SME online payments: Stripe vs Adyen fees comparison in Dublin in 2026

The verdict in three sentences

At EUR 1.2M collected per year, the fee gap between payment providers reaches nearly EUR 12,000 per year, which justifies a real tender. Stripe remains the fastest to integrate and the richest in features, Adyen becomes attractive with interchange++ pricing once volume is established, while a bank acquiring contract is often the cheapest beyond roughly EUR 1M. Budget EUR 1,500 to 6,000 for integration and check three criteria before signing: 3D Secure, instalment payments and automatic accounting reconciliation.

2026 pricing side by side

The public rates below apply to standard European consumer cards, which make up most of an SME's volume. Business cards and non-EEA cards cost more everywhere, often 2.5 to 3.25%.

What EUR 1.2M collected per year really costs

Take 10,000 transactions at an average basket of EUR 120, 90% on European cards and 10% on business or foreign cards billed at 2.9%.

The bank contract looks unbeatable, but it requires more development, offers fewer tools (dashboard, subscriptions, payment links) and support is often slower. Adyen's minimum monthly invoice can also wipe out its advantage below roughly EUR 1M a year. The real gap narrows if your team spends several days each month reconciling payments by hand.

Criteria that weigh as much as the rate

3D Secure 2 is mandatory in Europe: check that the provider handles exemptions (low amounts, returning customers) to limit drop-offs, which can reach 5 to 10% of baskets. Instalment payments in 3 or 4 parts raise average order value by 15 to 30% on products above EUR 300, but cost 2 to 4% extra. Finally, accounting reconciliation: a payout export detailed per transaction, or better a sync with your accounting software, saves hours of matching every month. Stripe and Adyen are the most advanced here; a bank contract often needs an extra EUR 1,000 to 3,000 of development.

Mini case study

Niamh, CFO of a professional equipment SME in Dublin, collects EUR 1.2M a year online through Stripe, about EUR 21,900 in fees. She negotiates an Adyen contract at interchange++ (around 0.65% + EUR 0.11) and has it integrated with automatic accounting export for EUR 4,500. New annual cost: about EUR 11,500. Saving: EUR 10,400 per year, a payback in just over five months. She keeps Stripe for payment links and subscriptions, which represent 8% of volume.

FAQ

Which provider should I start with?

Below EUR 300,000 a year, Stripe is usually the most cost-effective, as no subscription and fast integration offset a higher rate. Integration then costs EUR 1,500 to 3,000.

At what volume should I negotiate Adyen or a bank contract?

Beyond EUR 800,000 to 1,000,000 a year, the gap often exceeds EUR 8,000 per year. That is the right time to launch a tender.

Are dispute fees refunded if I win?

With most providers, the EUR 15 to 20 remains due even if you win. Strong 3D Secure shifts liability to the issuing bank and sharply reduces these cases.

Can we use several providers at once?

Yes, many SMEs combine a bank or Adyen contract for cards with Stripe for subscriptions or payment links. Plan EUR 1,000 to 2,000 to handle routing and unified reconciliation.

Are instalment payments worth the cost?

On baskets above EUR 300, they often lift conversion by 10 to 20%. Their 2 to 4% surcharge is then covered by the extra sales.

Let's scope your project. We audit your current fees, compare offers on your real volume and integrate the chosen solution for EUR 1,500 to 6,000 within 2 to 4 weeks. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.