Choosing the right payment gateway can make or break your online business in the Philippines. You’ve probably spent countless hours building your store, sourcing products, and creating marketing campaigns—only to lose potential customers at checkout because of payment issues. Sound familiar?
When it comes to paymongo vs xendit, both platforms have emerged as leading payment solutions for Filipino entrepreneurs and businesses. But which one deserves your trust and your customers’ transactions? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about these two payment gateways—from pricing and features to integration ease and customer support—so you can make an informed decision that impacts your bottom line.
Whether you’re launching your first online store or looking to switch from your current provider, understanding the differences between PayMongo and Xendit will save you time, money, and headaches down the road.
Understanding Payment Gateways for Philippine E-commerce
Before we jump into the paymongo vs xendit showdown, let’s clarify what you’re actually choosing between. A payment gateway is the technology that securely processes credit card and digital wallet payments from your customers to your business account. Think of it as the digital equivalent of a card terminal in physical stores.
For Philippine-based businesses, your payment gateway needs to handle:
- Local credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB)
- Popular e-wallets like GCash, Maya, and GrabPay
- Installment payment options
- Bank transfers and over-the-counter payments
The right choice affects your conversion rates, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Let’s see how PayMongo and Xendit stack up.
PayMongo Overview: The Homegrown Solution
What is PayMongo?
PayMongo is a Filipino fintech company that launched in 2019, specifically designed to address the payment challenges faced by Philippine businesses. As a homegrown solution, it understands the local market’s unique needs and payment preferences.
Key PayMongo Features
Payment Methods Supported:
- Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB)
- GCash
- GrabPay
- Maya (formerly PayMaya)
- Direct online banking
Technical Capabilities:
The paymongo api is well-documented and developer-friendly, making it easier for businesses with technical teams to implement custom solutions. The paymongo api documentation provides clear examples and use cases, which is particularly helpful if you’re building custom integrations.
Integration Options:
- PayMongo WooCommerce plugin for WordPress stores
- Shopify integration
- Custom website integration via API
- No-code payment links for social sellers
- PayMongo dashboard login provides intuitive management
PayMongo Rates and Fees
Understanding the paymongo fee structure is crucial for calculating your actual profit margins:
- Credit/debit cards: 3.5% + ₱15 per successful transaction
- E-wallets (GCash, GrabPay): 2.5% + ₱15 per successful transaction
- No monthly fees or setup costs
- No hidden charges for failed transactions
The paymongo rates are transparent and competitive, especially for businesses processing higher volumes.
PayMongo Developer Experience
For technically-inclined businesses, the paymongo developer resources are comprehensive. The platform offers:
- RESTful API with clear endpoints
- PayMongo test cards for sandbox testing
- Webhooks for real-time payment notifications
- Detailed paymongo documentation with code samples
- Active developer community
You can create a paymongo account and start testing within minutes using their test environment.
Xendit Overview: The Regional Powerhouse
What is Xendit?
Xendit is a Southeast Asian payment gateway founded in 2015, operating across Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. It brings regional expertise and a broader feature set to the table.
Key Xendit Features
Payment Methods Supported:
- Credit and debit cards
- GCash
- GrabPay
- Maya
- Bank transfers (InstaPay, PESONet)
- Over-the-counter payments (7-Eleven, Cebuana Lhuillier)
- Installment payments
- Direct debit
Advanced Capabilities:
- Disbursements and payouts
- Recurring billing and subscriptions
- Invoice management
- Multi-currency support
- Advanced fraud detection
Integration Options:
- WooCommerce plugin
- Shopify integration
- Magento support
- Custom API integration
- Payment links
Xendit Rates and Fees
Xendit’s pricing structure varies by payment method:
- Credit/debit cards: 3.5% + ₱15 per transaction
- E-wallets: 2.5% – 3% per transaction
- Bank transfers: 1.5% – 2% per transaction
- Over-the-counter: Fixed fee per transaction
- No monthly fees for standard accounts
Enterprise clients can negotiate custom pricing based on volume.
Xendit Developer Resources
Xendit provides robust technical documentation:
- Comprehensive API reference
- Multiple SDK options (PHP, Python, Node.js)
- Sandbox environment for testing
- Webhook support
- Detailed integration guides
Head-to-Head Comparison: PayMongo vs Xendit
1. Pricing and Transaction Fees
Winner: Tie
Both platforms offer nearly identical pricing for credit cards and e-wallets. Your decision here shouldn’t be based solely on fees, as they’re competitive with industry standards.
Consider this: Calculate your expected transaction mix. If you’ll process many bank transfers or over-the-counter payments, Xendit’s lower fees for these methods could save you money.
