Top 3 Stripe Connect Alternatives for SaaS
Stripe Connect is a popular payment platform for businesses and individuals looking to accept payments online. However, some businesses may be looking for alternatives to what Stripe Connect has to offer.
In this article, we’ll explore some top alternatives to Stripe Connect and compare their key features, pricing, and pros and cons. We’ll also discuss what factors to consider when selecting an alternative to Stripe Connect.
Whether you’re just starting out in the world of payments or looking to switch from Stripe Connect, this guide will help you find the right payment platform for your business.
Let’s dive in.
What are the benefits of embedded payments?
Embedded payments are the integration of payment processing functionality directly into a software application or platform. Embedded payments allow users to complete transactions without leaving the software they are using.
The benefit of embedded payments is user convenience, as they do not have to switch between different applications or platforms to complete a transaction.
This usually means higher conversion rates for businesses, as the streamlined process reduces friction and improves the user experience.
What is Stripe Connect?
Stripe Connect is a payment platform that allows businesses to embed payments into their platform, enabling them to accept payments online and manage transactions between various parties.
It’s designed for marketplaces, platforms, and businesses that need to manage payments on behalf of others.
With Stripe Connect, businesses can handle payments, issue refunds, and manage payouts to third parties such as vendors, suppliers, or sellers. It’s a popular choice for businesses looking for a reliable and secure payment platform with many features and integrations.
Why someone might be looking for alternatives to Stripe Connect
While Stripe Connect is a popular payment platform, there are several reasons why businesses may be looking for alternatives.
The main reason is pricing and customer service. Stripe Connect charges a higher fee for every transaction, and some businesses may want a more cost-effective option. Customers also choose to leave Stripe due to concerns or experiences related to poor customer service and delayed issue resolution.
Signs that you’re ready for a Stripe Connect alternative
You’re experiencing payment processing issues such as declined payments, chargebacks, or payment gateway errors.
You need more payment options to accept payments from customers in different countries, currencies, or payment methods that aren’t supported by Stripe.
You’re looking for a better pricing model that provides a lower rate for your clients and a higher margin for you.
You need better customer support with more personalized assistance with payment processing issues.
Finix vs Stripe vs Exact Payments at a glance
| Payment Platform | Key Benefits and Features | Pricing and Fees | Cons |
| Stripe Connect | Integration with Stripe’s payment infrastructure, support for multiple payment methods, customizable payout options, fraud prevention measures, and real-time reporting and analytics | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, plus additional fees for international payments, disputes, and chargebacks | Some users report difficulty with customer support Higher transaction fees than other providers. No revenue sharing No access to Stripe’s Dashboard for Custom accounts Not available worldwide |
| Exact Payments | Customizable payment pages and checkout flows, support for multiple payment methods, subscription billing tools, fraud prevention measures, and real-time reporting and analytics. 99.9% uptime. Low code integrations. Automated underwriting to onboard merchants in minutes. | Custom pricing based on transaction volume and features used | Smaller user base than some competitors |
| Dots | Multi-currency support, customizable payout options, chargeback protection, and automated tax and compliance management | Custom pricing based on transaction volume and features used | Limited payment options |
| Braintree | Customizable payment page, support for multiple payment methods, advanced fraud prevention measures, subscription billing tools, real-time reporting and analytics, and developer-friendly APIs and SDKs | 2.59% + $0.49 per transaction for credit card payments, with no monthly fees or minimums Custom flat rates and interchange plus pricing is available for established businesses based on business model and processing volume. | Lack of customization options Complex setup process |
*Note: The features and pricing listed above are not exhaustive and may vary depending on the specific needs of your business. It’s recommended to do your own research and compare different payment platforms before deciding.
Alternative #1: Exact Payments
Exact Payments is a payment processing platform designed specifically for SaaS businesses. The platform offers a range of payment methods and features to help businesses streamline their payment processes and improve their customer experience.
Key features and benefits:
- Subscription billing and management tools to automate recurring payments and subscriptions
- Customizable payment pages and checkout flow to match the branding and design of the business
- Advanced fraud detection and prevention measures to minimize chargebacks and disputes
- Built-in customer management tools, including customer profiles and saved payment methods
- Real-time payment reporting and analytics to help businesses make data-driven decisions
- Developer-friendly APIs and SDKs for custom integrations and automation
- Multi-currency support for businesses operating in multiple countries
- Low-code integration
- Onboard merchants in minutes thanks to automatic underwriting
Pricing and fees:
Exact Payments offers customized pricing based on the specific needs and requirements of each business. The platform charges a fee for each transaction processed, with rates varying depending on the payment method and the volume of transactions.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for SaaS businesses, with features and tools tailored to their needs
- Subscription billing and management tools to automate recurring payments and subscriptions
- Customizable payment pages and checkout flows to match the branding and design of the business
- Advanced fraud detection and prevention measures to minimize chargebacks and disputes
- Built-in customer management tools, including customer profiles and saved payment methods
- Real-time payment reporting and analytics to help businesses make data-driven decisions
- Developer-friendly APIs and SDKs for custom integrations and automation
- Multi-currency support for businesses operating in multiple countries
- Personalized white-glove support
Cons:
- Exact Payments is a more specialized platform for SaaS compared to some other payment processing alternatives and may not be suitable for businesses in certain industries.
