Braintree vs Adyen
Why people compare these: Mid-market and enterprise buyers compare these for global payment processing, differing in ecosystem integration and pricing models
The real trade-off: PayPal ecosystem integration with flat rates vs Interchange++ transparency with enterprise customization
Common mistake: Overlooking that Braintree PayPal integration requires separate fee structure governance
At-a-glance comparison
Braintree ↗
Braintree is PayPal's end-to-end payment platform designed for growth, offering card processing, PayPal/Venmo integration, ACH payments, and fraud tools. Uniquely positioned to leverage PayPal's…
- ✓ Slightly lower standard rate (2.89% + 29¢) compared to Stripe (2.9% + 30¢)
- ✓ Native PayPal and Venmo integration without separate contracts
- ✓ Discounted charity pricing (2.19% + 29¢) for verified 501(c)(3) organizations
Adyen ↗
Adyen is a global payments platform offering all major payment methods through one integration with Interchange++ pricing transparency. Known for enterprise-grade infrastructure and multi-currency…
- ✓ Interchange++ pricing model provides transaction-level cost visibility
- ✓ Fixed $0.13 processing fee is transparent and predictable
- ✓ Costs calculated BEFORE payment completion - no surprises
Where each product pulls ahead
These are the distinctive advantages that matter most in this comparison.
Braintree advantages
- ✓ Native PayPal and Venmo integration
- ✓ Flat-rate pricing predictability (2.89% + 29¢)
- ✓ Charity pricing (2.19%) for verified 501(c)(3)s
Adyen advantages
- ✓ Interchange++ with transaction-level cost visibility
- ✓ Custom enterprise pricing packages
- ✓ Multi-currency settlement flexibility
Pros & Cons
Braintree
Pros
- + You need native PayPal and Venmo integration
- + You prefer flat-rate pricing predictability
- + You are a verified charity (2.19% rate)
- + You want PayPal brand recognition
- + You process large ACH transactions ( cap benefit)
Cons
- − International cards add 1% surcharge (same pain as Stripe)
- − Non-USD currency adds another 1% on top
- − Chargebacks cost $15 each with no refund on transaction fees
- − ACH returns and disputes add $5 per occurrence
- − Chargeback Protection Tools add 0.4%-0.6% per transaction
- − Venmo limited to US market only
- − Charity pricing requires verification and pre-approval
- − Custom pricing only for 'established businesses' - startups pay full rate
Adyen
Pros
- + You need Interchange++ cost transparency
- + You want custom enterprise pricing packages
- + You handle complex global payment flows
- + You prefer pre-payment cost calculation
- + You prioritize multi-currency settlement flexibility
Cons
- − American Express transactions are expensive (~3.95% payment method fee)
- − Interchange++ variability means costs fluctuate by card type and issuer
- − Currency conversion costs vary by merchant country (not transparent)
- − Cross-border transactions add fees on top of base rates
- − Custom enterprise pricing requires sales engagement (not self-serve)
- − Some payment methods have geographic restrictions
- − Certain business types prohibited (see restricted businesses list)
Which one tends to fit which buyer?
These are conditional guidelines only — not rankings. Your specific situation determines fit.
- → Pick Braintree if: You need native PayPal/Venmo, prefer flat-rate predictability, run a charity, or process large ACH transactions
- → Pick Adyen if: You need Interchange++ transparency, require custom enterprise pricing, handle complex global flows, or prefer pre-payment cost calculation
- → Braintree serves growth-stage companies; Adyen targets large enterprises
- → The trade-off: PayPal ecosystem integration vs enterprise-grade cost management—not pricing simplicity