Choosing the right payment gateway is one of the most crucial decisions for any mobile app, eCommerce business, or SaaS company in 2025. With digital payments in the USA projected to surpass $2.3 trillion by the end of the year, the competition between Stripe and Braintree has never been more relevant.
Both payment solutions are trusted globally — powering millions of mobile apps, websites, and digital platforms. But when it comes to performance, fees, API flexibility, and mobile app integration, which one should your business choose?
Let’s explore Stripe vs Braintree (2025 comparison) in detail — from features and pricing to mobile support and developer tools.
Overview: Stripe and Braintree in 2025
Stripe and Braintree remain two of the most powerful online payment processing platforms in the world.
Stripe, founded in 2010, has evolved into a full-service payment infrastructure provider offering tools for mobile app payments, subscription management, and AI-powered fraud detection.
Braintree, a subsidiary of PayPal, continues to be a favorite among businesses that want seamless PayPal integration, multi-currency support, and robust APIs for mobile payment apps.
Both offer developer-friendly APIs, high security standards, and global reach. However, in 2025, their key differentiators lie in AI integration, cross-platform support, and cost-efficiency for USA-based startups and enterprises.
Stripe vs Braintree: Quick Comparison Table (2025)
| Feature | Stripe | Braintree |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Independent company | Owned by PayPal |
| Best For | Tech startups, SaaS, global eCommerce | Businesses relying on PayPal ecosystem |
| Mobile App Integration | Excellent SDKs for iOS, Android, React Native | Great SDKs with PayPal integration |
| Supported Currencies | 135+ | 130+ |
| AI & Analytics | Advanced AI fraud detection, real-time analytics | AI-based transaction monitoring |
| Payout Speed (USA) | 2 business days | 2–3 business days |
| Transaction Fees | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (USA) | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (USA) |
| Crypto Payments | Supported via third-party integrations | Limited support |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat and email | 24/7 email, phone support |
1. Payment Gateway Features
In 2025, both Stripe and Braintree offer modern payment solutions that fit seamlessly with mobile commerce and digital-first business models.
Stripe supports one-click checkout, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) options. Its AI-powered fraud prevention via Stripe Radar remains industry-leading.
Braintree, with PayPal built-in, is perfect for businesses already using the PayPal ecosystem. It also supports Venmo, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, making it ideal for USA mobile users.
🧩 Pro Tip: For mobile app developers working on Android and iOS, Stripe’s SDKs provide faster integration and better customization options in 2025.
2. Integration and Developer Experience
Stripe continues to lead in developer-friendly APIs, offering SDKs for iOS (Swift), Android (Kotlin), React Native, and Flutter. It allows easy customization and integration with mobile apps, eCommerce websites, and SaaS platforms.
Braintree also provides excellent documentation, with smooth SDKs for mobile and web, but developers often find Stripe’s API structure more intuitive.
💡 2025 Trend: Developers prefer Stripe’s AI-based analytics dashboard and real-time data visualization tools to monitor transaction performance and detect anomalies instantly.
3. Security and Compliance
Both Stripe and Braintree comply with PCI-DSS Level 1, ensuring secure data handling. They use tokenization, SSL encryption, and two-factor authentication to prevent fraud.
However, Stripe takes a step ahead in 2025 with AI-based fraud detection and predictive transaction monitoring, which significantly reduces chargebacks for mobile app owners.
4. Pricing and Fees in 2025
As of 2025, both payment gateways charge standard USA transaction fees of 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.
Stripe: Offers volume-based discounts and reduced rates for nonprofits and startups.
Braintree: No extra charge for PayPal or Venmo transactions, making it ideal for apps targeting younger USA audiences.
Pro Tip: For mobile apps with recurring subscriptions (e.g., streaming or delivery services), Stripe offers superior subscription management tools.
5. Mobile App Compatibility (Android & iOS)
When it comes to mobile app payments, Stripe and Braintree both offer SDKs optimized for performance.
Stripe SDKs: Lightweight, customizable, and compatible with Android 15 and iOS 18.
Braintree SDKs: Smooth PayPal integration and native mobile payment support.
📱 Example: USA-based apps like Instacart, Shopify Mobile, and DoorDash use Stripe for seamless one-tap payments.
6. Customer Support and Reliability
In 2025, both platforms offer 24/7 customer support. Stripe’s live chat and developer community make troubleshooting faster.
Braintree’s direct PayPal integration and support via PayPal business channels make it reliable for merchants.
7. Which One Should You Choose in 2025?
If your business focuses on mobile app payments, subscriptions, or international sales, go with Stripe for its powerful APIs and analytics.
If your target audience uses PayPal or Venmo, or if you want multi-wallet integration, Braintree remains an excellent choice.
🎯 Best Choice for USA Businesses (2025):
Stripe: Best for SaaS, eCommerce, and mobile-first startups.
Braintree: Best for merchants wanting PayPal + Venmo access.
Conclusion
In 2025, both Stripe and Braintree continue to dominate the payment gateway market in the USA, helping businesses and app developers simplify digital transactions.
