India’s digital economy is booming, and nowhere is this more visible than in the world of online payments. From small startups to established enterprises, every business wants a smooth, reliable, and affordable way to collect money from customers.
But here’s the catch — choosing the right payment gateway in India is far from simple.
Table Of Content
- India’s digital economy is booming, and nowhere is this more visible than in the world of online payments. From small startups to established enterprises, every business wants a smooth, reliable, and affordable way to collect money from customers.
- Top Payment Gateways in India – 2025 Overview
- Razorpay
- Key Features
- Pricing & Fees (2025)
- Best For
- PhonePe Payment Gateway
- Key Features
- Pricing & Fees (2025)
- Best For
- Paytm for Business
- Key Features
- Pricing & Fees (2025)
- Best For
- Instamojo
- Key Features
- Pricing & Fees (2025)
- Best For
- Cashfree Payments
- Key Features
- Pros & Cons
- Pricing & Fees (2025)
- Best For
- CCAvenue
- Key Features
- Pros & Cons
- Pricing & Fees (2025)
- Best For
- PayU Payment Gateway
- Key Features
- Pros & Cons
- Pricing & Fees (2025)
- Best For
- Stripe Payment Gateway
- Key Features
- Pros & Cons
- Pricing & Fees (2025)
- Best For
- BillDesk Payment Gateway
- Key Features
- Pros & Cons
- Pricing & Fees (2025)
- Best For
- Juspay Payment Gateway
- Key Features
- Pros & Cons
- Pricing & Fees (2025)
- Best For
- Comparison Table – Best Payment Gateways in India
- 1. Digital Rupee (CBDC) Integration
- 2. Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Goes Mainstream
- 3. Focus on Multilingual & Regional Payments
- 4. Instant Settlements Become the Norm
- 5. Fraud Detection & Tokenization
- 6. Embedded Finance
- FAQs – Best Payment Gateways in India
- Q1. Which payment gateway has the lowest fees in India?
- Q2. Which payment gateway settles funds the fastest?
- Q3. What’s the best payment gateway for small businesses?
- Q4. Can I use multiple payment gateways at once?
- Q5. Is UPI really free for businesses?
- Q6. Which gateway is best for international payments?
- Q7. What about RBI tokenization rules? Will they affect my payment gateway?
- Q8. How do I choose the best payment gateway for my business?
With over a dozen options, each promising low transaction fees, fast settlements, and seamless integrations, the choice can feel overwhelming. Should you go with Razorpay for its developer-friendly APIs? Or Paytm for its massive reach across UPI and wallets? And what about new players offering tempting zero-setup fees or next-day payouts?
In 2025, this decision has become even more crucial. The landscape is evolving fast with trends like the Digital Rupee (CBDC), Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) integrations, and a growing demand for multilingual support across India’s diverse audience. Businesses not only need payment gateways that work—they need partners who can help them stay ahead.
In this detailed guide, I’m breaking down the best payment gateways in India for 2025, comparing them on fees, features, settlement times, and the latest tech innovations. Whether you’re a small business looking to keep costs low, or a high-volume seller needing robust infrastructure, this article will help you make an informed choice.
So, if you’ve been wondering:
- Which payment gateway has the lowest charges in India?
- Who offers the fastest settlements?
- What’s the best option for UPI or cross-border payments?
You’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the ultimate comparison and help you pick the perfect payment partner for your business growth in 2025.
Top Payment Gateways in India – 2025 Overview
Let’s explore the top contenders one by one.
Razorpay
Razorpay has quickly become a top choice for Indian startups and online businesses, thanks to its developer-friendly platform, wide range of integrations, and modern, intuitive dashboard. Launched in 2014, Razorpay is now trusted by over a million businesses and offers much more than basic payment processing — including subscriptions, smart routing, invoicing, and even working capital solutions.
Key Features
- Supports 100+ payment modes: UPI, credit/debit cards, net banking, wallets, EMI, BNPL.
- Instant onboarding: Businesses can start collecting payments within minutes.
- Powerful APIs: Ideal for developers building custom checkout experiences.
