Stop losing customers at checkout: Your complete guide to e-commerce payment integration

The moment a customer hits "pay now" is where all your hard work either pays off - or falls apart. That final step in the checkout process might seem like a small technical detail, but it's actually the heartbeat of your entire e-commerce operation.

We've been in the trenches with businesses large and small, helping them figure out the messy world of payment processing across different countries. What we've learned is that the right payment setup can dramatically boost your sales, while the wrong one can silently kill your conversion rates.

If you're moving from a physical store to online sales, or building a new e-commerce business from scratch, choosing how to accept payments is one of your most important decisions. Not just for practical reasons, but because it directly affects whether customers trust you enough to type in their card details.

Most business owners we work with are surprised by how much transaction fees eat into their profits. These fees aren't just a minor operational expense - they vary a lot between providers and can seriously impact your bottom line as you grow.

It's also vital to understand that your specific industry plays a big role in which payment processors are even available to you. Processors categorize businesses based on perceived risk - think industries like subscription boxes, travel, gaming, CBD, or adult products. If your business falls into what they consider a 'high-risk' category, you might face outright rejection from mainstream providers like Stripe or PayPal, or encounter higher fees, stricter scrutiny, and potentially need to seek out specialized high-risk payment processors. This is a fundamental check you need to make early in your selection process.

We always suggest looking closely at payment options specifically designed for the markets you're targeting. What works perfectly in Germany might flop in Japan, simply because of local banking practices and customer habits.

One thing that's often overlooked: brand recognition matters tremendously. When customers see payment methods they know and trust at checkout, they're far more likely to complete their purchase. It's a simple psychological thing - familiar payment logos act like trust signals to nervous shoppers.

We've seen this play out differently across regions - digital ID verification is huge in Northern Europe, mobile payments dominate in Asia, and credit cards still reign in North America. Adjusting your payment options to match these local preferences makes customers feel at home.

There's no perfect payment solution for every business, which is why we've put together this guide based on our real-world implementation experience. We've helped companies sort through the payment maze in various markets and seen firsthand what actually works.

For those still picking an e-commerce platform, we recommend going with established international systems that play nicely with many payment options. This gives you more flexibility than specialized or locally-developed platforms that might limit your choices later.

Every payment method we cover in this guide works with major e-commerce platforms, so you can implement our suggestions regardless of your current setup.

Choosing the right payment service means finding one that actually works in the markets you're selling to. It needs to function well technically, but it also needs to be something your customers recognize and trust.

You absolutely can use multiple payment options at checkout. You're not stuck with just one service, though it's often simpler to manage a single system. If you're selling in multiple countries, look for a provider that has strong presence in all your markets - though this can be harder than it sounds.

Here's something many businesses learn the hard way: some payment systems that work perfectly in most countries fall flat in specific markets. For example, Swedish banks have particular requirements that catch international payment services off guard. This can result in declined transactions and lost sales, which is why we typically recommend using local payment solutions when targeting the Swedish market.

"Internationally well-established payment solutions don't always perform as expected in every market."

Something else worth knowing—pricing isn't always fixed in stone. We've seen instances where transaction fees were negotiable, especially for larger volume merchants. Don't assume the rates posted on websites are the only options.

There's also an interesting wrinkle in how payment services get packaged. Some payment solutions advertise one price on their official website, but you might get essentially the same service at a better rate through a bank that has partnered with them. The bank slaps a new name on it, but underneath it's the same payment system.

You can also access certain services through package deals. Take Klarna, for instance - you can sign up with them directly, or you might get Klarna functionality bundled with another payment service, often along with additional payment methods.

Global payment processors

Stripe

Stripe has become one of the world's leading payment platforms, and for good reason. It offers an impressive blend of developer-friendly tools and business features that make it a top choice for e-commerce businesses of all sizes.

What sets Stripe apart is its flexibility and global reach. The platform handles payments in more than 135 currencies and offers local payment methods across dozens of countries. For businesses with international ambitions, this makes Stripe particularly attractive.

