Why This Matters More Than You Think
Your payment gateway is the last step between a customer wanting to buy and actually buying. A clunky checkout, unexpected fees, or a gateway that doesn't support their preferred payment method will cost you sales. Full stop.
I've integrated probably a dozen different payment gateways across my projects. Here's what I've learned about the South African options.
The Main Players
PayFast
**What it is:** The most widely used payment gateway in South Africa. If you've bought something online locally, you've probably used PayFast.
What I like:
What I don't:
**Best for:** Most South African e-commerce businesses. It's the safe, reliable choice.
Peach Payments
**What it is:** A more modern, developer-friendly option that's gained traction with larger businesses.
What I like:
What I don't:
**Best for:** Businesses with subscriptions, higher volume merchants, or those who need advanced features.
Yoco
**What it is:** Started as a point-of-sale solution but now offers online payments.
What I like:
What I don't:
**Best for:** Small businesses with both physical and online presence.
Ozow (Instant EFT)
**What it is:** Specialises in instant EFT payments—customer pays directly from their banking app.
What I like:
What I don't:
**Best for:** As an additional payment option alongside cards, especially for higher-value purchases.
The Integration Reality
For WooCommerce
All major gateways have official plugins. PayFast's is the most battle-tested. Installation is straightforward:
Expect 2-4 hours for a basic integration, more if you have complex checkout flows or need custom handling.
For PrestaShop
PayFast has an official module. Peach Payments works well but may need custom integration. Others vary—always check current compatibility before committing.
For Custom Sites
You'll be working with APIs directly. PayFast uses a redirect model (simpler but less control). Peach Payments offers embedded checkout (slicker UX but more complex). Budget for proper testing—payment integrations are not where you want bugs.
My Honest Recommendations
For most SA businesses starting out:
**PayFast.** It's reliable, widely trusted, and easy to set up. Don't overthink it.
For subscription or recurring billing:
**Peach Payments.** Their subscription handling is superior.
For maximum flexibility:
**PayFast + Ozow.** Cover cards, EFT, and modern instant payments.
For international sales:
**PayPal** (for international cards) alongside a local gateway. Just be aware PayPal's SA fees are steep.
Common Mistakes I See
1. Skipping sandbox testing
Production payment bugs are not fun. Test everything in sandbox mode first—successful payments, failed payments, refunds, edge cases.
2. Ignoring mobile
Over 60% of SA e-commerce traffic is mobile. If your checkout doesn't work smoothly on a phone, you're losing sales.
3. Too many options
Paradox of choice is real. Offering 8 payment methods confuses customers. Pick 2-3 that cover the bases.
4. Poor error handling
When a payment fails, what does the customer see? "Something went wrong" isn't helpful. Build clear, actionable error messages.
5. Not displaying trust signals
Logos, secure payment badges, clear refund policies—these things matter, especially for first-time customers.
Quick Notes on Fees
As of late 2025, typical rates:
Fees are usually negotiable once you're doing volume. Don't be afraid to ask.
The Bottom Line
Payment gateway choice matters, but don't let it become analysis paralysis. PayFast works for 90% of South African online businesses. Start there unless you have specific requirements that demand something else.
What matters more is implementation quality—a well-integrated PayFast checkout will outperform a poorly implemented premium gateway every time.
Need help setting up payments on your site? I've done this many, many times. Let's chat.