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If you’re thinking about entering the payments market, starting your own processing company might seem like a good idea. However, tough competition and complicated regulations make this industry pretty challenging — and not always welcoming — to newcomers.
Today’s article will explain how payment gateways work, which business models bring in the most profit, and what strategies can help you succeed in 2025.
A payment gateway is an electronic system that helps businesses process online payments. It securely handles payment details and acts as a middleman between buyers and sellers. Payment gateways encrypt sensitive information, like credit card numbers, before sending it to the payment processor over the internet. They also include fraud protection and other security features to keep transactions safe.
These gateways work with different payment processors, allowing businesses to accept various payment methods, such as debit cards, credit cards, digital wallets, prepaid bank cards, open banking, and even cryptocurrencies. They also handle currency conversion for international payments. Simply put, payment gateways make online payments easy and secure. They help businesses provide a smooth checkout experience while protecting both themselves and their customers from fraud and security risks.
Online payments are more popular than ever. More and more people are shifting away from cash, preferring to use a card or their phones for payments. The shift to card payments is taking place fast, and Grand View Research predicts the industry will grow by 21.1% per year until 2030.
IMARC Group estimates that mobile payments in Europe will hit $643.8 billion in 2024 and could skyrocket to $3.08 trillion by 2033. Statista expects mobile transactions in the region to reach $3.5 trillion by 2029.
Additionally, Statista reports that by the end of 2025, about 33% of Americans will likely choose e-wallets as their main payment method, while 27% will use credit or bank cards.
With the market booming, now is a great time to jump in. But competition is fierce, and success takes more than just a good idea. Before exploring different ways to start a payment processing business, having a solid understanding of the industry and a strong team behind you is key to getting started.
Starting your own processing company might seem like a good idea. However, tough competition and complicated regulations make this industry pretty challenging — and not always welcoming — to newcomers.
Today’s article will explain how payment gateways work, which business models bring in the most profit, and what strategies can help you succeed in 2025.
A payment gateway is an electronic system that helps businesses process online payments. It securely handles payment details and acts as a middleman between buyers and sellers. Payment gateways encrypt sensitive information, like credit card numbers, before sending it to the payment processor over the internet. They also include fraud protection and other security features to keep transactions safe.
These gateways work with different payment processors, allowing businesses to accept various payment methods, such as debit cards, credit cards, digital wallets, prepaid bank cards, open banking, and even cryptocurrencies. They also handle currency conversion for international payments. Simply put, payment gateways make online payments easy and secure. They help businesses provide a smooth checkout experience while protecting both themselves and their customers from fraud and security risks.
Because online payments are more popular than ever. More and more people are shifting away from cash, preferring to use a card or their phones for payments. The shift to card payments is taking place fast, and Grand View Research predicts the industry will grow by 21.1% per year until 2030.
IMARC Group estimates that mobile payments in Europe will hit $643.8 billion in 2024 and could skyrocket to $3.08 trillion by 2033. Statista expects mobile transactions in the region to reach $3.5 trillion by 2029.
Additionally, Statista reports that by the end of 2025, about 33% of Americans will likely choose e-wallets as their main payment method, while 27% will use credit or bank cards.
With the market booming, now is a great time to jump in. But competition is fierce, and success takes more than just a good idea. Before we explore the different ways to start a payment processing business, having a solid understanding of the industry and a strong team behind you is key to getting started.
Payment gateways have several ways to bring in revenue, which helps them run a profitable and sustainable business. Thanks to multiple income streams, big players in the industry can generate around $100 million to $5 billion in annual revenue. Here are the main ways large payment gateways make money:
Profit: 70-80% of total revenue
This is the main source of the payment gateway’s income. Payment gateways charge a fee for each transaction, often with a small fixed fee (e.g., 2.9% + $0.30 per payment).
Profit: 10-15% of total revenue
Many payment gateways offer subscription plans, giving businesses access to extra features like analytics, reports, and better payment processing options.
Profit: 5-10% of total revenue
Payment service providers often charge an extra 1-2% fee for currency conversion or cross-border processing.
Profit: 3-5% of total revenue
When a customer disputes a payment, the service provider charges the merchant a fee to process the chargeback.
Profit: 2-5% of total revenue
Many payment gateways offer advanced fraud protection and security tools for an additional fee.
Profit: 1-3% of total revenue
Some businesses need custom solutions, and payment gateways offer these services for an additional cost.
Profit: 2-4% of total revenue
Merchants can choose early withdrawals instead of waiting for standard processing, paying a fee for the service.
Profit: 1-3% of total revenue
Some payment gateways charge extra for advanced analytics, detailed reports, and CRM tools.
Profit: 2-4% of total revenue
Payment service providers charge a fee for automatic payments, such as subscription services.
There are several business model options: you can build your own payment gateway from scratch, use an off-the-shelf service, or choose a white-label payment solution.
This model involves purchasing software with full ownership rights. While it provides complete control, it has high upfront costs and technical complexities.
Developing a gateway requires experienced developers specializing in backend, frontend, databases, and security. The costs can range from $105,000 to $420,000 over 6 to 24 months.
A ready-made white-label solution allows you to quickly become a payment service provider with a fully customizable system that can be branded for your business.
Setting up a white-label solution from eComCharge requires just a few steps:
The payment industry is evolving rapidly, with growing demand for seamless transactions. Choosing the right business model is crucial for success. White-label solutions offer a fast, cost-effective way to enter the market without heavy development investments.
If you’re ready to take the next step, exploring white-label models like eComCharge can be a smart and efficient way to launch your payment processing business.
eComCharge develops and delivers the PCI DSS Level 1 certified White Label Payment Platform beGateway for Payment Service Providers and Payment Orchestration.
