South African businesses need reliable ways to accept online payments.
Payment gateways in South Africa provide secure platforms for processing credit cards, debit cards, and electronic transfers while protecting both merchants and customers.
Working with the right payment solution makes a big difference in your ecommerce or dropshipping business in the country.
The top South African payment gateways offer different features, fees, and integration options to match your specific needs.
Some focus on simple card payments while others support multiple payment methods like bank transfers and e-wallets.
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Best Payment Processors in South Africa
1) PayFast
PayFast is a leading online payment gateway in South Africa. It lets businesses accept payments through more than 18 different methods.
You can process credit cards, Instant EFT, QR codes, and store cards through a single platform. The system also supports popular mobile payment options like SnapScan and Zapper.
The payment gateway provides secure transactions for both local and international customers. You get access to real-time transaction monitoring and detailed reporting tools.
PayFast works well for businesses of all sizes. The setup process is quick, and you can start accepting payments right after integration.
Multiple payment options help boost your sales by giving customers their preferred ways to pay.
Each transaction is protected by advanced security measures.
2) Netcash
Netcash’s payment gateway helps South African businesses accept online payments securely and efficiently.
You can process credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers through their system.
The platform offers fast settlement times and competitive transaction fees.
Your customers can pay using multiple payment methods, making it easier to increase sales.
Netcash ranks among South Africa’s top payment providers. Their service includes fraud protection and secure payment processing to protect your business.
You get access to detailed transaction reporting and a user-friendly dashboard to manage payments. Their support team helps you set up and maintain your payment system.
3) Ozow
Ozow’s payment gateway lets users pay directly from their bank accounts without needing a credit card.
This makes online payments quick and simple for South African shoppers.
You can use Ozow for online purchases, peer-to-peer transfers, and in-store payments through their OzowME app.
The platform offers multiple integration options for businesses who want to accept payments.
You can add it to your website, mobile app, or point-of-sale system.
Paying with Ozow is safe and secure. Your bank details stay protected while you make instant payments to merchants across South Africa.
4) Peach Payments
Peach Payments is another one of the leading payment gateway that works in South Africa. You can accept payments through multiple methods including Visa, Mastercard, and debit cards.
The platform supports various payment options such as:
- Instant EFT
- Mobicred
- Apple Pay, and
- Scan to Pay.
Your customers can also use buy-now-pay-later services like Payflex and ZeroPay.
You can easily send payment links to your customers for one-time or recurring payments. The system handles multiple currencies, making it ideal if you sell to international customers.
The platform recently added RCS and Nedbank Direct EFT as payment options, giving your customers more ways to pay.
5) Shopify Payments
Shopify Payments is the built-in payment processor for Shopify stores.
You can accept credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments directly through your online store.
The setup process takes just a few minutes. You don’t need to deal with third-party providers or extra accounts to start accepting payments.
Transaction fees are lower when you use Shopify Payments compared to other payment gateways. You’ll save money on each sale since Shopify waives their additional transaction fees.
One limitation is that Shopify Payments isn’t available in all South African regions. You may need to consider alternative payment options like PayFast or PayPal depending on your location.
6) Stripe
Stripe is a top payment gateway that serves businesses worldwide and has expanded into South Africa.
The platform processes both online and in-person payments with reliable service.
You can accept payments through credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets using Stripe’s system. Their fee structure is straightforward with a charge per successful transaction.
Stripe offers digital and print payment solutions for businesses of all sizes. Their platform includes tools for managing subscriptions, invoicing, and financial reporting.
The payment system integrates easily with many e-commerce platforms and websites. Their security features protect both merchants and customers during transactions.
7) PayPal
PayPal stands as a trusted name in online payment solutions. You can accept payments from customers worldwide using multiple currencies.
Setting up PayPal is quick and straightforward. You need to create a business account and link it to your website or online store.
The fees vary based on transaction type and location. For South African merchants, expect to pay around 2.9% plus a fixed fee per transaction.
A major benefit is that most online shoppers already have PayPal accounts. This means faster checkouts and fewer abandoned carts.
PayPal offers strong buyer and seller protection features. You get coverage against fraud and disputes, plus detailed transaction tracking.
8) Adyen
Adyen’s payment platform helps businesses accept payments online and in person.
The system works with many payment types from around the world.
You get real-time data about your sales through Adyen’s analytics tools. This helps you track transactions and spot trends in customer spending.
The platform does well with mobile payments and online sales. Your customers can pay using their preferred methods, which helps increase sales.
You can manage all your payment channels in one place. This saves time and makes running your business easier.
Adyen works with local payment methods in different countries. This makes it a good choice if you want to sell to customers worldwide.
