
Choosing the right payment gateway for your Easy Digital Downloads store is a big deal. You want something secure, easy to use, and trusted by customers. That too, without complicated setups.
With so many options out there, it’s tough to know which one fits your needs. So, we’ve rounded up the best payment gateways for EDD. If you’re selling eBooks, plugins, or digital services, these options keep transactions smooth and secure. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What is a Payment Gateway?
A payment gateway is the secure bridge between your online store and financial institutions. When customers purchase your digital products, this technology authorizes and processes their payments in real-time, much like a virtual point-of-sale system.
Let’s see how it works:
- A customer enters their payment details at checkout.
- The gateway encrypts this sensitive information.
- It communicates with banks to verify funds and approve the transaction.
- Once confirmed, the transfer is initiated to your merchant account.
Modern payment gateways do more than just process transactions. They provide:
- Fraud detection and security measures.
- Support for multiple payment methods (credit cards, digital wallets, etc.)
- Seamless integration with your eCommerce platform.
- Automated reconciliation for easier accounting.
The right payment gateway ensures your customers enjoy a fast, secure checkout experience while giving you peace of mind that transactions are handled professionally.
Top Payment Gateways For Easy Digital Downloads
Let’s now discuss the best payment gateways to help you get paid securely and efficiently for your digital products.
1. PayPal Commerce Pro Payment Gateway
PayPal Commerce Pro is one of the most trusted payment solutions for Easy Digital Downloads, offering seamless transactions with near-universal buyer recognition. It simplifies checkout with PayPal’s one-tap payments, reducing cart abandonment while keeping transactions secure. It handles everything from small purchases to high-volume sales—all with straightforward pricing.
Key features include:
- Faster Checkout: Customers pay with saved PayPal info, speeding up purchases.
- Buyer Trust: Uses PayPal’s reputation to boost conversion rates.
- Fraud Protection: Built-in security to minimize chargebacks and scams.
- Flexible Payouts: Access funds quickly with options for instant transfers.
A Quick Look at the Important Details
Checkout Type: On-site (users stay on your store to complete the transaction.)
Accepts: PayPal, major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), debit cards, and bank payments.
Fees: On domestic payments, there is a 2.9% + $0.30 USD fee per transaction. And on international payment, there is a 4.4% + fixed fee based on currency.
(Note: Fees may vary slightly depending on your PayPal account type, country, and volume.)
Supported Currencies: Over 25 currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, CAD, JPY, and more.
Supported Countries: Available in 200+ countries and regions.
Recurring Payments Support: Yes, ideal for subscriptions and memberships.SSL Required: Yes, an active SSL certificate is mandatory for secure payment processing.
2. Stripe Pro Payment Gateway
Stripe Pro is a developer-friendly powerhouse that makes accepting payments for your digital products smooth and secure. It handles everything from one-time purchases to subscriptions with a clean, customizable checkout that works across devices. With its robust API and extensive documentation, Stripe gives you control without complicating the process.
Key features include:
- Seamless Checkout: Embeddable payment forms keep buyers on your site.
- Smart Retry Logic: Automatically recovers failed subscription payments.
- Advanced Fraud Protection: Radar technology blocks suspicious transactions.
- Global Ready: Accepts 135+ currencies and popular payment methods worldwide.
A Quick Look at the Important Details
Checkout Type: On-site. Stripe Checkout continues to support on-site integration, allowing businesses to process payments directly on their websites.
Accepted Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club.
Additional Methods: Stripe also supports various local payment methods depending on the customer’s country, such as iDEAL, SEPA Direct Debit, and others.
Fees: For European Economic Area (EEA) cards, there is a 1.4% + €0.25 fee per transaction. For non-EEA/international cards, there is a 2.9% + €0.25 fee per transaction. For UK cards, there is a 1.4% + £0.20 fee per transaction. Also, an additional 2% fee applies if currency conversion is required.
Currency Support: Stripe supports processing payments in over 135 currencies, allowing businesses to charge customers in their local currency.
