Payment Gateway | Large UPI user base, wallet support, and reliable processing | Consumer apps, entertainment, and betting | paytm.com |
| Cashfree Payments | Instant payouts, 100+ payment modes, recurring billing | Subscription services, startups | cashfree.com |
| Stripe | API-first, supports UPI & global payments, high customization | SaaS platforms, international apps | stripe.com |
| PayPal | Widely trusted, cross-border transactions, strong fraud protection | International commerce, betting | paypal.com |
Detailed Breakdown of the Top 5 Payment Gateway Providers
Let’s explore each payment gateway provider in detail to help you make an informed decision for your app:
1. Razorpay
Razorpay is India’s top payment gateway for app developers, handling millions of transactions every day. It offers easy-to-use mobile SDKs that work smoothly with Android, iOS, and React Native.
Developers benefit from detailed guides and fast integration, making it simple to add payments to apps.
The platform supports popular payment methods like UPI, credit and debit cards, net banking from 58 banks, and eight major mobile wallets. Razorpay’s Flash Checkout feature saves customer card details across different businesses, making the checkout process much faster.
Pricing:
| Payment Type | Platform Fee | GST | Details |
| All Transactions | 2% | 18% applicable | Applies to all transactions |
| Credit/Debit Cards | Included in 2% | Included | Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Diners, Corporate |
| UPI | Included in 2% | Included | BHIM, Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm + 53 others |
| Cardless EMI | Included in 2% | Included | HDFC, Kotak, ICICI, Zest, BOB + 5 others |
| EMI (Credit & Debit Cards) | Included in 2% | Included | Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Diners Club |
| Netbanking | Included in 2% | Included | 67+ banks supported |
| Wallets | Included in 2% | Included | Mobikwik, Payzapp, Freecharge, PayPal +4 others |
| Pay Later | Included in 2% | Included | ICICI Pay Later, HDFC Flexi Pay, Lazy Pay |
| Credit Card on UPI | 2.15% platform fee | + GST | Applies to Rupay credit card payments |
Razorpay charges a platform fee of 2% plus 18% GST on most payment types, including credit and debit cards, UPI, wallets, net banking, and EMI options. This fee applies to a wide range of banks and payment methods.
However, Rupay credit card payments on UPI have a slightly higher platform fee of 2.15% plus GST. Overall, Razorpay offers a transparent and consistent fee structure for app-based payments.
Key Features of Razorpay:
- Razorpay provides a mobile SDK that supports all major platforms for easy integration.
- The platform offers real-time tracking of all payment transactions.
- Automated refund processing helps simplify handling returns and cancellations.
- Custom checkout branding allows businesses to personalize the payment experience.
- Advanced fraud detection safeguards transactions from suspicious activities.
Real User Reviews of Razorpay:
As per Neelam Jain, a user of Razorpay, stated on Trustpilot, the chat and call support is very helpful for her. She also mentioned that the interface is easy to understand.
2. Paytm Payment Gateway
Paytm Payment Gateway is part of India’s largest digital payment network, with over 300 million active users. It offers quick activation with minimal paperwork, making it easy to start accepting payments in your app.
The platform supports seamless integration with native Android and iOS apps through simple SDKs. Paytm processes payments using its vast UPI network and wallet system.
In recent years, mobile gaming has seen a sharp rise in real-money transactions, making payment gateway selection more critical than ever. Gaming apps like MPL use UPI options to ensure players can deposit and withdraw funds instantly without unnecessary delays. This seamless payment experience not only boosts user satisfaction but also increases retention rates for gaming platforms.
Pricing [Standard Plan for Startups, Small & Medium Businesses]
| Transaction Type | Platform Fee | GST | Details |
| All transactions (excluding Diners, Amex, and international) | 1.99% | 18% applicable | Standard fee for most payments |
| Diners, American Express, and selected payment instruments | 2.99% | 18% applicable | Higher fee for these specific cards and payments |
Paytm charges a 1.99% platform fee plus 18% GST on most transactions for startups and small businesses. This rate applies to regular payments, excluding some card types.