Setting up Stripe is straightforward, especially if you have some technical resources. Their documentation is among the best in the industry, making implementation relatively painless even for complex setups. For non-technical users, many e-commerce platforms offer pre-built Stripe integrations that require minimal setup.

Stripe's pricing structure is transparent—typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction in the US, with similar rates adjusted for other regions. While not the cheapest option for high-volume merchants, the extensive feature set often justifies the cost.

One significant advantage of Stripe is its robust fraud prevention system. Their machine learning tools automatically detect and block suspicious transactions, potentially saving you from costly chargebacks. For businesses in high-risk categories, this alone can make Stripe worth considering.

The main drawback? Stripe doesn't have the consumer brand recognition of PayPal or Klarna, so it doesn't serve as a trust signal to customers in the same way. It's primarily a backend payment processor rather than a consumer-facing brand.

Shopify payments

For B2C e-commerce businesses using Shopify, Shopify Payments stands out as our top recommendation in most scenarios.

What makes Shopify Payments so attractive is how easy it is to set up combined with its affordability. Store owners don't face setup fees or transaction costs beyond the standard rates. There's also a sliding scale of pricing—the more advanced your Shopify plan, the lower your payment processing rates.

This pricing structure means even small online stores can access affordable payment processing. As your business grows and you upgrade your Shopify plan, your payment costs actually become more favorable.

The obvious drawback is that Shopify Payments only works if you're using Shopify as your e-commerce platform. While Shopify is excellent, if you're already established on a different platform, you'll need to look elsewhere.

The key advantages include:

• Pricing that scales with your business (2% for Basic, 1% for Shopify and 0.5% for Advanced)
• Works well in Sweden and internationally
• Includes Klarna integration, giving Swedish merchants the ability to offer split payments and buy-now-pay-later options

You can always add other payment services to your Shopify store alongside Shopify Payments, letting customers choose what works best for them.

PayPal

While PayPal dominates globally as one of the world's best-known payment services, it hasn't gained the same traction among Swedish online retailers. This likely stems from Sweden's strong local alternatives specifically built for the Swedish market. Swedish shoppers are accustomed to options like Swish and split payment solutions from Klarna, Payson, and others.

For international sales, however, PayPal remains an excellent choice.

Getting started with PayPal is straightforward with no setup costs for their checkout system.

If you're not registered in Sweden but want to sell to Swedish customers, PayPal offers an advantage: you won't need a redemption agreement to sell in the Swedish market.

PayPal lets you start accepting payments with minimal red tape. By contrast, many Swedish payment solutions can take around two weeks to get up and running.

One common myth worth dispelling: PayPal isn't just for customers with PayPal accounts. Your customers can make card payments through PayPal without creating an account.

Nordic payment solutions

The Nordic markets (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland) have developed some of the world's most advanced payment ecosystems, with unique solutions that dominate local e-commerce:

Swish

Swish stands out as one of the most recognized payment methods in Sweden. Unlike the other services we're covering, you can't connect your online store directly to Swish. Instead, you need to go through either a bank or a payment provider that has Swish integration.

This is because Swish was created as a collaboration between Swedish banks. The typical process involves contacting your bank to set up a Swish agreement, for which they'll charge a fee. Once that's in place, you can add Swish as a payment option in your checkout—assuming your checkout system supports it.

For example, WooCommerce users can install a plugin that enables Swish payments.

The cost of Swish varies depending on your bank. Nordea's business customers currently pay SEK 50 monthly, while Sparbanken charges SEK 900 yearly (about SEK 75 per month).

Swedbank has a different approach, charging SEK 1.5 per transaction for business customers on their Basic and Plus packages. Other business customers pay SEK 2 per transaction.

(Note that these prices can change and should be treated as estimates. The actual costs might vary based on your relationship with your bank and the business package you're using.)

Klarna

Klarna has become one of Sweden's payment success stories and enjoys strong brand recognition among Swedish consumers. Using Klarna at checkout instead of less-known payment options typically boosts conversion rates noticeably.

Our team has first-hand experience with Klarna. One downside we've encountered is the time it takes to configure settings properly. Their support can be slow, and we've run into limitations that might make alternatives more attractive in some cases.