Country Availability: Stripe is now available in 46 countries, expanding its global reach to include more regions across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Recurring Payments: Yes, Stripe offers robust support for recurring payments, including subscriptions and billing automation.
SSL Requirement: Yes, SSL is required to ensure secure transactions and protect sensitive customer data.
3. Authorize.net Payment Gateway
Authorize.net has been a trusted name in online payments for over 20 years, offering rock-solid reliability for your Easy Digital Downloads store. It’s perfect for businesses that prioritize security and stability, with features that handle everything from single purchases to recurring subscriptions. The gateway integrates smoothly with EDD while giving you detailed reporting to track your sales.
Key features include:
- Advanced Fraud Detection: Built-in tools to minimize chargebacks.
- Recurring Billing: Easy setup for subscription-based products.
- Customer Information Manager: Securely stores payment details for repeat buyers.
- Wide Bank Compatibility: Works with nearly all major merchant accounts.
A Quick Look at the Important Details
Payment Methods Supported: Credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club. It also supports digital payments like Apple Pay and PayPal along with eChecks (ACH). It supports both digital and physical product transactions.
Checkout Type: On-site (customers complete transactions without leaving your website).
Fees: There is a 2.9% + $0.30 fee per transaction along with a monthly gateway fee of $25. Additional fees may apply for value-added services.
Supported Countries: Primarily the United States. Some services extend to Canada, Europe, and Australia.
Supported Currencies: USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, among others.
Recurring Billing Support: Yes.
SSL Certificate Required: Yes.
Advanced Fraud Detection: Includes customizable, rules-based filters and tools to suit your business model.
4. Braintree Payment Gateway
Braintree (a PayPal service) combines the trust of PayPal with powerful credit card processing for a seamless checkout experience. It’s perfect for digital sellers who want to accept multiple payment methods while keeping everything secure and streamlined. The gateway handles everything from one-time purchases to subscriptions with minimal setup fuss.
Key features include:
- All-in-One Payments: Accept PayPal, cards, and digital wallets (Apple/Google Pay) in one integration.
- Drop-in UI: Pre-built, mobile-friendly checkout that converts better.
- Advanced Fraud Protection: Uses PayPal’s fraud tools to reduce chargebacks.
- Global Reach: Supports 130+ currencies and local payment methods.
A Quick Look at the Important Details
Checkout Type: on-site
Cards Accepted: Visa, MC, Amex, Disc, JCB, Diners
Fees: A 2.59% + $.49 fee per transaction is applicable.
Supported Countries: Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, United States
Currencies: Supports 135+ different currencies.
Recurring support: No
SSL required: Yes
5. Apple pay
Apple Pay brings one-tap checkout to your digital store, letting iPhone and Mac users pay instantly with Face ID or Touch ID. It’s the fastest way to complete purchases on Apple devices, cutting out tedious card entry and boosting conversions. The service works seamlessly with your existing Stripe or Braintree integration, requiring minimal setup.
Key features include:
- Lightning-Fast Checkout: Customers pay with just a glance or a fingerprint.
- Higher Conversion Rates: Removes friction for iOS/Mac users.
- Built-In Privacy: Never stores card numbers on devices or servers.
- Automatic Updates: Payment info stays current without customer action.
A Quick Look at the Important Details
Checkout Type: Mostly off-site, with Apple Pay handling payment authorization securely.
Payment Methods: Still allows payments both online and in person, now with even more flexibility, such as support for third-party browsers and Tap to Pay on iPhone (no extra hardware needed for merchants).
Accepted Cards: All major credit and debit cards, including American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and others.
Expanded global support: Available in over 75 countries and regions.
WooCommerce Integration: Integration via Stripe remains a popular method for eCommerce platforms, including WooCommerce.
Fees: Apple charges a fee on US purchases, but the latest figure appears consistent at 0.15% per transaction for merchants. Some updates hint at possible negotiation with banks on fees or new flexible options for installment payments and reward redemption.