2. Payment Method Variety
Winner: Xendit
While PayMongo covers the essential payment methods Filipino consumers use, Xendit offers more options, particularly:
- Over-the-counter payment channels
- Direct debit options
- More installment payment partners
- Bank transfer options
If your target market includes customers without credit cards or e-wallets, Xendit’s broader payment options give you an edge.
3. Integration and Setup Ease
Winner: PayMongo
For the paymongo woocommerce integration specifically, users consistently report smoother setup experiences. The paymongo integration process is straightforward, with clear documentation and fewer technical hurdles.
PayMongo’s focus on the Philippine market means their plugins and integrations are optimized for local platforms and use cases. The paymongo dashboard login interface is intuitive, even for non-technical users.
4. API Documentation and Developer Experience
Winner: PayMongo
The paymongo api documentation receives high marks from developers for clarity and completeness. While Xendit’s documentation is comprehensive, PayMongo’s is more beginner-friendly with better examples.
PayMongo test cards are clearly documented, making sandbox testing straightforward. The paymongo developer community is active and responsive, with regular updates and improvements.
5. Customer Support
Winner: PayMongo
PayMongo customer service is frequently praised for responsiveness and local understanding. Since they’re Philippines-focused, support agents understand local business challenges and can provide relevant solutions.
Response times are generally faster, and you’ll communicate with people who understand the Philippine e-commerce landscape. Support is available via:
- Email support
- Chat support during business hours
- Comprehensive help center
- Active social media presence
Xendit’s support is professional but serves multiple countries, which can sometimes lead to less personalized assistance for Philippine-specific issues.
6. Settlement Times
Winner: Tie
Both platforms offer similar settlement periods:
- Standard settlement: T+2 to T+3 business days
- Funds transferred directly to your bank account
- Clear transaction reporting
Your cash flow won’t be significantly impacted by choosing one over the other.
7. Security and Compliance
Winner: Tie
Both PayMongo and Xendit are:
- PCI-DSS Level 1 compliant
- Registered with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
- Implement 3D Secure authentication
- Use encryption for data protection
- Provide fraud monitoring tools
Your customers’ payment information is equally secure with either provider.
8. Scalability and Advanced Features
Winner: Xendit
For growing businesses with complex needs, Xendit offers more advanced features:
- Disbursement capabilities for marketplace payouts
- Recurring billing for subscription businesses
- Multi-currency support for international expansion
- Invoice management tools
- Batch payment processing
If you’re planning to scale regionally or need sophisticated payment workflows, Xendit provides more room to grow.
9. Reporting and Analytics
Winner: Xendit
Xendit’s dashboard provides more detailed analytics and reporting tools:
- Customizable reports
- Transaction analytics
- Settlement tracking
- Export options in multiple formats
- API for programmatic reporting
PayMongo’s reporting is adequate for most businesses but less comprehensive for data-driven operations.
10. Special Features
PayMongo Advantages:
- PayMongo payment gateway for social sellers (payment links)
- Simpler onboarding process
- Better local market focus
- PayMongo credit card payment processing with excellent success rates
Xendit Advantages:
- Installment payment options
- Over-the-counter payment channels
- Payout and disbursement features
- Regional expansion capabilities
Which Payment Gateway Should You Choose?
Choose PayMongo If:
✅ You’re a small to medium-sized Philippine business
✅ You prioritize ease of setup and use
✅ You mainly need card and e-wallet payments
✅ You value responsive, locally-focused customer support
✅ You’re using WooCommerce or Shopify
✅ You’re a social seller needing simple payment links
✅ You want straightforward, transparent pricing
Best for: Startups, SMEs, social commerce sellers, and businesses focused exclusively on the Philippine market.
Choose Xendit If:
✅ You need diverse payment methods (OTC, bank transfers, installments)
✅ You’re planning regional expansion beyond the Philippines
✅ You need advanced features like disbursements or recurring billing
✅ You operate a marketplace or platform business
✅ You require detailed analytics and reporting
✅ You have customers without credit cards or e-wallets
✅ You’re processing high volumes and can negotiate rates
Best for: Growing businesses, marketplaces, subscription services, and companies with plans for regional expansion.
Real-World Use Cases
Case Study 1: Fashion Boutique on Instagram
Maria runs an online fashion boutique primarily through Instagram and Facebook. She uses a simple website for checkout.
Best Choice: PayMongo
Why? Maria needs simple payment links she can share on social media, easy setup without technical knowledge, and responsive support when issues arise. The paymongo payment gateway payment links feature is perfect for her social-first business model.
Case Study 2: Electronics Store with Physical Locations
Juan operates an electronics store with both online and physical locations. Many customers prefer installment payments or over-the-counter options.
Best Choice: Xendit
Why? Juan’s customers need flexible payment options beyond cards and e-wallets. Xendit’s OTC payment channels and installment partnerships better serve his diverse customer base.
