As a new online shop, you want your customers to be able to pay easily and securely. But with so many payment providers out there, it can be difficult to choose the one that's right for you. In this article, we explain what to look for, from payment methods and costs to integration and customer service. This will help you make a smart choice for an online payment solution that grows with you.
You've made the decision: you're going to start your own online shop! You may already have a product in mind, a cool name, and are playing around with your logo or online shop design. But then the inevitable question arises: how do I arrange payments?
Don't worry. You're not the only one who needs to figure this out. How do you know which online payment provider – or, as it's officially called, Payment Service Provider – best suits your plans?
We explain it step by step here. Nice and practical, without any complicated jargon.
An online payment provider (PSP) ensures that customers can pay easily and securely in your webshop. Whether it's via iDEAL, Bancontact, credit card or Apple Pay. The provider takes care of the technical link between your webshop and your customers' banks.
You can think of it as a digital cash register – or rather, an all-in-one online checkout. You sell, the PSP handles the payment behind the scenes.
There is a wide range of PSPs available. There are well-known names such as Mollie, Pay. and Buckaroo, but there are also many smaller or international players. How do you know what is right for you? Consider these five things:
The first question is simple: how do you want your customers to pay? In the Netherlands, iDEAL is the standard. But if you want to reach Belgian customers, for example, Bancontact is indispensable. And if you sell digital products or subscriptions, credit cards or SEPA direct debits are useful.
A few examples of popular payment methods:
iDEAL – for Dutch customers
Bancontact – for Belgian customers
PayPal – handy for international transactions (but also for Dutch shoppers)
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX) – particularly popular internationally (including in the UK) and suitable for recurring payments
Buy Now Pay Later (Klarna, Riverty) – increases conversion, especially for higher amounts
Apple Pay / Google Pay – mobile and fast, ideal for young people
Not every PSP offers all these options as standard. So pay close attention to what is included and what you can add later.
Payment providers often charge several types of fees:
Start-up costs – Some PSPs charge a one-time fee.
Monthly fixed costs – others work with subscriptions or packages.
Transaction fees – You pay per payment, usually a fixed amount + a percentage of the amount.
Additional costs – such as for chargebacks, payouts, or support.
Example: With PSP A, you pay no fixed costs, but €0.35 per iDEAL transaction and 2.50% for credit card payments. With PSP B, you pay €10 per month, but only €0.25 for iDEAL and 1.90% for MasterCard/VISA. Depending on your turnover and number of transactions, this can make a big difference.
Tip: Make a simple calculation based on your expected turnover and number of orders per month. This will quickly show you what is most advantageous.
Of course, you want your customers to be able to pay smoothly – and you don't want the technology to give you a headache. Fortunately, there are several integration options:
Plugins / modules
Do you work with a popular webshop platform such as Shopify, WooCommerce or Magento? Then a ready-made plugin is ideal. You can connect the PSP in just a few clicks and you'll be ready to accept payments in no time. (Please note: you can't always get started right away. The payment provider must first review your application. How long this takes varies per provider.)
Hosted payment page (HPP)
After checkout, customers are redirected to a secure payment page of the PSP. Advantage: you don't have to worry about security or compliance. Disadvantage: the customer leaves your site for a moment (which is less desirable for some brands).
API integration
Do you have technical knowledge (or a developer nearby)? Then you can also opt for your own integration via the PSP's API. This allows you to build the payment flow entirely into your webshop yourself – for maximum control and flexibility.
Tip: Start simple with a plugin or hosted payment page. As you grow, you can always switch to a custom API solution if that really offers advantages.
Imagine: a customer has paid, but you don't see the payment. Or you get an error message at checkout. Then you want one thing: quick help.
When choosing your PSP, please note:
Whether they offer support in Dutch
Accessibility (chat, email, telephone) – some providers only work with an email/ticket system.
Opening hours (is there assistance available on weekends or in the evenings?)
Experiences of other users (check reviews)
As a start-up, you don't have your own IT team yet. So good, accessible customer service is worth its weight in gold.
Perhaps you are starting with a few products in the Netherlands. But what if you soon:
Want to sell in Denmark or Sweden too?
Want to offer a subscription model?
Are you going to set up physical shops or trade fairs and need POS payments?
Then it is better to choose a payment provider that can grow with you. Please note:
Support for multiple currencies and major local payment methods in countries
Additional features such as recurring payments or POS (point of sale) payment terminal solutions
Easily add payment methods or upgrade your package
Some all-in-one payment providers also offer tools for invoicing, subscription management or reporting. This can save you a lot of extra tools and costs later on.
There is no single "best payment provider". What works well for one webshop may not be suitable for you. So take a good look at your requirements, your target group and your growth plans.
Want to get started quickly with a user-friendly Payment Service Provider that takes care of everything? Or are you looking for a specialised solution at a low cost? Whatever you choose, make sure you know what you're getting into. A good payment solution makes the difference between frustration and smooth sales.
Are you eager to get started, but want to understand how it works a little better first? Below you will find useful links to learn more about payment methods and online payment providers:
Which payment methods can you accept in the Netherlands?
Which payment providers are active in the United Kingdom?
Don't feel like figuring it all out yourself? Then use our free Provider Selector. Based on your situation (such as turnover, connection and preferred payment methods), you will immediately see which PSPs are suitable.
With just one click, you can request quotes or easily get in touch with the right party – very handy if you have any questions.
Simplify your search – our free tool helps you find the right provider.
Our free Provider Selector tool helps you find the best provider for your business.