Supported Currencies: Supports multi-currency payments in all supported countries.
Recurring Payments: Available, which makes it suitable for subscriptions and ongoing services.
Security: SSL/TLS is required to secure transactions. New security enhancements include transaction receipts and order tracking inside the Wallet app for better transparency.
Additional Updates:
- Apple Pay now supports order tracking and detailed receipts directly in the Wallet app.
- Flexible payment options like installment plans and reward redemptions are available with participating banks.
- The Tap to Pay on iPhone feature allows merchants to accept Apple Pay directly without extra POS hardware.
6. EDD CCBill
CCBill is a specialized payment solution perfect for digital merchants selling high-risk or subscription-based content. With decades of experience in digital goods, it handles complex billing scenarios while keeping your transactions secure. The gateway integrates directly with Easy Digital Downloads to support recurring payments, trial offers, and global currency conversion.
Key features include:
- High-Risk Business Friendly: Specializes in digital products that others often decline.
- Flexible Billing Options: Handles subscriptions, rebills, and trial periods.
- Global Payment Support: Accepts cards and local payment methods worldwide.
- Chargeback Protection: Advanced fraud screening to reduce disputes.
A Quick Look at the Important Details
Checkout Type: off-site.
Accepts: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and JCB credit card.
Fees: 3.90% + $0.55 per transaction.
Countries: 45+ Currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, JPY.
Recurring support: Yes.
SSL required: Yes.
7. EDD PayU India
PayU India is the go-to payment solution for Indian sellers, offering localized payment methods that Indian customers actually use. It seamlessly integrates with Easy Digital Downloads to accept everything from UPI to popular Indian credit cards, making checkout frictionless for your local audience. The platform handles INR transactions with competitive rates and quick settlements.
Key features include:
- India-Friendly Payment: Accepts UPI, NetBanking, wallets like Paytm, and major cards.
- Higher Conversion Rates: Local payment options mean fewer abandoned carts.
- Easy INR Processing: No currency conversion headaches for domestic sales.
- Fraud Protection: Advanced screening tailored to the Indian market.
A Quick Look at the Important Details
Checkout Type: off-site.
Accepts: Visa, MasterCard, Amex Business Card.
Fees: 2% + GST per transaction.
Country: India.
Currencies: 100+ foreign currencies.
Recurring support: Yes.
SSL required: No.
8. EDD PayU Romania
PayU Romania gives your digital store the perfect payment solution tailored for the Romanian market. It lets customers pay how they prefer, with local cards, bank transfers, or cash payments, all while keeping checkout smooth and secure. The gateway handles RON transactions natively, so you avoid currency conversion hassles.
Key features include:
- Romanian Payment Methods: Accepts local cards (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfers, and cash via PayU Cash.
- Optimized Checkout: Romanian-language interface that builds trust.
- Fast RON Settlements: Get paid quickly in the local currency.
- Fraud Prevention: Custom security for the Romanian market.
A Quick Look at the Important Details
Checkout Type: Off-site.
Accepts: Visa, Mastercard (Amex not accepted), iTransfer for BT and BCR, wire transfer, PayPal, and Selfpay.
Fees: 2% per transaction.
Country: Romania.
Currencies: RON, USD, EUR, GBP, HUF, BGN, CZK, DKK, PLN, SEK, HRK, and UAH.
Recurring support: Yes.
SSL required: No.
9. Check Payment Gateway
The Check Payment Gateway is a simple, no-frills solution for sellers who prefer manual payment processing. It lets customers pay via check or direct bank transfer while you maintain full control over transactions. Ideal for low-volume sellers or those who want to avoid payment processor fees, this gateway adds a personal touch to your checkout process.
Key features include:
- Simple Setup: No complex integrations or merchant accounts needed.
- Flexible Payment Options: Accept checks, bank transfers, or other offline methods.
- Full Control: Manually verify and approve each order before fulfillment.
A Quick Look at the Important Details
Checkout Type: On-site.
