Comparison of Payment Gateway Fees: Brazil vs. Europe
Danilo Silveira · 2026-10-07
Comparative table of fees and services offered
| Gateway | Transaction Fee (%) | Monthly Fee (R$ or €) | Extra Services |
|-----------------------|-----------------------|------------------------|----------------------------------|
| PagSeguro | 4,99% | R$ 0 | Early payouts, API |
| Mercado Pago | 4,99% | R$ 0 | Credit card, Pix |
| Stripe | 2,9% + R$ 0,30 | € 0 | Advanced API, multilingual support|
| Adyen | 1,5% | € 0 | Multiple currencies, easy integration|
| PayPal | 4,99% | R$ 0 | Seller protection, API |
Analysis of regulatory differences between the two markets
In Brazil, payment gateway regulations are stricter, with requirements such as registration with the Federal Revenue Service and compliance with the General Data Protection Law (LGPD). In Europe, regulations vary by country, but generally follow PSD2 (Payment Services Directive), which encourages competition and innovation, resulting in lower fees and more service options. The lack of a single regulatory body in Europe can make it easier for new players to enter the market.
What to expect from fees during black friday
Historically, transaction fees tend to increase during Black Friday, especially on platforms that charge based on sales volume. You can expect fees of up to 6% at some gateways in Brazil, while in Europe, fees may stay around 2% to 3%. So it’s essential to plan your pricing structure and account for these fluctuations when setting your margins.
Success stories from companies that switched markets
One notable example is the fashion company "XYZ," which started operating in Brazil with a local gateway. When it expanded into Europe, it chose to use Stripe, reducing its transaction fees by 40% and increasing conversion by 25% thanks to an improved user experience. Another case is the tech startup "ABC," which switched from PagSeguro to Adyen and saw a significant increase in international payment acceptance.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WHICH GATEWAY TO USE FOR EACH TYPE OF PRODUCT
- Digital products (software, courses): Stripe or PayPal, for easy integration and competitive fees.
- Physical e-commerce (fashion, electronics): Adyen or Mercado Pago, for multi-currency support and logistics features.
- Local businesses (services, delivery): PagSeguro or Mercado Pago, for consumer familiarity and Pix support.
Monitoring each gateway’s metrics and adjusting your strategy as needed is essential. Which gateway do you use, and what fee do you pay? Share the numbers!