8 Stripe Alternatives for SAAS Companies

TL;DR:

• Stripe might not be the most cost-effective solution for all SaaS companies, especially as you grow.
• Managed PayFacs can simplify setup, onboarding, security, and offer scalability.
• Consider these top alternatives: ProPay, Finix, Payrix, Paysafe, Tilled, Stax, NMI, and Cardknox.
• Choose a payment processor based on cost structure, scalability, features, and ease of integration.

In the fast-paced world of SaaS, smooth payment processing is non-negotiable. For many, Stripe is the go-to solution. It's familiar, easy to integrate, and boasts a user-friendly interface. But what if your scaling SaaS company could find a better fit?

While Stripe excels for many, it might not be the most cost-effective solution for all businesses, especially as you grow.  

This begs the question: are there better alternatives out there? The answer is yes.

We're going to explore eight Stripe alternatives for SaaS businesses that could be a better fit for your payment needs.

Find the perfect payment solution for your business. Book a free consultation now!

What Are the Drawbacks of Stripe for SaaS?

Cost Concerns

Stripe, alongside Square, often charges higher by-rates and lower revenue-sharing options compared to other processors. These seemingly small percentages can translate into significant cost burdens as your customer base grows.

Limited Scalability

While Stripe is a great starting point, its pricing structure might not scale efficiently with your success. Many companies end up migrating to other providers after gaining traction. This is usually due to limitations in Stripe's cost-effectiveness for larger transaction volumes.

Managed PayFacs: The Alternative Solution

The drawbacks of Stripe for SaaS may have you reconsidering your options. In that case, managed PayFacs (Payment Facilitators) might be the key solution.

Managed PayFacs or PayFac-in-a-box platforms streamline payment processing for your business. They become a payment facilitator for your business. This eliminates the need to navigate acquiring a merchant account and dealing directly with processors.

Essentially, managed PayFacs act as a master merchant, handling the complexities behind the scenes.

Here's what makes managed PayFacs compelling alternatives to Square and Stripe:

• Simplified Setup: Managed PayFacs eliminate the complexities of acquiring your own merchant account and navigating compliance regulations. They take care of the groundwork, allowing you to focus on building your core business.
• Streamlined Onboarding: With a Managed PayFac, onboarding new customers becomes a breeze. They handle the sub-merchant registration process, ensuring your customers can start accepting payments quickly and efficiently.
• Enhanced Security: Managed PayFacs prioritize security by taking responsibility for PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance. This means peace of mind for you and your customers, knowing their financial data is protected.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Unlike Stripe's limitations, Managed PayFacs are designed to scale alongside your business. They offer competitive pricing structures that adapt to your transaction volume, ensuring you're not overpaying as you grow.

Top 8 Alternatives to Stripe

1. ProPay

ProPay is known for its industry-leading revenue sharing model and comprehensive feature set. It caters specifically to the needs of SaaS companies.

It offers a user-friendly platform with features like subscription management, recurring billing, and built-in fraud prevention tools.

2. Finix

This relative newcomer to the scene has a flexible platform designed to accommodate various business models. Its focus on scalability and customization makes it a strong contender for rapidly growing SaaS companies.

However, be mindful of potentially higher costs compared to other options.

3. Payrix

Payrix offers both registered and unregistered PayFac solutions. It helps businesses accept payments with features like onboarding, security checks, and reporting. Their system is easy to integrate and allows businesses to customize their payment pages.

However, they mainly focus on small and medium businesses and may not be suitable for larger companies. There have also been reports of issues working with their parent company, Worldpay.

4. Paysafe

Paysafe is a major player in the payments industry. It offers its own PayFac solutions along with a solid suite of payment processing features. This can be a good choice for companies seeking a well-established provider with a global reach.

5. Tilled

Tilled works with ISOs (Independent Sales Organizations) and is a distributor of Paysafe. It offers a more streamlined experience for businesses seeking a reliable PayFac solution backed by Paysafe's established infrastructure.

6. Stax

Stax, formerly Fattmerchant, is a combination of multiple payment companies known for its subscription-based pricing. Its revenue-sharing model might not be the most competitive. But, Stax is actively developing its software platform, making it an option to watch for future advancements.

7. NMI

Primarily known as a payment gateway, NMI also offers PayFac solutions through ProPay. This can be a good option if you're already familiar with NMI's gateway services and value the integration benefits.

8. Cardknox

Similar to NMI, Cardknox offers white-label PayFac solutions built on top of ProPay's infrastructure. This allows for customization and branding alignment while leveraging ProPay's established platform.

What to Consider When Choosing Stripe Alternatives

With a variety of compelling Stripe alternatives, choosing the perfect payment processor for your SaaS company can feel overwhelming. Here are some considerations to guide your decision-making process.

Cost Structure

Analyze the fee structure of each provider. Look beyond headline rates and consider factors like per-transaction fees, monthly fees, and revenue-sharing models. Choose an option that aligns with your pricing strategy and future growth projections.

Scalability

Make sure the chosen platform can efficiently handle your transaction volume, both now and in the future. Choose a solution that scales seamlessly alongside your growing customer base. This can help you avoid the need for frequent platform switches.

Feature Set

To ensure a smooth operation of your SaaS business, focus on these key features:

• Recurring billing management
• International payment processing
• Strong fraud prevention tools

Choose a provider that offers these functionalities to streamline operations and enhance customer experience.

Integration Ease

When assessing integration with your current SaaS platform, choose a solution that provides smooth payment integration. This minimizes development time and guarantees a seamless checkout experience for your customers.

Find Your Perfect Payment Partner

The world of payment processing for SaaS companies extends far beyond Stripe. By exploring the top alternatives we've explored, you can propel your business forward.

Ready to discover the perfect credit card processor for your SaaS business and eliminate most fees? Swipesum can help!  

Our team of experts can assess your needs and match you with the ideal payment processing partner to fuel your SaaS success.

Book your free consultation today.