Pick / avoid summary (fast)
Skim these triggers to pick a default, then validate with the quick checks and constraints below.
- ✓ You need rich API ecosystem and extensive documentation
- ✓ You want subscription billing, marketplace features, or issuing
- ✓ You prefer predictable flat-rate pricing vs cost variability
- ✓ You process high volumes and want Interchange++ cost visibility
- ✓ You need custom enterprise pricing packages
- ✓ You handle complex multi-currency settlement regularly
- × International cards add 1.5% surcharge making global scaling expensive
- × Currency conversion adds another 1% on top of base rates
- × American Express transactions are expensive (~3.95% payment method fee)
- × Interchange++ variability means costs fluctuate by card type and issuer
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CheckStripe targets startups to mid-market with self-service; Adyen targets enterprises with sales-led onboarding
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The trade-offFlat-rate predictability vs Interchange++ transparency—not feature parity
At-a-glance comparison
Stripe
Stripe is a developer-first payments platform offering comprehensive payment processing, billing automation, fraud prevention, and financial tools. Known for best-in-class developer experience with extensive APIs and documentation.
- ✓ Industry-leading developer experience with extensive APIs and SDKs
- ✓ Transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing with no setup or monthly fees
- ✓ Comprehensive fraud prevention with machine learning (Radar)
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 Stripe 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: Developer experience and ecosystem depth vs enterprise-grade cost transparency and 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 Stripe surprises teams
- International cards add 1.5% surcharge making global scaling expensive
- Currency conversion adds another 1% on top of base rates
- Manually keyed transactions penalized with extra 0.5%
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.
Stripe advantages
- ✓ Extensive API ecosystem and best-in-class documentation
- ✓ Self-service onboarding without sales engagement
- ✓ Rich product suite (Billing, Connect, Terminal, Issuing)
Adyen advantages
- ✓ Interchange++ pricing with transaction-level cost visibility
- ✓ Pre-payment cost calculation (no surprises)
- ✓ Custom enterprise packages for unique business models
Pros and cons
Stripe
Pros
- + You need rich API ecosystem and extensive documentation
- + You want subscription billing, marketplace features, or issuing
- + You prefer predictable flat-rate pricing vs cost variability
- + You value self-service onboarding without sales engagement
- + Your team prioritizes developer experience
Cons
- − International cards add 1.5% surcharge making global scaling expensive
- − Currency conversion adds another 1% on top of base rates
- − Manually keyed transactions penalized with extra 0.5%
- − Buy Now Pay Later options jump dramatically to 5.99% + 30¢
- − Add-on products (Radar for Fraud Teams, custom domains) increase costs
- − Chargeback and dispute fees ($15-$29) can accumulate for high-risk businesses
- − Enterprise pricing (IC+) requires significant volume commitment
Adyen
Pros
- + You process high volumes and want Interchange++ cost visibility
- + You need custom enterprise pricing packages
- + You handle complex multi-currency settlement regularly
- + You prefer pre-payment cost calculation
- + You have financial sophistication to manage cost variability
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 Stripe and Adyen?
These target different buyers. Stripe dominates for developer-first teams, startups, and businesses needing ecosystem features. Adyen wins for enterprises prioritizing cost transparency, global scale, and custom pricing. Choose based on your organizational size, technical capabilities, and pricing philosophy.
When should you pick Stripe?
Pick Stripe when: You need rich API ecosystem and extensive documentation; You want subscription billing, marketplace features, or issuing; You prefer predictable flat-rate pricing vs cost variability; You value self-service onboarding without sales engagement.
When should you pick Adyen?
Pick Adyen when: You process high volumes and want Interchange++ cost visibility; You need custom enterprise pricing packages; You handle complex multi-currency settlement regularly; You prefer pre-payment cost calculation.
What’s the real trade-off between Stripe and Adyen?
Developer experience and ecosystem depth vs enterprise-grade cost transparency and customization
What’s the most common mistake buyers make in this comparison?
Assuming Interchange++ always saves money without considering management overhead and cost variability
What’s the fastest elimination rule?
Pick Stripe if: You need rich APIs, subscription billing, marketplace features, or value developer experience over cost transparency
What breaks first with Stripe?
Cost predictability when international payments ramp up (1.5% surprise). Budget overruns from untracked add-on services (Radar, custom domains, disputes). Chargeback costs accumulating for subscription or digital goods businesses.
What are the hidden constraints of Stripe?
Standard pricing has NO volume discounts - must negotiate IC+ for better rates. Terminal hardware ($59-$349) and Billing subscriptions ($620+/month) priced separately. Radar for Fraud Teams requires opt-in at 2¢-7¢ per transaction.
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Sources & verification
We prefer to link primary references (official pricing, documentation, and public product pages). If links are missing, treat this as a seeded brief until verification is completed.