Stripe vs PayPal vs Checkout.com vs WorldPay: Complete PSP Comparison

Choosing the right Payment Service Provider (PSP) is crucial for your business success. With numerous options available, four names consistently rise to the top: Stripe, PayPal, Checkout.com, and WorldPay. Each offers unique advantages and caters to different business needs.

Overview

Stripe

Founded in 2010, Stripe has become the developer's choice for payment processing. Known for its robust APIs and extensive documentation, Stripe powers payments for millions of businesses worldwide.

PayPal

The veteran of online payments, PayPal has been facilitating digital transactions since 1998. With widespread consumer recognition and trust, PayPal remains a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.

Checkout.com

A relative newcomer founded in 2012, Checkout.com focuses on enterprise-grade payment orchestration and has quickly gained traction among high-volume merchants.

WorldPay

Established in 1971, WorldPay (now part of FIS) is one of the world's largest payment processors. With decades of experience in traditional and digital payments, WorldPay serves businesses from small retailers to global enterprises, offering comprehensive payment solutions across multiple channels.

Feature Comparison

Developer Experience

Feature	Stripe	PayPal	Checkout.com	WorldPay
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
API Documentation	Exceptional	Good	Good	Comprehensive
SDKs & Libraries	Extensive	Multiple options	Modern REST APIs	Wide range available
Webhooks	Developer-friendly	Available	Flexible system	Robust webhook support
Testing Environment	Comprehensive	Limited	Good	Enterprise-grade
Integration Complexity	Low	Medium (legacy complexity)	Low-Medium	Medium-High

Global Reach

Feature	Stripe	PayPal	Checkout.com	WorldPay
Countries	45+ countries	200+ markets	40+ countries	146 countries
Currencies	135+ currencies	100+ currencies	150+ currencies	120+ currencies
Regional Strength	North America, Europe	Global leader	Europe, Asia	Global presence
Brand Recognition	Strong developer brand	Strongest consumer brand	Enterprise focus	Established enterprise

Payment Methods & Global Reach

Feature	Stripe	PayPal	Checkout.com	WorldPay
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Card Processing	All major cards	All major cards	All major cards	All major cards
Digital Wallets	Apple Pay, Google Pay	Native wallet + others	All major wallets	Apple Pay, Google Pay
Alternative Payments	SEPA, Sofort, iDEAL	Extensive global options	150+ payment methods	300+ payment methods
Global Coverage	45+ countries	200+ countries	150+ countries	146 countries
Local Methods	Good coverage	Excellent	Strong local support	Comprehensive local options

Pricing Structure

Transaction Fees

Feature	Stripe	PayPal	Checkout.com	WorldPay
Online Rate (UK)	2.9% + 20p	2.9% + 30p	Custom pricing	2.75% + 20p
In-Person Rate	2.7% + 5p	2.9% + 30p	N/A	2.65% + 20p
Setup Fees	None	None	None	Varies
Monthly Fees	None	Some plans	None	Gateway fees apply
Pricing Model	Transparent	Standard rates	Interchange++	Tiered/Interchange++
Volume Discounts	Available	Tiered pricing	Enterprise focus	Negotiable

Additional Costs

Cost Type	Stripe	PayPal	Checkout.com	WorldPay
Fraud Protection	0.05% per screened	Included	Included	FraudSight included
Currency Conversion	1%	2.5-4%	Competitive FX	2.75%
International Cards	+1.4%	Included	Competitive	Standard rates
Chargeback Fees	£15	£14	Custom	£15-25
Cross-border Fees	Included	1.29-4.49%	Competitive	Standard rates

Fraud Protection

Security & Fraud Prevention

Feature	Stripe	PayPal	Checkout.com	WorldPay
Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Main System	Radar (ML-powered)	Seller Protection	Risk Engine	FraudSight
Technology	Machine learning	Risk assessment	Real-time ML scoring	AI-powered detection
Customization	Customizable rules	Standard protection	Customizable rules	Flexible rule engine
3D Secure	3D Secure 2.0	Available	3D Secure orchestration	3DS2 support
Real-time Scoring	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
PCI Compliance	Level 1 PCI DSS	Level 1 PCI DSS	Level 1 PCI DSS	Level 1 PCI DSS
Dispute Resolution	Included	Comprehensive	Available	Full support

Use Case Recommendations

Choose Stripe If:

• You're a developer-focused company
• You need extensive customization
• You're building a SaaS platform
• You want comprehensive documentation
• You prioritize modern APIs and developer tools

Choose PayPal If:

• You need maximum consumer trust
• You're targeting global markets
• You want quick, easy setup
• You're a small to medium business
• Brand recognition is crucial for conversions

Choose Checkout.com If:

• You're a high-volume merchant
• You need payment orchestration
• You want competitive enterprise pricing
• You require multi-acquirer setup
• You need advanced risk management

Choose WorldPay If:

• You're an enterprise with complex needs
• You require extensive payment method support
• You need global presence with local expertise
• You want established reliability and trust
• You need comprehensive fraud protection
• You're in a regulated industry requiring compliance

Migration Considerations

When switching between PSPs, consider:

1. Technical integration effort
2. Data migration requirements
3. Customer communication
4. Testing and validation
5. Compliance requirements

Conclusion

Each PSP has its strengths:

• Stripe excels in developer experience and flexibility
• PayPal offers unmatched brand recognition and global reach
• Checkout.com provides enterprise-grade payment orchestration
• WorldPay delivers comprehensive enterprise solutions with extensive payment method support

The best choice depends on your specific business needs, technical requirements, transaction volume, and growth plans. Consider factors like developer resources, target markets, compliance requirements, and long-term scalability when making your decision.

Need Help Choosing?

Our payment specialists can help you evaluate PSPs based on your specific requirements. We'll analyze your business model, transaction patterns, and technical needs to recommend the optimal solution.

Contact our experts for a personalized PSP assessment and migration planning.