The 6 best WooCommerce payment gateways in 2025

Your payment gateway is one of the most important choices you’ll make when running a WooCommerce store. From handling checkout to managing refunds and fraud prevention, it directly impacts customer experience and revenue.

We’ve reviewed the top WooCommerce payment gateways for 2025 with a focus on features that matter most to French eCommerce businesses. Whether you want fast payouts, low FX fees, or better control over spend, we’ve got you covered.

What is a WooCommerce payment gateway?

A WooCommerce payment gateway connects your online store to financial networks so you can accept payments securely. It manages:

• Payment method processing (cards, wallets, BNPL)

• Fraud checks and 3D Secure

• Payouts to your bank account

• Currency conversion and reporting

Read more: The 9 top online payment platforms in France

A quick look at the top 6 WooCommerce payment gateways

Airwallex

A hassle-free, all-in-one global finance platform offering multi-currency checkout, FX, and expense automation.

Stripe

A flexible, developer-first gateway supporting cards, wallets, and alternative EU payment methods.

PayPal

A fast-to-deploy, wallet-based gateway trusted by consumers worldwide.

Mollie

A European-focused solution with broad support for local payment methods and simple setup.

PayPlug

A French-built gateway designed for Carte Bancaire, POS integration, and local analytics.

Alma

A buy now, pay later provider offering instalment options to increase customer payment flexibility.

What to look for in a WooCommerce payment gateway

The right payment gateway can help you reduce cart abandonment, lower fees, and get paid faster. Here’s what to consider:

Transaction fees

Pricing models vary. Some gateways charge a flat fee per transaction, while others use a variable rate based on the customer’s location or payment method. If you sell internationally, check for foreign exchange (FX) markups. Some platforms also charge monthly subscription fees, while others only bill you based on usage.

Payment methods

Your customers expect choice at checkout. A good gateway will support all major cards (Visa, Mastercard, and Carte Bancaire in France), mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and popular local options like SEPA, Bancontact, and iDEAL. If you want to offer flexible options, look for support for Buy Now Pay Later services like Alma or Klarna.  

Security and compliance

Security is non-negotiable. Look for PCI-DSS compliance to ensure cardholder data is handled securely. 3D Secure 2 and fraud detection tools add extra layers of protection. For EU stores, support for Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) is essential to meet local regulations.

Ease of use

Your team shouldn’t need a developer to get started. Choose a gateway with a ready-to-use WooCommerce plugin, a simple dashboard for tracking sales and payouts, and API options for future customisation if needed.

Payout speed and currency support

Cash flow matters. Some providers offer instant or daily payouts, while others have longer settlement cycles. If you sell in multiple markets, look for multi-currency support and the ability to settle in your preferred currency to avoid unnecessary FX fees.

Top 6 WooCommerce payment gateways in France 2025

Here is an up-to-date comparison (as of June 2025) of the top online WooCommerce payment providers in France.

Airwallex  

The all-in-one payment gateway built for modern eCommerce.

Airwallex (us!) is more than a gateway. It’s your entire global finance stack in one dashboard. Accept payments in 130+ currencies and access real-time interbank FX with no hidden markup. Issue borderless Visa cards for your team, automate expense reconciliation, and streamline your checkout with a native WooCommerce plugin and powerful open API.

• Key features: Global accounts, real-time FX, corporate cards, multi-currency checkout

• Fees: 1.3–2.9% to accept card payments + FX 0.5–1%. 

• Coverage: 200+ countries, 130+ currencies

• Security: PCI-DSS, 3D Secure 2, advanced fraud monitoring

• Integration: WooCommerce plugin, flexible API, embedded checkout

Stripe

A developer-friendly tool with global support.

Stripe is a popular option for tech-savvy teams looking for customisation. It supports cards, wallets, and alternative payment methods like Klarna and SEPA. With its wide currency support and smart fraud tools, Stripe is a strong fit for growth-focused ecommerce sites with developer resources.

• Key features: Cards, wallets, SEPA, Klarna, flexible API

• Fees: 1.4% + €0.25 (EU), 2.9% + €0.25 (non-EU)

• Currencies: 135+

• Security: PCI-DSS, 3D Secure, Stripe Radar AI

• Integration: Native WooCommerce plugin, extensive API

PayPal

Trusted brand, fast to deploy, built for customer familiarity.

PayPal is widely recognised and simple to add to your store. With its wallet-based checkout and “Pay Later” options, it’s great for quick setup and customer trust, but fees are higher, and multi-currency support is limited.

• Key features: PayPal wallet, cards, Pay Later

• Fees: 2.9% + €0.30 per transaction

• Currencies: 25+

• Security: PCI compliance, buyer/seller protection

• Integration: Simple plugin and smart payment buttons

Mollie

A European favourite with strong local method support.

Mollie offers local payment methods like Bancontact, Klarna, and iDEAL, making it ideal for European checkout experiences. It’s simple to set up and requires no upfront costs, though FX capabilities are limited.