- Smart payment routing: Increases success rate by rerouting failed payments in real-time.
- Subscription billing: Automatically charge customers on a recurring basis.
- RazorpayX: Add-on service for payouts, salary disbursements, and vendor payments.
- Integration: Native support for Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and custom apps.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Easy to integrate with most platforms
- High success rate, especially on UPI
- Real-time dashboard and analytics
- Extensive documentation for developers
- Robust ecosystem (payouts, subscriptions, lending)
Cons:
- Customer support can be slow during peak periods
- Slightly higher charges for international cards
- Refund settlements can take 5–7 days
Pricing & Fees (2025)
- UPI: 0% (Zero charges)
- Credit Cards: 2%–2.5%
- Net Banking: 1.5%
- Wallets & EMI: 2.5%
- International Cards: 3%
- Settlement Cycle: T+2 days (can vary)
Note: No setup fee or annual maintenance charge.
Best For
- Tech-savvy startups and D2C brands
- Businesses needing recurring billing or custom workflows
- High-growth eCommerce companies using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce
Check out Razorpay Here
PhonePe Payment Gateway
PhonePe, India’s leading UPI-based payment platform, has now entered the business payments space with PhonePe Payment Gateway. Backed by the trust of 500M+ app users and deep penetration in Tier 2/3 India, PhonePe offers a reliable and familiar checkout experience for customers. For businesses, it combines simple onboarding with high UPI success rates and minimal transaction failures.
Key Features
- Deep UPI focus: Built natively for UPI, ensures 99%+ success rate on payments.
- Single SDK for mobile and web: Easy to integrate across devices.
- Instant settlements: Money is settled to merchant account faster than most gateways.
- User-friendly interface: Familiar checkout UI improves trust and reduces cart drop-offs.
- QR Code & offline payments: Available for blended (online + offline) businesses.
- Analytics & reporting: Simple dashboard for payment tracking.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent UPI success rate (among the highest in India)
- Leverages PhonePe’s trusted brand and user base
- Easy onboarding and quick setup
- Mobile-first design; great for app-based businesses
- QR code support for offline integration
Cons:
- Limited support for international payments
- Fewer developer APIs than Razorpay or Stripe
- Not ideal for businesses needing complex billing workflows
Pricing & Fees (2025)
- UPI Payments: 0% (No transaction charges for most merchants)
- Cards & Wallets: ~2%
- Settlement Cycle: Often same day or T+1
- No setup or maintenance fees
Pricing may vary based on business type and volumes.
Best For
- UPI-dominant transaction models
- Indian mobile-first startups and apps
- Tier 2/3 focused eCommerce or local brands
Check out PhonePe here
Paytm for Business
Paytm is a household name in India, best known for revolutionizing digital payments post-demonetization. Beyond its consumer app, Paytm offers a robust payment gateway trusted by millions of merchants. It combines a massive user base, deep UPI integration, and a wide range of services — from payment collection to marketing tools and loyalty programs.
Key Features
- Supports 100+ payment methods: UPI, Paytm Wallet, cards, net banking, EMI, BNPL.
- Instant onboarding: Businesses can go live within 30 minutes.
- High brand trust: Familiarity boosts customer confidence.
- One-time integration: Covers website, apps, QR, and offline payments.
- Subscription billing: Easy recurring payments.
- Merchant dashboard: Track transactions, settlements, and refunds in real-time.
- Marketing tools: Cashback campaigns, loyalty programs, and promotional offers.
- Settlement speed: Often same day for wallet payments.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Enormous consumer base (over 300 million users)
- No setup or annual maintenance fees
- Excellent for UPI and wallet payments
- Quick onboarding process
- Trusted brand enhances conversions
Cons
- Physical office address often required for verification
- Slightly higher TDR on some payment types
- Customer support can be slow for small merchants
Pricing & Fees (2025)
- UPI: 0% (typically no charges)
- Credit/Debit Cards: 1.99%–2.5%
- Net Banking: 1.75%
- Wallets/EMI/BNPL: Up to 3%
- International Payments: ~3.5%
- Settlement Cycle: T+1 to T+2 days
No setup fee or annual maintenance charges for standard services.
