The verdict in three sentences
The cost of online payments is not the headline fee: it is the fee + fixed charge + integration + reconciliation. For a Berlin SME, a PSP like Stripe, Mollie or Stancer takes 1.4-2.9 % + €0.25 per transaction, and clean technical integration costs €2,000-€6,000 depending on your needs (website, payment link, subscription). The real gain is financial: instant settlement, reduced DSO and fewer unpaid invoices than 30-day bank transfers.
What does an online payment really cost?
Rates vary by PSP, card type (European or non-EU) and channel. 2026 order of magnitude for an SME in Germany:
| PSP | EU card fee | Fixed charge | Specificity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | 1.5 % + €0.25 | included | Rich API, international |
| Mollie | 1.8 % + €0.25 | included | Simple, EU multi-method |
| Stancer | 1.4 % + €0.25 | included | European player, low rate |
| PayPal | 2.9 % + €0.35 | included | Brand trust, high cost |
| Non-EU cards | +1 to +1.5 % | - | International surcharge |
| SEPA (transfer) | €0.25 - €0.35 fixed | - | Ideal for high amounts |
On €200,000 of annual transactions at a €120 average basket, a 1.5 % + €0.25 fee comes to about €3,420 a year — to weigh against physical terminal costs and unpaid invoices avoided.
Integration, compliance and reconciliation: the real work
The hidden cost is not the fee but the integration and compliance. Typical line items of a 2026 project:
| Line item | Range (€) | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Site / checkout integration | 1,500 - 4,000 | Flow, webhooks, failure handling |
| Payment link / invoice | 500 - 1,500 | Generation, reminders |
| Recurring subscription | 1,000 - 3,000 | Schedule handling, SCA |
| PSD2 / 3-D Secure compliance | included in PSP | SCA mandatory |
| Accounting reconciliation | 1,000 - 2,500 | Export to DATEV / Xero |
| Typical project total | 2,000 - 6,000 | Depending on scope |
PSD2 requires strong customer authentication (SCA) via 3-D Secure: integrated well, it cuts fraud without breaking your conversion rate.
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Mini case study
Sophie runs a B2B services SME in Berlin: 180 invoices a month, €340 average basket, historically settled by 30-day transfer with a real DSO of 47 days. She integrates Stripe (checkout + payment link + reconciliation to Xero) for €4,200. Over 12 months, 55 % of customers now pay online within 6 days: average DSO drops from 47 to 29 days, freeing roughly €38,000 of cash. The fee cost (about €11,000 / yr) is largely offset by fewer reminders, fewer unpaid invoices and the cash-flow gain. Payback on the integration: under 3 months.
FAQ
Which PSP between Stripe, Mollie and Stancer? Stripe for international reach and a rich API, Mollie for simplicity and European payment methods, Stancer for a low European rate. The right choice depends on your volume, currencies and subscription needs.
Is the fee negotiable? Yes above a certain volume: past €500k to €1M of annual transactions, most PSPs offer tiered or bespoke pricing. Below that, public rates apply.
What is SCA and is it mandatory? SCA (strong customer authentication) is required by PSD2 in Europe via 3-D Secure: two factors among possession, knowledge and inherence. It is mandatory, with exemptions possible for small amounts or recurring payments.
Can I bill recurring subscriptions? Yes, all major PSPs handle recurring charges (card or SEPA) with schedule handling, failures and initial SCA. Budget €1,000-€3,000 of integration depending on complexity.
How do I automate reconciliation? Via the PSP webhooks and a connector to your software (DATEV, Xero, QuickBooks): each payment auto-matches the invoice. Budget €1,000-€2,500 for reliable, audited reconciliation.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your monthly volume, average basket and preferred payment methods, and we will price the PSP integration, PSD2 compliance and reconciliation. 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.
