If you’re selling online in India, through your own website, WhatsApp, or Instagram, you need a reliable payment gateway. This guide compares the top three: Razorpay, Cashfree, and Paytm for Business.
Why Your Payment Gateway Choice Matters
For a seller doing ₹1 lakh/month in sales, a 0.5% difference in transaction fees is ₹500/month, ₹6,000/year. Choose wisely.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Razorpay | Cashfree | Paytm for Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transaction fee | 2% | 1.75–1.95% | 1.99% |
| Settlement time | T+2 days | T+2 days | T+1 days |
| Instant settlement | Yes | Yes (0.25% extra) | Yes |
| Payment links | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GST required | No (up to ₹5L/year) | No | No |
| Best for | All-round use | High volume sellers | Paytm-heavy audience |
Razorpay, Best Overall for Small Sellers
Razorpay is the most popular payment gateway among Indian small businesses. Payment links work brilliantly for WhatsApp and Instagram sellers. Supports all Indian payment methods: UPI, cards, net banking, wallets, EMI.
Best for: Sellers who want a reliable all-in-one solution.
Sign up: razorpay.com
Cashfree, Best for High Volume and Fast Settlements
Lowest base fee at 1.75%. Instant settlement available 24/7 including weekends. Best for sellers doing ₹5 lakh+ per month who need fast access to funds.
Sign up: cashfree.com
Paytm for Business, Best for Paytm-Heavy Audiences
Fastest account activation, live the same day. T+1 settlement. QR code works offline too. Best for sellers with physical + online presence.
Sign up: business.paytm.com
Our Recommendation
Start with Razorpay. It’s the safest all-around choice for a new seller, reliable, feature-rich, and trusted by hundreds of thousands of Indian businesses. Once you cross ₹5 lakh/month, consider adding Cashfree for high-value transactions.
How to Set Up Razorpay in 4 Steps
- Go to razorpay.com and Sign Up
- Fill in your business details (PAN + bank account minimum)
- Complete KYC, account activates in 1–2 business days
- Generate a payment link from your dashboard and share with your first customer
No website needed. No GST needed if annual turnover is below ₹5 lakh.