Finding the perfect payment provider for an online store can be a real challenge, but it is invaluable. In this article, we compare the nine most important payment service providers for Swiss online stores - namely Datatrans (planet)¹, PayPal, Payrexx, PostFinance, Stripe, wallee, Worldline, saldiaPay and zahls.chto make the choice easier.

First, some key terms are clarified and a cost analysis is carried out, after which the individual providers are evaluated in detail. This allows a decision to be made as to which payment service provider is best suited to which use case.

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¹Datatrans was merged with Planet as well as Hoist, protel and Proximis under the common brand planet. In this article, we refer to Datatrans (Planet) and the associated conditions.

1. online payments: Theory for understanding

To accept payments in an online store, merchants need two contracts:

Acceptance contract (acquiring contract): This is concluded with an acquirer (see section 1.2).
Processing contract: This is concluded with a payment service provider (PSP) (see section 1.1).

The following explains what exactly an acquirer and a payment provider are and how they interact with the online store.

1.1 What is a payment provider?

A payment service provider (PSP) enables the technical integration of online payment methods such as Mastercard, TWINT, PostFinance and Apple Pay into an online store. Instead of negotiating with each financial institution individually and integrating the payment methods separately into their store, online merchants (including merchants) can work directly with a PSP. This gives them all the payment methods, integration systems and e-commerce tools they need and also fulfills the necessary security requirements.

The processing contract with the payment provider regulates the technical processing of payments, i.e. the connection between the online store, the payment provider and the banks. In some cases, however, merchants also require an acceptance contract with an acquirer - unless the PSP assumes this role itself as a payment facilitator (see section 1.3).

How a payment service provider (PSP) works

1.2 What is an acquirer and an acceptance contract?

An acquirer (also known as an acquiring bank ) is a financial institution that processes credit and debit card payments for merchants. In order for an online store to accept such payments, it needs an acceptance contract. This regulates the acceptance and processing of card payments and defines fees, security requirements and chargeback processes.

1.3 What is a payment facilitator?

A payment facilitator (also known as a PF or collecting PSP) simplifies payment processing for merchants by acting as a link between them and the acquirer (see Figure 2). The payment facilitator can sign the acceptance contract on behalf of the acquirer. Merchants, on the other hand, conclude their contract directly with the payment facilitator and therefore do not need a separate acceptance contract with an acquirer.

The Payment Facilitator therefore makes it possible to integrate various payment methods from different acquirers in an online store with just one contract - for example Visa, Mastercard, TWINT, PostFinance and Reka.

In addition to these two basic models, there are other hybrid forms which, for the sake of simplicity, are not explained in detail in this article.

2 How do you choose the right provider?

The choice of the right provider depends on several factors. Retailers should ask themselves the following questions:

Which payment methods should be offered? A diverse range of payment methods increases customer satisfaction and conversion rates. Merchants should therefore check which payment methods their customers prefer. Not all providers support the same payment methods - especially for regionally popular options such as TWINT or PostFinance Pay, choosing the right provider is crucial.
Which store system is used? The technical integration of a payment provider can be facilitated by ready-made plugins¹. For well-known systems such as Shopify or WooCommerce, most providers offer ready-made plugins for easy integration. Some providers offer flexible API solutions for individually developed stores.
Which tools are required? The functionalities of a payment provider should match the requirements of the store. While some providers offer specialized solutions for donation platforms or subscription-based business models, there are also all-in-one platforms that cover a wide range of business models.
What costs are incurred? In addition to the transaction fees, any monthly fixed costs, setup fees and additional costs for special features should also be taken into account. This helps to avoid unexpected costs.
Which target group is being addressed? Different payment methods are relevant depending on the customer base - young consumers often expect wallet solutions, while companies or international customers benefit from fast and cost-effective alternatives such as instant payment. Instant payment (also known as pay by bank) enables direct bank transfers in real time and saves fees, especially in international payment transactions. Payrexx is currently the only provider in Switzerland to offer Pay by Bank.

In addition to these functional and security-related aspects, a simple and stable connection, a wide range of payment methods and tools, reliable support and a cost-efficient pricing model are particularly important for merchants in order to avoid unnecessary expenditure.

It is also advisable to choose a provider that also acts as an acquirer or payment facilitator. This way, merchants have a single point of contact for all payment processes.

¹Extensions for store systems that enable the integration of payment providers without programming.

3. overview of the functions of the individual payment providers

The following table shows which payment methods are supported by the individual providers. For a better overview, only the most common payment methods are included. The table also provides information on which providers offer plugins for common store systems.