Case Study 3: Subscription Box Service
Ana launched a monthly subscription box service for beauty products.
Best Choice: Xendit
Why? Ana needs recurring billing capabilities to automatically charge customers monthly. Xendit’s subscription management features make this seamless, while PayMongo would require more manual processing.
Case Study 4: Dropshipping Startup
Carlos is starting a dropshipping business with limited technical knowledge.
Best Choice: PayMongo
Why? Carlos needs quick setup, easy paymongo woocommerce integration, and straightforward management. PayMongo’s simplicity lets him focus on marketing and sales rather than payment technicalities.
Integration Guide: Getting Started
Setting Up PayMongo
- Create your paymongo account at paymongo.com
- Complete business verification (1-3 business days)
- Access your paymongo dashboard login
- Generate API keys from the developers section
- Install the paymongo woocommerce plugin or integrate via API
- Test using paymongo test cards in sandbox mode
- Go live and start accepting payments
The entire process typically takes 2-5 days, depending on verification speed.
Setting Up Xendit
- Sign up at xendit.co/en-ph
- Submit business documents for verification
- Access your dashboard once approved
- Configure payment methods you want to offer
- Integrate via plugin or API
- Test in sandbox environment
- Launch live payments
Xendit’s setup may take slightly longer due to more payment method configurations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Choosing Based on Fees Alone
Don’t make your decision solely on transaction fees. Consider:
- Customer payment preferences
- Integration complexity
- Support quality
- Feature requirements
- Long-term scalability
A slightly higher fee with better conversion rates and support is worth it.
2. Ignoring Your Customer Demographics
Understand how your customers prefer to pay. If they’re primarily young, urban consumers, cards and e-wallets suffice. If you serve a broader demographic, you’ll need more payment options.
3. Overlooking Technical Requirements
Assess your technical capabilities honestly. If you don’t have a developer and need quick setup, prioritize ease of use over advanced features you won’t utilize.
4. Not Testing Thoroughly
Always test your payment integration extensively before launch:
- Test successful payments
- Test failed payments
- Test refund processes
- Verify webhook notifications
- Check mobile responsiveness
Use paymongo test cards or Xendit’s test environment to simulate various scenarios.
5. Forgetting About Settlement Times
Factor settlement times into your cash flow planning. If you need faster access to funds, check if either platform offers accelerated settlement options for established businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use both PayMongo and Xendit simultaneously?
Yes, you can integrate both payment gateways and let customers choose. However, this adds complexity to your reconciliation and reporting. Most businesses find that one gateway meets their needs.
Q: Which has better uptime and reliability?
Both platforms maintain high uptime (99%+). PayMongo and Xendit are equally reliable for processing payments.
Q: Can I switch payment gateways later?
Yes, you can switch, though it requires technical work to change integrations. Choose carefully to avoid this hassle, but know you’re not permanently locked in.
Q: Do they support international payments?
Both accept international credit cards. Xendit offers better multi-currency support if you’re selling internationally.
Q: What about chargebacks and disputes?
Both platforms handle chargebacks similarly. You’ll be notified of disputes and can submit evidence. Neither platform is significantly better at dispute resolution.
Q: Is there a minimum transaction volume required?
No, both PayMongo and Xendit welcome businesses of all sizes without minimum volume requirements.
The Verdict: PayMongo vs Xendit
After this comprehensive comparison of paymongo vs xendit, here’s the bottom line:
For most small to medium Philippine online stores, PayMongo is the better choice. Its combination of ease of use, excellent local support, straightforward pricing, and focus on the Philippine market makes it ideal for businesses that want to start accepting payments quickly without complications.
However, Xendit becomes the better option when you need diverse payment methods, advanced features like disbursements, or plan to expand regionally. Larger businesses and marketplaces will appreciate Xendit’s sophisticated capabilities.
Neither choice is wrong—both are legitimate, secure, and competitive payment gateways. Your decision should align with your specific business needs, technical capabilities, and growth plans.
Next Steps: Making Your Decision
Ready to choose your payment gateway? Here’s what to do:
- Assess your immediate needs: List the payment methods your customers actually use
- Evaluate your technical resources: Be honest about your setup and maintenance capabilities
- Project your growth: Consider where your business will be in 12-24 months
- Sign up for demos: Create test accounts with both platforms to experience their dashboards
- Calculate total costs: Factor in your expected transaction mix and volumes
- Make your choice: Select the platform that best fits your current needs with room to grow
Remember, the best payment gateway is the one that your customers can use easily and that you can manage confidently. Both PayMongo and Xendit serve thousands of successful Philippine businesses—now it’s time to join them.
Have you used either PayMongo or Xendit for your online store? Share your experience in the comments below to help other entrepreneurs make their decision!