The verdict in three sentences
Integrating secure online payment into an SME site costs 3,000 to 8,000 EUR (net) of integration in 2026, on top of per-transaction fees (1.4 to 2.5% + 0.25 EUR). The PSP choice matters as much as the integration cost, because recurring fees weigh far more over three years. Budget 2 to 4 weeks to implement, including 3DS2 and refund handling.
PSP comparison 2026
The main payment service providers differ on fees, simplicity and B2B features. Here are the 2026 orders of magnitude.
| PSP | EU card fee | Fixed fee | Transfer/SEPA | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | 1.5% | 0.25 EUR | Yes | Rich API, international |
| Mollie | 1.8% | 0.25 EUR | Yes | Multi-method EU |
| Adyen | Interchange++ | Nego | Yes | Large volumes, enterprise |
| Mollie | 1.8% | 0.25 EUR | Option | Simple for SMEs |
| PayPal | 2.5 - 3.4% | 0.35 EUR | Limited | Consumer trust |
For an SME with moderate volume, a 0.3-point fee gap can mean several thousand euros a year: the cheapest PSP to integrate is not always the cheapest to run.
Integration cost and hidden costs
| Item | 2026 range (EUR net) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| PSP integration + checkout | 2,000 - 5,000 | Checkout, tokenisation |
| 3DS2 + failure handling | 800 - 2,000 | Strong authentication |
| Webhooks + reconciliation | 700 - 2,000 | Statuses, refunds |
| Invoicing/accounting | 500 - 1,500 | Export, matching |
| Per-transaction fees | 1.4 - 2.5% + 0.25 EUR | Recurring, often underestimated |
| Chargebacks/disputes | Variable | ~15 EUR per case |
The most common hidden costs: chargeback fees (around 15 EUR per dispute), currency conversion fees on sales outside the euro zone, and accounting reconciliation time if webhooks are not automated.
Mini case study
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Nadia, manager of a trading SME in Amsterdam, collects 80,000 EUR/month online, average basket 400 EUR, i.e. 200 transactions. At 1.5% + 0.25 EUR, monthly fees are 1,200 EUR + 50 EUR = 1,250 EUR/month, i.e. 15,000 EUR/year.
Moving from a 2.2% PSP to a 1.5% one, she saves 0.7 points on 960,000 EUR/year, i.e. 6,720 EUR/year. The 5,000 EUR (net) integration pays for itself in under 10 months from that fee gap alone, before counting fewer abandoned baskets thanks to smooth 3DS2.
FAQ
Is 3DS2 mandatory? Yes for most EU card payments under strong customer authentication (PSD2). A well-integrated 3DS2 reduces fraud without killing conversion.
Which PSP should an SME choose? It depends on volume and international reach: Stripe and Adyen are competitive, Mollie is simple to start. Compare recurring fees above all, not just integration.
How long to integrate payment? Budget 2 to 4 weeks for a clean integration with 3DS2, webhooks and refunds. A simple payment link can be faster.
Can we offer bank transfer in B2B? Yes, SEPA transfer is widely used in B2B and often costs less than cards. It pairs with the customer account and payment on terms.
How do we limit chargeback fees? With systematic 3DS2, clear invoicing and fast reconciliation via webhooks. Each dispute costs around 15 EUR on top of the contested amount.
Let's scope your project. Secure card/transfer/3DS2 payment integration, indicative budget 3,000 - 8,000 EUR net, 2-4 week timeline. 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.