Overall, Exact Payments is a payment processing platform designed explicitly for SaaS businesses, with a range of features and tools to help automate recurring payments and subscriptions, streamline payment processes, and improve the customer experience.
One notable aspect is its generous revenue share model, ensuring businesses maximize their earnings. The world of embedded payments is complex, but the Exact Payments team boasts a deep understanding of the industry, allowing customers to fully outsource payment complexity. The platform also offers easy integration, flexible pricing, a range of payment options, and merchant support. Exact Payments is built for any growing SaaS business.
Alternative #2: DOTS
DOTS is a Stripe alternative that offers a payment gateway along with an all-in-one platform for managing payments, customers, subscriptions, and more. The platform is designed to simplify payment processing and help businesses of all sizes grow.
Key features and benefits:
- Payment gateway for processing credit card and ACH payments
- Built-in customer management tools, including customer profiles, saved payment methods, and subscriptions
- Advanced fraud detection and prevention measures to minimize chargebacks and disputes
- Real-time payment reporting and analytics to help businesses make data-driven decisions
- Developer-friendly APIs and SDKs for custom integrations and automation
- Dedicated support and expert guidance to help businesses optimize their payment processing strategies
Pricing and fees:
DOTS offers transparent pricing with no setup fees or hidden costs. The platform pricing differs based on transaction volume.
Pros and cons:
Pros:
- All-in-one payment processing platform with built-in customer management tools
- Advanced fraud detection and prevention measures to minimize chargebacks and disputes
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Volume discounts available for high-volume businesses
- Dedicated support and expert guidance to help businesses optimize their payment processing strategies
Cons:
- DOTS is a newer payment processing platform and may not be as well-known as more established alternatives like Stripe
Alternative #3: Braintree
Braintree is a payment processing platform owned by PayPal, offering customizable payment pages and checkout flows, support for multiple payment methods, fraud detection and prevention measures, subscription billing tools, and real-time payment reporting and analytics.
Key features and benefits:
- Customizable payment pages and checkout flows
- Acceptance of various payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, and Apple Pay
- Advanced fraud detection and prevention measures
- Subscription billing and management tools
- Real-time payment reporting and analytics
- Multi-currency support
- Developer-friendly APIs and SDKs
Pricing and fees:
Braintree charges a flat rate of 2.59% + $0.49 per transaction for credit card payments, with no monthly fees or minimums.
Pros:
- Consistent and transparent flat-rate pricing
- Good set of developer tools
- Wide range of integrations available
- Robust support for various payment types
- No minimum processing requirement
- Multicurrency options for global transactions
- Multi-currency support
- Developer-friendly APIs and SDKs
- Backed by PayPal’s reputation and security measures
Cons:
- Gateway-only option can be expensive
- Limited availability for high-risk industries
- Lengthy setup process for new accounts
- Occasional reports of account closures and funds being held
Why platforms choose Exact Payments as an alternative to Stripe:
As a leading embedded payments platform, Exact Payments takes pride in providing SaaS businesses with a customizable, feature-rich, and cost-effective payment solution. With our guaranteed 99.99% uptime, SaaS businesses of all sizes and types can enjoy a seamless payment processing experience that caters to their unique needs and requirements.
Our platform boasts a wide range of features, including customizable payment pages and checkout flows, multi-payment method support, subscription billing tools, fraud prevention measures, and real-time reporting and analytics. Moreover, our pricing model is flexible so you can rest assured that you’ll get the best rate for your clients and an optimized profit margin.
We’re committed to empowering growing SaaS businesses with the best payment solution available.
Join the growing number of satisfied customers who have already chosen Exact Payments as their go-to payment platform.
Book a demo with our team today.
FAQs:
Is Stripe Connect different from Stripe?
Yes, Stripe Connect is a separate product offered by Stripe that allows platforms to accept payments on behalf of their users.
Why use Stripe Connect?
Stripe Connect allows platforms to easily accept payments from their users, manage payouts, and comply with financial regulations, all while providing a seamless experience for their users.
What are embedded payments?
Embedded payments are a type of payment integration where the payment process is seamlessly integrated into another platform, such as an e-commerce website or mobile app.
What alternatives are there to Stripe Connect?
Some alternatives to Stripe Connect include Exact Payments, Dots, and Braintree. These embedded payments platforms offer similar features and benefits but may differ in pricing, customer support, customizability, and ease of use.
