The choice of a payment processing platform is one of the most crucial decisions a business can make. It can significantly influence the customer experience, operational efficiency, and overall profitability. In this article, we compare two popular payment platforms, Worldpay vs Stripe, to help you make an informed decision.
Worldpay vs Stripe
| Feature / Fee | Worldpay | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fee | £0 | £0 |
| Monthly Fee | Variable, based on package | £0 |
| Transaction Fee (Online) | 2.75% + 20p for Pay as you go, or 2.95% + 20p for standard packages | 1.4% + 20p for European cards, 2.9% + 20p for non-European cards |
| Transaction Fee (In-person) | 1.75% for Pay as you go, or 2.75% for standard packages | 1.7% + 20p |
| Refund Fee | £0.75 per transaction | Free |
| Chargeback Fee | £15 | £15 |
| Currency Conversion Fee | 2.75% | Depends on the exchange rate |
| Supported Payment Methods | All major credit and debit cards, mobile payments, digital wallets | All major credit and debit cards, mobile payments, digital wallets, local payment options |
| Supported Currencies | Over 120 | Over 135 |
| Customer Support | Phone, email, online help centre (not 24/7) | 24/7 support via email, chat, phone |
| Security | PCI-DSS compliance, data encryption, fraud protection | PCI-DSS compliance, data encryption, advanced fraud protection with machine learning |
| Integration | API, pre-built plugins for eCommerce platforms | Robust APIs, detailed developer documentation |
| Custom Pricing Option | Available for large businesses | Available for large businesses |
Please note that the exact prices and features may vary based on specific business needs, contract details, and potential changes in the payment processors’ pricing policies. Always confirm current rates and details directly with the providers.
Understanding payment processing
Before we delve into the comparison, let’s familiarise ourselves with the concept of payment processing.
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At its core, payment processing is a system that allows businesses to accept payments made by debit or credit cards. It involves multiple steps including authorisation (checking if the customer has enough funds), authentication (verifying if the card isn’t fraudulent), and finally, clearing and settlement (transferring funds from the customer’s bank to the merchant’s account).
In the digital era, the significance of efficient, secure and user-friendly payment processing solutions cannot be overstated. This is where Worldpay and Stripe come into the picture.
Introducing Worldpay and Stripe
Worldpay
Worldpay is one of the most well-known payment processing solutions in the UK and across the globe. Founded in 1989, it offers a comprehensive suite of services such as card processing machines, mobile payments, online payments, and point of sale (POS) solutions.
Stripe
On the other hand, Stripe, a comparatively younger platform founded in 2010, has rapidly gained popularity for its advanced technology, developer-friendly features, and flexibility. It provides a range of services including online and in-person payments, subscription billing, and international payments.
Comprehensive service comparison – Worldpay vs Stripe
Pricing and fees
One of the main factors businesses consider when choosing a payment processor is cost. Both Worldpay and Stripe have competitive pricing structures, but there are key differences.
Worldpay provides a pay-as-you-go pricing model, charging a standard fee per transaction. For small to medium businesses, Worldpay charges a monthly minimum fee, along with an authorisation fee, refund fee, and chargeback fee.
Stripe follows a similar transaction-based fee structure, with no setup, monthly, or hidden fees. However, for businesses with substantial volumes, Stripe provides a custom pricing option which could potentially be more cost-effective.
Integration and ease of use
Integration and ease of use are also crucial in deciding between payment processors. Stripe is renowned for its developer-centric approach. It provides robust APIs, and its detailed documentation helps developers integrate Stripe services into a business’s website or app with relative ease.
Worldpay also provides APIs for integration but is generally considered to be less developer-friendly than Stripe. However, Worldpay offers a range of pre-built plugins for popular eCommerce platforms, making it an accessible option for businesses without substantial development resources.
Payment types and currencies
Both Stripe and Worldpay support a broad array of payment methods including all major credit cards and debit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and local payment options. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses aiming to reach a global customer base.
As for currencies, Stripe supports over 135 currencies, whereas Worldpay accepts payments in 120 currencies. This slight edge might make Stripe a more attractive option for businesses with truly global aspirations.
