Best Payment Gateways for Shopify in Latin America & US
Explore the top payment gateways for Shopify in Latin America and the US. Discover costs, scalability, and best use cases for Stripe, Shopify Payments, and more.
⚡Key Takeaways from This Guide
- ✓Stripe offers seamless integration and competitive fees for US-based Shopify stores.
- ✓MercadoPago is ideal for Latin American businesses needing local payment options.
- ✓Consider transaction fees and currency support when choosing a payment gateway.
Choosing the right payment gateway for your Shopify store depends on your location, target market, and specific business needs. For US-based stores, Stripe often stands out due to its competitive pricing and extensive features, while MercadoPago shines in Latin America for its local payment options.
Quick Verdict Table
| Gateway | Cost/Fees | Learning Curve | Scalability | Best Use Case | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction | Moderate | High | US-based stores | Top choice for US |
| Shopify Payments | 2.4% to 2.9% + $0.30 | Easy | High | Any region Shopify supports | Best for seamless Shopify integration |
| MercadoPago | Variable by country | Moderate | High | Latin American markets | Top choice for LatAm |
| Culqi | 3.49% per transaction | Moderate | Medium | Peru | Great for Peruvian businesses |
| Izipay | Variable | Moderate | Medium | Peru | Alternative for Peruvian market |
Stripe: Ideal for US-based Stores
Stripe is renowned for its developer-friendly API and strong support in the US market. It offers a transparent fee structure and supports multiple currencies, making it a strong contender for businesses targeting a global audience.
Shopify Payments: Seamless Shopify Integration
Shopify Payments is the default gateway for Shopify users, offering an integrated solution that eliminates additional transaction fees. However, keep an eye on currency conversion fees.
MercadoPago: The Latin American Leader
MercadoPago is a dominant player in Latin America, providing local payment solutions that cater to regional preferences. It's ideal for businesses focused on this market.
Culqi and Izipay: Peruvian Alternatives
For businesses operating in Peru, Culqi and Izipay offer localized solutions. Culqi stands out for its straightforward setup, while Izipay provides a competitive alternative in the Peruvian market.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shopify & E-commerce
Which payment gateway is best for US Shopify stores?
Stripe is highly recommended for US Shopify stores due to its robust features, competitive fees, and seamless integration with Shopify.
Is MercadoPago suitable for all Latin American countries?
MercadoPago supports several Latin American countries, but availability can vary. Check their official site for specific country support.
What are the hidden costs of using Shopify Payments?
While Shopify Payments eliminates transaction fees, it may include currency conversion fees and higher rates for international cards.
Can I use multiple payment gateways in Shopify?
Yes, Shopify allows multiple payment gateways, enabling you to offer diverse payment options to your customers.
Charlie Lingán — Founder, Full Stack Developer & Financial Auditor
Methodologies validated scaling real D2C Shopify brands like You Minox (youminox.com) and automated SEO SaaS platforms like Blogfy.io.