For payments made with Diners, American Express, and specific other methods, the fee is higher at 2.99% plus GST. This helps cover extra processing costs for these instruments.
Key Features of Paytm:
- There are zero setup and maintenance costs.
- Real-time bank settlement is provided.
- A dedicated key account manager is assigned.
- 24/7 priority support is available via the merchant helpdesk.
- Migration assistance is offered.
Real User Reviews of Paytm:
Priyanka S., a small business owner, gave a 4-star rating for Paytm on G2 website. She said that Paytm Business is user-friendly and popular. She praised the quick payments and fast support of the app.
3. Cashfree Payments
Cashfree Payments is known for instant settlements and supports over 100 payment methods.
It offers same-day account activation and APIs that work with multiple programming languages. The mobile SDK allows easy integration with Android and iOS apps.
The platform is great for handling recurring payments and subscriptions, which is ideal for SaaS businesses. Cashfree’s instant payout feature lets companies send money to users quickly, anytime, day or night.
Pricing:
| Payment Mode | Platform Fee |
| All Transactions | 1.95% |
| UPI on Credit Cards | Starting at 2.15% |
| EMI | Starting at 1.90% |
| Pay Later | 2.50% / 2.20% |
| Virtual Bank Accounts | Starting at ₹20 |
| International Cards | Starting at 2.95% |
The Cashfree platform charges a base fee of 1.95% for most payments, with higher rates for UPI credit cards, EMI, pay later, and international cards. Virtual bank accounts have a fixed starting fee.
This pricing covers a wide range of payment options, supporting easy integration and transactions in Indian Rupees and over 140 foreign currencies.
Key Features of Cashfree:
-
- Cashfree offers instant settlements and payouts.
- It supports over 180 payment options.
- The platform provides recurring billing automation.
- Multi-currency payments are supported.
- Advanced payment routing is available.
Real User Reviews of Cashfree:
According to Faizan Khan from India, Cashfree is the best payment provider. He said Cashfree is better than Razorpay and praised the great support from Neha on Trustpilot.
4. Stripe
Stripe focuses on developers with powerful APIs that support over 135 currencies and many global payment methods. Recently, it added UPI support for India while keeping strong international features.
The platform excels in global reach and advanced payment optimization. Stripe automatically manages currency conversion, tax calculations, and compliance across countries, making it easier for businesses to operate worldwide.
Pricing:
| Card Type | Platform Fee | Additional Charges |
| Domestic Mastercard & Visa | 2% | MDR of 0.4% capped at ₹200 on debit cards |
| International Mastercard & Visa | 3% | + 2% currency conversion fee if applicable |
| International American Express | 3.5% | + 2% currency conversion fee if applicable |
| International Cards (USD or others) | 4.3% | + 2% currency conversion fee if applicable |
Stripe charges 2% for domestic Mastercard and Visa cards, with a capped MDR fee on debit cards. International cards have higher fees, plus a 2% currency conversion charge when needed. This pricing supports various card types for global transactions.
Key Features of Stripe:
- Stripe supports global payment methods.
- It offers advanced fraud detection with Radar.
- Subscription management features are included.
- The checkout is optimized for mobile devices.
- A real-time analytics dashboard is provided.
Real User Reviews of Stripe:
Carl Bloomfield from Japan stated on Trustpilot that Stripe is a reliable payment system with a simple setup, smooth checkout, and strong security. He praises its fast payouts and ease of managing global sales and subscriptions.
5. PayPal
PayPal is one of the most trusted payment platforms worldwide, operating in over 200 countries. It supports mobile SDK integration for both iOS and Android apps, allowing payments via PayPal accounts, credit cards, and local methods.
PayPal is strong in handling cross-border transactions and offers excellent buyer protection. Its advanced fraud detection system makes it a reliable choice, especially for businesses in high-risk industries.
