How to Choose the Right Stripe Alternative
Picking a payment platform isn't just about comparing fee structures—though that matters. Here's what to actually consider:
Your international ambitions: If you're selling globally or plan to, MoR solutions like Paddle, FastSpring, or Lemon Squeezy eliminate compliance nightmares. If you're primarily domestic, a payment processor like Mollie or Braintree might suffice.
Billing complexity: Simple monthly subscriptions? Most platforms handle that easily. Usage-based billing with proration, credits, and complex pricing tiers? Look at Chargebee, Recurly, or Zuora.
Technical resources: Developer-heavy team that loves APIs? Polar or Mollie give you control. Prefer plug-and-play solutions? Lemon Squeezy or FastSpring will get you live faster.
Budget and scale: Early-stage startups might balk at 5% transaction fees, but when you factor in the engineering time saved on tax compliance and billing logic, MoR solutions often pencil out. As you scale, negotiate custom rates.
The Bottom Line
Stripe remains an excellent choice for many SaaS companies, but it's no longer the only game in town—or necessarily the best one for your specific situation. The platforms above represent the maturation of the payments ecosystem, offering specialized solutions for different business models, markets, and growth stages.
The right choice depends on where you are now and where you're headed. If you're scaling internationally, handling compliance yourself is a distraction you don't need. If you're building complex pricing models, specialized subscription platforms will save you countless development hours. And if you're just starting out, user-friendly MoR solutions let you launch faster and worry about payments later.
Take the time to evaluate what you actually need—not just today, but twelve months from now. The switching cost isn't trivial, so choose thoughtfully. Your future self will thank you.
