Cardflo vs Stripe
Stripe is the default starting point for online businesses launching in supported markets. Cardflo is built for merchants whose volume, vertical, or geography needs more than one acquirer behind the same integration, high-risk verticals, cross-border traffic, or enterprise volume looking for transparent interchange-plus pricing.
When Cardflo is the right fit
- ✓You need a Tier 1 acquirer for a high-risk vertical (CBD, pharma, gaming, FX, adult, travel, crypto)
- ✓Your card volume justifies interchange-plus pricing instead of blended rates
- ✓You want a single integration that routes across multiple acquirers and APMs
- ✓You need local acquiring in non-Stripe markets or stronger approval rates on cross-border traffic
- ✓You want a managed partner that boards you, negotiates reserves, and handles disputes
When Stripe is the right fit
- •You are a low-risk merchant just starting out and want self-serve onboarding
- •Stripe-native products (Billing, Tax, Connect for marketplaces) are central to your model
- •Your volume is modest enough that blended pricing is competitive
- •You value out-of-the-box developer ergonomics over routing flexibility
Feature comparison
| Capability | Cardflo | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Interchange-plus from 0.4% | Blended 1.5%–2.9% + fixed fee (region-dependent) |
| High-risk verticals | Specialist acquirers across CBD, gaming, FX, pharma, travel, crypto | Limited; many high-risk MCCs are not supported |
| Acquirers behind the integration | Multiple Tier 1 acquirers, smart-routed | Stripe's own acquiring (single) |
| Smart routing | Built-in across acquirers and MIDs | Not applicable (single acquirer) |
| Local acquiring coverage | UK, EU, US, LATAM, APAC, MENA via partner acquirers | Strong in North America, UK, EU; lighter in LATAM, MENA |
| Contract model | Managed, negotiable, named account team | Self-serve |
| Settlement | T+1 to T+7 depending on vertical and acquirer | T+2 to T+7 depending on region |
FAQ
Can I keep Stripe and add Cardflo for some traffic?
Yes. Many merchants run Cardflo as a secondary or specialist rail for high-risk MCCs, cross-border traffic, or large-ticket commercial cards while keeping Stripe for low-risk consumer volume.
Will I see lower fees on Cardflo?
At meaningful volume, interchange-plus is almost always cheaper than blended pricing because the merchant captures the benefit of lower-cost cards. We're happy to model your card mix against a real Stripe statement.
How long does boarding take?
Cardflo boarding typically takes 5–15 business days depending on vertical and KYB completeness. Stripe self-serve is faster for low-risk merchants who pass automated checks.
Ready for velocity?
Tell us about your business. We'll match you with the right acquiring partners and the right route, typically inside a week.