How to Accept Payments on Your Website
The simplest ways to take online payments — whether you're selling products, services, or taking deposits.
2 min read · Updated 2026-04-15
Short answer
The easiest way to accept payments online is Stripe (for custom setups) or the payment processing built into your website platform (Shopify Payments, Squarespace Payments, Square). For quick one-off payments, use PayPal or Stripe Payment Links.
Options by situation
Selling products on your own store
- Shopify Payments — built into Shopify, no extra setup, 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction
- Square Online — free plan available, great for in-person + online
- WooCommerce + Stripe — if you're on WordPress
Accepting payments for services
- Stripe Payment Links — create a payment link in minutes, no code needed
- PayPal — widely trusted, easy to set up
- Square Invoices — send invoices, clients pay online
Taking deposits or bookings
- Acuity Scheduling — booking + deposit in one
- Square Appointments — free for individuals
Selling digital products
- Gumroad — instant setup, 10% fee
- Lemon Squeezy — lower fees (5% + 50¢)
Payment fees to know
| Provider | Standard fee | |---------|-------------| | Stripe | 2.9% + 30¢ | | PayPal | 3.49% + 49¢ | | Square | 2.6% + 10¢ (in-person), 2.9% + 30¢ (online) | | Shopify Payments | 2.9% + 30¢ (Basic plan) |
What you need to get paid online
- A payment processor account (Stripe, Square, or PayPal)
- A bank account to receive funds
- A way for customers to enter payment details (checkout page, payment link, or invoice)