Best For
- Businesses wanting maximum reach and brand trust
- Merchants focusing on UPI or wallet payments
- SMEs looking for quick integration without technical hassles
Check Out Paytm here
Instamojo
Instamojo started as a simple platform for selling digital products and collecting payments through easy links. Today, it’s one of India’s most popular payment solutions for small businesses, freelancers, and creators. Its USP is simplicity—anyone can start collecting payments without a website, thanks to its instant payment links, mini online stores, and easy onboarding.
Key Features
- Payment Links: Shareable links to collect payments via WhatsApp, email, SMS, or social media.
- Zero coding required: Perfect for non-technical users.
- Online Store Builder: Create a mini online store in minutes.
- Smart Pages: Customizable landing pages for products and services.
- Multiple payment modes: Supports UPI, credit/debit cards, wallets, net banking.
- Payouts & settlements: Quick settlement options for businesses.
- Subscriptions & EMI: Built-in support for recurring payments and easy EMI options.
- Analytics & reports: Basic insights into sales and payments.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extremely beginner-friendly
- Fast onboarding; start selling in minutes
- No website required
- Offers free online store option
- Passes convenience fee to customers if desired
Cons:
- Slightly higher per-transaction charges vs. other gateways
- Less suitable for high-volume enterprises
- Limited advanced API features for developers
Pricing & Fees (2025)
- UPI Payments: 0%–0.9% (varies by plan)
- Cards & Net Banking: 2%–3%
- EMI/Wallets: Up to 3%
- Settlement Cycle: T+3 days (faster with paid plans)
No setup or annual fees for basic accounts; premium plans available for advanced features.
Best For
- Small businesses and solopreneurs
- Digital product sellers and freelancers
- Merchants without websites who need fast payment solutions
Check out Instamojo here
Cashfree Payments
Cashfree has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing payment solutions, popular for its fast settlements and innovative payouts system. Over 3 lakh businesses trust Cashfree, including well-known startups and SMEs. Besides payment collection, Cashfree excels in bulk payouts, making it a favorite for platforms handling refunds, vendor payments, or affiliate commissions.
Key Features
- Instant settlements: Same-day or real-time settlements for cash flow.
- 200+ payment modes: UPI, cards, net banking, wallets, BNPL.
- Payouts: Bulk disbursal to vendors, customers, or partners.
- Pre-authorization: Hold funds before confirming payments.
- Split payments: Useful for marketplaces.
- API-driven integrations: Developer-friendly tools.
- International payments: Supports multiple currencies.
- Auto-refunds: Quick refund processing.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- One of India’s fastest settlement cycles
- Strong focus on payouts and refunds
- Easy to integrate APIs
- Competitive pricing
- Good support for startups and SMEs
Cons:
- Slightly fewer advanced analytics tools vs. Stripe
- International coverage not as extensive as global players
- Customer support can be slower during high-demand periods
Pricing & Fees (2025)
- UPI Payments: 0%–0.9% depending on plan
- Cards & Net Banking: ~1.75%–2.5%
- Wallets/BNPL: ~2.5%–3%
- International Payments: ~3.5%
- Settlement Cycle: Often same day or T+1
No setup fees for most businesses.
Best For
- Marketplaces needing split payments
- Platforms requiring bulk payouts
- Indian startups prioritizing fast settlements
Check out Cashfree here
CCAvenue
CCAvenue is one of India’s oldest and most established payment gateways, operating under Infibeam Avenues Ltd. It’s a powerhouse for businesses needing wide payment options, multi-currency support, and enterprise-level solutions. Trusted by government organizations, major corporations, and large eCommerce players, CCAvenue remains a top choice for businesses seeking comprehensive payment capabilities.
Key Features
- Supports 200+ payment options: Cards, UPI, net banking, wallets, EMI, international payments.
- Multi-currency support: Accept payments in 27+ foreign currencies.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion: Allows customers to pay in their own currency.
- PCI DSS Level 1 compliance: High security standards.
- Customizable checkout pages: Match your brand’s look and feel.
