Braintree
Braintree is a full-stack payment gateway and payment service provider owned by parent company PayPal. It enables merchants to accept credit card payments, wallets, and other payment methods for online transactions, mobile apps, and ecommerce stores.
Braintree offers a developer-friendly platform with advanced features such as recurring billing, fraud protection, vault storage, and transparent pricing. It combines gateway and payment processing in one solution, helping businesses simplify their operations.
Ideal for small businesses, subscription apps, and global ecommerce, Braintree supports more than 130 currencies and is known for its smooth PayPal integration.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Regions | North America, Europe, APAC |
| Getting started | Online sign-up |
| Commission per transaction | 2.9% + $0.30 (US standard) |
| Payment methods accepted | Cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc. |
| Fraud & Risk management | Yes (via Kount, 3DSecure, etc.) |
| Accepted Currencies | Over 130 currencies |
| Set up type | API-based |
| Onboarding & Approvals | 1–3 business days |
| Recurring Billing | Yes |
| Charges on Refunds | Yes (non-refundable fees) |
| SDK Stacks | iOS, Android, Java, .NET, Node |
| Settlement time | 2–3 business days |
| Payouts support | Yes |
| Split payments | Yes |
| RegionsNorth America, Europe, APAC | |
| Getting startedOnline sign-up | |
| Commission per transaction2.9% + $0.30 (US standard) | |
| Payment methods acceptedCards, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc. | |
| Fraud & Risk managementYes (via Kount, 3DSecure, etc.) | |
| Accepted CurrenciesOver 130 currencies | |
| Set up typeAPI-based | |
| Onboarding & Approvals1–3 business days | |
| Recurring BillingYes | |
| Charges on RefundsYes (non-refundable fees) | |
| SDK StacksiOS, Android, Java, .NET, Node | |
| Settlement time2–3 business days | |
| Payouts supportYes | |
| Split paymentsYes |
Pros
- Developer-friendly API and SDKs
- Transparent pricing model
- PayPal and Venmo wallet support
- Fraud protection with 3DS & Kount
Cons
- No refund on processing fees after transaction
- Setup and integration may require technical help
- Some complaints about customer support and frozen funds
- Not ideal for in-person credit card terminals
Benefits of Using Braintree Payments
Using Braintree helps simplify payment processing for apps and ecommerce platforms. Its transparent pricing, multiple payment options, and strong fraud protection make it attractive for scaling companies.
With native PayPal integration, merchants can offer more wallet choices to users. Braintree provides flexible tools for developers, including a robust API, client libraries, and a sandbox testing environment.
How to Use Braintree for Payment Processing
To get started, merchants must create a Braintree account and verify business information. The approval process takes 1–3 days. Braintree offers simple setup through hosted fields or full custom integrations using SDKs.
Developers can access detailed documentation, including support for JavaScript, .NET, PHP, and mobile platforms. Third-party platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce also offer built-in support to integrate Braintree.
Braintree Reviewer Insights & Platform Transparency
Braintree reviews on Trustpilot, GetApp, and tech blogs rate the platform positively for its simplicity, robust payment gateway, and multi-currency support. Reviewers value its transparent approach and developer resources.
Some complaints mention delayed support response or potential fraudulent account reviews. However, Braintree provides clear risk policies, a responsive support team, and frequent updates to improve customer service and mitigate chargebacks.
Braintree Payment Safety & Security
Braintree is PCI DSS Level 1 certified and encrypts all payment data using tokenization and vault storage. It includes automated tools to detect fraudulent transactions and offers merchants custom fraud filters via API.
While there have been no major security breaches, a few nightmare cases involving held funds were reported. Braintree responded by enhancing fraud systems, improving customer support, and increasing transparency about account reviews.
Braintree Account Fees and Refund Charges
There are no setup or monthly fees with Braintree. You pay per transaction—standard rates in the US are 2.9% + $0.30. International and currency conversion fees may apply depending on the region.
Optional features like fraud protection or custom onboarding for marketplaces can introduce additional costs.
Is Braintree Good for Small Business or Apps?
Braintree is built for businesses that operate online, especially those in e-commerce, SaaS, and marketplaces. It supports recurring billing and advanced routing logic, which is ideal for platforms with high-volume transactions.
It’s less suited for brick-and-mortar businesses that require physical terminals, as Braintree doesn’t focus on point-of-sale hardware.
Does Braintree Work for Physical Client Payments?
Braintree is best for digital-first companies, including subscription platforms, crowdfunding services, online marketplaces, and apps. It’s a top choice for businesses that prioritize developer flexibility and global reach.
While large enterprises use it, it’s also popular among scaling startups that need multi-currency, multi-method processing without paying upfront costs.
For Physical Clients
Braintree is not optimized for in-store payments. It doesn’t offer POS hardware or native support for retail environments. However, businesses can use Braintree for invoicing or integrating with third-party POS systems via API.
If physical interaction is essential, a hybrid solution with PayPal Zettle or another provider might be required to complement Braintree's online-first tools.
FAQ
Is Braintree better than Stripe or PayPal?
It depends on your business model. Braintree is part of the PayPal family and offers PayPal integration by default, which can be a major advantage. Stripe may offer more flexibility for developers, while PayPal may be easier to start with for non-tech users. Braintree stands out when you want PayPal + card payments + marketplace tools in one platform.
How long does it take to receive payouts?
Settlement time typically ranges from 2 to 3 business days for most transactions. Some industries or account histories may result in longer hold times, especially during the initial months of account setup. Businesses can track payouts directly from the dashboard.
Can I use Braintree without coding experience?
Technically yes, but it’s not the most user-friendly for non-developers. While some platforms offer Braintree as a built-in option (like BigCommerce or Magento), full control over the integration usually requires coding. Many businesses hire developers or use agencies for setup.
Does Braintree charge fees for failed or refunded transactions?
Yes. While Braintree doesn’t charge a refund fee itself, the original processing fee from the successful transaction isn’t refunded. That means you still pay 2.9% + $0.30 even if the payment is returned to the customer.
Is Braintree suitable for high-risk industries?
Not directly. Braintree avoids onboarding high-risk industries like adult content, gambling, or CBD. Their approval process includes business vetting, and accounts may be rejected if the business model doesn't align with their acceptable use policy.
