Running a successful Amazon business means managing payments across borders efficiently. With the global payment gateways market reaching US$ 24.6 billion in 2023 ¹, choosing the right international payment provider has become critical for sellers looking to maximize profits and streamline operations.
The stakes are higher than ever for Amazon sellers. Recent tariff changes have created new challenges – the U.S. imposed escalating tariffs on Chinese imports throughout 2025, reaching a total of 125% by April ². These dramatic shifts make efficient payment processing and cost management essential for maintaining profitability.
Why Amazon sellers need specialized payment solutions
Traditional payment methods weren't built for the complexities of international e-commerce. Payment gateways serve as web-based applications that act as intermediaries between e-commerce platforms and banks to authenticate and authorize online transactions ¹. For Amazon sellers operating globally, the right provider can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving.
The global B2B payments market size reached US$ 1,108.6 billion in 2023 ³, highlighting the massive scale of cross-border commerce. Amazon sellers face unique challenges that require specialized solutions:
Currency conversion complexities
Selling across multiple Amazon marketplaces means dealing with various currencies. Without proper payment infrastructure, sellers lose money on every transaction through poor exchange rates and hidden fees. The growing adoption of mobile payment solutions that are secure and easy to use for reducing transaction costs and improving cash flow is positively influencing the market ³.
Speed of settlement
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any Amazon business. Waiting weeks for international transfers can cripple inventory planning and growth opportunities. Consumer inclination toward real-time payment solutions over traditional payment methods, such as wire transfers and automated clearing house (ACH) payments for immediate access to funds, is significantly supporting the market ³.
Compliance and security requirements
Businesses need to comply with regulatory requirements and protect their payment systems from fraud and cyber threats ³. Payment gateways prevent fraudulent activities through the card verification value (CVV) and address verification system (AVS) ¹.
Top international payment providers for Amazon sellers
Let's examine the leading solutions available to Amazon sellers in 2025, evaluating their strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.
1. Airwallex: Built for global commerce
Airwallex stands out with its comprehensive approach to international payments. The platform offers multi-currency accounts to receive funds, provides high-speed international transfers, and includes multi-currency company cards ⁴. This integrated approach eliminates the need for multiple financial providers.
What sets Airwallex apart is its focus on reducing complexity for businesses operating across borders. The company introduced payment acceptance in the U.S. ⁴, expanding options for sellers targeting American consumers. Major brands have already seen results – McLaren Racing modernized cross-border payments with Airwallex, while RYSE transformed complex cross-border finances into streamlined, cost-saving, and efficient global operations ⁴.
For Amazon sellers, Airwallex's global account structure means you can receive payments locally in multiple markets without maintaining separate bank accounts in each country. This dramatically simplifies accounting and reduces transfer costs.
2. Payoneer: Established marketplace specialist
Payoneer Inc. has 1,500 employees based in 21 global offices ¹, making it one of the most established players in the cross-border payments space. The company was established in 2005 and is headquartered in New York, United States ³.
Payoneer's strength lies in its deep integration with major marketplaces, including Amazon. Sellers can receive payments directly from Amazon into their Payoneer account and access funds through local bank transfers, prepaid cards, or transfers to other Payoneer users.
3. Wise (formerly TransferWise): Transparent pricing leader
Wise Payments Limited was established in 2010 and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom ³. The company built its reputation on transparent, mid-market exchange rates without hidden markups.
For Amazon sellers who prioritize cost transparency, Wise offers a straightforward fee structure. You see exactly what you're paying for currency conversion and transfers, making it easier to calculate true profit margins.
4. PayPal: Universal acceptance
PayPal Holdings Inc. is a global leader in digital payments, spanning over 200 markets and processing over $1 billion in payments a day ⁵. PayPal Holdings, Inc. provides payment solutions under the name PayPal, PayPal Credit, Venmo, Braintree, Xoom, and Paydiant ¹.
The company recently partnered with UnionPay International (UPI) to accelerate the growth of their networks, with PayPal committing to supporting UPI acceptance globally ¹. This expansion strengthens PayPal's position for sellers targeting Asian markets.
5. Stripe: Developer-friendly infrastructure
Stripe, Inc. was established in 2009 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, providing services to all major countries, including Australia, Germany, and Austria ¹. The company recently announced the acquisition of Touchtech Payments, a startup that works with banks to help them manage the verification process ¹.
Stripe offers a payment gateway, no-code payments, supports 100+ payment methods, and provides automation tools for billing, tax management, invoicing, and revenue reporting ⁶. For tech-savvy Amazon sellers building their own platforms or managing complex payment flows, Stripe's robust API makes it a powerful choice.
6. Skrill: Wide geographic reach
Skrill Limited allows businesses to send and receive money in nearly 200 countries and 40 currencies ¹. This extensive reach makes it particularly valuable for sellers targeting emerging markets where other providers might have limited coverage.
