Stripe or Mollie in France: How to Make the Right Choice for Receiving Online Payments

Choosing a payment processor is one of the most important decisions for any online business. It’s the financial engine that powers your revenue and connects your customers to your cash flow. A poor choice can limit growth, complicate accounting, and generate hidden fees.

In Europe, two major players dominate the conversation: Stripe, the global technological benchmark, and Mollie, the Dutch challenger focused on simplicity and the European market.

At first glance, both aim to help your website accept payments easily and securely. However, their philosophies, target audiences, and pricing structures differ significantly.

This comprehensive 2025 guide breaks down the differences between Stripe and Mollie to help you decide which one best suits your needs — whether you run a Shopify store, a SaaS business, a marketplace, or a freelance operation.

And once the payments reach your account, what’s next? How do you manage funds, pay suppliers abroad, or repatriate profits efficiently from France? This is where the Wise Business account can complement your payment solution by helping you manage international transfers and currency conversions at low cost.

Learn more about
the Wise Business account

Part 1: Overview – Who are Stripe and Mollie?

Before comparing features and fees, it’s important to understand the DNA of each provider.

Stripe: the global platform for developers and scaling businesses

Founded in 2010, Stripe is the world’s leading payment infrastructure provider. Its “API-first” DNA makes it ideal for businesses with technical teams that want flexibility and control.

• Target users: SaaS companies, marketplaces, and startups managing complex payment flows or rapid growth.
• Positioning: The “Lego box” of global finance — highly configurable, scalable, and backed by a world-class reputation.

Mollie: the plug-and-play European alternative

Founded in 2004 in the Netherlands, Mollie takes a very different approach — prioritizing simplicity and accessibility. Its goal is to help entrepreneurs accept payments online quickly and without technical expertise.

• Target users: Small and medium-sized e-commerce businesses, particularly those using Shopify, WooCommerce, or PrestaShop.
• Positioning: The European challenger focused on easy setup, transparent pricing, and localized customer support.

Part 2: Feature comparison

Part 3: Pricing comparison – Stripe vs Mollie

Different approaches to pricing

• Stripe: A flat rate to start with, but costs rise as you add modules like Billing, Radar, or Tax.
• Mollie: Transparent, all-inclusive pricing where most features are included. Costs vary slightly by payment method.

Standard transaction fees (France – 2025)

⚠️ Important: the 2% currency conversion fee is a hidden cost many overlook. For example, if a U.S. customer pays $100, you’ll lose both transaction fees and 2% on the conversion to euros — effectively a double fee.

Part 4: Managing your funds efficiently

Once your payments are collected, the challenge shifts from processing to treasury management.

The issue with traditional banks

If you sell in France, the UK, and the U.S.:

• Mollie will credit your account mostly in euros.
• Stripe lets you hold balances in multiple currencies (EUR, GBP, USD).

However, paying suppliers in China or contractors in the U.S. from a French bank can be expensive due to poor exchange rates and SWIFT fees. Every transaction costs more than it should.

Wise Business: the missing link between Stripe or Mollie and your finances

Wise Business connects seamlessly to your Stripe or Mollie account and lets you manage your funds globally.

1. Centralize your funds: Link your Stripe and Mollie accounts so collected funds go directly to Wise, in the same currencies (EUR, USD, GBP…).
2. Pay internationally at fair rates: Send money to 40+ currencies using the mid-market exchange rate, without hidden markups.
3. Smart business card: Use your Wise Business debit card to pay for ads or software in foreign currencies directly from the right balance.

Conclusion: which one should you choose?

• Choose Stripe if you:

  • Run a SaaS, marketplace, or tech-driven business.
  • Have developer resources.
  • Sell globally and need advanced features.

• Choose Mollie if you:

  • Run a small or medium e-commerce store.
  • Prioritize simplicity, transparency, and local payment methods.
  • Operate mainly in Europe and want responsive French support.

💡 Pro tip: Combine Stripe or Mollie with Wise Business to optimize your international cash flow, reduce exchange costs, and manage global operations more efficiently.

Open your Wise Business account

FAQ: Stripe vs Mollie

Is Stripe cheaper than Mollie?
It depends on your audience. For EU cards, Stripe can be cheaper. For global payments, Mollie may offer better rates.

Can I use both Stripe and Mollie?
Yes. Some businesses combine both to diversify payment methods or optimize fees, though it can complicate accounting.

Which is easier to set up for Shopify?
Both integrate well, but Mollie tends to be slightly simpler for beginners.

Does Mollie’s PayPal integration matter?
Yes. For many customers, PayPal remains a trusted option, and Mollie integrates it natively.

Are payout times similar?
Yes. Both Stripe and Mollie typically pay out within 2–7 business days, depending on country and schedule.

Can Wise replace Stripe or Mollie?
No. Stripe and Mollie are payment gateways, while Wise is a business account that helps manage and transfer your funds globally at low cost.

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.