Companies focused on dropshipping face particular challenges, as Klarna requires specific agreements. If you're selling B2B across different markets, you should know that Klarna only supports B2B payments for Swedish customers.

Another consideration is cost - Klarna isn't among the cheaper options. Pricing starts at 3.50 SEK per transaction plus 2.79% of the transaction value.

Despite these drawbacks, Klarna's brand power in Sweden is undeniable. They offer a well-rounded solution that lets customers choose between immediate card payment or split payments.

For sellers, a key advantage is getting paid immediately, regardless of whether your customer chooses to pay Klarna all at once or over time.

If Klarna's direct integration seems too complex or expensive, consider using a payment service that includes Klarna alongside other payment options. Many services let you offer Swish and other payment methods alongside Klarna.

In short, Klarna works well for e-commerce companies targeting Swedish consumers, but its complexity and cost mean simpler alternatives might be preferable for some businesses.

Svea Checkout

Svea Ekonomi has established itself as a major player in the Swedish market, with a payment solution aimed primarily at established online businesses. Choosing Svea as your main payment provider brings several advantages.

Svea Checkout works for both B2B and B2C sales environments. As a Svea Ekonomi customer, you'll get a personal contact who can help solve issues specific to your business model.

The service offers extensive customization options and integrates with many popular e-commerce platforms in Sweden. For businesses interested in offering split payments, Svea Ekonomi can provide generous terms regarding interest rates.

Billmate

Billmate provides another solid payment option with a good balance of features and pricing. It's part of the Invoice group, which also includes Invoice Inkasso and Invoice Finance.

Beyond its own payment methods (including installments, invoicing, and standard card payments), Billmate Checkout also incorporates third-party payment solutions like Swish and direct bank payments.

Be aware that these additional payment services require separate agreements before you can offer them at checkout.

For example, direct bank payments require an agreement with Trustly Group. Once you're set up to accept direct payments (where customers log into their bank account to complete the transaction—something many consider more secure), you'll pay an agreed fee to Trustly. Billmate adds its own "Gateway fee" of 0.5% on the transaction value.

BankID authorization and authentication

When targeting Northern European markets, particularly Sweden, incorporating BankID can dramatically improve both security and conversion rates. BankID has become Sweden's standard for digital identity verification, used by nearly all major banks, government agencies, and businesses.

For your customers, BankID offers a familiar and trusted way to identify themselves and sign digital agreements quickly and securely—whether on your website, in your app, or even over the phone. Because it's widely used across websites and mobile services, customers already know how to use it and trust the process.

Our experience implementing BankID for clients has shown that a properly executed BankID integration can increase conversion rates by up to 35% while significantly reducing fraud attempts.

To offer BankID in your services, you'll need:

1. A relaying party certificate (RP certificate) that gives you access to the BankID system
2. Technical preparation of your site to handle login and signing with BankID
3. Compliance with BankID's implementation guidelines and best practices

The process requires specific technical expertise, but the business benefits make it worthwhile for companies serious about the Swedish market. Our team specializes in guiding businesses through the entire implementation process, from obtaining certificates to final technical integration.

Other important regional payment solutions

Beyond the Nordic region, several other important regional payment methods are worth considering depending on your target markets:

• In Germany, many consumers prefer direct bank transfers through solutions like Sofort and Giropay
• The Netherlands has strong adoption of iDEAL for online payments
• China's market is dominated by Alipay and WeChat Pay
• Latin America sees heavy use of local payment methods like Boleto in Brazil and OXXO in Mexico

For businesses serious about succeeding in specific regional markets, incorporating these local payment methods is often essential for maximizing conversion rates.

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we've found that tailoring your payment options to each market delivers the best results. What works for Dutch customers rarely matches what Japanese customers prefer.

Through our work implementing payment solutions across various markets, we've observed clear regional preferences:

Credit cards still rule North American online transactions, but digital wallet usage is growing fast.

Northern European customers strongly prefer bank transfers, digital ID verification systems like BankID, and buy-now-pay-later options.