• Key features: Cards, SEPA, Klarna, iDEAL, Bancontact

• Fees: 1.2–2.8% depending on payment type

• Currencies: 8 payout currencies

• Security: PSD2, 3D Secure

• Integration: No-code WooCommerce plugin

PayPlug

Built in France for French merchants.

PayPlug is optimised for Carte Bancaire and French SMEs. It integrates with local POS systems and offers intuitive analytics, though it’s EUR-only and less suited to international stores.

• Key features: CB integration, POS terminals, smart analytics

• Fees: From 1.2%, higher for non-EU cards

• Currencies: EUR only

• Security: PCI-DSS, intelligent 3D Secure

• Integration: Easy plugin, French-language dashboard

Alma 

Flexible payments that drive conversions.

Alma lets customers split payments in 2, 3, 4 instalments. It’s popular with merchants looking to boost cart value and offer financial flexibility, especially in fashion and lifestyle ecommerce.

• Key features: Buy now, pay later options 

• Fees: Users report 3.6–4.8%  

• Currencies: EUR only

• Security: 3D Secure, built-in risk management

• Integration: Easy WooCommerce plugin, customisable interface

Side-by-side comparison of WooCommerce payment gateways

8 quick questions to ask your WooCommerce payment gateway provider

1. What currencies can I accept and hold?

Can I settle payments locally without forced conversion to EUR?

2. What are your fees, including FX rates and hidden costs?

Is FX based on interbank rates, or do you add a markup?

3. Do you support Carte Bancaire, SEPA, and mobile wallets?

Will French and EU customers see familiar, trusted options at checkout?

4. How quickly will I receive payouts?

Are payouts instant, daily, or delayed, and in which currencies?

5. Do you offer native WooCommerce plugins and developer APIs?

Can I integrate easily, or will I need custom development?

6. What security standards do you meet?

Are you PCI-DSS compliant? Do you support 3D Secure 2 and SCA?

7. Can I manage international payments and expenses in one place?

Is there a unified dashboard for payments, FX, cards, and reporting?

8. What kind of support do you provide for French businesses?

Is support local and available in French if needed?

Why choose Airwallex as your WooCommerce gateway?

Airwallex gives WooCommerce merchants something most gateways don’t: a complete financial infrastructure built for international growth. It’s how modern eCommerce teams run global operations, control spend, and scale faster.

Built for global commerce

Expand into new markets without friction. Airwallex supports over 130 currencies and offers local settlement in 180+ countries, so you can accept payments like a local and pay suppliers or partners without losing margin to bad FX rates or delays.

Lower FX costs, no hidden fees

Get real-time interbank FX rates, not padded markups. Whether you're converting payments or paying invoices abroad, Airwallex keeps your costs low and predictable. No opaque pricing or no bundled fees.

Unified dashboard for payments and spend

With Airwallex, payments and expenses live in one place. Issue borderless Visa cards for your team, manage budgets, and see real-time spend data across currencies and markets. No more juggling multiple tools.

Designed for speed and flexibility

Plug into WooCommerce in minutes, or build custom flows with a developer-first API and embedded checkout options. Whether you’re a solo operator or scaling across multiple storefronts, Airwallex adapts to your workflow.

Trusted by high-growth brands

Thousands of global businesses rely on Airwallex to power international transactions, from ecommerce startups to fast-scaling multinationals. It is FCA-regulated, PCI-DSS compliant, and designed for peace of mind.

Ready to get started?

Your needs, growth plans, and customer base should all come into play when choosing a WooCommerce payment gateway.

If you want a modern, all-in-one platform that handles payments, FX, and expenses at scale, Airwallex is a top choice for 2025.

WooCommerce payment gateways FAQs

What is the best WooCommerce payment gateway for stores in France?

It depends on your needs. Airwallex is ideal for international growth, while PayPlug or Mollie work for small domestic stores.

Can I accept multiple currencies on WooCommerce?

Yes. Gateways like Airwallex and Stripe support over 100 currencies and allow you to settle in local currencies to avoid costly conversions.

Which WooCommerce gateway offers the best FX rates?

Airwallex offers real-time interbank exchange rates with low markup, making it more cost-effective than providers with fixed or padded FX rates.

Which gateway is easiest to integrate with WooCommerce?

Most providers offer ready-to-use WooCommerce plugins. Airwallex, Stripe, Mollie, and PayPlug all have easy installation with no coding required.

Do I need to pay monthly fees for a WooCommerce gateway?

Some charge monthly fees, but others like Airwallex, Mollie, and PayPal operate on a pay-as-you-go model with no subscription costs.

Are WooCommerce gateways PCI and SCA compliant?

Yes. Leading providers like Airwallex, Stripe, and PayPlug are PCI-DSS compliant and support Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) with 3D Secure 2.

Disclaimer and references

The information in this article is based on our own online research in Q2 2025. Airwallex was not able to manually test each tool or provider. The information is provided for educational purposes only and a reader should consider the specific requirements of their business when evaluating providers. This research is reviewed annually. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [[email protected]]. This information doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs.