Stripe

A payment processing platform enabling businesses to accept online payments through credit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, and alternative payment methods. Stripe provides developers and businesses with tools to handle transactions, subscriptions, invoicing, and payment logistics without building payment infrastructure. The platform offers APIs for integration, hosted payment pages for non-developers, fraud prevention, compliance management, and analytics. Stripe charges per-transaction fees (typically 2.9% + $0.30 for online payments) without monthly fees. Used by millions of businesses from startups to Fortune 500s, Stripe has become foundational to internet commerce through its developer-friendly approach and comprehensive features.

Why it matters

Stripe removes payment processing complexity, enabling businesses to accept payments in minutes without merchant accounts or complex integrations. Reliable payment processing is fundamental to online business, problems here directly impact revenue and customer trust.