When it comes to accepting payments online, Stripe and Authorize.net are two popular options for businesses. Both platforms provide a variety of features and tools to help businesses process payments, but they also have some key differences.

Comparison:

  1. Payment processing: Stripe processes payments directly, whereas Authorize.net is a payment gateway that connects to various processors. This means that Authorize.net gives merchants more options for choosing a processor that fits their specific needs, while Stripe provides a simpler, all-in-one solution.
  2. Fees: Stripe charges a flat rate of 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction, while Authorize.net’s fees vary depending on the processor you choose. Some processors may charge a flat rate, while others may charge a percentage of the transaction, so it’s important to compare the fees of different processors before making a decision.
  3. Security: Both Stripe and Authorize.net comply with industry-standard security protocols to protect sensitive information. Stripe is PCI DSS Level 1 compliant and Authorize.net is PCI DSS Level 1 and 2 compliant.
  4. Integrations: Stripe offers a wide range of integrations with popular platforms, such as Shopify, Magento, and WordPress. Authorize.net also has many integrations, but the selection is not as extensive as Stripe’s.
  5. Support: Stripe provides support through a knowledge base, email, and live chat, while Authorize.net offers support through email, phone, and live chat.
  6. Virtual Terminal: Authorize.net offers a virtual terminal feature, which allows merchants to manually process payments from a computer or mobile device, it allows to key-in, swipe, or scan credit cards. Stripe does not have a built-in virtual terminal feature, but it can be integrated with a third-party virtual terminal solution.
  7. Recurring Payments: Authorize.net offers recurring payments feature, which allows merchants to set up recurring payments for subscriptions or memberships. Stripe also offers recurring payments, but it is called Subscriptions and it’s a bit more robust in terms of customization options.
  8. Fraud Detection: Both Stripe and Authorize.net have fraud detection tools, but Authorize.net offers more advanced fraud detection options such as Advanced Fraud Detection Suite (AFDS) which includes a range of options to customize rules and filters to detect fraudulent transactions.
  9. Mobile App: Stripe offers a mobile app for iOS and Android that allows merchants to manage their account and process payments on-the-go. Authorize.net doesn’t have a mobile app, but it can be accessed via mobile browser.
  10. International Payments: Stripe supports multiple currencies and allows businesses to accept payments from customers worldwide. Authorize.net also supports multiple currencies and international transactions, but the availability of certain features may vary depending on the country of the merchant and the customer.

Overall, both Stripe and Authorize.net are solid options for businesses looking to accept payments online, but the choice between them will depend on your specific needs, such as the type of business, your target market, payment processing requirements and budget.

In conclusion, Stripe and Authorize.net are both reliable and secure options for accepting payments online, but they are better suited for different types of businesses. Stripe is a great choice for small businesses looking for a simple and affordable solution, while Authorize.net is a good option for larger businesses that need more flexibility and control over their payment processing.