Accepts: Checks or manual payments
Fees: No transaction fee.
Country: No country restriction.
Currencies: The gateway supports all currencies available in Easy Digital Downloads.
Recurring support: No.
SSL required: No.
10. Square for WooCommerce
Square brings its powerful in-person and online payment tools to your digital store, offering a unified solution for sellers who operate both online and offline. The gateway provides a clean, mobile-friendly checkout that accepts all major payment types while syncing seamlessly with Square’s ecosystem. It’s particularly useful if you also sell at events or pop-up shops and want one system for all transactions.
Key features include:
- Omnichannel Ready: Syncs online/offline sales in one dashboard.
- Instant Deposits: Next-business-day transfers (or instant for a 1% fee).
- Built-In Tools: Includes basic inventory and sales analytics.
A Quick Look at the Important Details
Checkout Type: Off-site.
Accepts: All major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Square Gift Cards.
Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Country: United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, UK, France, Spain, Ireland.
Currencies: USD, CAD, AUD, JPY, GBP, EUR, and others, depending on the country.
Recurring support: No.
SSL required: Yes
11. Payfast Payment Gateway
Payfast is a leading African payment solution that makes buying digital products effortless for customers across the continent. It specializes in local payment methods that credit cards can’t cover, helping you tap into markets where traditional gateways fall short. The platform handles everything from instant EFTs to mobile money with reliable fraud screening.
Key features include:
- African Payment Methods: Accepts M-Pesa, Ozow, SnapScan, and local cards.
- Auto Currency Conversion: Supports ZAR and other African currencies.
- Subscription Ready: Handles recurring billing for memberships.
A Quick Look at the Important Details
Checkout Type: On-site.
Accepts: Credit cards, Instant EFT, Masterpass, Bitcoin, and more.
Fees: 3.2% + R2.00 for card and 2% + minimum R2.00 for Instant EFT.
Country: South Africa.
Currencies: South African Rand (R).
Recurring support: Yes (with extension).
SSL required: Yes.
In short, from PayPal’s universal trust to Stripe’s global flexibility and regional specialists like PayU India/Romania, these gateways ensure secure, low-friction payments for your digital products. Pick based on your audience and business needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch payment gateways later without losing customer data?
Most gateways let you migrate, but subscription data may not transfer. Export your records before switching. Some services like Stripe allow manual customer import.
Which gateway works best for selling digital memberships?
Look for ones with strong recurring billing features. Stripe and PayPal handle subscriptions well, while CCBill specializes in membership sites.
Do I need a business bank account to use these gateways?
Generally yes, but requirements vary. Some processors accept personal accounts for sole proprietors. Check each gateway’s terms before applying.
Do these gateways support international transactions?
Many payment gateways for EDD offer international transaction support, allowing businesses to accept payments in multiple currencies from customers around the world.
How long does gateway approval take after applying?
Instant for some, days for others. Digital-only businesses often get faster approval than physical goods sellers. Have your documents ready.
Can customers pay without creating accounts?
Most gateways offer guest checkout. Stripe and PayPal let buyers pay as guests, then save their info for faster future purchases.
Conclusion
Picking the right payment gateway isn’t just about choosing the most popular one. It’s about finding what works best for your products and your customers. Whether you’re selling worldwide or in a specific country, there’s a gateway that fits your needs. Here are our top picks:
- EDD CCBill: A strong and secure option that works globally. It supports many payment types, handles subscriptions, and protects against fraud. Great for sellers who want a complete and flexible solution.
- PayPal Commerce Pro: A trusted name people already know. Easy to set up and good if you want fast, familiar payments.
- Stripe Payment Pro: A solid option if you need advanced features and don’t mind paying a bit more for it.
- EDD PayU India: A perfect choice for Indian sellers. It supports UPI, wallets, net banking, and other local payment methods. Easy to use and trusted by Indian buyers.
All of these work well with Easy Digital Downloads. Pick the one that fits your store best. And if you want a custom solution, then you can contact us for expert help!