- Risk management tools: Advanced fraud prevention systems.
- Instant refunds: Improves customer experience.
- In-store payments: POS and card swipe machines integrated with online systems.
- CBDC-ready: Preparing to accept India’s Digital Rupee.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extremely wide payment options
- Strong cross-border capabilities
- High security and fraud protection
- Customizable payment pages
- Suitable for both online and in-store payments
Cons:
- Slightly lower average success rate (~96.5%) compared to others (~99%)
- Integration can be more complex for smaller businesses
- Customer support sometimes slower for smaller merchants
Pricing & Fees (2025)
- UPI Payments: 0%–1% depending on plan
- Credit/Debit Cards: 2%–2.5%
- Net Banking: 1.5%–2%
- Wallets/EMI/BNPL: Up to 3%
- International Payments: ~3.5%
- Settlement Cycle: T+2 to T+3 days
No setup fee for standard plans; premium customizations may have charges.
Best For
- Large enterprises and marketplaces
- Government or institutional payment collections
- Cross-border eCommerce businesses
- Merchants seeking maximum payment coverage and customization
Check out CCavenue here
PayU Payment Gateway
PayU is a prominent global payment gateway provider, operating in over 17 countries and trusted by 4.5 lakh+ merchants in India. Backed by Naspers, PayU has become a go-to choice for businesses ranging from small startups to large enterprises, thanks to its flexible solutions, multilingual support, and a reputation for reliability in handling high transaction volumes.
Key Features
- Over 100+ payment options: Cards, UPI, net banking, wallets, EMI, BNPL.
- One-click checkout: Seamless payment experience for repeat customers.
- Smart routing technology: Improves transaction success rates.
- Multilingual support: Ideal for businesses targeting regional Indian audiences.
- Customizable SDKs & APIs: Great for tech-savvy businesses needing custom integrations.
- Fast refunds: Typically processed in under 5 minutes for many transactions.
- Risk and fraud management tools: Advanced protection for merchants.
- International payments: Supports 100+ currencies for cross-border transactions.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for handling high transaction volumes
- Multilingual support for regional audiences
- Fast refunds and settlement processing
- Good reputation among enterprise clients
- Robust security features and fraud detection
Cons:
- Slightly complex onboarding for small businesses
- Priority settlement often requires paid plans
- Customer support can be slow during high-traffic periods
Pricing & Fees (2025)
- UPI: 0%–0.9% depending on volume
- Credit/Debit Cards: 1.75%–2.5%
- Net Banking: 1.75%
- Wallets/EMI/BNPL: 2%–3%
- International Payments: ~3%–3.5%
- Settlement Cycle: T+2 days (can be expedited with premium plans)
No setup fees for standard services; premium services may have additional costs.
Best For
- Mid-sized to large enterprises needing scale
- Businesses seeking multilingual capabilities
- Merchants handling high transaction volumes or international sales
Check out Payu here
Stripe Payment Gateway
Stripe, the global payments giant, entered India’s market a few years ago and quickly gained popularity among startups and tech-focused businesses. Renowned for its world-class APIs, modern documentation, and global scalability, Stripe is ideal for developers building custom checkout experiences and companies aiming for cross-border expansion. While slightly pricier, it offers unmatched technical flexibility and innovative features like Radar for fraud detection.
Key Features
- Supports 135+ currencies for global payments.
- Developer-first platform with robust APIs and SDKs.
- Custom checkout UI: Fully customizable for brand experiences.
- Radar fraud detection: Advanced machine learning security tools.
- Subscription billing: Flexible recurring payment options.
- Instant payouts (in select cases).
- Built for marketplaces with Connect platform.
- Detailed analytics for payment insights.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent global reach and cross-border capabilities
- Fantastic developer resources and documentation
- Customizable checkout and workflows
- Advanced fraud detection tools
- Scalable for high-volume enterprises
Cons:
- Slightly higher pricing than Indian-native gateways
- Limited local support offices in India
- Onboarding process more complex for smaller businesses
Pricing & Fees (2025)
- UPI Payments: ~2%
- Cards (Domestic): 2%–2.5%
- International Cards: ~3.5%
- Wallets/BNPL: Around 2.5%
- Settlement Cycle: T+2 or faster for eligible businesses
No setup or maintenance fees, but higher charges for international transactions.
