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If you run a WordPress website in India, accepting payments online is crucial for your success in 2025. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or eCommerce entrepreneur, using Best Free Payment Gateways can help you start without burdening yourself with hefty setup fees. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top free payment gateways tailored for Indian WordPress sites, focusing on ease of use, features, and integration.
Let’s begin by understanding why the right payment gateway matters and which options stand out in 2025.
Why Choosing the Right Payment Gateway Matters
Selecting a payment gateway isn’t just about processing payments. A good gateway supports Unified Payments Interface (UPI) – India’s fast-growing payment method, accounting for around 70% of online transactions in 2025. Other key factors include:
- Setup fees and transaction charges: Many gateways offer zero setup fees, but transaction charges can vary.
- Settlement time: Faster settlements mean quicker access to your funds.
- Plugin compatibility: Seamless integration with WordPress or WooCommerce ensures smooth checkout experiences.
- Customer trust and support: A reputable gateway builds customer confidence.
Understanding these will help you pick a gateway that fits your business needs and technical comfort.
Top 5 Free Best Payment Gateways for WordPress in India (2025)
Razorpay
Key Features: Zero setup fee, supports UPI, credit/debit cards, wallets, and net banking.
Best For: eCommerce stores and freelancers needing reliable and quick payments.
Integration: Razorpay offers a WordPress plugin for easy setup and management.
Instamojo
Key Features: Free setup, no need for developer skills, instant payment links.
Best For: Small businesses and course creators wanting hassle-free payments.
Integration: Instamojo’s WordPress plugin simplifies connection to your site.
PayPal India
Key Features: Wide global reach, supports recurring billing, and easy WordPress plugin support.
Best For: Freelancers dealing with international clients.
Integration: PayPal offers dedicated plugins for WordPress and WooCommerce.
Stripe
Key Features: Supports cards, UPI (through third-party plugins), and recurring billing.
Best For: SaaS businesses, subscriptions, and global payments.
Integration: The Stripe for WordPress India plugin works well with WooCommerce.
Cashfree Payments
Key Features: UPI support, auto refunds, smart dashboard for managing payments.
Best For: eCommerce businesses needing fast settlements.
Integration: Compatible with WooCommerce plugins.
Comparison Table: Best Indian Payment Gateways for WordPress (2025)
| Payment Gateway | Setup Fee | UPI Support | Settlement Time | Ideal For | Plugin Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Razorpay | ₹0 | ✅ | 1–2 days | SMBs, Freelancers | ✅ |
| Instamojo | ₹0 | ✅ | 2–3 days | Small Stores | ✅ |
| PayPal | ₹0 | ❌ (Cards only) | 2–4 days | Freelancers | ✅ |
| Stripe | ₹0 | ✅ (via plugin) | 1–3 days | SaaS, Subscriptions | ✅ |
| Cashfree | ₹0 | ✅ | 1 day | eCommerce | ✅ |
How to Integrate a Payment Gateway in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)
Ready to set things up? Let’s look at the practical steps.
- Choose your payment gateway plugin: Pick from Razorpay, Instamojo, Cashfree, etc., based on your needs.
- Install and activate the plugin: In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New, search for your gateway, and install.
- Add API keys: After signing up on the gateway’s dashboard, copy your API credentials and paste them in the plugin settings.
- Test payments in sandbox mode: Use test credentials and dummy payments to make sure everything is working.
- Go live: Once tests are successful, switch to live mode and start accepting payments.
This simple flow makes integrating even complex gateways like Razorpay straightforward.
Best UPI Payment Gateways for WordPress in India
UPI is the star payment method in India. Among the gateways, Razorpay, Cashfree, and Instamojo lead for UPI transactions due to their smooth integration and high success rates.
Choosing one of these ensures your customers enjoy quick, seamless payments.
Conclusion
Summing it up: Razorpay is an all-rounder suitable for most WordPress users. Instamojo shines with simplicity for smaller ventures. Stripe offers unmatched global reach, especially for SaaS and subscriptions.
If you’re starting, experiment with these free plugins to find what fits your business best before scaling.
Ready to grow your online business? Start by adding a secure, no-cost payment gateway to your WordPress site today.
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FAQs
Which free payment gateways are the best for WordPress in India?
The top free gateways widely used in India are Razorpay, PayU Money, Cashfree, Paytm Payment Gateway, and CCAvenue (basic plan).
They all have zero setup fees and no annual maintenance costs. You only pay a small transaction charge when a customer makes a payment. Each supports WordPress plugins, WooCommerce integration, Indian payment methods like UPI, and instant settlements, making them ideal for e-commerce, bookings, and service websites.
Can I take payments on WordPress?
WordPress doesn’t have built-in payment functionality out of the box. To accept payments, you’ll need to connect your site to a payment gateway (like Stripe, PayPal, or WooCommerce Payments) using plugins or third-party integrations.
Does Razorpay charge any setup or annual fees?
No. Razorpay is completely free to start.
There is no setup fee, no maintenance fee, and no hidden charges. You only pay per successful transaction. This makes it extremely beginner-friendly for small businesses, bloggers, or freelancers. Plus, it supports UPI, cards, net banking, EMI, and even subscription billing, which makes it the most versatile choice in India.
Is Paytm Payment Gateway good for WordPress sites?
Yes, Paytm PG is great—especially if your audience prefers UPI or wallet payments. It has a free WooCommerce plugin, fast activation, and instant refunds. It also supports Paytm Wallet, which many Indian users still rely on for quick payments. The only drawback is that Paytm’s documentation is not as polished as Razorpay’s, but for Indian customers, it feels extremely familiar and trustworthy.
Which payment gateway gives the best customer support?
Cashfree and Razorpay are known for rapid customer support. They offer live chat, email support, and detailed documentation. PayU and CCAvenue support is good, but can be slower due to higher volume. Paytm’s support is improving, but still not as fast as the top two. For beginners, having responsive support really helps during plugin installation and payment testing.
Can I create my own payment gateway?
Yes, you can create your own payment gateway, but it’s a complex and costly process that requires significant technical expertise in development, security, and compliance. Alternatively, you can integrate an existing payment gateway, which is faster and cheaper to get started with, though it offers less customization and relies on the provider’s infrastructure and security.
Can I accept international payments with these gateways?
Yes, but with conditions.
Razorpay supports international payments after additional approval.
CCAvenue supports many international cards by default.
PayU also supports it, but requires activation. Cashfree and Paytm do not immediately allow international transactions unless you upgrade or request it. If you’re planning to sell digital products globally, Razorpay or CCAvenue is a better choice.
Can you integrate a payment gateway with a website for free?
Many e-commerce platforms support payment gateway integration through plugins or modules. While some are free, others can cost up to ₹17,200 depending on the features and provider. Always check for compatibility with your platform and ensure the plugin is regularly updated and supported before making a purchase.
Which gateway offers the lowest transaction fees?
Transaction fees are quite similar across India:
UPI: Often 0%–1%
Cards/Net Banking: Around 2%–3%
International cards: 3%–5% In general, Cashfree and Razorpay often offer slightly better UPI rates or special offers for startups. However, fees can vary depending on your business type, so it’s best to check their pricing pages.
Are these payment gateways secure for customers?
Yes, all top gateways are PCI-DSS compliant, which means they follow international security standards.
They protect card details, encrypt payments, and ensure safe checkout through OTP authentication. Using a trusted payment gateway helps build credibility with customers and reduces the risk of fraud.
