The verdict in three sentences
For an SME, the right 2026 mix combines card (Stripe 1.4% + EUR 0.25 on EU cards) and SEPA transfer (EUR 0.25 to 0.80/transaction) to crush fees on large amounts. Integrating a gateway costs EUR 3,500 to 9,000 depending on the number of payment methods and compliance. The key is routing each order to the cheapest method: card for small baskets, transfer for large ones.
Fee comparison by payment method
Fees vary sharply by channel. 2026 order of magnitude for an SME.
| Payment method | 2026 fees | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| EU card (Stripe) | 1.4% + EUR 0.25 | Baskets < EUR 300 |
| Non-EU card | 2.9% + EUR 0.25 | International |
| SEPA transfer | EUR 0.25 - 0.80 | Baskets > EUR 500 |
| SEPA direct debit | 0.20% + EUR 0.20 | Subscriptions |
| Alternative PSP | 1.1% + EUR 0.20 | High volume |
| Wallet (Apple/Google Pay) | 1.4% + EUR 0.25 | Mobile |
Monthly cost by volume
The mix depends on volume and average basket. 2026 simulation with a EUR 250 average basket, assuming 70% card / 30% transfer.
| Monthly volume | 100% card (Stripe) | Card + transfer mix | Saving/month |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR 10,000 | EUR 149 | EUR 116 | EUR 33 |
| EUR 50,000 | EUR 745 | EUR 566 | EUR 179 |
| EUR 100,000 | EUR 1,490 | EUR 1,118 | EUR 372 |
| EUR 200,000 | EUR 2,980 | EUR 2,220 | EUR 760 |
At EUR 200,000/month, routing large baskets to transfer saves about EUR 9,120/year, with no change to the customer experience.
Mini case study
Celine, CFO of a trading SME in London, collected 100% by card on EUR 120,000/month, i.e. EUR 1,788 in monthly fees. By adding SEPA transfer for orders above EUR 500 (35% of volume), fees drop to EUR 1,290/month: a saving of EUR 498/month, or EUR 5,976/year. The integration at EUR 6,500, including 3-D Secure 2 and PCI-DSS SAQ-A compliance, pays back in 13 months.
FAQ
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
What card fees should we expect in 2026?
Around 1.4% + EUR 0.25 on European cards via Stripe, up to 2.9% + EUR 0.25 on non-EU cards. Alternative PSPs go as low as 1.1% + EUR 0.20 at high volume.
Is SEPA transfer suitable for e-commerce?
Yes for high baskets: at EUR 0.25-0.80 per transaction, it beats card once the amount exceeds EUR 300-500. Payment confirms within seconds with instant transfer.
What does PCI-DSS compliance involve?
Using a hosted gateway (Stripe, PSP), you fall under SAQ-A, the lightest level: you never store card data. Integration includes 3-D Secure 2, required for strong authentication.
How much does gateway integration cost?
Between EUR 3,500 and 9,000 depending on the number of payment methods, smart routing and reconciliation webhooks. Expect 1 to 3 weeks of development.
Where to host to stay compliant?
Hosting on OVH or Scaleway in the EU ensures data localisation and GDPR compliance, for EUR 100 to 400/month depending on traffic. Payment logs stay in the EU.
Let's scope your project. Share your monthly volume, average basket and current payment methods: we will price the integration (EUR 3,500 to 9,000) and the fee savings. 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.
