International payment methods: Types, trends, and how to accept them

Alexis Damen | February 9, 2025

Expanding your e-commerce business beyond borders is a huge opportunity, especially in Europe, where online shopping continues to grow. In 2023, 75% of internet users aged 16 to 74 in the EU made online purchases, up from 53% in 2010. This surge in digital shopping means more customers are willing to buy from international merchants like you, but ensuring smooth cross-border transactions is key to capturing this demand.

However, managing international payments can be a challenge. From currency fluctuations to compliance with regional regulations, you need a strategy that ensures fast, secure, and cost-effective transactions. A recent study found that 70% of European SMB owners struggle with scaling their businesses online, largely due to the complexities of payments and logistics. Understanding the right international payment methods will help you overcome these obstacles, improve customer trust, and grow your business globally.

In this article, you’ll learn:

What are international payment methods?

International payment methods are the different ways you can accept payments from customers in other countries. These options ensure secure, seamless cross-border transactions by supporting multiple currencies, complying with local regulations, and reducing payment friction.

You can offer credit and debit cards, wire transfers, digital wallets (like PayPal and Apple Pay), local payment options (such as Bizum or MB WAY), and even cryptocurrencies. By providing diverse payment methods, you make it easier for international customers to buy from you, reduce cart abandonment, and create a smoother checkout experience.

Types of international payment methods

There are multiple ways to accept international payment methods online. Choosing the right approach depends on factors like transaction speed, security, and customer preferences.

Wire or bank transfers

Wire transfers are widely used for large international transactions, offering direct bank-to-bank payments. While secure, they can be slow and expensive due to intermediary bank fees and processing delays. However, with MONEI, you can easily integrate bank transfer payment methods with your business, including SEPA, MB WAY, and Bizum.

Credit cards

Credit and debit cards are among the most common international payment methods. Card networks like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express facilitate cross-border transactions but make sure you’re aware of currency conversion fees and potential chargebacks.

E-wallets

Digital wallets, such as PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay offer a seamless payment experience for international customers. They support multi-currency transactions and often provide buyer protection features, making them a preferred choice for global e-commerce.

Blockchain and cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and stablecoins are emerging as alternative methods of payment in international trade. They eliminate the need for intermediaries, reduce fees, and enable instant transactions. However, regulatory uncertainty and volatility remain challenges for widespread adoption.

Trends in international payment methods

The international payments landscape is evolving, with new technologies and consumer preferences shaping how businesses like yours handle cross-border transactions.

Rise of local payment methods. Consumers prefer familiar payment options, making integration with local methods like Bizum in Spain and MB WAY in Portugal important to increase conversion rates.
Real-time cross-border payments. Financial technology advancements make instant international transactions possible, reducing delays associated with traditional banking systems.
AI-powered fraud prevention. Machine learning and AI-driven security tools are helping businesses detect and prevent fraudulent transactions in real time.
Embedded payments. More businesses are integrating payments directly into their platforms, eliminating friction in the checkout process for international buyers.

Challenges of international payments

Expanding into international markets presents new revenue opportunities, but cross-border transactions have challenges. Understanding these hurdles is essential for choosing the right international payment methods and payment service provider (PSP) for your business.

Currency fluctuations

Exchange rates fluctuate constantly, affecting the final amount you receive and increasing consumers’ costs. To accept international payments, you need strategies to manage currency risks, such as using multi-currency accounts or working with payment providers that offer dynamic currency conversion.

Cross-border regulations

Every country has its own financial regulations, making compliance difficult if you’re operating globally. Payment providers must comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies, while you need to make sure your business follows local tax laws and transaction reporting requirements.
📚Further reading: Cross-Border E-commerce: Its Importance, Trends, and Future

Security concerns

Fraud and chargebacks are more common in international transactions due to differences in payment security measures across regions. Implementing 3D Secure authentication and fraud prevention tools can help protect businesses and customers from unauthorized transactions.

High transaction costs

Traditional methods of payment in international trade—such as wire transfers—can come with high fees, including bank processing charges and conversion fees. Selecting a payment solution that offers competitive pricing with dynamic rates like MONEI, and supports local payment options can help reduce transaction costs.

How to choose the right International payment methods

Selecting the best payment methods for your business depends on several factors:

✔ Customer preference. Research which payment methods are most commonly used in your target market.
✔ Transaction fees. Compare costs across providers to ensure competitive pricing.
✔ Security and compliance. Ensure your payment method follows local and international regulations.
✔ Settlement speed. Consider how quickly funds will be available in your account.

Accept international payments today with MONEI

Expanding into international markets can be challenging, but the right payment solution makes all the difference. With MONEI, you can accept multiple international payment methods, including credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and local payment options—helping you reach more customers worldwide. Our platform ensures fast, secure transactions, protects you from fraud, and simplifies compliance with regional regulations, so you can focus on scaling your business without the headaches.

Instead of juggling multiple payment providers or dealing with high transaction fees and slow settlements, MONEI gives you an all-in-one solution to streamline cross-border payments and create a checkout experience that builds trust and boosts conversions. Ready to grow your e-commerce business without the payment roadblocks? Sign up with MONEI today and start accepting international payments effortlessly. 🚀

Sources used:

E-commerce in the EU, European Council Council of the European Union
Amazon research reveals 70% of European small and medium business owners lack confidence and are looking for support to build an e-commerce offering, Amazon

Alexis Damen

Alexis Damen is a former Shopify merchant turned content marketer. Here, she breaks down complex topics about payments, e-commerce, and retail to help you succeed (with MONEI as your payments partner, of course).

#Cross-Border Payments #Cross-Border E-commerce #Payment Methods