Some payment providers also offer their own, usually very rudimentary store systems that can be used to create a small online store for products, vouchers, subscriptions or donations without any programming knowledge. Such solutions are listed in the table as "e-commerce tools".

In order to better assess customer satisfaction and service quality, the table also contains the Google ratings of all providers.

Function matrix of the various payment providers

4. cost analysis

In this section, the monthly costs (subscription and transaction fees) were calculated for the different providers. The analysis is carried out for two exemplary online stores: one with a turnover of CHF 20,000 and one with CHF 100,000.

For the calculation, the most favorable offers of the individual payment providers were selected for the corresponding retail turnover. The prices are taken from the websites of the respective payment service providers¹. Any set-up fees are not included in the diagram.

4.1 Online store with a turnover of CHF 20,000 per month

The following cost analysis shows the monthly fees for smaller online stores with a turnover of CHF 20,000 and 200 credit card transactions per month. The average value of a transaction is therefore CHF 100 per purchase.

Monthly costs for a turnover of CHF 20,000 (without setup)

A small online store benefits from the lowest fees with Payrexx, closely followed by PostFinance. With costs of CHF 790, PayPal is the most expensive for online stores with this volume. The price difference between Payrexx and PayPal is CHF 435. The costs of the cheapest payment provider, Payrexx, are therefore more than 50 percent lower than those of the most expensive.

In addition, Payrexx offers start-ups and non-profit organizations exclusive discounts: 30 percent for start-ups and 50 percent for non-profit organizations on all subscriptions.

¹With the Datatrans offer, a separate acquiring contract must also be concluded. The costs for acquiring are therefore dependent on the choice of acquirer). A value of 1.7 percent was therefore assumed (mean value of all other providers).

4.2 Online store with a turnover of CHF 100,000 per month

The next cost analysis shows the monthly fees for medium-sized online stores with a retail turnover of CHF 100,000 and 1,000 credit card transactions per month. The average value of a transaction is therefore CHF 100 per purchase.

Monthly costs for a turnover of CHF 100,000 (without setup)

With monthly costs of CHF 1,579, Payrexx is the cheapest provider for medium-sized online stores, followed by wallee. PayPal and Stripe are significantly more expensive than the others. The price difference between Payrexx and the most expensive provider is CHF 2,371, which corresponds to a saving of over 60 percent.

No calculation was carried out for large online stores with a turnover of over CHF 100,000 per month. This is because many payment providers offer individual special conditions for larger customers - including Datatrans, Payrexx, Stripe, walle, Worldline and zahls.ch.

5. all payment providers in detail

5.1 Payrexx

Payrexx is a Swiss omnichannel payment provider and facilitator that offers merchants a central platform to accept payment methods such as credit cards, TWINT, PostFinance Pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay - without separate contracts with acquirers.

The provider is characterized by its simple setup and free plugins for integration into all common store systems, such as WooCommerce and Shopify. The platform also offers a range of practical e-commerce tools that are particularly attractive for smaller online retailers without their own online store. Also included are innovative POS and SoftPOS solutions for local retailers, as well as universal QR code payment stickers that can be used not only with TWINT, but with all desired payment methods.

Payrexx convinces with low fees and discounts for start-ups and non-profit organizations. All Payrexx functions can be tested free of charge for 30 days. The average Google rating is 4 out of 5 stars with 144 reviews.

5.1.1 Price overview of Payrexx

*The Payrexx free subscription does not include any plugins or API connection.*

5.1.2 Additional remarks

Thanks to its comprehensive range of services, Payrexx offers an attractive solution away from the large, often expensive providers. The Swiss company is characterized by its flexibility, personal support and specialization in SME merchants. In this way, Payrexx stands out from global mass solutions. To register with this provider, merchants need a valid photo ID, a document confirming their address and, if applicable, an entry in the commercial register. Anyone who registers by 4 p.m. will be checked on the same day.

5.2 PostFinance

PostFinance offers a payment solution specially tailored to the Swiss market and enables companies to accept payments quickly and securely. The provider includes all common payment methods (PostFinance Pay, TWINT as well as Visa and Mastercard) and also provides various free store plugins for integration into well-known store systems.

Particularly noteworthy is the direct connection to the Swiss banking system and the high level of customer acceptance, which makes the provider particularly suitable for companies that are mainly active in Switzerland.

PostFinance also offers a free trial period of 30 days in a simulation mode. The average Google rating is 2.4 out of 5 stars with 158 reviews.

