⚡ Essential Payment Methods
- PayPal – Most widely used
- Stripe – Credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Klarna – Buy now pay later
- SEPA Direct Debit – For recurring payments
Why Payment Methods Matter
70% of cart abandonments happen because the preferred payment method is missing. The more options you offer, the more customers complete their purchase. But: Too many options can also confuse.
Most popular payment methods:
- PayPal: 29% of online purchases
- Credit Card: 25%
- Buy Now Pay Later: 20%
- Direct Debit: 15%
- Bank Transfer: 11%
Start with PayPal + Stripe. This covers 80% of customers. Add Klarna later when the shop is running.
Setting Up PayPal
PayPal is the most used payment method. WooCommerce supports PayPal directly.
PayPal Business Account
You need a PayPal business account. Create one at paypal.com/business if you don't have one.
WooCommerce PayPal Payments Plugin
The official PayPal plugin:
- Plugins → Add New → "WooCommerce PayPal Payments"
- Activate
- WooCommerce → Settings → Payments → PayPal
Connect to PayPal
Click "Connect to PayPal" and log in. API credentials are entered automatically.
Setting Up Stripe (Credit Cards)
Stripe enables credit card payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay and more – all with one plugin.
Create Stripe Account
Register at stripe.com. Verification takes 1-2 days.
WooCommerce Stripe Plugin
Plugins → Install "WooCommerce Stripe Payment Gateway"
Enter API Keys
In Stripe Dashboard → Developers → API Keys:
- Copy Publishable Key
- Copy Secret Key
- Paste in WooCommerce → Payments → Stripe
Enable test mode first and run test orders before going live. Stripe provides test credit card numbers.
Fee Comparison
| Provider | Fee | + Fixed |
| PayPal | 2.9% | + $0.30 |
| Stripe | 2.9% | + $0.30 |
| Klarna | 3.29% | + $0.30 |
Best Practices
- 3-4 payment methods: Not too few, not too many
- Show logos: Trust symbols in footer
- Mobile optimized: Apple Pay / Google Pay for smartphone buyers
- Express checkout: Quick-buy buttons increase conversion
- Test orders: Test every payment method yourself