Best For
- SaaS businesses and tech startups
- Companies seeking global expansion
- Enterprises needing advanced API-driven integrations
Check our Stripe here
BillDesk Payment Gateway
BillDesk is one of India’s oldest and largest payment gateway services, processing massive volumes for government departments, utilities, telecoms, insurance, and large enterprises. It’s less popular among small startups but remains a pillar of high-value, high-volume payments in India. With a focus on reliability and security, BillDesk is trusted for mission-critical payments where downtime is not an option.
Key Features
- Supports major payment modes: Cards, UPI, net banking, wallets, EMI.
- Extremely robust platform: Designed for enterprise-scale volumes.
- High transaction uptime: Trusted for government and utility payments.
- Customizable integrations: Tailored to enterprise needs.
- Recurring billing: Supports subscriptions.
- Detailed reconciliation reports: Useful for finance teams.
- Regulatory compliance: Works closely with banks and RBI.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Highly reliable for large transactions
- Trusted partner for government entities
- Good settlement discipline
- Strong reputation for security and compliance
Cons:
- Less startup-friendly
- Complex onboarding for small businesses
- UI/UX less modern than newer gateways
- Not known for fastest settlements
Pricing & Fees (2025)
- UPI Payments: ~0.9%
- Cards/Net Banking: 1.5%–2.5%
- Wallets/EMI: Up to 3%
- International Payments: ~3.5%
- Settlement Cycle: T+2 to T+3 days
Pricing highly negotiable for enterprise volumes.
Best For
- Government payments and utilities
- Telecom, insurance, and large enterprises
- Businesses processing very high-value transactions
Check out Billdesk here
Juspay Payment Gateway
Juspay isn’t a traditional payment gateway alone—it’s a powerful payments orchestration platform focused on improving checkout experiences and increasing payment success rates. Trusted by giants like Amazon, Ola, and Flipkart, Juspay handles billions of transactions monthly with an emphasis on ultra-fast, secure, and smooth payments.
Key Features
- Hyper SDK: Ultra-lightweight checkout that loads in <200ms.
- Smart routing: Automatically chooses the best payment route for high success rates.
- Tokenization: Advanced card token management for security and compliance.
- Customizable UI: Merchants can brand and tailor checkout flows.
- Risk management tools: Machine learning-based fraud detection.
- Multiple PSP integration: Orchestrates payments across several gateways.
- One-click payments: Improves user experience for returning customers.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Market leader in checkout optimization
- Used by India’s largest apps and eCommerce giants
- Incredibly fast load times
- Helps improve payment success rates
- Strong developer support
Cons:
- Not a standalone PSP for smaller businesses
- Requires integration with other payment processors
- Complex for very small merchants without tech teams
Pricing & Fees (2025)
- Juspay doesn’t directly charge typical gateway fees but takes a SaaS fee for its orchestration and optimization services.
- Transaction fees depend on the underlying PSP (Razorpay, PayU, etc.).
- Best suited for high-volume platforms willing to pay for optimization.
Best For
- Large-scale platforms needing super-fast checkout
- Apps with millions of users (Ola, Swiggy, etc.)
