The verdict in three sentences
In 2026 the real question isn't "Stripe or not" but "what total cost for my volume and my card/transfer mix". Fees range from 1.4% + 0.25 EUR (EU card) to 2.9% + 0.25 EUR (non-EU card), and payout delays from D+1 to D+7 depending on the PSP. Beyond fees, what matters for a B2B SME: smooth SCA/3DS, real multi-currency and integration with your invoicing.
2026 fees and features comparison
Published rate cards often hide the extras (FX, chargeback, outbound transfer). Here are the 2026 orders of magnitude for a French SME.
| PSP / solution | EU card fee | Non-EU card fee | Payout | Multi-currency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | 1.5% + 0.25 EUR | 2.9% + 0.25 EUR | D+7 (then D+2) | Yes (135+ currencies) |
| Adyen | ~0.60% + interchange | + surcharge | D+1 to D+3 | Yes |
| PayPlug | 1.4–2.4% + 0.25 EUR | Variable | D+1 | Limited |
| Mollie | 1.8% + 0.25 EUR | 2.9% + 0.25 EUR | D+1 to D+3 | Yes (partial) |
| Bank solution (Up2pay, etc.) | 0.8–1.8% negotiated | Variable | D+1 | Not native |
| SEPA transfer (via PSP) | 0.20–0.35 EUR fixed | — | D+1 to D+2 | EUR |
For high-basket B2B, the SEPA transfer at a fixed cost beats card from a basket of ~150 EUR; card stays king for instant payment and international sales.
The criteria that really matter
Beyond the headline rate, four points decide the choice for an SME.
| Criterion | Why it's decisive | Watch threshold |
|---|---|---|
| SCA / 3DS Secure 2 | PSD2 compliance, fewer drop-offs | Failure rate > 8% |
| Real multi-currency | Price shown in customer's currency | Hidden FX 1–2% |
| Payout delay | Cash flow | > D+3 = cash strain |
| Invoicing/ERP integration | Automatic reconciliation | Manual entry = loss |
| Chargeback fees | Card disputes | 15–25 EUR/dispute |
| B2B instalment payments | Selling on terms | Paid add-on |
Simple rule: under 20,000 EUR/month volume, take the simplest to integrate (Stripe, Mollie, PayPlug). Above 80,000 EUR/month, negotiate an interchange++ grid (Adyen, bank offer): the basis point saved becomes significant.
Mini case study
Sophie, head of a B2B e-commerce SME in Bordeaux, takes 45,000 EUR/month, 60% by card and 40% by transfer, with a 320 EUR average basket. On her current gateway at 2.4% all-in, her annual card fees are: 45,000 × 0.60 × 12 × 2.4% = 7,776 EUR/year.
By shifting baskets over 200 EUR to a SEPA transfer at 0.30 EUR and renegotiating card to 1.6%, she targets ~1.7% effective on the remaining card share. Estimated new card cost: about 5,500 EUR/year, i.e. 2,200 EUR saved. Over three years, that easily funds integrating the gateway into her invoicing (project estimated 4,000–7,000 EUR).
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FAQ
What are average payment gateway fees in 2026?
Expect 1.4 to 2.9% + 0.25 EUR per card transaction depending on card origin and PSP. Fixed-cost SEPA transfer (0.20–0.35 EUR) becomes cheaper from a basket of ~150 EUR.
Is Stripe still the best choice?
Stripe is excellent for launching fast and handling multi-currency, but above 80,000 EUR/month an interchange++ grid (Adyen, bank offer) can save 0.5 to 1 point. The best choice depends on your volume and mix.
Is multi-currency expensive?
Technical support is often included, but watch the applied FX rate: a hidden 1–2% margin is sometimes added. Show the price in the customer's currency to reduce drop-offs.
How long until I get paid?
Payout delays range from D+1 (PayPlug, Mollie, Adyen) to D+7 for a first Stripe payout, then D+2. A delay beyond D+3 weighs on your cash flow.
Do I have to handle SCA/3DS compliance myself?
No, modern PSPs handle 3DS Secure 2 natively. Just watch your authentication failure rate: above 8%, you lose sales.
Let's scope your project. Send us your monthly volume, your card/transfer mix and your invoicing tool, and we'll frame the gateway and integration, indicative budget and timeline included. 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.
