🛍️ eCommerce Stores
Custom Payment Gateway Recommendation For eCommerce stores in India, here’s a tailored recommendation for the best payment gateway setup:
🛍️ Best Payment Gateways for eCommerce Stores (2025)
✅ 1. Razorpay
- Why it’s ideal:
- Seamless integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, OpenCart
- Accepts UPI, cards, net banking, EMI, wallets
- Built-in tools for refunds, settlements, and subscriptions
- Bonus Features:
- RazorpayX for automated vendor payouts
- Razorpay Smart Collect for COD reconciliation
- Recommended For: Stores with medium to high traffic and multiple SKUs
✅ 2. Cashfree Payments
- Why it’s ideal:
- Offers fastest settlements (T+1 or even instant)
- Supports international payments
- Strong in payouts, split payments (useful for marketplaces)
- Bonus Features:
- Drop-in checkout for faster integration
- Great for flash sales or cash flow-sensitive businesses
- Recommended For: D2C brands and fast-growing marketplaces
✅ 3. PayU
- Why it’s ideal:
- Established player with good uptime
- Supports Pay Later, BNPL, EMI
- Pre-integrated with most eCommerce CMSs
- Bonus Features:
- Smart fraud detection system
- Recommended For: Large online retailers
✅ 4. Stripe India
- Why it’s ideal:
- Best for international customers
- Clean APIs for custom-built stores
- Great recurring billing for product subscriptions
- Bonus Features:
- Strong analytics dashboard + built-in tax handling
- Recommended For: Tech-heavy brands or SaaS+eCom hybrids
🧾 Custom Payment Gateway: Key Features to Look for in Your eCommerce Gateway
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| UPI, Wallet, Card | Covers all popular payment modes |
| Refund Support | For RTOs, cancellations, or partial refunds |
| Plugin Availability | Easy WordPress/Shopify integration |
| Instant Settlements | Helps manage supplier payments or ads spend |
| Cart Recovery | Smart retry for failed payments |
| EMI/Pay Later | Boosts conversion rates |
👨💻 Freelancers / Creators / Coaches
For freelancers, creators, and coaches, you need a payment gateway that’s easy to use, works without a website, and supports quick payments. Here’s the best fit for you:
👩🎨 Best Payment Gateways for Freelancers, Creators & Coaches (2025)
✅ 1. Instamojo
- Why it’s ideal:
- No website needed — use payment links or store pages
- Sell digital products, courses, or memberships
- Auto-generate invoices & tax reports
- Bonus Features:
- Free landing page builder
- Accept payments via UPI, cards, wallets, net banking
- Recommended For: Solo creators, coaches selling digital goods
✅ 2. Razorpay (Payment Links & Pages)
- Why it’s ideal:
- Create and share branded payment links via WhatsApp, Email, Instagram
- Supports one-time and recurring payments
- Works even without a website
- Bonus Features:
- RazorpayX for easy payout tracking
- Razorpay Subscriptions for coaching packages or retainer clients
- Recommended For: Coaches with recurring clients, online session payments
✅ 3. Cashfree Payment Links
- Why it’s ideal:
- Lightweight, fast, and simple to use
- Supports UPI, cards, net banking
- Bulk payment links feature for group coaching or classes
- Bonus Features:
- Integrate with WhatsApp, SMS, or email directly
- Recommended For: Freelancers with minimal tech setup
✅ 4. PayPal (For International Clients)
- Why it’s ideal:
- Trusted by clients globally
- Create invoices and payment links easily
- Supports all major currencies
- Bonus Features:
- Currency conversion built-in
- Recommended For: Freelancers working with international clients
🎯 Key Features to Look For:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No Website Needed | Shareable payment links, landing pages |
| Invoice Generation | For tax filing and client transparency |
| Recurring Billing | Great for monthly coaching packages |
| Fast Settlements | Better cash flow for independent workers |
| Multi-mode Payments | UPI, Cards, Wallets, Net Banking |
🏫 Education Sector (Schools, Coaching, EdTech)
For the Education Sector (Schools, Coaching, EdTech platforms), you need a payment gateway that supports fee collection, EMI options, reminders, bulk uploads, and custom invoicing. Here are the top recommendations:
🎓 Best Payment Gateways for Schools, Coaching & EdTech (2025)
✅ 1. Easebuzz
- Why it’s ideal:
- Built specifically for educational institutions
- Allows fee management, automated receipts, payment reminders
- Supports RTGS/NEFT, EMIs, and custom fields (e.g., Student ID, Class)
- Bonus Features:
- Parent dashboards, MIS reports, ERP integrations
- Recommended For: Schools, colleges, coaching centers
✅ 2. Razorpay (Education Flow)
- Why it’s ideal:
- Offers Razorpay Payment Gateway Pages to collect fees without a website
- Supports one-time and recurring fees, EMI plans
- Easy API for integration with learning platforms
- Bonus Features:
- RazorpayX for disbursing teacher/staff payments
- Recommended For: EdTech startups, online coaching, LMS-based models
✅ 3. Cashfree
- Why it’s ideal:
- Excellent for bulk fee collection and fast settlement
- Supports Payment Gateway links, UPI QR, and split payments
- Has auto-reminder and payout APIs
- Bonus Features:
- Payout to staff/vendors using Cashfree Payouts
- Recommended For: Coaching centers, digital course sellers
✅ 4. PayU (Education Module)
- Why it’s ideal:
- Offers pay later, EMI, and fee-specific dashboards
- Easy reconciliation of fee payments by batch/branch
- Bonus Features:
- Student-wise data view and detailed reporting
- Recommended For: Private schools and multi-branch coaching chains
📚 Key Features to Look For:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Custom Fee Collection Fields | Student Name, Roll No., Class, Batch, etc. |
| EMI / Pay Later Options | Reduces payment friction for parents/students |
| Auto Reminders & Receipts | Saves time, improves collection rates |
| Bulk Upload or APIs | For managing large batches or institutions |
| Instant Settlement Option | Helpful for daily operational expenses |
💳 Subscription-Based Services (SaaS / Gym / OTT)
For subscription-based services like SaaS platforms, gyms, OTT apps, or coaching memberships, you need a payment gateway that supports recurring billing, auto-debit mandates, retry logic, and easy plan management. Here’s the best fit:
🔁 Best Payment Gateways for Subscription-Based Services (SaaS / Gym / OTT) – 2025
✅ 1. Razorpay Subscriptions
- Why it’s ideal:
- Full-featured subscription engine with auto-debit
- Supports cards, UPI AutoPay, NACH, and wallet mandates
- Smart retry logic, pause/resume, and plan upgrade/downgrade
- Bonus Features:
- RazorpayX for payrolls and automated payouts
- Recommended For: SaaS apps, coaching memberships, gyms
✅ 2. Stripe India
- Why it’s ideal:
- World-class subscription APIs
- Billing models: per seat, usage-based, or tiered
- Great for international recurring payments in USD/EUR/INR
- Bonus Features:
- Built-in tax, invoicing, and proration
- Recommended For: Global SaaS platforms, OTTs, online tools
✅ 3. Cashfree Subscriptions
- Why it’s ideal:
- Supports UPI AutoPay and card mandates
- Works well for recurring billing with smart alerts
- Easy dashboard for managing active plans
- Bonus Features:
- Auto-webhooks and analytics
- Recommended For: Indian SaaS and fitness brands
✅ 4. Paytm Subscriptions
- Why it’s ideal:
- Strong with UPI AutoPay and Wallet Auto-deductions
- Trusted by Indian users for monthly/weekly billing
- Bonus Features:
- In-app subscription UX is fast and mobile-friendly
- Recommended For: OTT apps, local fitness platforms, digital media
🧾 Must-Have Features for Subscription Gateways
| Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| Recurring Billing Support | Handles monthly, weekly, or yearly payments |
| Smart Retry Logic | Recovers failed payments automatically |
| Plan Management | Upgrade, downgrade, cancel or pause subscriptions |
| Multiple Payment Modes | UPI, cards, wallets, NACH |
| Webhooks & API Access | Sync user access with payment status |
| GST-Compliant Invoices | Important for B2B SaaS companies |
📲 Mobile App-Based Startups
For mobile app–based startups, especially those focused on commerce, delivery, bookings, or financial services, the ideal payment gateway should offer fast UPI checkout, mobile SDKs, one-tap payments, and high reliability.
📱 Best Payment Gateways for Mobile App–Based Startups (2025)
✅ 1. Razorpay Mobile SDK
- Why it’s ideal:
- Mobile-optimized checkout with UPI, cards, wallets
- Native SDKs for Android, iOS, React Native
- Supports subscriptions, instant refunds, and webhooks
- Bonus Features:
- RazorpayX for instant payouts (delivery agents, vendors)
- Recommended For: Apps with in-app purchases, bookings, or tiered plans
✅ 2. Juspay
- Why it’s ideal:
- Used by top apps like Swiggy, Amazon Pay, PhonePe
- 1-click UPI, deep integration with BHIM/NPCI
- Highly customizable UI and blazing-fast response
- Bonus Features:
- Juspay Safe (Token Vault) for recurring users
- Recommended For: UPI-heavy apps, payment-first platforms, high traffic
✅ 3. Cashfree Mobile SDK
- Why it’s ideal:
- Lightweight SDKs with quick setup
- Real-time UPI fallback, card tokenization
- Easy integration with hybrid apps (Flutter, React Native)
- Bonus Features:
- Supports dynamic QR and payment link fallback
- Recommended For: D2C apps, utility apps, microservices
✅ 4. Paytm Payment Gateway
- Why it’s ideal:
- Strong wallet + UPI base in India
- Pre-approved for Paytm Wallet and Paytm Postpaid
- Widely trusted by Indian users
- Bonus Features:
- Ready-to-use Android SDK with mobile checkout
- Recommended For: Local delivery apps, recharge/bill apps, event apps
📲 Key Features for Mobile App Payment Gateways
| Feature | Why It’s Crucial |
|---|---|
| Native SDKs | Ensures better performance & UX |
| UPI Intent + Collect | Faster checkouts with fewer drop-offs |
| Tokenization Support | For saving card info securely |
| Retry & Fallback Flows | Improves success rate in poor networks |
| Light SDK or API | Keeps app size low, speeds up install time |
| Fast Settlements | Helps manage agent payouts or wallet top-ups |
🌍 International Sellers / Exporters
If you’re an international seller or exporter based in India, you need a payment gateway that supports multi-currency transactions, global card acceptance, compliance with Indian export norms (FIRA/AD codes), and fast settlements in INR.