- Enterprises prioritizing success rates and user experience
Check out Juspay here
Comparison Table – Best Payment Gateways in India
Gateway | UPI Fees | Card Fees (Domestic) | Int’l Fees | Settlement Cycle | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Razorpay | 0% | 2–2.5% | 3% | T+2 days | Tech startups, custom integrations |
PhonePe PG | 0% | ~2% | Limited | Same day / T+1 | Mobile-first businesses, Tier 2/3 reach |
Instamojo | 0–0.9% | 2–3% | Limited | T+3 days | Small businesses, freelancers |
Paytm PG | 0% | 1.99–2.5% | ~3.5% | T+1 / T+2 | Businesses needing brand trust, UPI |
PayU | 0–0.9% | 1.75–2.5% | ~3–3.5% | T+2 days | Mid-large enterprises, multilingual support |
CCAvenue | 0–1% | 2–2.5% | ~3.5% | T+2 / T+3 | Large enterprises, cross-border |
Stripe India | ~2% | 2–2.5% | ~3.5% | T+2 days | SaaS, global businesses |
Cashfree | 0–0.9% | 1.75–2.5% | ~3.5% | Same day / T+1 | Fast settlements, payouts |
Billdesk | ~0.9% | 1.5–2.5% | ~3.5% | T+2 / T+3 | Government, high-value transactions |
Juspay | N/A* | N/A* | N/A* | N/A* | Checkout optimization for large apps |
Note:
- Juspay does not charge typical gateway fees—it provides orchestration services layered over other gateways, charging SaaS fees instead.
- Fees may vary based on transaction volume, business type, and negotiated deals.
- “T+1” means settlement the next working day after the transaction.
Latest Trends in Indian Payment Gateways
India’s payments ecosystem is evolving faster than ever, reshaping how businesses and consumers transact. If you’re choosing a payment gateway today, it’s crucial to understand these emerging trends, so you’re not just picking for 2025—but for the future beyond.
Here’s what’s shaping the landscape right now:
1. Digital Rupee (CBDC) Integration
One of the most exciting shifts is the launch of India’s Central Bank Digital Currency—the Digital Rupee (CBDC). The Reserve Bank of India is steadily expanding pilot programs, and payment gateways are gearing up to integrate CBDC into their platforms.
For businesses, this means:
- Faster settlements directly through the RBI ecosystem
- Reduced intermediary costs
- Potentially lower transaction fees
- Improved traceability and compliance
Gateways like Razorpay and CCAvenue are already exploring CBDC-readiness, signaling that Digital Rupee payments might become mainstream sooner than many expect.
2. Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) Goes Mainstream
BNPL isn’t just for eCommerce giants anymore. From small online sellers to offline merchants, businesses are embracing Buy Now Pay Later as a key driver for higher ticket sizes and conversion rates.
Payment gateways have started:
- Offering built-in BNPL options (e.g. Razorpay, PayU)
- Partnering with BNPL players like ZestMoney, LazyPay
- Providing analytics to track BNPL adoption and repayments
Expect BNPL integrations to become table stakes in 2025.
3. Focus on Multilingual & Regional Payments
India’s digital economy isn’t confined to English-speaking metros. Tier 2, 3, and even rural regions are adopting digital payments rapidly. Consumers want payment experiences in:
- Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu, etc.
- Regional UPI handles and localized support
Gateways like PayU and PhonePe are pushing multilingual checkout pages, helping businesses connect with diverse audiences.
4. Instant Settlements Become the Norm
Once, waiting T+3 days for settlements was standard. In 2025, it’s increasingly unacceptable. Merchants want their money faster to keep cash flows healthy.
Players like Cashfree and PhonePe are leading the charge with:
- Same-day settlements
- Real-time settlement APIs
- Premium plans guaranteeing instant payouts even on weekends
5. Fraud Detection & Tokenization
Security is top of mind for both merchants and consumers. Payment gateways are stepping up with:
- Advanced AI-driven fraud detection tools (e.g. Stripe Radar, Juspay’s ML models)
- RBI-compliant card tokenization to store cards safely and comply with regulations
- Two-factor authentication flows optimized for smoother user experience
Businesses can’t afford to compromise here, as fraud directly impacts brand trust and customer retention.
6. Embedded Finance
Beyond processing payments, gateways are morphing into financial services hubs, offering:
- Business loans
- Vendor payouts
- Working capital solutions
- Expense management tools
Razorpay, Paytm, and Cashfree already blend payments with banking-like services, giving businesses powerful tools under one roof.
Why These Trends Matter?
Choosing a payment gateway is no longer just about fees and settlement times. It’s about:
- Staying compliant with new RBI rules
- Capturing emerging opportunities like CBDC
- Serving customers across languages and regions
- Leveraging value-added services to grow your business
If you’re building for 2025 and beyond, keep these trends in mind while shortlisting your payment gateway partner.
