Payment Gateways in Peru: The Guide for Entrepreneurs

You are about to close a sale, and the client, interested and ready to pay, asks: “Do you accept Yape?, Do you have a payment link?”. But your only option is traditional payment. The client hesitates and, in the end, that sale falls through. 

At YaVendio! we see that this happens to many digital businesses in Peru. And sometimes, it's not about the price or the product, but about not offering payment methods that the client prefers. This is where the value of implementing a payment gateway comes in.

In 2024, the Peruvian Institute of Economics (IPE) revealed that the use of digital wallets multiplied by 13 in just three years and now represent more than 50% of the digital transactions in the country.

That same year, 335,000 businesses sold online, and 8% used virtual stores, apps, or digital platforms. Additionally, online purchases with debit and credit cards surpassed US$ 10.100 billion, demonstrating that the digital channel is at its strongest point.

Therefore, here we will show you the best payment gateways in Peru (and the most used in e-commerce) so that you can choose the ideal option for your business.

What is a payment gateway and why is it vital for your e-commerce? 

Payment gateways are tools or systems that allow you to receive payments over the internet. If you have an online store or sell via WhatsApp or Instagram, you need a way to receive money. The payment gateway does this: it connects your store and your client with banks or digital wallets.

Additionally:

• protects sensitive data

• enhances the user experience

• reduces abandoned carts

• increases trust in your store

The Peruvian market is now more than ready: according to Arellano Consultoria, 2024, 65% of Peruvians are already banked (71% in Lima and 53% in the provinces), providing a solid base for e-commerce with integrated digital payments.   

What types of payment gateways exist?

🛍️ Multichannel Payment Gateways:

They accept payments through various channels: online, physical points of sale, social networks, mobile apps, websites, payment links, and QR codes. All from the same system. They are an integrated solution to sell both online and offline.

For example: Izipay, Niubiz, Culqi

💳 Online Payment Gateways:

Specifically for processing payments in online stores. Online payment gateways allow transactions through digital platforms such as websites, apps, social networks, and WhatsApp. Without support for payments at physical points of sale or other channels outside the internet.

For example: PayU, Mercado Pago, Flow, Openpay, Payme.  

📲 Other widely used payment methods: 

• Digital Wallets: are applications that allow you to securely store credit or debit card data, making it easy to make purchases online or in physical stores without needing to use a physical card. According to Sapio Research, 68% of Peruvians trust making payments through a digital wallet.
  For example: Yape, Plin.

• Cash on Delivery: the customer pays for the product or service upon receipt. In the cash-on-delivery mode, payment is generally made in cash or with a card.
  For example: Mercado Pago, Yape, Plin.

  
  

• Payment Code: Allows quick transactions with a unique code for the buyer. The payment is made through a digital wallet or a network of banks and physical agents.
  For example: Mercado Pago or SafetyPay.

The Best Payment Gateways in Peru: Comparison

We have prepared this comparative table with the 14 most used payment gateways in Peru so you can see which one fits your business needs.

The 14 Most Used Payment Gateways in Peru: An Analysis for Your Business

1. Niubiz

One of the most popular and reliable payment gateways in Peru, especially for its integration with Visanet. This makes Niubiz have a wide range of payment options through credit and debit cards. Ideal for small and large businesses. 

• Main features:

✅  Payment Link: Generates payment links that you can share via networks or email.

✅ Multichannel: Supports online payments and in physical points of sale (POS).

✅ Security: PCI DSS certification, complying with international security standards.

• Commissions: From 3.99% +VAT

• Deposit time: 1-2 business days.

• Integration channels: Shopify, WhatsApp, social networks, physical store POS.

2. Culqi 

Culqi is modern and easy to use, focused on facilitating online payments and providing solutions for small, medium, and large businesses in Peru. It allows integrating multiple payment methods facilitating the shopping experience.

• Main features:

✅ Payment link / CulqiLink: Creates customizable payment links to share.

✅ Easy to integrate API: Allows rapid integration in e-commerce.

✅  Support for multiple payment methods: Includes installments and card or mobile wallet payments.

• Commissions: National debit and credit cards: 3.44% + $0.20 + VAT. International cards: 3.99% + $0.20 + VAT

• Deposit time: 1-2 business days.

• Integration channels: Shopify, WhatsApp, social networks, POS.

3. Izipay 

Peruvian payment gateway from the Intercorp group. It stands out for its versatility and ease of integration, allowing businesses to receive payments quickly and securely.

• Main features:

✅  Payment link: Easy-to-send payment links via SMS, email, or social networks.

✅ Compatible with credit and debit cards and installment payments

✅  Versatile API: Ideal for integration in e-commerce. 

• Commissions: 3.44% of the transaction value plus 18% VAT

• Deposit time: 1-2 business days.

• Integration channels: Shopify, WhatsApp, social networks, online store, SMS, email, POS.

4. Mercado Pago 

It is the payment platform of Mercado Libre, very popular in e-commerce and online sales in Peru. Mercado Pago lets you easily sell from social networks without programming or a website.

• Main features:

✅  Payment link: Easy-to-share and create payment links.

✅ Interest-free installments: Allows your customers to pay in several installments.

✅ Buyer protection: Security for both buyers and sellers.

• Commissions: Instantly: 3.99% + S/ 1.00 + VAT. In 14 days: 3.79% + S/ 1.00 + VAT

• Deposit time: Instantaneous (Mercado Pago accounts and card payment). Bank transfer and cash 48 hours.

• Integration channels: Shopify, WhatsApp, social networks.

5. PayU

It is one of the largest payment gateways in Latin America with a robust platform that supports various online payment methods.