Security
In the realm of payment processing, security is paramount. Both Stripe and Worldpay adhere to stringent security standards, offering PCI-DSS compliance, data encryption, and fraud protection.
Stripe uses machine learning algorithms for fraud detection and provides tools for businesses to customise their fraud protection settings. Worldpay also provides robust fraud protection features, though its systems may be considered somewhat less advanced compared to Stripe’s AI-driven tools.
Customer support
In terms of customer support, Worldpay provides phone and email support, and a comprehensive online help centre. However, it lacks 24/7 support, which may not be ideal for businesses operating outside typical working hours.
Stripe, on the other hand, provides 24/7 support via email, chat and phone. It also boasts extensive online resources, making it a more reliable choice for round-the-clock assistance.
Choosing the right solution – Worldpay vs Stripe
The choice between Worldpay and Stripe largely depends on your business’s specific needs and resources.
If your business requires a robust, traditional payment processing solution with pre-built plugins for ease of integration, Worldpay is a sensible choice.
However, if you’re looking for a highly customisable, developer-friendly platform with advanced features and round-the-clock support, Stripe would likely serve you better.
In the rapidly evolving digital marketplace, the right payment processing solution can make all the difference.
Worldpay and Stripe, with their own unique sets of advantages, provide compelling options for businesses looking to optimise their payment processing systems.
Ultimately, the decision should be based on a careful evaluation of your business’s unique requirements, resources, and future plans.
FAQ
The key differences lie in their pricing structures, ease of integration, currency support, and customer service. Worldpay has a strong presence in physical point-of-sale transactions, while Stripe is more developer-friendly and offers more advanced technology solutions.
Yes, both Worldpay and Stripe are safe, providing PCI-DSS compliance, data encryption, and fraud protection to ensure secure transactions.
Yes, both platforms support mobile payments, including digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Stripe generally provides better customer support with 24/7 assistance via email, chat, and phone. Worldpay provides phone and email support, but it’s not available around the clock.
Yes, both Worldpay and Stripe provide APIs and plugins for integration with popular eCommerce platforms.
Both Worldpay and Stripe charge a fee (£15 at the time of writing) for processing chargebacks.
Transaction fees vary based on the type of card and location. Generally, Stripe charges 1.4% + 20p for European cards and 2.9% + 20p for non-European cards for online transactions. Worldpay’s fees can vary depending on the package, with rates available on their website.
Yes, both platforms support international transactions. Worldpay supports over 120 currencies, while Stripe supports over 135.
Both platforms offer solutions for subscription payments, but Stripe has more comprehensive tools and is more customisable for this purpose.
Both Worldpay and Stripe cater to businesses of all sizes. Their transaction-based pricing models make them suitable for small businesses.
Businesses that require robust, traditional payment solutions might benefit from Worldpay, while businesses looking for advanced, highly customisable solutions might prefer Stripe.
Both offer robust fraud protection features. Stripe uses machine learning for fraud detection and allows customisation of fraud protection settings, while Worldpay offers standard fraud screening tools.
Yes, you could technically integrate both into your business for different purposes, but it could lead to unnecessary complexity.
Worldpay charges a fee (£0.75 at the time of writing) for each refund, while Stripe handles refunds for free.
Yes, both Worldpay and Stripe provide comprehensive reporting tools and analytics to help you understand your sales patterns and performance.
Both platforms are designed to be user-friendly. However, Worldpay might be easier for non-tech-savvy users due to its pre-built plugins, while Stripe is more developer-oriented.
Both platforms support recurring billing, but Stripe’s platform is typically considered more flexible and easy to customise.
Yes, both Worldpay and Stripe offer invoicing services. Stripe’s invoicing tools are generally considered more advanced, with features like automatic email reminders.
Yes, both Worldpay and Stripe offer APIs for developers to integrate their payment processing into custom applications.
This depends on your specific business needs, transaction volume, and the nature of your transactions. It’s best to consider their respective pricing structures and calculate based on your expected transaction patterns.