In today’s global economy, freelancers, e-commerce store owners, SaaS companies, and digital service providers need reliable, secure, and fast payment gateways to receive money from international clients. Whether you’re accepting credit cards, wire transfers, or digital wallets, choosing the right gateway is critical.
Here are the top international payment gateways in 2025 to help you receive payments from clients worldwide.
1. PayPal
Best for: Freelancers, Small Businesses
PayPal remains a top choice thanks to its global presence and ease of use. It supports over 200 countries and multiple currencies.
Pros:
- Trusted by millions worldwide
- Simple setup and integration
- Buyer and seller protection
Cons:
- High transaction fees for currency conversions
- Account limitations possible
2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Best for: Transparent currency conversion
Wise offers multi-currency accounts and low-cost transfers, making it ideal for freelancers and businesses dealing with foreign currencies.
Pros:
- Real exchange rate (no markup)
- Low international fees
- Multi-currency account support
Cons:
- Not suited for recurring billing or subscriptions
3. Payoneer
Best for: Freelancers, marketplaces (e.g., Fiverr, Upwork)
Payoneer is a solid solution for professionals working with international clients or platforms. It offers global bank account details and Mastercard support.
Pros:
- Global acceptance
- Easy withdrawal to local bank
- Compatible with major freelance platforms
Cons:
- Annual card fee
- May require verification documents
4. Stripe
Best for: SaaS businesses, online stores
Stripe supports payments from over 135 currencies and is known for developer-friendly APIs and customizable checkout flows.
Pros:
- Recurring billing and subscriptions
- Clean API for developers
- Global support
Cons:
- Requires some tech setup
- Not available in all countries
5. Skrill
Best for: Low-fee digital payments
Skrill is another PayPal alternative, widely used in Europe and by digital businesses looking for a flexible solution.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Competitive fees
- Supports crypto
Cons:
- Slower customer support
- Account restrictions possible
6. Revolut Business
Best for: EU and UK-based digital businesses
Revolut Business is ideal for managing international payments with features like multi-currency accounts and FX conversion.
Pros:
- Real-time payments
- FX at interbank rates
- Smart business tools
Cons:
- Limited outside the EU/UK
- Subscription fees apply
7. 2Checkout (now Verifone)
Best for: Digital goods and SaaS
2Checkout supports global payments with multiple methods and handles taxes, localization, and compliance for digital products.
Pros:
- Wide range of payment methods
- Global tax compliance support
- Subscription management tools
Cons:
- Higher transaction fees
- Complicated interface for beginners
Final Thoughts
When selecting a payment gateway for international clients, consider:
- Where your clients are located
- The currency they pay in
- Your business model (one-time vs. recurring payments)
- Integration needs
For most freelancers and small businesses, PayPal, Wise, and Payoneer offer a great balance of usability and coverage. For growing e-commerce or SaaS platforms, Stripe and 2Checkout might be better choices.