• Main features:

✅  Collection Link / Payment Link: Generates payment links to share on multiple platforms.

✅ Multichannel: Accepts card payments, debit, transfers, and more

✅ Analysis tools: To manage transactions and analyze sales.

• Commissions: 3.5% + S/1.50

• Deposit time: 2-3 business days.

• Integration channels: Shopify, WhatsApp, social networks, email, websites.

6. Openpay

Openpay from BBVA offers online payment solutions, emphasizing facilitating integration with large and small businesses, providing security and speed. This payment gateway facilitates sales without needing an online store. 

• Main features:

✅  Payment link: Creates links to share via WhatsApp, email, or social networks.

✅ Fast payments: Ideal for businesses with high transaction volumes.

✅ Security and flexibility: Protects both the seller and the buyer.

• Commissions: 3.29% + VAT for BBVA accounts (local credit and debit). Foreign cards are 3.99% + VAT

• Deposit time: 1-2 business days.

• Integration channels: Shopify, WhatsApp, social networks, physical store, SMS

7. Pay-me 

Pay-me helps you sell easily from social networks by generating a collection link from your phone or platform, without programming or a website. This payment gateway oriented to small and medium-sized businesses offers a friendly and fast interface

• Main features:

✅ Payment link /  Pay-me Inbox: Creates payment links to share easily via social networks

✅ Fast payments: Immediate transactions.

✅ Easy integration: No complications for integration into your store.

• Commissions: 3.4%.

• Deposit time: 1-2 business days

• Integration channels: WhatsApp, social networks, web and apps

8. Flow

Flow facilitates payments through social networks and mobile applications, especially for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The best thing is that you can charge without having an online store. Your client pays in seconds and you receive the money quickly and securely.

• Main features:

✅  Payment link and allows generating QR codes.

✅ Easy to use: Friendly and fast design for customers.

✅ Payment in installments depending on the trade.

• Commissions: 3.50% + VAT.

• Deposit time: 1-2 business days.

• Integration channels: Shopify, WhatsApp, social networks, email.

9.  Ligo 

Ligo is a digital wallet from Peru that allows you to make immediate sales through social networks. Its focus on simplicity and the speed of the process makes its interface very friendly. 

• Main features:

✅ Instant collection: Ideal for quick sales.

✅ Integration with social networks: Allows selling directly from social platforms.

✅ Easy transactions: Any seller can integrate Ligo without complications.

• Commissions:  2.5%.

• Deposit time: Instant.

• Integration channels: Social networks. 

10. PagoEfectivo

It is an alternative payment platform (APM) that allows you to make purchases with a CIP code - without needing cards. In addition, it works as a digital wallet to manage money, make payments, and transfer securely.

• Main features:

✅ Payment without card: Allows payments with transfers or cash. 

✅ Ease of use: Ideal for clients who do not have a credit card.

✅ Cash payment options: Physical points to make the payment.

• Commissions: Variable - subject to prior business evaluation

• Deposit time: Fast. 15 minutes maximum.

• Integration channels: Shopify, online store, social networks, email. 

11. Yape

Created by BCP, Yape allows sending and receiving money instantly between users. Ideal for small transfers and quick payments in your business. You also have the Yape Business version that allows you to receive more payments, add your helpers, among other benefits. 

• Main features:

✅ Fast payments: Transactions via QR and cell phone number

✅ Without credit card: Only with the phone number.

✅ Ideal for small businesses: Easy to use and no additional costs in its personal version.

• Commissions: No commissions for transactions between users with your personal Yape. Yape Business accounts charge a 2.95% fee of your total daily sales.

• Deposit time: Instant.

• Integration channels: WhatsApp, social networks, POS

12. Plin

Similar to Yape, Plin allows instant mobile payments between users. Ideal for entrepreneurs and small businesses. This digital wallet is integrated with Interbank and you can transfer using only the recipient’s cell phone number or QR. 

• Main features:

✅ Instant payments: Ideal for receiving fast payments.

✅ No card needed: Transactions only with the phone number.

✅ Easy integration: Integrates well with social networks to receive payments.

• Commissions: No commissions for users.

• Deposit time: Instant.

• Integration channels: WhatsApp, social networks, POS

13.  Powerpay

Backed by BBVA, it allows businesses to offer the option to pay for their purchases in installments Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), with interest from 0% and without affecting the credit card limit. Merchants receive full payment in advance, without taking financial risks.

• Main features:

✅ BNPL: Interest-free installment payments.

✅ Ideal for higher-value products: Facilitates high-value sales.

✅ Fast approval: Simple process for consumers.

• Commissions: Vary according to financing.

• Deposit time: 1-2 business days.

• Integration channels: Shopify, online store.

14.  SafetyPay

Alternative payment platform (APM) that allows secure payments without needing a credit card. Instead, the customer does direct bank transfers or cash payments at associated agencies. 

Main features:

✅ Payment without card: Bank transfers or cash payment.

✅ High security: Protects both the buyer and the seller.

✅ Ease of use: No need to register a credit card.

• Commissions: Depends on the transaction.

• Deposit time: 1-2 business days.

• Integration channels: Shopify, online store, email, call centers, Facebook.

How to Automate the Payment Process in Your Online Business? 

We know that managing payments through WhatsApp or social networks can be a manual, stressful, and error-prone process. You have to send payment information, wait for confirmations, review receipts, and other tasks that take valuable time away from your business.

With YaVendió!, the AI agent for e-commerce sales, you can automate from the “hello” to the collection and validation of the payment. Without a human's intervention.

Let the AI maximize your sales while you focus on growing your business.

Do you want to see it in action? Schedule your free demo today! 🤖