If you’re running an online store or membership site in New Zealand, choosing the right payment gateway is crucial for smooth transactions, security, and customer trust. With so many options available, which one is best for your WordPress/WooCommerce website?
In this guide, we’ll compare the top payment gateways in NZ, their fees, features, and integration options – so you can pick the best one for your business.
What to Look for in a NZ Payment Gateway?
✅ Supports NZD transactions (no currency conversion fees)
✅ Low transaction fees (compare % + fixed costs)
✅ PCI compliance & fraud protection (secure payments)
✅ Easy WordPress/WooCommerce integration
✅ Popular with Kiwi customers (trusted brands)
Top 6 Payment Gateways for NZ WordPress Sites
1. Stripe
🔹 Best for: Most online businesses (credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
🔹 Fees: 1.75% + NZ$0.30 per transaction (NZ cards)
🔹 Pros:
- No monthly fees
- Supports Afterpay (via plugin)
- Easy WooCommerce integration
🔹 Cons: Slightly higher fees than some alternatives
2. Windcave (Formerly Payment Express)
🔹 Best for: High-volume businesses & enterprise
🔹 Fees: Custom pricing (negotiable for large sales)
🔹 Pros:
- NZ-based, trusted by big brands
- Supports POLi (bank transfers)
- Strong fraud screening
🔹 Cons: Requires merchant account setup
3. PayPal
🔹 Best for: International sales & buyer trust
🔹 Fees: 2.9% + NZ$0.45 per transaction
🔹 Pros:
- No setup fees
- Buyers don’t need an account
- Good for subscriptions
🔹 Cons: Higher fees than Stripe
4. POLi Payments
🔹 Best for: Customers who prefer direct bank transfers
🔹 Fees: ~1% per transaction (varies by bank)
🔹 Pros:
- No credit card fees
- Popular with older Kiwi shoppers
🔹 Cons: No fraud protection (irreversible payments)
5. Square
🔹 Best for: In-person + online sales
🔹 Fees: 1.9% + NZ$0.12 per online transaction
🔹 Pros:
- Free POS hardware for retail
- Simple flat-rate pricing
🔹 Cons: Limited WooCommerce features
6. DPS (Direct Payment Solutions)
🔹 Best for: Large NZ businesses needing custom solutions
🔹 Fees: Negotiable (contact for rates)
🔹 Pros:
- Supports Genoapay (buy now, pay later)
- Recurring billing options
🔹 Cons: Complex setup
Which Payment Gateway Should You Choose?
| Use Case | Best Payment Gateway |
|---|---|
| General eCommerce | Stripe (low fees, easy setup) |
| High-volume sales | Windcave (custom rates) |
| International customers | PayPal (global trust) |
| Bank transfer preference | POLi (no card fees) |
| Retail + online combo | Square (unified system) |
How to Add a Payment Gateway to WordPress
- Install WooCommerce (if not already active).
- Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Payments.
- Enable your preferred gateway (Stripe, PayPal, etc.).
- Enter API keys (provided by the payment provider).
- Test transactions in sandbox mode before going live.
(Need help? Red Jet Hosting offers WooCommerce setup support.)
Pro Tips for NZ Online Stores
🔹 Offer multiple payment options – Kiwis prefer choice (credit cards, Afterpay, POLi).
🔹 Display security badges – Increases trust (use trust seals from your gateway).
🔹 Optimise checkout speed – Slow payments = abandoned carts.
Need a High-Performance WooCommerce Host in NZ?
At Red Jet Hosting, we optimise your WordPress site for:
⚡ Faster checkouts (reduced cart abandonment)
🔒 PCI-compliant security (safe transactions)
🛠 Easy payment gateway setup (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
🚀 Get WooCommerce-Optimised Hosting Today
Final Thoughts
For most NZ WordPress sites, Stripe offers the best balance of low fees and features. If you cater to an older audience, adding POLi is wise. Always test multiple options to see what converts best for your customers.
Need help setting up payments? Contact Red Jet Hosting for expert WooCommerce support!