Pricing:
| Payment Type | Rate |
| Alternative Payment Method (APM) | APM Transaction Rates Apply |
| PayPal Checkout + Guest Checkout | 3.49% + fixed fee |
| QR Code Transactions | 2.29% + fixed fee |
| QR Code Transactions via Third-Party Integrator | 2.29% + $0.09 |
| Pay with Venmo | 3.49% + fixed fee |
| Send/Receive Money for Goods and Services | 2.99% |
| Standard Credit and Debit Card Payments | 2.99% + fixed fee |
| PayPal Pay Later Options | 4.99% + fixed fee |
| All Other Commercial Transactions | 3.49% + fixed fee |
PayPal charges different rates depending on the payment type, with standard credit and debit card payments at 2.99% plus a fixed fee. QR code transactions are slightly lower at 2.29% plus fees.
Other methods like PayPal Checkout and Pay Later have higher fees, around 3.49% to 4.99%. Some transactions, such as those via Venmo or third-party integrators, include additional fixed charges.
Key Features of PayPal:
- PayPal has a strong global brand recognition.
- It offers advanced fraud protection.
- Supports multiple currencies for payments.
- Provides buyer protection programs.
- Features a mobile-optimized checkout experience.
Real User Reviews of PayPal
According to Skindeep from Great Britain, PayPal processed his refund. He gave 5 stars and was surprised by the negative reviews. He chose to review his own good experience on Trustpilot.
Why Are Payment Gateways Essential for App-Based Businesses in 2025?
Payment gateways help build trust with app users by offering secure and familiar checkout experiences.
When users see well-known payment brands and security badges, they feel more confident making purchases. This instant trust makes it easier for apps to complete transactions smoothly.
Today’s apps need to support many payment options like UPI, cards, wallets, and bank transfers, all through one simple integration. Payment gateways make this possible, enhancing the user experience by allowing easy, multi-platform payments.
With stricter regulations in 2025, using professional payment gateways is essential for businesses, as they ensure security, handle compliance, and protect against fraud automatically.
How To Integrate A Payment Gateway Into Your App?
Integrating a payment gateway into your app ensures smooth, secure transactions for your users.
- Choose based on audience & needs: Pick a payment gateway that fits your target customers, supports the payment methods they prefer, and aligns with your business model.
- Create merchant account: Sign up with the gateway by submitting necessary business documents, bank details, and verifying your identity.
- Use SDK or API for integration: Download the gateway’s mobile SDKs or connect through REST APIs to add payment features directly into your app.
- Test payment flows: Use the sandbox or test environment to run through all payment scenarios, such as successful payments, failures, and refunds, to ensure everything works smoothly.
- Go live & monitor: Launch the payment system in your live app and keep track of transactions and user feedback to maintain a seamless payment experience.
Key Factors To Consider Before Choosing a Payment Gateway
The right payment gateway plays a vital role in ensuring smooth transactions and supporting business growth.
- Compare transaction fees, setup charges, and how quickly funds are settled in your account.
- Ensure the gateway supports a variety of payment methods, such as UPI, cards, and wallets, preferred by your users.
- Look for 24/7 customer support and dedicated account management services.
- Choose a platform that can scale to handle growing transaction volumes and expanding business needs.
Conclusion: Check Out The Top 5 Payment Gateway Providers For Apps In 2025
Razorpay, Paytm Payment Gateway, Cashfree Payments, Stripe, and PayPal are the top payment gateway providers for apps in 2025.
Each platform offers unique advantages for different business types and target markets. However, while selecting, consider your app’s specific requirements, user base, and growth plans when making your selection.
Start evaluating these payment gateways today and choose the one that aligns best with your business goals and technical requirements.
FAQs
What security standards should a payment gateway for apps meet in 2025?
Payment gateways must comply with PCI DSS Level 1 certification and implement end-to-end encryption for mobile transactions.
Do payment gateways for apps require separate licensing in India?
Most established payment gateways already have RBI licenses, but verify their compliance before integration into your app.
Can I use multiple payment gateways in a single mobile app?
Many apps integrate multiple gateways to offer backup options and optimize success rates across different payment methods.
How do payment gateway charges differ for domestic vs. international transactions?
International transactions typically cost 1-2% more due to currency conversion fees and cross-border processing charges.
Which payment gateways offer the best fraud detection tools for apps?
Stripe Radar and PayPal’s fraud protection systems are considered industry leaders for mobile app security and risk management.
