We Reviewed The 8 Best Event Payment Platforms for Seamless Transactions

Managing payments is crucial for any event’s success. 

The right event payment processing platform can streamline transactions, boost security, and enhance the attendee experience… but with dozens of popular options all claiming to be the right solution, how do you choose?

This list from EventsAir explores top event payment platforms designed to handle various aspects of event finances. Whether you’re organizing a conference, fundraiser, or festival, you’ll find a solution that fits your needs.

What Are Event Payment Platforms?

Event payment platforms, also called event payment gateways, are digital tools that process financial transactions for events. 

They process everything from ticket sales and registration fees to donations and merchandise purchases, ensuring secure and efficient transactions. These platforms often support various payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and mobile payments for easy online and in-person payments.

By using a reliable payment gateway, organizers can:

• Keep transactions secure: Payment gateways use encryption and PCI compliance to protect financial data.
• Offer payment options: Supporting multiple payment methods, from mobile to credit cards, improves attendee satisfaction.
• Manage money efficiently: Real-time payouts and detailed reports help organizers track and handle funds easily.
• Increase transparency: Automated processing provides clear reporting and analytics, giving organizers a real-time view of their revenue.

Platforms like EventsAir combine secure payment processing with comprehensive event management, letting organizers focus on creating great experiences. This also provides a heightened experience for all attendees and ensures they can make their payments securely.

Top 8 Event Payment Platforms for Seamless Transactions

Here are the platforms we will review in this guide. We’ll cover all in a quick comparison table before going into the details.

Platform	Fees/Pricing	Payment Methods	Best For
EventsAir Pay	Custom, bundled with EventsAir	Cards, wallets (Apple, Google, WeChat, UnionPay)	End-to-end event management
PayPal	2.9% + $0.30, +1.5% intl	Cards, wallets, PayPal balance	Global recognition & attendee trust
Stripe	2.9% + $0.30, +1% intl	Cards, ACH, Apple Pay, Google Pay	Tech-savvy, custom setups
Eventbrite	2.5% + $0.99 + 3.5–5.5% service fee	Cards, mobile	Small–mid events, ticketing
Authorize.NET	$25/mo + per-transaction fees	Cards, wallets, eCheck	Secure enterprise-grade events
ACTIVE (Global Payments)	Custom pricing	Cards, wallets	Community & large-scale programs
PayMongo	3.5% + ₱15 (cards), 2–2.5% (wallets)	Cards, e-wallets (GCash, GrabPay, Maya), online banking	High-volume events in Asia
Peach Payments	2.95% + R1.50 per tx (SMEs), custom for enterprise	Cards, wallets, recurring billing	South African events

Now, let’s review these platforms in detail. We’ll start with our platform,

1. EventsAir Pay

EventsAir Pay is a comprehensive event payment solution built into EventsAir’s end-to-end event management platform. 

Built natively into EventsAir, it eliminates the need for third-party tools or clunky add-ons, giving planners complete visibility and control across registration, reconciliation, and financial reporting. This seamless integration means you get enterprise-grade payment processing that works as a natural extension of EventsAir. 

Why planners choose EventsAir Pay:

• Seamless, secure integration – Payments flow naturally through your registration sites, mobile apps, budgeting tools, and reporting dashboards. Refunds, adjustments, and reconciliations can all be managed in-platform, without manual work or external logins.
  
• Global payment flexibility – Accept credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, Amex), digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay), and even localized options dynamically detected by attendee location. This means fewer drop-offs and a smoother checkout experience.
  
• Smarter finance integration – With Smart Connectors for Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage, EventsAir Pay automatically syncs with your finance system. No more double-handling or end-of-month chaos.
  
• Automated reconciliation & real-time reporting – Payments reconcile instantly, giving finance teams clean, auditable data without spreadsheets.
  
• Proven conversion lift – Planners using EventsAir Pay report 85% higher acceptance of legitimate payments compared to third-party gateways.

All payments and registrations are automatically recorded in EventsAir—they flow naturally into your registration sites, mobile apps, budgeting tools, and other platform features. This means no manual data entry and real-time visibility across your entire event.

Pros

• All-in-one platform eliminates the need for third-party payment tools.
• Supports a wide range of global payment methods, enhancing attendee convenience.
• PCI-compliant with advanced fraud prevention for secure transactions.
• Real-time issue resolution with 24/7 dedicated customer support.
• Robust multi-currency support with automatic conversion for international events.

Cons

• Only available with an EventsAir subscription.

Want a hassle-free payment experience? Request a demo and see how EventsAir can transform your event payment process!

2. PayPal

PayPal is a widely recognized name in online payments. Its global reach makes it ideal for handling international event payments smoothly.

The platform offers features like multi-currency support and mobile payments, which ensure attendees can complete transactions easily, whether online or in person. PayPal also provides robust security features that protect every transaction. 

However, its transaction fees can be relatively high, especially for smaller events.

