If you’ve ever tried to piece together your own website using a DIY platform like Shopify, Squarespace, Wix, WordPress, or Square, you’ve probably had this moment. You’re staring at your screen, wondering how to connect your store to the right payment system on earth. Not just a payment system but one that works the way you want it to.
Because here’s the thing: while these platforms look like they all do the same thing, how they talk to other systems (especially payment gateways) can make your life easier… or make you want to throw your laptop.
So, let’s break it down.
Here’s how these builders handle payment portals and which suits you.
Shopify – The E-commerce Specialist
Shopify is the overachiever in the e-commerce class. It’s built around selling, so it makes sense that it has its own native payment gateway: Shopify Payments.
- Plays well with: Stripe, PayPal, Afterpay, Apple Pay, and more.
- Easy setup: Yes. Very plug-and-play.
- Monthly Plans:
- Basic Shopify: $56 AUD/month
- Shopify: $149 AUD/month
- Advanced Shopify: $575 AUD/month
- Transaction Fees:
- Basic Shopify: 1.75% + $0.30 AUD (or 2% for 3rd-party payment providers)
- Shopify: 1.6% + $0.30 AUD (or 1% for 3rd-party payment providers)
- Advanced Shopify: 1.4% + $0.30 AUD (or 0.6% for 3rd-party payment providers)
Who it’s best for:
You sell physical products or digital goods and want everything in one neat package. Especially great if you want streamlined inventory, shipping, and tax setup.
Squarespace – Beautiful and Basic
Squarespace is stunning visually and perfect if you’re service-based or have a small product range. Payments go through Stripe, PayPal, and now Afterpay (for US, UK, AU).
- Plays well with: Stripe and PayPal (but not much else without workarounds).
- Easy setup: Yes, but with limited options.
- Monthly Plans:
- Business: $35 AUD/month
- Basic Commerce: $40 AUD/month
- Advanced Commerce: $61 AUD/month
- Transaction Fees:
- Business: 3% charge per transaction
- Basic & Advanced Commerce: 0% charge per transaction
Who it’s best for:
Creative businesses, service providers, and those selling fewer items want a stylish, branded site that looks polished.
Wix – The Flexible All-Rounder
Wix gives you more control than Squarespace and now includes Wix Payments, which integrates with major cards and digital wallets. It also allows third-party providers.
- Plays well with: Wix Payments, Stripe, Square, PayPal, and others.
- Easy setup: Fairly simple, though not as seamless as Shopify.
- Monthly Plans (Business & eCommerce):
- Business Basic: $17 AUD/month
- Business Unlimited: $25 AUD/month
- Business VIP: $35 AUD/month
- Transaction Fees: Vary depending on payment provider; Wix Payments has competitive rates.
Who it’s best for:
Small shops, hybrid service/product businesses, or those who want more customisation without diving into complete code-heavy solutions.
WordPress (with WooCommerce) – The Custom King
WordPress can technically do anything if you set it up right. WooCommerce is the plugin that handles online sales and is highly extendable.
- Plays well with: Pretty much everything Stripe, PayPal, Square, Afterpay, Klarna, you name it.
- Easy setup: Not for the faint-hearted. You may need some help.
- Monthly Costs: Vary depending on hosting provider; for example, SiteGround offers plans starting at $10.50 AUD/month.
- Transaction Fees: No platform fees, just your payment gateway’s fees.
Who it’s best for:
Businesses ready to scale, want full control, or have specific needs (like subscriptions, memberships, or multi-location setups). It is also ideal if you plan to integrate with a broader CRM or booking system.
Square – The In-Person Seller’s Dream
Square (the builder, not the integration in Wix or Woo) is ideal for people who started selling in person and are moving online. It’s tied to the Square POS ecosystem.
- Plays well with: Square only.
- Easy setup: Very easy, but limited customisation.
- Monthly Plans: Square Online offers a free plan; paid plans start at $18 AUD/month.
- Transaction Fees: Standard Square transaction fees apply.
Who it’s best for:
Brick-and-mortar stores, market sellers, and anyone who’s already using Square in real life and just wants a simple way to get online.
Final Thoughts – Which One Should You Pick?
• Need all-in-one e-commerce that grows with you? Go Shopify.
• Running a service-based business or portfolio? Squarespace keeps it sleek.
• Want flexibility without needing a developer? Wix is your happy medium.
• Looking for complete control, scalability, and integration? WordPress/WooCommerce is your answer (with help).
• Selling in person and want to add a website fast? Square will do the trick.
If you’re still unsure which builder fits your business, I help my clients with this. I offer website audits and consultations to break it down so you’re not stuck wondering if you’re about to commit to the wrong platform for your goals.
Need help choosing or setting up your site? Let’s chat.