Stripe Not an Option? Unlocking the Best Shopify Payment Gateways for US & International Sales

Hey fellow store owners!

Let's talk about something that comes up surprisingly often in our Shopify community: finding the right payment gateway when popular options like Stripe aren't available for your business location. It's a common hurdle, and I recently saw a fantastic discussion kicked off by MEZ_MUS that really dug into this. They were launching a Shopify store primarily for the US market, already had PayPal, but needed a robust alternative to Stripe to boost checkout flexibility and conversions, with an eye on international growth. Sound familiar?

Navigating Payment Gateways When Stripe Isn't an Option

MEZ_MUS's situation is super relatable. Many of us operate from locations where Stripe just isn't supported directly, leaving us scrambling for reliable alternatives. The goal, as MEZ_MUS put it, is a "seamless checkout experience for U.S. customers" and a "long-term solution that's reliable, widely accepted, and won't require changing providers as my business grows internationally." That's a tall order, but our community had some excellent insights.

Top Community-Recommended Payment Providers

When Stripe is off the table, and you've already got PayPal covered (which is always a good baseline!), our community expert Mateo-Penida chimed in with a couple of strong contenders:

• 2Checkout (now Verifone): This one came highly recommended. Why? Because it's a true global player. Mateo-Penida noted it's "available in almost any country, works great for US customers, and has a straightforward Shopify integration." If your long-term vision includes selling internationally, 2Checkout is definitely worth a closer look. It's designed to handle various currencies and local payment methods, making it a solid choice for global expansion from day one.
• Authorize.net: Another "solid choice" according to Mateo-Penida, and "very trusted by US buyers." If your primary focus is the US market and building trust with American customers, Authorize.net is a strong contender. The main thing to check here is if it supports merchants from your specific country, as its availability isn't as broad as 2Checkout's. Always double-check their merchant country list before getting too deep into the research.

These options give you that crucial second (or third, if you count PayPal) payment method, which is vital for reducing cart abandonment. Customers love choice, and not everyone wants to use PayPal.

The Catch: Shopify Transaction Fees

Here's an important detail Mateo-Penida highlighted that's easy to overlook: any third-party payment gateway you use (like 2Checkout or Authorize.net) will incur an additional Shopify transaction fee. This fee ranges from 0.5% to 2%, depending on your Shopify plan, and it's on top of the gateway's own processing fees. It's a cost you need to factor into your pricing and profit margins, especially if you're working with tight numbers.

The Long-Term Play: Forming a US LLC for Shopify Payments

For those truly looking to optimize long-term and eliminate those extra Shopify transaction fees, Mateo-Penida brought up an interesting strategy: forming a US LLC. This setup can give you direct access to Shopify Payments, which is Shopify's own payment gateway and the only one that lets you bypass those additional transaction fees. Services like Firstbase or Doola can help you set up a US LLC remotely, usually for around $100-$500.

However, a crucial point was raised by ajaycodewiz, which is super important for non-US citizens considering this route. While a US LLC can open doors, you might face "Payment Identity Verification for non-US citizens" issues with Shopify Payments. This means you could sell products just fine, but when it comes to getting your payouts, you might hit hurdles. It's a real concern and something to research thoroughly before committing to an LLC setup solely for this purpose. Make sure you understand the verification requirements and potential delays.

Making Your Decision: Key Steps and Considerations

So, how do you choose the best path for your store?

1. Assess Your Primary Market & Business Location: Since you're targeting the US, prioritize providers known for a smooth US customer experience. Then, confirm they support merchants from your specific business country.
2. Evaluate Fees: Don't just look at the gateway's processing fees. Factor in Shopify's additional transaction fees for third-party gateways. Calculate potential costs based on your projected sales volume.
3. Consider International Growth: If global expansion is on your roadmap, prioritize providers like 2Checkout that offer extensive country and currency support from the start.
4. Research Integration & Support: Check reviews for ease of integration with Shopify and the quality of customer support. You don't want to get stuck.
5. Explore the US LLC Option Carefully: If bypassing Shopify transaction fees is a huge priority, research the US LLC route thoroughly. Understand the setup costs, ongoing compliance, and especially the identity verification challenges for non-US citizens. Look into the specific requirements of Shopify Payments for such entities.

Ultimately, there's no single "best" provider for everyone, but by carefully weighing these factors and learning from the experiences of others in the community, you can make an informed choice that sets your store up for success. Whether you go with 2Checkout, Authorize.net, or delve into the complexities of a US LLC, the goal is to provide your customers with reliable, flexible payment options.

And remember, building a successful online store is a journey! If you're still considering your platform options or looking for ways to scale, starting with a robust platform like Shopify gives you a fantastic foundation. Keep asking questions and sharing your insights – that's how we all grow together. Good luck with your launch!