Global Payments (BuyerZone) vs Stripe

Global Payments Inc. is a publicly traded payment technology company (NYSE: GPN) founded in 1996 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. As a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company, they operate one of the world's largest payment processing networks, serving over 5 million merchant locations across 100-plus countries and processing more than 76 billion transactions annually. Their services include in-person POS systems through the Genius platform, eCommerce and virtual terminal gateways, mobile payments, integrated software solutions via their OpenEdge division, and tools for reporting, analytics, payroll, and fraud management. The company has grown substantially through acquisitions, including Heartland Payment Systems (2016), TSYS (2019), and Worldpay (2026). They hold an A+ BBB rating and have been accredited since 2021, though BBB customer reviews average 1.02 out of 5. Trustpilot scores vary significantly by region. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, and standard contracts run for 3 years with early termination fees up to $500.

Stripe is a merchant services provider that offers payment processing solutions for businesses of all sizes. They offer both merchant accounts and related services, including payment gateways, online transaction processing, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and credit card readers. Stripe is a payment processor that allows business owners to accept payment from a variety of methods or sources, including mobile wallets and "buy now, pay later" services. The company offers lots of additional services, including billing, invoicing, and sales tax automation. Stripe is renowned for its straightforward pricing model, where a flat rate is charged per transaction. It is a preferred option for businesses that predominantly operate online, as its distinctive features are primarily tailored toward enhancing online sales. Stripe is accredited with the BBB and has an A+ rating with them, but they have an average review score of 3.1/5 on Trustpilot. Their website offers two service options: an integrated "pay-as-you-go" plan that charges 2.9% +30¢ per card charge or a customized plan that involves interchange-plus pricing for businesses with higher volumes. Prospective clients must contact sales to discuss pricing for the latter plan.