Payment options for your online store, explained
Payments are the part of ecommerce that feels intimidating and technical, so it often gets the least thought. That's a mistake — the options you offer, and how smoothly they work, directly affect how many shoppers complete their purchase. Here's a plain guide to how online payments work, what they cost, and what to offer.
How online payments actually work
When someone pays on your store, a payment gateway (like Stripe) securely handles the card details and processing, and the money lands in your account a little later. You don't touch or store the card details yourself — the gateway handles the sensitive, regulated part. Modern platforms make setting this up far simpler than it sounds.
The main options to know
- Card payments (via Stripe or similar) — the backbone; accept all major cards smoothly.
- PayPal — trusted by many shoppers who prefer not to enter card details.
- Apple Pay / Google Pay — fast, one-tap checkout, especially on mobile.
- Buy-now-pay-later (Klarna, Clearpay) — can lift conversion for bigger purchases, at a cost.
The fees
Most gateways charge a small percentage plus a few pence per transaction — commonly around 1.5%–3% depending on the provider and card. Some platforms add their own fee on top if you don't use their preferred processor. Fees are a normal cost of selling online; the thing to avoid is paying several overlapping ones without realising.
What to offer
For most stores, cards plus one or two of PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay cover the vast majority of shoppers. Match the options to your customers rather than offering everything — too many choices can clutter checkout, too few can lose sales. On mobile, the one-tap wallets (Apple/Google Pay) are especially worth having.
Keep it secure and smooth
Whatever you offer, checkout must be secure (HTTPS, a reputable gateway) and smooth. Every extra field or step loses a few more buyers, so keep it lean, offer guest checkout, and be upfront about total costs before the final click. Payment is where hard-won interest converts to revenue — it's worth getting right.
Common questions
What payment methods should my online store accept?
For most stores, card payments plus one or two of PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay cover the vast majority of shoppers. Match the options to your customers rather than adding everything. On mobile especially, one-tap wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay can noticeably improve checkout completion.
How much do payment gateways charge?
Typically a small percentage plus a few pence per transaction — often around 1.5% to 3%, depending on the provider and card type. Some platforms add an extra fee if you don't use their preferred processor, so it's worth checking you're not paying overlapping charges. The fees are a normal cost of selling online.
Is it safe to take card payments on my website?
Yes, when you use a reputable payment gateway like Stripe or PayPal, which handle the sensitive card data securely so you never store it yourself. Combined with HTTPS on your site, this keeps payments safe and compliant. You get the money; the gateway handles the regulated, risky part.
Do I need PayPal as well as card payments?
Not strictly, but offering it alongside cards can win sales from shoppers who trust PayPal or prefer not to enter card details on a site. The general rule is to offer the methods your customers expect — for many UK stores, that means cards plus PayPal and a mobile wallet or two.
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