🌍 Best Payment Gateways for International Sellers / Exporters (2025)
✅ 1. Stripe India
- Why it’s ideal:
- Accepts payments in 135+ currencies
- Advanced billing tools for SaaS, subscriptions, marketplaces
- Excellent for B2B and B2C exports with global compliance
- Bonus Features:
- Smart fraud prevention (Radar) and tax handling
- Recommended For: Global SaaS, digital goods exporters, service providers
✅ 2. Razorpay International
- Why it’s ideal:
- Supports international cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex)
- Auto-converts to INR with FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advice) support
- Easy integration with eCommerce stores & service portals
- Bonus Features:
- RazorpayX for cross-border payout control
- Recommended For: Indian businesses exporting digital products/services
✅ 3. PayPal India
- Why it’s ideal:
- Globally trusted for freelancers, creators, and exporters
- Auto-withdraws to linked Indian bank account (in INR)
- Supports dispute resolution & client invoicing
- Bonus Features:
- One of the easiest to start with (KYC-lite onboarding)
- Recommended For: Freelancers, creators, small-scale exporters
✅ 4. Payoneer (Cross-Border Payments)
- Why it’s ideal:
- Gives you virtual receiving accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, etc.
- Great for selling on Amazon, Upwork, Fiverr, and eBay
- Transfers funds to Indian bank account with low forex fees
- Bonus Features:
- Built-in tax documents and FX insights
- Recommended For: Marketplace sellers, service exporters, agencies
✅ 5. Cashfree Global
- Why it’s ideal:
- Accepts cards globally and provides international payment links
- Seamless INR conversion and FIRC documentation
- Bonus Features:
- Integrates well with Indian platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce)
- Recommended For: Exporters running their own eCom stores
🧾 Key Features to Look For:
| Feature | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Multi-currency Support | Accept payments in USD, EUR, GBP, etc. |
| FIRA / FIRC Certificates | Required for legal export compliance in India |
| Forex Conversion & Settlements | Smooth conversion to INR |
| Global Fraud Protection | Reduce chargebacks and payment risks |
| Client Invoicing & GST Ready | Especially for B2B service exports |
🧾 NGOs / Fundraising / Trusts
For NGOs, fundraising platforms, and charitable trusts, the ideal payment gateway should offer low transaction fees, donation forms, 80G-compliant receipts, and support for both one-time and recurring donations.
🤝 Best Payment Gateways for NGOs, Fundraising & Trusts (2025)
✅ 1. Razorpay (Donation Pages & Subscriptions)
- Why it’s ideal:
- Create custom donation pages with branding
- Supports one-time & recurring donations (monthly/yearly)
- Accepts UPI, cards, wallets, netbanking
- Bonus Features:
- RazorpayX for staff/volunteer payouts
- Generate 80G-compliant receipts
- Recommended For: Registered NGOs, religious trusts, and crowdfunding campaigns
✅ 2. Instamojo
- Why it’s ideal:
- Easy to use without a website — just create a donation link
- Supports digital downloads (for donor thank-you gifts)
- Minimal setup — ideal for small or new trusts
- Bonus Features:
- Auto-invoicing, payment history, SMS/email reminders
- Recommended For: Small NGOs, individual fundraisers, local initiatives
✅ 3. Cashfree (Payment Links + Auto-Invoice)
- Why it’s ideal:
- Create shareable donation links, accept UPI/QR/card
- Fast settlements and automatic receipt generation
- Easy donor data collection via custom fields (e.g., PAN, address)
- Bonus Features:
- Split payments (useful for cause-specific fund management)
- Recommended For: Transparent trusts, micro-donation campaigns
✅ 4. PayU (NGO Module)
- Why it’s ideal:
- Offers a dedicated donation checkout flow
- Works well for international donors (INR + USD accepted)
- Secure, large-volume processing support
- Bonus Features:
- In-depth reporting, donation filters, repeat donor tagging
- Recommended For: Larger NGOs or multi-region campaigns
📜 Key Features to Look For:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 80G / FCRA Compliance | Required for legal donations and tax certificates |
| Recurring Donation Support | Monthly/yearly support builds sustainable fundraising |
| Branded Donation Pages | Helps build trust with donors |
| Low Transaction Fees | Keeps more funds in your cause |
| Donor Data Collection Fields | Essential for receipts, analytics, follow-up emails |
| Multi-Mode Payments | UPI, cards, wallets, EMI |
