Pick the right gateway
Compare gateways on what moves money
Most gateway comparisons stop at the headline fee. That misses the real cost. We score each provider on local methods, SCA handling, true fees and VAT-ready data. Then we pick the one your cross-border margin prefers.
What a fair comparison weighs
- 27 EU markets a gateway must reach with the right local methods
- 3-D Secure 2 SCA handling that clears genuine buyers, not blocks them
- SEPA Direct debit and credit transfer support across the eurozone
- VAT-ready Settlement data clean enough for OSS and IOSS returns
The scoring lenses
Six lenses we score every gateway through
A good comparison is a method, not an opinion. We rate each provider the same way, so the winner is the one that fits your markets best.
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Local payment methods
We check iDEAL, Bancontact, SEPA and cards per market. A gateway that misses a key local method loses sales.
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Authentication & SCA
We test how each provider applies PSD2 exemptions. The best ones clear low-risk orders without extra friction.
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Effective cost, not headline rate
Sticker fees hide the real cost. We model scheme fees, FX spread and payout timing across your true mix.
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Approval and decline behaviour
We score routing, retries and failover. A provider that recovers soft declines earns back real revenue.
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Reporting & reconciliation
We grade the data each gateway returns. Clean reports feed your VAT filings without manual rework.
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Compliance & scope
We weigh PCI DSS scope and audit trails. The right setup keeps your reporting burden at its lightest tier.
The scorecard
A clear table beats a sales deck
We compare gateway archetypes, not just brand names. Each cell reflects how that kind of provider tends to perform on a lens. Your real mix then tips the final pick.
- Scored on your markets, not a generic demo
- No referral fees from any provider
- VAT-ready data weighed alongside payments
- One ranked pick, with the reasons in plain words
| Criterion | Global card-first | EU local-method | All-in-one platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local EU methods | Partial | Strong | Broad |
| SCA exemption logic | Strong | Strong | Mixed |
| Effective fee fit | Varies | Lean | Bundled |
| VAT-ready reporting | Manual | Good | Strong |
Note — archetypes, not vendor benchmarks. Your data sets the final score.
How it runs
From shortlist to a ranked pick
We are an implementation partner. The comparison ends in a decision you can act on, with a plan to ship it.
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Map your real mix
We list your markets, methods and order values. The comparison is scored against your traffic, not a generic demo.
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Score the shortlist
We rate each gateway on our six lenses. You get a clear table, not a sales pitch from any one vendor.
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Model the numbers
We project approvals, fees and FX for each option. The winner is the one your margin actually prefers.
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Recommend and plan
We hand you a ranked pick with reasons. Then we scope the switch or the tune, with your team in the loop.
Common questions
What finance teams ask first
Do you recommend one gateway for everyone?
No. The right gateway depends on your markets, methods and order mix. We score the field against your data, then pick the best fit for you.
Are you tied to any payment provider?
No. We take no referral fees. Our only goal is the provider that clears more orders and costs you less across your EU markets.
Why does VAT data matter in a gateway pick?
One team owns payments and tax here. A gateway that returns clean settlement data feeds your OSS and IOSS returns without manual fixes.
Compare gateways with one expert team
Send us your markets and your order mix. We will score the field and name the best fit — no demo required.