Key features to evaluate
When choosing an international payment provider for your Amazon business, consider these critical factors:
Exchange rates and fees
The payment gateways market is expected to reach US$ 42.4 billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6% during 2024-2032 ¹. As competition intensifies, providers are offering more competitive rates. Compare not just the advertised exchange rates but also:
Transfer fees (flat vs. percentage-based)
Currency conversion markups
Account maintenance costs
Withdrawal fees to local banks
Integration capabilities
Your payment provider should seamlessly connect with your existing tools. Leading companies in the B2B payments space are introducing compliance and security solutions that are reliable and efficient ³. Look for providers offering:
Direct Amazon marketplace integration
API access for custom workflows
Accounting software compatibility
Multi-user access with permission controls
Settlement speed
Time is money in e-commerce. The integration of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to manage operations, including finance, supply chain, and customer relationship management, is creating a positive market outlook ³. Evaluate:
How quickly funds become available after Amazon disburses payment
Weekend and holiday processing capabilities
Express transfer options for urgent needs
Security and compliance
Payment gateways enable secure transmission of information from the user to the issuing bank by encrypting sensitive information of consumers, such as bank account details, ATM, and credit card numbers ¹. Essential security features include:
PCI DSS compliance certification
Two-factor authentication
Fraud detection systems
Regulatory compliance in your operating markets
Navigating 2025's challenging landscape
The dramatic tariff escalations of 2025 have reshaped the Amazon selling landscape. China imposed a 15% tariff on U.S. coal and LNG, and 10% on crude oil, autos, and machinery in February, followed by additional tariffs reaching 84% on a broad range of U.S. goods by April ².
These changes make efficient payment processing more critical than ever. Amazon sellers are advised to avoid sudden price increases, lower their Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), review duty rates and HS codes, and recalculate profitability with updated COGS ². Your payment provider plays a crucial role in maintaining margins during these turbulent times.
Ready to grow globally?
Emerging payment technologies
The payment landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Several key players are leveraging blockchain technology to offer innovative payment solutions which are secure, transparent, and tamper-proof ³. Blockchain technology streamlines international money transfers by removing intermediaries and significantly reducing associated transaction costs ⁷.
Automated agreements (smart contracts) can handle complex financial transactions, including real-time currency conversions, with unprecedented efficiency and accuracy ⁷. These innovations promise to further reduce costs and increase speed for international sellers.
Major market players are leveraging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) for making transactions more convenient for consumers ⁵. As these technologies mature, expect to see:
Instant cross-border settlements
AI-powered fraud prevention
Automated currency optimization
Predictive cash flow management
Regional considerations
Different markets require different payment strategies. Understanding regional nuances helps optimize your payment setup:
Asia-Pacific markets
Alipay primarily conducts its business in China ¹, making local payment method support essential for sellers targeting Chinese consumers. Adyen N.V. has 21 offices in Hong Kong and Berlin and has obtained licenses for Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand ¹, providing strong regional coverage.
European Union
With complex VAT requirements and diverse payment preferences across member states, EU-focused sellers need providers with strong regulatory compliance. The global digital payment market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.62% during 2024-2032 ⁵, with Europe driving significant growth.
Latin America
PayU Global B.V provides services in around 18 countries, including Brazil, Poland, and Chile ¹. The region's unique payment landscape, including high usage of installment payments, requires specialized solutions.
Implementation best practices
Successfully implementing a new payment solution requires careful planning:
1. Gradual migration
Don't switch all your payment processing overnight. Start with one marketplace or product line to test the new system. Companies are expanding their reach and gaining access to new technologies and markets through partnerships, acquisitions, and tailored services ⁵.
2. Multi-provider strategy
Top payment gateways companies are engaging in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and partnerships to expand their consumer base ¹. Consider using multiple providers to:
Reduce dependency on a single service
Optimize for different markets
Negotiate better rates through competition
Ensure business continuity
3. Regular optimization
Payment costs can significantly impact profitability. Review your payment setup quarterly to identify optimization opportunities. Track metrics like:
Average transaction costs by market
Settlement time variations
Currency conversion losses
Failed transaction rates
4. Documentation and compliance
Maintain detailed records of all international transactions. Companies are prioritizing security and investing in robust security systems to protect sensitive consumer data ⁵. Ensure your payment provider offers:
Comprehensive transaction histories
Tax-compliant reporting
Audit trails for compliance
Data export capabilities
Cost optimization strategies
Reducing payment processing costs directly improves your bottom line. Here's how to minimize fees:
Batch processing
Instead of processing transfers individually, batch multiple transactions together. Many providers offer reduced fees for bulk transfers.
Local receiving accounts
Use payment providers that offer local receiving accounts in your selling markets. This allows you to receive payments domestically, avoiding international transfer fees. Airwallex's multi-currency accounts enable sellers to receive funds locally ⁴.
Strategic timing
Exchange rates fluctuate constantly. Monitor rate trends and time large transfers when rates are favorable. Some providers offer rate alerts and forward contracts to lock in favorable rates.
Fee negotiation
As your volume grows, negotiate better rates with your provider. The B2B payments market is expected to reach US$ 2,117.0 billion by 2032 ³, creating competitive pressure that benefits high-volume sellers.
