Mercado Pago, Stripe or PayPal: how to choose the payment gateway for your store

The payment gateway is the piece that turns purchase intent into money in your account. Choosing it badly does not only cost fees: it loses sales, because a customer who cannot find their payment method leaves. Zona's store lets you charge with your own Mercado Pago, Stripe or PayPal account, so the decision of which to use is yours. This article proposes criteria to make it without relying on a universal rule, because there is none: it depends on where you live, where your customers live and what you sell.

First, where your buyers are

Most purchases lost over the payment method come down to a simple reason: the customer does not use the one you offer. Before comparing fees, answer:

• In which countries do most of your buyers live?
• Which payment methods do they use there (cards, wallets, transfers)?
• Do they buy from the phone, from someone they know or from strangers?

If your audience is concentrated in one country, the most used local method is usually the best. If it is international, coverage comes first.

What each option usually offers

The following descriptions are general; exact conditions change over time and by country, so you should verify them on each provider's official website.

Mercado Pago. A platform with a presence mainly in several Latin American countries. It tends to be familiar to buyers in that region, who can pay with methods they already use daily. Check in which countries it is available for your account.

Stripe. A payment platform with broad coverage and a focus on cards and international payment methods. It is widely used in e-commerce. The availability of opening an account depends on the country where your business is based.

PayPal. Known internationally, useful for buyers who prefer not to enter their card details on every site. It is not available in the same way in every country, and the features for receiving payments vary.

Criteria for deciding

1. Can I open a collection account in my country? It is the prior question. Review each provider's requirements.
2. Which methods does my typical customer accept? Offer first the one your audience uses most.
3. How much does it charge per transaction? Fees usually combine a percentage and a fixed amount; compare with the average price of your sales. On cheap products, the fixed part weighs a lot.
4. How long until the money is released? The time to receive funds varies and may affect your cash flow.
5. What happens with refunds and disputes? Know each one's rules before the first one happens.
6. What identity verification is required? Some providers ask for documents and time before activating collections.
7. What is the experience on the phone? Try a real purchase from a mobile.

Combining more than one option

You can offer several gateways to cover different publics. It is common to combine a local option for buyers in your region with an international one for the rest. More options do not always mean more sales, but if you detect customers getting lost at payment, adding their method is usually the most effective fix. Each gateway adds a bit of management, so it is wise to start with one or two.

Your own keys, your own money

In Zona's store, the customer's payment goes directly to your account, with your own keys, which are stored encrypted, and Zona charges no commission on your sales. This gives you control: the money arrives at the provider you chose, under your name, with its conditions. In exchange, you are the one who manages the relationship with that provider: refunds, disputes and verification. You can see how it works on the store page. A plan detail: selling starts at Pro (3 products at most); Business removes that maximum and the free plan keeps the store as a draft.

Basic security

• Do not share your private keys with anyone or paste them in public places.
• Turn on two-step verification on your payment account.
• Periodically review your account's movements.
• Use your own email, not a shared one, for your collection account.

Test before launching

Before showing your store to the public, make a test purchase for a minimal amount: check that the payment is recorded, that the customer receives the product and that the money appears in your account. A configuration error found by a real customer costs far more. If possible, use the test mode the provider offers.

Communicate payment methods

State the accepted methods on the product sheet. An icon or a sentence ("Pay by card or Mercado Pago balance") reduces doubts. If a customer cannot pay with your method, offer a contact to find an alternative: a sale solved by message is better than a lost one.

Taxes and obligations

Charging through a gateway does not exempt you from your tax obligations: income is usually subject to declaration and, depending on the country and volume, issuing invoices may be necessary. There is a general guide on taxes when selling online. To start your store, create your zone for free.

Common mistakes

• Choosing by fee without checking whether the customer can pay.
• Not making a test purchase.
• Sharing private keys.
• Offering too many gateways from the start.
• Ignoring the release times of the money.

On the Chile page you will find a version of Zona made for that country.

Frequently asked questions

Does Zona process my payments?

No. Payment goes directly to your account at the provider you choose. Zona charges no commission on your sales.

Can I change gateway later?

Yes. You can add or change the accounts connected to your store. It is wise to tell customers if there is a transition period.

Which has the lowest fees?

It depends on the country, the payment method and the sale amount. Check each provider's current rates.

Do I need a business account?

It depends on the provider and your country. Some allow you to start with a personal account; others ask for tax details. Review their requirements.