5.2.1 PostFinance price overview

5.2.2 Additional remarks

To use PostFinance, the company must be based in Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein and have a business account with PostFinance or a credit card for the billing of fees. Billing is in Swiss francs, but payments can also be made in foreign currencies depending on the acceptance partner.

5.3 Worldline

Worldline offers both acquirer and payment provider services and therefore usually provides its services in packages that are tailored to the respective use case. With the Worldline e-commerce package, payments can be accepted in the online store without monthly fixed costs.

As a global provider of payment solutions, Worldline is characterized by many years of experience and comprehensive services. For larger companies in particular, the provider offers a scalable solution with a wide range of payment methods. Worldline also specializes in dynamic currency conversion so that foreign customers can easily pay in their own currency.

Worldline provides numerous free and paid plug-ins for easy integration. Larger companies also benefit from additional services and extensive reporting tools. Worldline has an average Google rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars with a total of 589 reviews.

5.3.1 Price overview of Worldline

5.3.2 Additional remarks

Medium-sized and larger companies as well as omnichannel solutions require an individual offer that cannot be ordered online. To find the right package, we recommend contacting Worldline Sales directly.

5.4 Datatrans (planet)

Datatrans is an established payment service provider that is particularly suitable for larger companies and those with high transaction volumes. The platform offers a wide range of payment methods as well as free and paid plugins for store systems such as WooCommerce, Shopify and Magento. Datatrans offers a tailor-made solution, especially for companies with more complex requirements.

A key advantage of Datatrans is the direct connection to acquirers, which is an efficient and reliable solution for companies with high transaction volumes. However, this also applies to smaller companies, for which the separate contract with an acquirer can be more of an obstacle.

As soon as an acquirer contract is in place, a test account can also be created with Datatrans. The average Google rating for this provider is 4.3 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews.

5.4.1 Datatrans price overview

5.4.2 Additional remarks

As Datatrans is neither an acquirer nor a payment facilitator, merchants also require an acceptance contract with a separate acquirer. To take this factor into account, a fee of 1.7 percent was used in this analysis. This is an assumed value based on the average of the remaining providers. However, the transaction fee may vary depending on the acquirer selected.

5.5 PayPal

PayPal is a globally known, simple and standardized solution for online merchants. The provider makes it possible to accept payments in various currencies and offers a high level of security, especially for international transactions.

With over 400 million users and a high level of acceptance, PayPal is particularly suitable for companies that want to address a large number of international customers. The platform supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, Apple Pay, Venmo and many more. PayPal also offers several free plugins for popular e-commerce systems such as WooCommerce, Magento and Shopware. Tools such as payment links, email invoices and QR payments are also available.

PayPal has an average Google rating of 1.8 out of 5 stars with a total of 618 reviews.

5.5.1 Price overview of PayPal

5.5.2 Additional remarks

Setting up PayPal is very simple. Merchants only need to provide their company information and commercial register number. Large companies can also apply to PayPal for special conditions for a scalable solution.

5.6 Stripe

Stripe is a well-known and flexible payment solution that is particularly aimed at developers who require highly customizable payment processing. The provider supports numerous payment methods, including credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and various regional payment methods.

Stripe is suitable for both start-ups and larger companies with an international focus. The solution can be easily integrated into popular e-commerce platforms such as WooCommerce and Shopify. In addition to numerous free plugins, Stripe also offers paid extensions.

The provider has a Google rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars with 76 reviews.

5.6.1 Price overview of Stripe

5.6.2 Additional remarks

For the implementation of Stripe, merchants should have developer knowledge. In addition, a valid photo ID and a commercial register number are required for verification. Stripe also offers special conditions for large companies, which can be requested from the sales department.

5.7 wallee

wallee is a Swiss omnichannel payment provider that enables merchants to process payments seamlessly across different sales channels. The platform supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, mobile wallets and other local payment methods. In addition, wallee offers both free and paid plugins for various store systems.

wallee offers API integration. The modular architecture also allows companies to choose only the functions they really need. This flexibility makes this provider an excellent choice for medium-sized to large companies with specific requirements for their payment solution.

Online retailers can try out wallee extensively in free trial mode. The platform was rated on Google with an average of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 112 reviews.

5.7.1 Price overview of wallee

5.7.2 Additional remarks

In order to use one of wallee's many integrations, retailers usually have to carry out a few technical steps. These include setting up a wallee plugin for their store system or connecting directly via the API.

