The verdict in three sentences
A payment integration is priced across three levels: single gateway ($300-700), multi-gateway ($900-2 000) and custom checkout with reconciliation ($2 500 and up). On top comes monthly upkeep of $40-120, essential because Paystack, Flutterwave and M-Pesa APIs keep changing. The right budget depends less on the number of gateways than on the complexity of reconciliation and webhooks.
Pricing grid by service
Here is the practical 2026 order of magnitude from a serious web agency.
| Service | Price (USD) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Single gateway (Paystack or M-Pesa) | $300 - 700 | 3 - 7 days |
| Multi-gateway (Paystack + Flutterwave + Stripe) | $900 - 2 000 | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Custom checkout + auto reconciliation | $2 500+ | 2 - 4 weeks |
| Marketplace split payment | $2 000 - 4 000 | 2 - 3 weeks |
| Robust webhooks + retry + logs | $400 - 900 | 3 - 5 days |
| Monthly upkeep | $40 - 120 | recurring |
Automatic reconciliation (matching each received payment to its order) is the most underestimated line: it is what drives up the budget of a custom checkout.
What makes the price vary
Four factors explain the gap between a $400 integration and a $4 000 one.
| Factor | Price impact |
|---|---|
| Number of gateways | +$300 to $600 per gateway |
| Automatic reconciliation | +$900 to $1 800 |
| Marketplace vendor/platform split | +$2 000 and up |
| End-to-end payment tests (mandatory) | +$300 to $700 |
Skipping e2e tests to save money is the most common false economy: an untested webhook can lose payments silently.
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Know a merchant, an SME or an entrepreneur who needs a payment integration or a website? The Kolonell referral (apporteur d'affaires) program pays you for every project you bring in, with no technical work on your side.
| Project type referred | Sale commission | Recurring commission |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15 % | 5 % |
| E-commerce | 12 % | 5 % |
| Marketplace | 10 % | - |
| Institutional | 8 % | - |
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
On an e-commerce integration worth $1 200, a referrer earns $144 upfront, plus 5 % on recurring maintenance. All you do is introduce us.
Mini case study
David, a freelance developer in Lagos, does not do payments but often gets asked. In 2026 he refers 4 e-commerce clients to Kolonell, average budget $1 100. At 12 % commission, he earns $132 per project, or $528 for the year — plus 5 % recurring on their maintenance — without writing a single line of payment code.
FAQ
Is a single-gateway integration enough?
To start, yes: $300-700 for Paystack or M-Pesa covers the essentials. You add Stripe later for diaspora and international buyers.
Why pay monthly upkeep?
Payment APIs change (new versions, webhook changes). $40-120/month ensures your payments do not break silently.
Does a marketplace split really cost $2 000+?
Yes, because the automatic vendor/platform split must be made reliable and tested with real amounts, which is critical.
How much does a referral partner earn?
From 8 to 15 % of the project value depending on the type, plus 5 % recurring on showcase and e-commerce. On a $1 200 project that is $144 upfront.
Let's talk about your project. Whether you want to integrate a payment or become a referral partner, we give you a clear quote within 24 hours. 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.