Best Payment Gateways for South African E-commerce in 2025

If you’re running an e-commerce business in South Africa, choosing the right payment gateway can make or break your success. With online shopping booming—thanks to increased internet access and mobile usage—SA’s e-commerce market is projected to grow significantly this year. But let’s face it: customers abandon carts if checkout isn’t seamless, secure, and familiar. That’s where payment gateways come in, acting as the bridge between your store and banks or payment providers.

In this article, I’ll break down the best options for SA e-commerce based on real-world factors like fees, integration ease, security, supported payment methods, and customer support. I’ve drawn from reliable sources and comparisons to ensure this is up-to-date for 2025. Whether you’re on Shopify, WooCommerce, or a custom site, there’s something here for you. I’ll include a handy comparison table and dive into each one.

Key Criteria for Choosing a Payment Gateway in SA

Before jumping in, here’s what I considered:

• Fees: Transaction costs, setup, and monthly charges—crucial for slim margins.
• Integration: How easy it is to plug into platforms like WordPress, Shopify, or BigCommerce.
• Security: PCI-DSS compliance and fraud protection are non-negotiable.
• Payment Methods: Support for cards, EFT, QR codes, BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later), and mobile wallets like SnapScan or Zapper.
• Support and Scalability: Local help, international payments, and growth potential.
• User Experience: Speed and reliability to reduce cart abandonment.

SA-specific challenges like load shedding or bank integrations also play a role, so local providers often edge out globals like PayPal (which has withdrawal limits here).

Top Payment Gateways for SA E-commerce

Based on reviews and expert analyses, here are the standout ones for 2025. I focused on those tailored to SA, with strong e-com features.

1. PayFast

PayFast is a go-to for many SA online stores, especially startups. It supports over 18 payment methods, including credit cards, Instant EFT, QR codes, and even store cards like Mobicred. Integration is a breeze with 70+ platforms, including WooCommerce and Shopify, and there’s no monthly fee—just per-transaction charges.

Pros: Zero setup costs, free POS device for hybrid businesses, real-time reporting, and PCI-DSS Level 1 security.

Cons: Higher fees on credit cards (around 3.2% + R2), limited international options.

Fees: 2-3.2% per transaction, depending on method; no monthly fees.

Best for: Small to medium e-com sites needing variety without upfront costs.

2. Peach Payments

Peach Payments shines for flexibility, offering credit cards, debit orders, EFT, and subscriptions. It’s popular for its strong customer support and seamless integrations with platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce.

Pros: Robust fraud detection, multi-currency support, and quick payouts.

Cons: Onboarding can take longer, and fees might add up for high-volume sellers.

Fees: Typically 2.5-3.5% per transaction; custom quotes for larger businesses.

Best for: Growing e-com stores with international ambitions.

3. Yoco

Originally known for card machines, Yoco’s online gateway is mobile-first and user-friendly. It integrates with WooCommerce, Shopify, and Wix, supporting bank cards and offering tools like inventory management.

Pros: No monthly fees for basics, instant funding via Yoco Capital, and 7-day support.

Cons: Limited to SA banks, with a connectivity fee for devices (R49/month).

Fees: From 2.7% per transaction (drops with volume); no setup fees.

Best for: Mobile e-com or businesses blending online and in-person sales.

4. Ozow

Ozow specializes in Instant EFT, making it ideal for customers without cards. It integrates easily with major SA banks and supports refunds/payouts.

Pros: Cardless, fast, and secure; no need for credit checks.

Cons: EFT-only, so not great for international buyers; limited to smart devices.

Fees: 1.5-2.5% per transaction.

Best for: E-com targeting local, budget-conscious shoppers.

5. PayU

PayU is a solid all-rounder with fraud tools and PCI compliance. It handles cards, EFT, and BNPL options, integrating well with e-com platforms.

Pros: Strong security, global reach (part of Prosus), and customizable checkouts.

Cons: Can have higher fees for smaller transactions; setup might require tech know-how.

Fees: Around 2.9-3.5% + fixed fee; monthly options available.

Best for: Mid-sized e-com with cross-border sales.

6. SnapScan

SnapScan leverages QR codes and payment links for quick, mobile payments—perfect for social commerce via email or SMS.

Pros: Easy for on-the-go customers, no hardware needed, wide acceptance.

Cons: SA-only, with fees that might pinch high-volume users.

Fees: 2.55-2.95% per transaction.

Best for: Small e-com or pop-ups using social media.

7. Stitch

Stitch offers an end-to-end platform with optimized performance for SA payments, including APIs for custom integrations.

Pros: Reliable uptime, streamlined ops, and data insights.

Cons: Might be overkill for tiny stores; pricing can vary.

Fees: Custom, often 2-3% based on volume.

Best for: Tech-savvy e-com needing scalability.

8. PayGate

A trusted veteran, PayGate supports comprehensive methods like cards and recurring billing.

Pros: Reliable brand, multi-currency.

Cons: Monthly fees can accumulate.

Fees: Transaction-based plus monthly (around R200+).

Best for: Established e-com with subscription models.

Comparison Table

Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you decide:

Gateway	Key Methods	Fees (per transaction)	Integration Ease	International Support	Best For
PayFast	Cards, EFT, QR, BNPL	2-3.2% + R2	High (70+ platforms)	Limited	Startups
Peach Payments	Cards, EFT, Subs	2.5-3.5%	High	Good	Growing stores
Yoco	Bank cards	2.7%+	Medium-High	SA-only	Mobile/hybrid
Ozow	EFT only	1.5-2.5%	High	SA-only	Local shoppers
PayU	Cards, EFT, BNPL	2.9-3.5% + fixed	Medium	Strong	Cross-border
SnapScan	QR, Links	2.55-2.95%	High	SA-only	Social commerce
Stitch	Various via API	2-3% (custom)	Medium	Limited	Scalable tech
PayGate	Cards, Recurring	Varies + monthly	Medium	Good	Subscriptions

Note: Fees are approximate; always check official sites for quotes.

BNPL Options to Boost Conversions

If you want to offer “Buy Now, Pay Later,” integrate with gateways like PayFast (via Mobicred) or PayU. Standalone BNPL like PayFlex or PayJustNow can pair with most—expect 4-6% fees but higher sales from flexible payments.

Final Thoughts

The “best” gateway depends on your needs: Go with PayFast or Ozow for simplicity and low costs if you’re local-focused. For expansion, Peach or PayU might suit better. Always test integrations and read reviews—SA’s e-com scene evolves fast. If you’re just starting, Yoco’s free entry is hard to beat. Whichever you pick, prioritize security to build trust. Have questions? Drop a comment or consult a local expert.

This guide is based on current data as of August 2025; prices may change, so verify directly. Happy selling!