9) Authorize.net
Authorize.net stands as a top payment gateway for fraud prevention, earning recognition from Forbes.
The platform makes it simple to process electronic payments and credit cards both online and in person.
You can accept multiple payment types including credit cards, contactless payments, and eChecks through Authorize.net.
The system offers a user-friendly customer portal packed with helpful features.
The platform has proven reliable for small businesses, with years of experience in payment processing.
Their feature-rich platform provides strong security measures to protect your transactions.
You get access to detailed reporting tools and excellent customer support through their dedicated help line at 1-888-323-4289.
Key Features of Payment Gateways
Payment gateways protect your money, connect to your website easily, and process transactions at different fee levels.
These features make online payments safe and simple for your business.
a) Security Measures
3D Secure authentication adds an extra layer of protection when customers make payments. This security feature helps prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions.
Payment gateways use encryption to protect sensitive data like credit card numbers and personal information. Your customers’ details stay private and secure during the entire payment process.
SSL certificates create a secure connection between your website and the payment gateway. This ensures all data transfers happen safely.
Regular security updates and fraud monitoring tools catch suspicious activities before they cause problems.
b) Integration Capabilities
Many payment gateways work with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento.
You can add them to your website quickly without technical knowledge.
Most gateways offer simple plugins or API documentation for custom integration. This means your developer can set up payments exactly how you want them.
Mobile payment support lets your customers pay easily from their phones. This includes options like digital wallets and QR code payments.
c) Transaction Fees
Different payment methods have varying fees. Here is an updated table of the payment fees for major payment gateways and platforms in South Africa:
| Payment Gateway | Transaction Fees | Payment Methods | Additional Benefits |
| PayFast | 3.2% + R2 per transaction (cards); 2.0% min R2 (EFT) | Credit cards, Instant EFT, Masterpass, SnapScan, Zapper, Scode | Offers cash-flow loans; no setup or monthly fees; supports recurring billing. |
| Yoco | 2.95% down to 2.6% (card only) | Visa, Mastercard | Easy setup; integrates with e-commerce platforms; provides analytics dashboard. |
| Ozow | 2.5% down to 1.5% (EFT only) | Instant EFT | Instant EFT solution; no card needed; real-time notifications; automated reconciliation. |
| Zapper | 2.9% | QR code payments | Provides cash-flow loans; widely used in retail; customers need the Zapper app. |
| SnapScan | 2.95% down to 2.55% | QR code payments | Popular in retail stores; customers require the SnapScan app; supports various bank cards. |
| Mobicred | 3.5% | Customer financing | Offers credit facility to customers; integrates with various e-commerce platforms. |
| Peach Payments | 2.95% + R1.5 per transaction (cards); 1.50% + R1.5 per transaction (EFT) | Credit cards, Instant EFT, Masterpass, Mobicred | Access to PayPal with enterprise package; supports multi-currency payments; focuses on larger businesses. |
| PayGate | 3.5% | Credit cards, EFT, digital wallets | Real-time payments; no merchant account required for PayGate Plus; supports multiple payment methods. |
| PayGenius | 3.2% | Credit cards, EFT | Supports foreign currencies; suitable for international transactions. |
| PayPal | 5% to 10% depending on options | International credit cards, PayPal balance | Handles multiple currencies; widely recognized globally; higher transaction fees. |
| 2Checkout (now Verifone) | 3.5% + €0.3 per transaction | International credit cards, PayPal | Accepts foreign currencies; suitable for global transactions; integrates with various platforms. |
Some gateways charge monthly fees while others only take transaction fees. Pick the option that matches your sales volume.
Settlement times vary between 24-72 hours depending on the payment method and gateway you choose.
Regulatory Environment in South Africa
The payment system in South Africa operates under strict regulations set by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).
They oversee the national payment system to ensure security and efficiency.
Compliance Requirements
Payment gateways must register with the National Payment System Department (NPSD) before operating in South Africa.
The NPSD monitors and regulates all payment systems.
They need to meet these key requirements:
- Anti-money laundering (AML) protocols
- Know Your Customer (KYC) verification
- Regular security audits
- Data protection measures
Financial reporting must happen quarterly. Your payment gateway needs to maintain minimum capital requirements to ensure stability.
Consumer Protection Laws
The Consumer Protection Act gives users strong rights when making online payments.
Your transactions are protected by law against fraud and unauthorized charges.
Key protections include:
- Right to clear fee disclosures
- 14-day cooling-off period for purchases
- Dispute resolution processes
- Protection of personal data
3D Secure authentication is mandatory for credit card transactions. This adds an extra security layer to protect both buyers and sellers.
The National Credit Act limits fees payment providers can charge. This keeps costs fair for merchants and customers.