FAQs – Best Payment Gateways in India
Q1. Which payment gateway has the lowest fees in India?
If you’re looking purely at transaction costs, UPI payments are often free or close to zero charges with most gateways like Razorpay, PhonePe, and Paytm. For cards, fees typically range between 1.75% to 2.5%. If you’re a small business with low volumes, Instamojo can be a good choice despite slightly higher per-transaction fees because of its ease of use and no setup costs.
Q2. Which payment gateway settles funds the fastest?
Cashfree and PhonePe Payment Gateway are leading the pack for instant or same-day settlements. Many other providers like Razorpay and Paytm have improved to T+1 or T+2 cycles, but if cash flow speed matters to you, look for gateways explicitly offering real-time settlement options—even if at a small extra cost.
Q3. What’s the best payment gateway for small businesses?
- Instamojo – Perfect for freelancers, solopreneurs, and those without a website. You can start collecting payments with simple links.
- Paytm PG – Excellent for trust and fast onboarding, especially if your customers already use the Paytm wallet or UPI.
- Cashfree – Great for small businesses needing fast settlements and easy integration.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your business size, payment volume, and technical resources.
Q4. Can I use multiple payment gateways at once?
Absolutely. Many businesses integrate two or more payment gateways for:
- Better success rates
- Lower downtime risk
- Cost optimization
Platforms like Juspay even help orchestrate multiple gateways behind a single checkout flow, automatically routing payments for maximum success.
Q5. Is UPI really free for businesses?
Mostly yes—but there’s a catch. For P2P (person-to-person) UPI transactions, there’s no charge. However, merchants accepting UPI payments via commercial payment gateways may incur small charges (typically up to 0.9%). Always confirm with your gateway partner to avoid surprises.
Q6. Which gateway is best for international payments?
If you want to sell globally:
- Stripe – Fantastic for multi-currency, global customers, and SaaS businesses.
- CCAvenue – Excellent for multi-currency support and cross-border settlements.
- PayU – Strong for handling both domestic and international transactions.
International payments generally carry higher fees, around 3% to 3.5%, so factor that into your pricing.
Q7. What about RBI tokenization rules? Will they affect my payment gateway?
Yes—tokenization is mandatory for card transactions under new RBI rules. All major gateways (Razorpay, Stripe, Juspay, etc.) are compliant, storing customer card data securely using tokens. This enhances security and keeps you legally compliant without impacting the checkout experience for your customers.
Q8. How do I choose the best payment gateway for my business?
Consider:
- Transaction costs
- Settlement speed
- Payment methods your customers prefer (UPI, cards, wallets, BNPL)
- Integration complexity
- Support for refunds, subscriptions, or international sales
Think long-term: choose a partner who can keep up with trends like the Digital Rupee, BNPL, and multilingual support.
Quick Tip:
Don’t choose a gateway purely on price. Look at success rates, support quality, and how well the platform fits your specific business needs. The cheapest gateway isn’t always the best if payments fail or support is lacking.
Conclusion & Recommendations
Choosing the best payment gateway in India for your business in 2025 is not just about comparing fees — it’s about aligning with a partner that supports your growth, protects your customers, and stays ahead of evolving trends like UPI, BNPL, and the Digital Rupee.
If you’re a small business, freelancer, or just getting started:
👉 Instamojo and Cashfree offer ease of use, fast onboarding, and flexible pricing.
👉 PhonePe is a solid UPI-first option with high success rates and zero setup fees.
If you’re scaling up and need advanced features:
👉 Razorpay gives you full control with powerful APIs, subscriptions, and ecosystem tools.
👉 PayU and Stripe are great for multi-language or international ambitions.
For enterprises handling large-scale or government payments:
👉 CCAvenue and BillDesk are legacy players known for reliability, security, and compliance.
And if checkout optimization and higher payment success rates are critical to your app or platform:
👉 Juspay is your best bet for a seamless payment experience.
Final tip: Always test 2–3 gateways before locking in one. Look beyond pricing—what matters is reliability, support, integration ease, and customer experience.