The verdict in three sentences
For a services SME collecting training deposits and consulting subscriptions, the right 2026 choice usually combines cards for deposits and direct debit for recurring payments. On public pricing, Stripe (1.5% + EUR 0.25 per standard European card, SEPA debit at EUR 0.35; UK cards at 1.5% + 20p) and Mollie remain the most flexible, while PayPlug suits firms wanting a French-speaking contact and a fixed subscription. Allow EUR 3,000 to 8,000 of integration depending on the link with your invoicing tool and CRM.
Provider comparison for a services SME
The rates below are 2026 orders of magnitude from public price lists, to be checked at sign-up since they change and become negotiable above a few hundred thousand euros processed.
| Provider | Standard European card | Direct debit | Subscription | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | 1.5% + EUR 0.25 | EUR 0.35 per SEPA debit | None | API, subscriptions, invoices built in |
| Mollie | About 1.8% + EUR 0.25 | About EUR 0.25 to 0.35 | None | Simplicity, European payment methods |
| PayPlug | About 1.2% to 2% + EUR 0.25 by plan | Via partner | Monthly plans | French support, payment links |
| GoCardless | No | About 1% + EUR 0.20, capped | Pro option | Recurring debit specialist |
| Bank (virtual terminal) | 0.6% to 1.2% + fixed fees | Per contract | EUR 15 to 40 per month | Negotiated rate, heavier integration |
| Standard bank transfer | Free | No | None | Manual reconciliation, payment delays |
For invoices of several thousand euros, cards get expensive: a EUR 4,000 training paid by card via Stripe costs EUR 60.25 in fees, versus EUR 0.35 by SEPA debit. Hence the value of offering both. In London, Bacs Direct Debit plays the same role as SEPA for UK clients.
What integration costs
A payment provider alone is not enough; it must be connected to your website, quotes and invoicing. 3D Secure (strong customer authentication under PSD2 and its UK equivalent) is mandatory for card payments: modern solutions handle it natively, but it must be tested on every flow.
| Integration level | Scope | 2026 estimated cost (EUR excl. VAT) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment links | Link sent with the quote, no development | 0 to 500 | 1 day |
| Payment on the website | Training deposit page, 3D Secure, confirmation email | 3,000 to 4,500 | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Subscriptions and debit mandates | Online mandate signature, schedule, reminders | 4,500 to 6,000 | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Invoicing and CRM integration | Xero, QuickBooks or Pennylane, automatic reconciliation | 6,000 to 8,000 | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Client portal | History, invoices, card or bank detail updates | + 2,000 to 4,000 | + 2 weeks |
For training funded by an employer or a public scheme, also plan for deposits that are refunded or reallocated: partial refunds should take two clicks.
The criteria that really decide
- Payout delay: D+2 to D+7 depending on the provider, important for a small firm's cash flow.
- Failed debit handling: automatic retry and failure fees (often EUR 2 to 5).
- Accounting export: a clean file per payout saves the accountant 2 to 4 h per month.
- Audit trail: traceability of payments and training agreements for quality certifications.
Mini case study
Emma, managing director of a training and consulting firm in London, collects 180 deposits of EUR 1,200 and 40 consulting subscriptions at EUR 900 per month each year. Illustrative calculation on public rates.
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- Card deposits via Stripe: 180 x (1,200 x 1.5% + 0.25) = EUR 3,285 in fees per year.
- Subscriptions by direct debit: 40 x 12 x 0.35 = EUR 168 per year, versus about EUR 6,600 if paid by card.
- Reminder and reconciliation time saved: 6 h per month at EUR 40, i.e. EUR 2,880 per year.
- Chosen integration: EUR 6,500 with a link to the accounting tool.
By moving subscriptions to direct debit rather than card, Emma saves about EUR 6,400 a year in fees, which repays the integration in under a year, before the time saving.
FAQ
Does 3D Secure reduce conversion?
It adds a step, usually with 2 to 5% extra card abandonment. Exemptions for small amounts and recurring payments limit the impact, and direct debit is not affected.
Can we collect from businesses via B2B direct debit?
Yes, SEPA B2B removes the 8-week refund right but requires the client's bank to register the mandate. Many SMEs use SEPA Core or Bacs, which are simpler to set up.
Do we need specific distance selling terms?
Your terms must state deposit, cancellation and refund rules. For training, the 14-day cooling-off period applies to consumers, not to businesses.
How long to get up and running?
Opening a Stripe or Mollie account takes 1 to 3 days with KYC checks. Full integration takes 2 to 6 weeks depending on the chosen level.
Can we switch providers later?
Yes, but debit mandates and stored cards do not always transfer easily. Plan EUR 1,500 to 3,000 for migration and check portability before signing.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your deposit and subscription volumes and your invoicing tool for a reasoned provider choice and an integration costed between EUR 3,000 and 8,000. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