Many Asian markets are shifting away from their traditional reliance on cash, with the adoption of alternative methods such as mobile payments and QR codes for online and physical stores, outpacing the West. 

Latin American shoppers often look for installment payment options and cash voucher systems that let them pay for online purchases with cash.

For many businesses, especially those selling in multiple countries, using several payment providers makes more sense than relying on just one. This approach helps you:

• Match each market's payment preferences
• Route different transaction types to the most cost-effective processor
• Keep selling if one provider has technical issues
• Expand into new markets without overhauling your entire payment system

Companies using this multi-provider strategy typically see 15-25% more successful transactions compared to those using just one payment service.

We believe in transparency, so let's talk about some of the actual payment integration work we've done with clients. While every project teaches us something new, these experiences have particularly shaped our approach to payment solutions.

BankID integration projects

We've implemented BankID authentication for several Nordic-facing projects, including work for Hidroxa, Mendy, and Magnetlabbet. These implementations required our team to work directly with BankID's API and security protocols, navigating the technical requirements for proper certificate management and authentication flows.

What makes these projects interesting is the balance between rigorous security standards and user experience. BankID provides strong authentication but requires careful implementation to ensure it enhances rather than disrupts the customer journey.

What makes these projects interesting is the balance between rigorous security standards and user experience. BankID provides strong authentication but requires careful implementation to ensure it enhances rather than disrupts the customer journey.

Our work with Hidroxa resulted in a 33% increase in revenue and a 17% increase in the number of users by optimizing their e-commerce for SEO and user experience. Even during an economic downturn, this 33% revenue increase demonstrated the power of well-implemented payment and authentication systems.

For Magnetlabbet, the results were even more dramatic: a stunning 445% jump in paid conversion rate. This remarkable improvement shows how removing payment friction and implementing trusted authentication methods can transform business performance.

Payment processing for different business models

Beyond authentication, we've also worked on core payment processing for clients like GreenFee and AvidNote. These projects have exposed us to the unique payment challenges that different business models face – from subscription management to one-time payments and service-based billing.

Each business model brings its own set of requirements, and our role has been to match these requirements with appropriate technical solutions. Sometimes this means integrating existing payment gateways, and other times it involves creating custom payment flows that better align with how the business operates.

What we've learned

These projects have given us practical insights into what works (and what doesn't) in payment integration. The most important lesson? Local payment preferences matter tremendously. What works perfectly in one market can fail completely in another.

We've also seen firsthand how the right payment integration can remove friction from the customer experience. When customers can pay using methods they already know and trust, businesses see better results.

While we can't share specific metrics without our clients' permission, these experiences have equipped us with the knowledge to guide other businesses through similar payment integration challenges.

Our e-commerce payment integration expertise

Our team specializes in optimizing payment integration for global e-commerce businesses with specific expertise in:

• BankID and advanced authentication systems for European markets
• Creating unified payment experiences across multiple providers for global markets
• Balancing security requirements with smooth customer experiences
• Adapting payment strategies for international expansion

When working with clients, we follow a proven approach refined through dozens of successful projects:

1. We start by understanding your business needs, target markets, and existing technical setup
2. We develop market-specific payment strategies based on actual customer preferences
3. We handle implementation efficiently with minimal disruption to your business
4. We continuously improve your payment system based on real performance data
5. We provide ongoing support to keep everything running smoothly

So, what's the takeaway from all this? Simply put: your payment system holds incredible potential. It's not just about processing transactions; it's about building trust, matching local expectations (whether that's BankID in Sweden or mobile payments in Asia), and ultimately, making it effortless for customers to give you their business. Getting this right translates directly into higher conversions and happier, more loyal customers.

Don't let payment complexity hold you back, especially when targeting diverse markets like Europe or implementing advanced tech like BankID. Leveraging specialized expertise can make the difference between a clunky system that leaks revenue and a streamlined setup that actively fuels your growth. Our team has navigated these integrations time and again, helping businesses optimize their flow and capture more sales.

Want to transform your payments from a cost center into a competitive edge?

Contact us today. Let's discuss how our experience can help you implement a strategic payment solution that maximizes sales and delivers the seamless experience your customers deserve.