Future-proofing your payment infrastructure
The payment landscape will continue evolving rapidly. Decentralized blockchain networks operate continuously, transcending traditional banking hours and geographical limitations ⁷. To stay ahead:
Embrace automation
Key players are focusing on a customer-centric business approach by continually enhancing user experience on their platforms ⁵. Automate repetitive payment tasks like:
Currency conversion monitoring
Payment reconciliation
Fee tracking and reporting
Multi-marketplace fund consolidation
Build flexibility
Avoid long-term contracts that lock you into specific providers or fee structures. The ability to adapt quickly to market changes is crucial for maintaining competitiveness.
Monitor innovation
Stay informed about emerging payment technologies and providers. The 2025 PayTech Awards finalists included companies like Okoora, ROH, and Tasalli Limited in the Start-up of the Year category ⁸, indicating continued innovation in the space.
Making the right choice
Selecting the optimal international payment provider depends on your specific business needs:
High-volume sellers benefit from providers offering volume discounts and dedicated account management
Multi-marketplace operators need providers with broad geographic coverage and multiple currency support
Growth-focused businesses should prioritize scalability and integration capabilities
Cost-conscious sellers must focus on transparent pricing and competitive exchange rates
The right provider becomes a strategic partner in your Amazon business growth. Consider starting with Airwallex if you need comprehensive global financial services, Payoneer for marketplace-specific features, or Wise for transparent pricing.
Conclusion
Navigating international payments as an Amazon seller requires careful consideration of multiple factors. The global payment landscape continues to evolve, with the payment gateways market showing strong growth potential ¹.
Success in 2025's challenging environment demands efficient payment processing. With escalating tariffs and increasing competition, every percentage point saved on payment processing directly impacts profitability. Choose providers that offer transparency, reliability, and the flexibility to adapt as your business grows.
Remember that payment processing is not just a cost center – it's a strategic component of your international expansion. The right provider enables faster growth, better cash flow management, and improved operational efficiency. As you evaluate options, consider both immediate needs and long-term scalability to build a payment infrastructure that supports your Amazon business ambitions.
Take time to thoroughly evaluate each provider against your specific requirements. Request demos, test small transactions, and calculate the total cost of ownership including all fees. Your payment provider choice will significantly impact your Amazon business success in the global marketplace.
FAQ
What are the key features to look for in international payment providers for Amazon sellers?
Amazon sellers should prioritize payment providers offering multi-currency support, competitive exchange rates, fast settlement times, and robust security features. Look for providers with global reach, integration capabilities with Amazon's systems, and transparent fee structures to maximize profitability across international markets.
How much can Amazon sellers save by choosing the right international payment provider?
The right payment provider can save Amazon sellers 2-4% on transaction costs compared to traditional banking solutions. With the global payment gateways market reaching $24.6 billion in 2023, competitive pricing and optimized exchange rates can significantly impact profit margins, especially for high-volume sellers operating across multiple countries.
Why are Chinese sellers dominating Amazon's marketplace and how does this affect payment strategies?
Research shows Chinese sellers now represent more than half of Amazon's top sellers in 2024, highlighting the importance of efficient cross-border payment solutions. This dominance emphasizes the need for payment providers that can handle high-volume international transactions with competitive rates and reliable currency conversion capabilities.
How can ecommerce businesses navigate current trade realities when expanding internationally?
According to Airwallex insights, ecommerce businesses must adapt to evolving trade dynamics by choosing payment solutions that offer flexibility and compliance across different markets. Successful expansion requires payment providers that understand local regulations, offer competitive exchange rates, and provide seamless integration with existing business operations to minimize operational complexity.
What security measures should Amazon sellers expect from international payment providers?
Payment gateways serve as intermediaries between e-commerce platforms and banks, encrypting sensitive consumer information like bank account details and credit card numbers. Amazon sellers should ensure their chosen provider offers end-to-end encryption, PCI DSS compliance, fraud detection systems, and secure data transmission protocols to protect both business and customer information.
How do settlement times vary between different international payment providers for Amazon sellers?
Settlement times can range from same-day to several business days depending on the provider and destination country. Leading providers typically offer 1-2 business day settlements for major currencies, while emerging market currencies may take 3-5 days. Faster settlement times improve cash flow management, which is crucial for inventory planning and business growth.
Citations
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Airwallex Editorial Team
Airwallex’s Editorial Team is a global collective of business finance and fintech writers based in Australia, Asia, North America, and Europe. With deep expertise spanning finance, technology, payments, startups, and SMEs, the team collaborates closely with experts, including the Airwallex Product team and industry leaders to produce this content.
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- Why Amazon sellers need specialized payment solutions
- Top international payment providers for Amazon sellers
- Key features to evaluate
- Navigating 2025's challenging landscape
- Emerging payment technologies
- Regional considerations
- Implementation best practices
- Cost optimization strategies
- Future-proofing your payment infrastructure
- Making the right choice
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- Citations