However, Stripe holds a slight edge for mobile app developers, thanks to its faster SDKs, AI-driven tools, and customizable dashboards. Whether you’re launching a new Android app, iOS app, or cross-platform mobile solution, integrating a reliable payment gateway like Stripe or Braintree is essential for secure, scalable success.
As more businesses establish their online presence, selecting the right payment gateway becomes a crucial decision. When comparing options like Stripe vs PayPal vs Braintree, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Choosing between Stripe alternatives or alternatives to Stripe and PayPal is essential to finding a solution that fits your business needs. A reliable eCommerce payment gateway ensures seamless payment integration and facilitates online credit card payment systems on your website.
A payment gateway is a secure service that bridges the gap between your website, the acquiring bank, and the customer’s credit card issuer. This system ensures that sensitive payment information is transferred securely and efficiently.
With a range of Stripe competitors and other online payment gateways available, businesses have myriad options to choose from, each offering unique features and benefits. From merchant accounts to all-in-one payment processors, these options can vary significantly, so understanding your needs is key.
The popularity of online payment gateways is driven by their ability to simplify how to set up payment on a website, making it easy for businesses to accept payments without disruptions. Selecting the right gateway ensures smooth transactions and enhances customer trust.
- The transfer of payment is convenient
- Security by encryption provides good security
- All transactions are guaranteed for customers
- Cash cards
- Credit card/debit card
- Net-banking
However, the choice of a payment gateway is the most important part of online payment. Nonetheless, the online payment gateways make your transaction hassle-free.
With this in mind compare online payment systems Stripe vs Braintree vs Paypal, and choose the one that best suits your business goals and your user’s demands.
Stripe is a US-based payment service that provides a seamless solution for online credit card payment processing. It enables businesses of all sizes, from startups to large corporations, to accept card payments effortlessly. Recognized as one of the best payment processors for small businesses, Stripe simplifies transactions for both individual users and organizations. Companies like Shopify, Dribble, Amazon, and Foursquare rely on the Stripe pay app for its reliability and efficiency.
For businesses seeking an alternative, Braintree payment gateway software is a strong contender, particularly for eCommerce companies. It is designed to handle payment processing for small businesses and works seamlessly on both web and mobile platforms.
Whether you’re looking to take card payments online, discover how to receive payments online for free, or find the best payment processing for small businesses, solutions like Stripe and Braintree are leading choices in the industry, making payments simple and secure.
Launched in 2007, this eCommerce gateway supports every type of card for online paying and provides seamless international payment processing. Trusted by global brands like Airbnb, GitHub, Twilio, Uber, and more, this best online payment system continues to power smooth transactions across industries.
Notably, Braintree payment gateway software acquired Venmo, enhancing its appeal in the mobile payments market. Later, PayPal acquired Braintree, significantly expanding its market share and solidifying its position as a leader in money payments and mobile credit card processing.
PayPal stands out for enabling users to send and request money online quickly and securely. Its services also include sending money abroad, making it an excellent choice for international payment processing and peer-to-peer transactions. PayPal is widely accepted by companies such as Pandora, eBay, Expedia, and Booking.com, making it one of the best online payment systems.
According to Google Trends, PayPal garners more interest globally compared to Stripe and Braintree. Countries like South Korea, Denmark, and Ireland lead in searches related to the PayPal payment gateway. For businesses or individuals wondering how to accept credit cards on your phone or looking for a robust cell phone payment system, PayPal remains a top choice.
A payment gateway focuses on securing sensitive information and ensures the funds are available and eventually enables merchants to get paid. It ensures a secure connection between the client, an online platform, and a bank account.
At the same time, in real-time, the gateway authorizes electronic payments. If you want to purchase something online, a payment gateway easily completes the transaction in a few core tasks.
The workflow of these payment gateways is almost similar. In addition, to make the transaction, the customer chooses the type of payment method and enters the necessary details.
The customer-chosen payment gateway encrypts the credit card data and sends it to the client’s bank for authorization. Equally, important the bank processes the request to approve or decline and sends a response back to the payment gateway.
Furthermore, immediately the payment gateway sends the response to your website and the customer.
The greatest advantage of this system is that it secures data. Comparing the three payment gateways, PayPal is the fastest one to make the transactions. PayPal reflects foreign transactions in a period of only 2 days.
The pricing of these three payment gateways is pretty similar. However, the pricing will depend on your country.
Let us see the pricing for three, one by one.
For stripe, they charge an amount of 2.9% plus $0.30 each time you receive a credit or debit card payment.
There are no hidden charges, monthly, or set-up fees. There is an additional 1% conversion fee for international cards. For the refund process, stripe does not charge any type of fee.
The payment process of the stripe is transparent. In the documentation, users can see stripes pricing wherein the Stripe Dashboard can also see the fees charged for each payment.
