Launching an eCommerce store in New Zealand involves many decisions but choosing the right payment gateway is one of the most important. A payment gateway securely handles online transactions, transferring money from your customers to your business. The best options combine security, affordability, smooth integration, and support for New Zealand dollars. Below, we explore the top gateways suited to Kiwi businesses and what makes them stand out.
Windcave (formerly Payment Express)
Windcave is a homegrown solution, trusted by thousands of New Zealand and global brands. It’s designed for both online and brick-and-mortar businesses and supports all the essentials such as credit cards, debit cards, and online EFTPOS.
What makes Windcave particularly appealing is its strong local support team, robust security standards (PCI DSS compliant), and support for recurring billing. For businesses that want a local partner with a solid track record, Windcave ticks a lot of boxes.
Just keep in mind that some platforms may need custom integration, so it’s best suited for mid-size to large businesses with the resources to implement more tailored solutions.
Stripe
Stripe has made a name for itself globally and for good reason. It’s incredibly flexible, with a modern interface and strong developer tools. For New Zealand eCommerce stores, Stripe supports major cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, along with digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
One of Stripe’s biggest draws is how easily it integrates with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. The transparent pricing and scalability make it especially popular among startups and fast-growing brands.
While Stripe doesn’t offer local support in NZ, its clean dashboard and extensive documentation more than make up for it. Just be aware that payouts usually take a few business days.
PayPal
PayPal continues to be a go-to option for businesses around the world and that includes New Zealand. It is known for its simplicity and wide customer trust, PayPal lets you accept payments from PayPal accounts or directly via credit cards.
There are no monthly fees, making it a good choice for small or seasonal sellers. However, transaction fees are a bit higher, and withdrawing funds to a New Zealand bank account can be slow.
PayPal is best for businesses that value international reach and want a payment method that’s familiar to global customers.
POLi Payments
If your customers prefer to pay directly from their bank accounts instead of using credit cards, POLi is worth considering. It’s especially popular in NZ and Australia.
POLi offers real-time payment confirmation and keeps transaction fees low. It’s ideal for local customers and government-related services.
However, it’s not the best choice if you need recurring billing or plan to scale globally. Some users may also find the lack of credit card functionality limiting.
Shopify Payments (Powered by Stripe)
If you’re using Shopify to run your store, Shopify Payments is hands-down the most convenient option. Since it’s powered by Stripe and built right into the Shopify platform, you can start accepting payments in minutes.
You’ll be able to accept credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay with ease and avoid additional transaction fees that apply when using third-party gateways.
The catch? It only works if you’re on Shopify. But for Shopify store owners, it’s a streamlined, cost-effective solution.
Square
Square is growing fast in New Zealand, and it’s a great option if you sell both online and in person. Square comes with a free website builder and offers a strong POS (point-of-sale) system.
It syncs your online and physical inventory in real-time and supports various payment methods like credit cards, Apple Pay, and even Afterpay.
While Square doesn’t offer the same depth of features as Stripe or Windcave, it’s ideal for small retail businesses that want a simple, integrated solution.
Afterpay
Afterpay isn’t a traditional payment gateway but it’s a Buy Now, Pay Later service that’s extremely popular with younger Kiwi shoppers.
It lets customers split their payments into four installments, interest-free. For merchants, this often leads to higher conversion rates and increased basket sizes.
The downsides? Higher merchant fees and a payment model that may not suit every business. Still, it’s an excellent option for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands looking to appeal to Millennials and Gen Z.
What to Consider When Choosing a Payment Gateway
Before you commit, weigh up the transaction fees, setup costs, and monthly charges. Also consider how easily a gateway integrates with your website builder or CMS, such as Shopify, WordPress, or Wix.
Security is non-negotiable so look for PCI DSS compliance and SSL encryption. Make sure the gateway supports NZD and performs smoothly on mobile devices, where many shoppers now browse and buy.
Finally, think about your customer. Are they tech-savvy? Do they prefer credit cards or bank transfers? Are you selling locally or internationally? The answers will guide your decision.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a payment gateway isn’t just about processing transactions, it’s about creating a smooth, secure experience for your customers. The right gateway helps you build trust, reduce cart abandonment, and get paid quickly.
From local champions like Windcave and POLi to global giants like Stripe and PayPal, New Zealand businesses are spoiled for choice. Each has its strengths depending on your business type, scale, and customer base.
If you’re still not sure where to start, reach out to us at Swaich Web Design (website design company Auckland based). We help Kiwi businesses build high-converting eCommerce websites with the right tools including the best payment gateways to suit your needs.
Let’s work together to grow your online store and make every transaction seamless and secure.