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Read article →September 15, 2026
Payment methods
Payment gateways for your online store: 2026 guide
A payment gateway It's the service that connects your online store with banks so customers can pay by card, PSE (Electronic Payment System), or digital wallet, and the money goes directly to your account. It works like your business's invisible cashier: it receives the payment, verifies its authenticity, secures it, and deposits it into your account—all in seconds and without you having to lift a finger.
If you sell online in Colombia, this is the component that determines whether a sale closes or falls apart at the last click. A customer might love your product, fill their cart, and then, if they can't find their preferred payment method or the screen makes them feel uneasy, they'll abandon the purchase. I'll tell you how they work, which ones perform best here, how much they cost, and how to choose the right one for you.
The essentials
- The payment gateway receives the payment, validates it, and deposits it into your account.
- It's not the same as a loose payment button or a physical card reader.
- In Colombia, they use two methods: cards and transfers via PSE.
- The transaction fee is around 3 percent, but it varies depending on the provider.
- Choosing well depends on your volume, your customers, and the platform you already use.
What is a payment gateway and how does it work?
A payment gateway is the technology that securely processes payments for your online store. When someone clicks "pay," the gateway takes their card or debit card details, encrypts them to prevent theft, checks with the bank for available funds, and confirms the purchase. You simply see the approved sale.
The entire process takes just a couple of seconds and passes through several hands without the customer noticing: your store, the payment gateway, the card network, and the bank. That's why it's more than just a button. It's the piece that underpins the trust of the entire transaction and determines whether a shopper completes their order instead of leaving.
Payment gateway, payment button and card reader: they are not the same
This is where many people get confused, and it's worth clarifying. A card reader takes payment in person, when the customer is standing in front of you with their card. A payment gateway takes payment remotely, within your website, without the two parties being in the same place.
The payment button is a simpler case: a link or code that you paste on social media or in a message to collect a specific amount. It's useful for getting started, but it falls short when you have a large catalog or want the purchase process to flow seamlessly within your own website. If you're serious about your online store, The integrated walkway wins.
The best payment gateways for selling in Colombia
There's no single "best" option; there's a best one for your specific needs. These are the options most commonly used by Colombian businesses, along with their ideal profiles and reference rates so you can compare apples to apples.
| Gangway | Ideal for | Reference Commission 2026* | Includes PSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wompi | Businesses that already operate with Bancolombia | ~2,65% to 3% + fixed | Yeah |
| PayU | Stores with a wide catalog | ~2,99% + VAT | Yeah |
| Mercado Pago | Those who sell on social media and marketplaces | ~3% to 3.5% | Yeah |
| ePayco | SMEs and entrepreneurs starting out | ~2,99% + fixed | Yeah |
| Bold | Mixed sales, online and in-person | ~2.5% to 3% | Yeah |
*Estimated reference rates for 2026. Each provider adjusts its commission based on your volume and plan; always confirm the current rate before deciding.
How much does a payment gateway charge?
Most charge a percentage of each sale plus a small fixed fee, and almost never charge a monthly fee. In Colombia, this percentage is usually around 3 percent of the transaction, with variations depending on the method: a credit card payment costs more than a PSE payment because the card network charges its share.
Look beyond the big number. Ask how often they deposit the money, if they hold a percentage for the first few days, and what happens with chargebacks. A low commission with deposits in fifteen days can stifle your cash flow more than a slightly higher one that pays you in two. That fine print is what truly defines the cost.
The mistake isn't paying a commission; it's choosing a payment gateway solely based on the commission. The method your customer prefers sells more than the half point you save.
How to choose the ideal payment gateway for your store
It's not about the cheapest or the most famous, but about the one that fits your business. Follow this order and you'll get it right:
- Look at your customer. Do they pay by card, prefer PSE, or order cash on delivery? Choose the option that covers their preferred methods, not yours.
- Check that it integrates with your platform. If your store is on Shopify, WooCommerce, or a local builder, make sure they connect without conflicting.
- Compare the actual cost. Commission plus fixed value plus deposit period. Add it all up, not just the percentage.
- Check the security. That it handles the money through supervised entities and that it complies with card data protection standards.
- Test the payment flow. Make a fake purchase. If you're lazy, your customer will be too.
For a complete overview of how to charge and what methods to offer, check out our guide on payment methods for your business. And if you're still putting together the overall plan for sell online, There we cover the entire funnel, from the display case to the payment.
Safety: what you should demand
Handling online payments means handling other people's money, and that requires clear rules. In Colombia, entities that process and safeguard public funds operate under the supervision of the Financial Superintendency of Colombia, Therefore, your gateway should rely on formal financial allies, not opaque intermediaries.
The other point is the behavior of the Colombian buyer. According to the Colombian Chamber of Electronic Commerce, Cards and PSE transfers account for the majority of online purchases in the country, so offering both methods is not optional. If you want to get an idea of the scale of the game, we've compiled the figures in our e-commerce statistics.
Common mistakes when choosing your payment gateway
Before signing with the first one you see, avoid these common traps:
- Choosing based solely on commission. If you don't include the method your customer uses, you lost the entire sale by saving pennies.
- Ignore the deposit time. A payment gateway that pays you in two weeks dries up your cash flow, even if you charge a small amount.
- Do not test mobile payment. Most people buy from their phones. If the checkout process fails there, you don't make a sale.
Do you want your store to charge without friction?
We help you choose the right payment gateway, integrate it into your store, and make payment ready on your mobile phone and computer, without technical hassles.
Frequently asked questions about payment gateways
Do I need a registered company to use a payment gateway?
Several platforms allow you to register as an individual using your national ID and tax ID number, especially those designed for entrepreneurs. Others require a business registration certificate. Confirm the requirements with each provider before starting.
What is the cheapest payment gateway in Colombia?
The fees are very similar, almost all around 3 percent. Rather than looking for the cheapest, compare the total cost with the deposit time and the methods included. That's where the real difference lies.
Can I receive payments with PSE without having a payment gateway?
PSE works through an integrated provider, and payment gateways already include it. It's the bank account debit method preferred by millions of Colombians, so it's worth offering.
Is it safe to store my customers' card details?
You don't store them; the payment gateway encrypts and manages them under industry-standard security. That's precisely one of the reasons to use one instead of charging externally.
How often do I receive the money from sales?
It depends on the provider and the payment method. Some pay in one or two days, others hold a portion of the initial payments as a safeguard. Ask about this before signing, because it directly impacts your cash flow.
In summary
The payment gateway is the silent heart of your online store: if it works well, you won't even notice; if it fails, it will cost you sales. In Colombia, the strategy is clear: offer credit cards and PSE (Colombian online payment system), compare the total cost, not just the commission, and test mobile payments before launching your store. Choose the gateway that best suits your customers and your platform, not the one with the most recognizable logo. With payment processing sorted, you can focus on what really matters: selling.