- 2.90% + $0.30 per transaction
- 1% transaction currency conversation
- No monthly fee
- $15 chargeback
- 0.80% ACH processing
Braintree, charge 2.9% for every transaction done from the card or digital wallet. There will be no hidden cost, but for the multicurrency, they will charge a 1% fee as well as international transactions.
Except for USD, this fee applies to any other currency. 0.30% of charges will be taken for the refund. On the company’s website, you can find all these fees in the pricing details. It enables you to know the pricing in a different country.
- 2.90% + $0.30 per transaction
- 1% transaction currency conversation
- No monthly fee
- $15 chargeback
- 0.75% ACH processing
PayPal charges are the Similarly to Stripe’s, 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction. For charities, PayPal offers a discount rate of 2.2% plus $0.30 per transaction. PayPal takes 4.4% per transaction for international sales, plus a fixed fee based on the currency received.
- 2.90% + $0.30 per transaction
- Payments Pro Plan – $30.00 a month
- Standard Plan – no monthly fee
- 1-4% transaction currency conversion
- $20 chargeback
The providers offer services in many countries, you should check if they cover the country you are targeting.
Stripe payment gateway is active in 26 countries, which includes the US, the UK, New Zealand, Canada, Sweden, and Spain.
Braintree serves 46 countries in North America, Australia, Europe, and Asia.
PayPal services are available in more than 200 countries worldwide.
In PayPal, it is easy to store the credit cards of the user in a secure vault rather than getting them stored on your servers. Some vendors think that there is no defense against PayPal fraud where you can get your hands on an advanced anti-scamming toolkit for @10/month + $.05/transaction.
Strips online transactions support safe development, where it protects against potential data breaches.
Braintree fraud protection involves 3D Secure and advanced anti-scam choices. Based on particular warning signs, you can adjust the parameters to automatically discard transactions.
Once you know your target audience, manage your payment methods. Here is the list of the payment methods that each service processes.
PayPal accepts Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, JCB, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club credit cards. Users can pay using PayPal accounts.
However, the payment does not accept any other payment method such as Bitcoin.
Stripe accepts Visa, American Express, Maestro, Mastercard, Discover, and Diners Club cards as well as Apple Pay, Android Pay, Amex Express Checkout, AliPay, Pay with Google, Bitcoin, and ACH transfer.
Braintree accepts Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Apple Pay, MasterPass, Android Pay, Union Pay, Visa Checkout, Amex Express Checkout, Pay with Google, ACH transfer, PayPal, Venmo, and Bitcoin are also supported.
Each merchant payment configuration defines a sub-merchant ID. They communicate with the payment switch using this ID and validate transactions.
There are the minimum and maximum limitations for merchant transactions from a card in a day.
With the help of a payment switch, the payment gateway communicates with the card network and checks if the cardholder is enrolled for the 3DS. The related MPI lookup in Card’s directory services returns a response to the payment gateway.
It processes payments by making a request to the payment switch and receives results and returns to the customers.
Sends confirmation and receipts to merchants and customers.
Ensures that your financial data is extremely sensitive.
A payment gateway encodes the data or information exchanged between merchants and customers securely.
Getting approval from the bank to issue the credit card while the payment process.
The bank authorizes the transaction to carry on and move to the next phase.
Technology has progressed that allows you to transfer payments online, transparently, and safely.
We have mentioned above all the factors of payment gateways but the success of an online business can be ensured with customer satisfaction, so carefully choose a reliable and suitable payment gateway.
The three online platforms have their specialty. The choice of your payment gateway should be completely based on your needs.
Look at your personal business needs and choose the platform which best suits you.
FAQs Of Payment App Development
What is the difference between PayPal and Braintree?
PayPal and Braintree do provide different pricing models. One of the bigger differences between the two services is that, where Braintree offers individual accounts, PayPal is a third-party processor. Thus, PayPal aggregates all of its customers into a single merchant account.
What app is similar to PayPal?
- Skrill
- Payoneer
- Google Pay
- Stripe
And this blog has some similar apps to PayPal.
How much does it cost to develop an app like PayPal?
An application like PayPal is a complex entity, especially with its set of security measures. Other parameters that come into play are team constitution, third-party integrations, location of the development team, list of features, etc. Based on the features development cost may vary.
How do I create an online payment app?
A software development project to build an online payment app like PayPal would involve the following steps:
- Project scoping
- Select the right SDLC model
- Formulate a development approach
- Build a ‘scrum team’
- Sign up for managed cloud services platforms for the web and mobile app infrastructure
- Get an online payment solution
- Procure an ID verification solution
- Sign up for a CRM solution
- Buy a bulk SMS solution
- Download and setup IDEs
- Get a browser and mobile device lab on the cloud for testing
- Develop your web app
- Design the UI for the mobile app
- Code, test, and deploy the android app
- Developing the iOS app
- Use effective tools to manage the project
Which Company is Developing Apps like PayPal & Stripe?
- There are many great companies that are developing apps like PayPal and Stripe and Echoinnovate IT is one of them. We provide the best services as per your requirements. Look at your personal business needs and choose the platform which best suits you.
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