5.8 saldiaPay

saldiaPay is an innovative Swiss payment provider that enables online payments via a standardized platform. Here, merchants can accept payments via credit cards, TWINT, PostFinance and many other methods.

A unique feature of saldiaPay are the "saldiaApps" - integrations for a wide range of solutions such as accounting, online stores or logistics services. For merchants without their own webshop, saldiaPay also offers its own store system "saldiaShop", which can be used to easily create a webshop.

saldiaPay also provides free plugins for well-known store systems such as WooCommerce and Shopware. All functions of the platform can be tested free of charge for 30 days. saldiaPay has an average Google rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars with a total of 38 reviews.

5.8.1 Price overview of saldiaPay

5.8.2 Additional remarks

In addition to the wide range of integrated plugins and store systems, saldiaPay offers many other webshop integrations on request. To register, merchants need a photo ID and, if available, an entry in the commercial register.

5.9 zahls.ch

zahls.ch is a Swiss payment provider that is characterized by particularly transparent and simple pricing. With zahls.ch, merchants can accept a wide range of payment methods, including TWINT, PostFinance and credit cards.

In addition to traditional payments, zahls.ch also offers e-commerce tools such as an online terminal, payment links, digital invoices or a self-configurable payment page (small online store). This payment provider also provides free plugins for the most popular store systems and scores points for its simple setup and integration.

zahls.ch enjoys an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars, but has only been rated three times on Google.

5.9.1 Price overview of zahls.ch

5.9.2 Additional remarks

With the help of zahls.ch's integrated tools, merchants can easily create their own online store or connect the provider directly to their existing online store. A valid photo ID and, if available, an entry in the commercial register are required for the verification process.

Conclusion: Which is the right payment provider?

Before online merchants decide on a payment provider, they should precisely define the individual requirements of their online store. In addition to the costs, the range of functions, the store systems supported and the payment methods offered also play a decisive role.

Payrexx can be an interesting option for young, digital companies. As an all-in-one payment solution, Payrexx offers broad support for all common store systems and is also the cheapest provider for medium-sized online stores - followed by PostFinance and wallee. PayPal and Stripe, on the other hand, charge comparatively high transaction fees, while Datatrans incurs high monthly fixed costs. To find the best solution, each provider offers a free trial period .

Almost all providers offer plugins for popular store systems such as WooCommerce, Shopware or Shopify. While the plugins for Payrexx, PostFinance, PayPal and Stripe are free of charge, Worldline, Datatrans and wallee may incur additional costs. With saldiaPay and zahls.ch, plugins are often available on request.

Another important point is the choice of payment methods. While all providers offer a wide range of payment options, the difference often lies in the support of regional payment methods such as TWINT, PostFinance, Reka and others. Swiss providers such as Payrexx, Datatrans, saldiaPay or zahls.ch have an advantage here. Those with many international customers, on the other hand, benefit from global providers such as PayPal or Stripe.

In terms of simple integration , PayPal, Payrexx and zahls.ch are particularly convincing, while Stripe, Worldline and Datatrans score points with more customization options. As some providers require a high level of technical expertise to set up, this point should also be taken into account when making a selection.

In summary , it is worth considering newer and less well-known providers. These often offer attractively priced yet powerful payment solutions and can also respond better to the individual needs of merchants. Payrexx and wallee are a good choice for small and medium-sized stores, while an established provider may be more worthwhile for larger companies. In terms of price, functionality and user-friendliness, Payrexx is clearly one of the frontrunners.

Sources

Prices: Datatrans, PayPal, Payrexx, PostFinance, Stripe, wallee, Worldline, saldiaPay, pays.ch

Plugins for store systems: Datatrans, PayPal, Payrexx, PostFinance, Stripe, wallee, Worldline, saldiaPay, pays.ch

Means of payment: Datatrans, PayPal, Payrexx, PostFinance, Stripe, wallee, Worldline, saldiaPay, pays.ch

Legal matters

We assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or quality of the data and information provided in this comparison article. In particular, it is important that online retailers obtain information about prices and any additional costs directly from the respective providers. Some providers also have other unofficial offers and conditions that are not visible on the websites.

We expressly reserve the right to change the data provided in this comparative article or our entire offer at any time without prior notice. We also reserve the right to amend, delete or temporarily or permanently cease publication of this comparative article at any time.

Status: February 2025.

Contact information

Author: Melanie Frutiger, Payrexx AG

E-mail address: melanie.frutiger@payrexx.com