Pick / avoid summary (fast)
Skim these triggers to pick a default, then validate with the quick checks and constraints below.
- ✓ You need native PayPal and Venmo integration
- ✓ You prefer flat-rate pricing predictability
- ✓ You are a verified charity (2.19% rate)
- ✓ You need Interchange++ cost transparency
- ✓ You want custom enterprise pricing packages
- ✓ You handle complex global payment flows
- × International cards add 1% surcharge (same pain as Stripe)
- × Non-USD currency adds another 1% on top
- × American Express transactions are expensive (~3.95% payment method fee)
- × Interchange++ variability means costs fluctuate by card type and issuer
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CheckBraintree serves growth-stage companies; Adyen targets large enterprises
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The trade-offPayPal ecosystem integration vs enterprise-grade cost management—not pricing simplicity
At-a-glance comparison
Braintree
Braintree is PayPal's end-to-end payment platform designed for growth, offering card processing, PayPal/Venmo integration, ACH payments, and fraud tools. Uniquely positioned to leverage PayPal's ecosystem while offering standalone payment processing.
- ✓ Slightly lower standard rate (2.89% + 29¢) compared to Stripe (2.9% + 30¢)
- ✓ Native PayPal and Venmo integration without separate contracts
- ✓ Discounted charity pricing (2.19% + 29¢) for verified 501(c)(3) organizations
Adyen
Adyen is a global payments platform offering all major payment methods through one integration with Interchange++ pricing transparency. Known for enterprise-grade infrastructure and multi-currency flexibility with no setup or monthly fees.
- ✓ Interchange++ pricing model provides transaction-level cost visibility
- ✓ Fixed $0.13 processing fee is transparent and predictable
- ✓ Costs calculated BEFORE payment completion - no surprises
What breaks first (decision checks)
These checks reflect the common constraints that decide between Braintree and Adyen in this category.
If you only read one section, read this — these are the checks that force redesigns or budget surprises.
- Real trade-off: PayPal ecosystem integration with flat rates vs Interchange++ transparency with enterprise customization
- Developer Experience vs Simplicity: Assess internal technical capabilities and API integration requirements
- Transparent Pricing vs Cost Variability: Analyze transaction mix (card types, international %, currency conversions)
Implementation gotchas
These are the practical downsides teams tend to discover during setup, rollout, or scaling.
Where Braintree surprises teams
- International cards add 1% surcharge (same pain as Stripe)
- Non-USD currency adds another 1% on top
- Chargebacks cost $15 each with no refund on transaction fees
Where Adyen surprises teams
- American Express transactions are expensive (~3.95% payment method fee)
- Interchange++ variability means costs fluctuate by card type and issuer
- Currency conversion costs vary by merchant country (not transparent)
Where each product pulls ahead
These are the distinctive advantages that matter most in this comparison.
Braintree advantages
- ✓ Native PayPal and Venmo integration
- ✓ Flat-rate pricing predictability (2.89% + 29¢)
- ✓ Charity pricing (2.19%) for verified 501(c)(3)s
Adyen advantages
- ✓ Interchange++ with transaction-level cost visibility
- ✓ Custom enterprise pricing packages
- ✓ Multi-currency settlement flexibility
Pros and cons
Braintree
Pros
- + You need native PayPal and Venmo integration
- + You prefer flat-rate pricing predictability
- + You are a verified charity (2.19% rate)
- + You want PayPal brand recognition
- + You process large ACH transactions ( cap benefit)
Cons
- − International cards add 1% surcharge (same pain as Stripe)
- − Non-USD currency adds another 1% on top
- − Chargebacks cost $15 each with no refund on transaction fees
- − ACH returns and disputes add $5 per occurrence
- − Chargeback Protection Tools add 0.4%-0.6% per transaction
- − Venmo limited to US market only
- − Charity pricing requires verification and pre-approval
- − Custom pricing only for 'established businesses' - startups pay full rate
Adyen
Pros
- + You need Interchange++ cost transparency
- + You want custom enterprise pricing packages
- + You handle complex global payment flows
- + You prefer pre-payment cost calculation
- + You prioritize multi-currency settlement flexibility
Cons
- − American Express transactions are expensive (~3.95% payment method fee)
- − Interchange++ variability means costs fluctuate by card type and issuer
- − Currency conversion costs vary by merchant country (not transparent)
- − Cross-border transactions add fees on top of base rates
- − Custom enterprise pricing requires sales engagement (not self-serve)
- − Some payment methods have geographic restrictions
- − Certain business types prohibited (see restricted businesses list)
Keep exploring this category
If you’re close to a decision, the fastest next step is to read 1–2 more head-to-head briefs, then confirm pricing limits in the product detail pages.
FAQ
How do you choose between Braintree and Adyen?
Braintree fits growth-stage companies wanting PayPal integration with predictable pricing. Adyen suits large enterprises needing cost transparency and global customization. Choice depends on your need for PayPal ecosystem vs enterprise-grade cost management.
When should you pick Braintree?
Pick Braintree when: You need native PayPal and Venmo integration; You prefer flat-rate pricing predictability; You are a verified charity (2.19% rate); You want PayPal brand recognition.
When should you pick Adyen?
Pick Adyen when: You need Interchange++ cost transparency; You want custom enterprise pricing packages; You handle complex global payment flows; You prefer pre-payment cost calculation.
What’s the real trade-off between Braintree and Adyen?
PayPal ecosystem integration with flat rates vs Interchange++ transparency with enterprise customization
What’s the most common mistake buyers make in this comparison?
Overlooking that Braintree PayPal integration requires separate fee structure governance
What’s the fastest elimination rule?
Pick Braintree if: You need native PayPal/Venmo, prefer flat-rate predictability, run a charity, or process large ACH transactions
What breaks first with Braintree?
International expansion hits dual 1% + 1% surcharge wall. Chargeback costs spiral for subscription or high-risk verticals. PayPal fee structure confusion from split governance.
What are the hidden constraints of Braintree?
PayPal transaction fees governed by SEPARATE PayPal merchant agreement. AmEx pass-through requires your own American Express merchant account. Transaction fees NOT refunded for refunded transactions.
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Sources & verification
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