When you’re running an online store, choosing the right payment options is just as important as having great products and a beautiful website. If customers can’t pay the way they want, you risk losing sales. Two of the most reliable and widely used options are PayPal and Stripe.Instead of picking one over the other, the smartest approach for most eCommerce stores is to offer both together.
Stripe
Stripe is a widely used payment option that integrates directly into your online store.
Benefits:
- Integrated checkout that keeps customers on your site.
- Lower fees and better exchange rates for many businesses.
- Supports credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and recurring subscriptions.
- Link by Stripe – Stripe’s built-in one-click checkout, allowing returning customers to pay instantly with stored details across any site that uses Stripe.
- Developer-friendly and works smoothly with WordPress + WooCommerce.
Notes:
- Slightly more technical to set up compared to PayPal, though most eCommerce platforms make this easy.
PayPal
PayPal is one of the most recognised payment brands in the world.
Benefits:
- Widely trusted and familiar to customers.
- Simple checkout process — no need to enter card details.
- Offers strong buyer protection, which encourages hesitant customers to complete their purchase.
Notes:
- Transaction fees can be slightly higher.
- Standard checkout may redirect customers off your site before returning them.
Why Use Both PayPal and Stripe?
Offering both PayPal and Stripe means you don’t have to force customers into one option.
- Customers who already have a PayPal account will happily use it.
- Others who prefer entering card details (or using Apple/Google Pay or Link by Stripe) can use Stripe.
- Your business looks professional and trustworthy by giving customers choice.
Stripe as your primary gateway, PayPal as a secondary option.
For eCommerce stores, offering multiple payment options is a small step that can have a big impact on conversions. At Christom, we usually recommend Stripe first (with Link by Stripe enabled), PayPal second. That way, your checkout process is flexible, secure, and customer-friendly.