PayPal Fees

PayPal’s fee structure typically includes:

• Standard Transaction Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
• International Transaction Fee: Additional 1.5% for cross-border payments.
• Chargeback Fee: $20 per instance.
• Refund Fee: No fee to refund a transaction, but the original transaction fee is not returned.

Pros

• Global brand recognition increases attendee trust and payment conversion.
• Robust multi-currency support with automatic conversion for international events.
• Seamless integration with mobile devices ensures smooth user experience.

Cons

• High transaction fees, especially for international and low-margin events.
• Limited customization of the payment flow can hinder brand consistency.
• Customer support can be slow, especially for chargeback disputes.

3. Stripe

Stripe is perfect for tech-savvy event organizers who need flexibility. Known for its powerful API, it allows users to create highly customized payment gateways. The platform supports multiple currencies, real-time payouts, and various payment methods.

Stripe’s comprehensive documentation makes integration easy for developers. However, it might require technical expertise to fully unlock its potential.

Stripe Fees

Stripe’s pricing model generally includes:

• Standard Transaction Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per successful card charge.
• International Card Fee: An additional 1% is charged for cards issued outside the US.
• ACH Direct Debit: 0.8% per transaction, capped at $5 (for transactions ≥ $625).

Pros

• Advanced API allows for highly customized payment gateways and workflows.
• Supports a wide range of payment methods, including ACH, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
• Real-time payouts and detailed analytics for efficient financial management.

Cons

• Requires developer expertise for setup and integration, limiting usability for non-technical teams.
• Higher fees for international transactions and certain payment methods.
• API complexity may introduce longer implementation times for non-standard event setups.

4. Eventbrite

Eventbrite is a popular all-in-one platform for event ticketing and payment processing. It handles everything from ticket sales to secure transactions through its built-in payment system.

The platform offers mobile-friendly payment options and detailed reporting tools. This makes it easy for organizers to track revenue. However, Eventbrite’s transaction fees can add up, particularly for smaller events.

Eventbrite Fees

Eventbrite’s fee structure typically consists of:

• Payment Processing Fee: 2.5% + $0.99 per paid ticket.
• Service Fee: Ranges from 3.5% to 5.5% of the ticket price, depending on the package.
• Payment Processing for Free Tickets: 2.5% + $0.99 per order.
• Refund Fee: No additional fee, but original fees are not refunded.

Pros

• All-in-one event management platform with built-in ticketing and payments.
• Mobile-friendly interface and payment processing, enhancing the attendee experience.
• Extensive reporting features help track revenue and attendance trends in real time.

Cons

• Transaction fees can accumulate quickly, especially for high-volume, small-ticket events.
• Limited customization in the checkout process, which may not meet branding needs.
• Best suited for small to mid-sized events, lacking scalability for larger, complex events.

5. Authorize.NET

Authorize.NET is a trusted payment gateway that provides enterprise-grade security through its three-tier architecture. It’s fully supported by EventsAir and offers robust features for handling event payments securely.

The platform supports various payment methods including credit cards, digital wallets, and eChecks, making it versatile for different event types. Its hosted payment solution adds an extra layer of security while maintaining a smooth checkout experience.

Authorize.NET Fees

• All-in-one: Payment gateway + merchant account + eCheck ($25/month, 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction)
• Payment gateway & eCheck: For existing merchant accounts ($25/month, eCheck 0.75%, credit cards 10¢ + 10¢ batch fee)
• Payment gateway only: For existing merchant accounts ($25/month, 10¢ per transaction + 10¢ batch fee)
• Merchant account required: To effectively use Authorize.NET, event planners will also require a merchant account 

Pros

• Three-tier payment architecture for enhanced security.
• Seamless integration with EventsAir.
• Comprehensive fraud detection tools.
• 24/7 human support.

Cons

• Setup process requires technical knowledge.
• Additional fees for certain advanced features.

6. ACTIVE (Global Payments)

ACTIVE offers an all-in-one platform for event registration, membership management, facility scheduling, and secure payment processing. 

Built for camps, classes, endurance events, and community programs, ACTIVE helps organizers simplify workflows, boost attendee engagement, and streamline payments with PCI-compliant solutions. 

Its tools cover registration, childcare, marketing, analytics, and fundraising, making it a versatile choice. As part of Global Payments, ACTIVE combines global expertise with a community-first focus to support scalable, stress-free event management.

Active Fees

• ACTIVE (by Global Payments) does not publish standard pricing or fees on its website. Instead, pricing is tailored to each organization’s needs, typically depending on factors such as event size, processing volume, and required features.

Pros

• All-in-one event management with registration, payments, marketing, and reporting
• Supports multiple payment methods including cards and mobile wallets
• PCI-compliant with secure transactions and fraud protection
• Customizable registration forms and payment pages
  

Cons

• Strong customer support with training, webinars, and resources
• Requires ACTIVE Network subscription, which may be costly
• Integration with some external systems may be limited

7. PayMongo

PayMongo is a reliable payment platform designed to handle high-volume ticket sales for busy events. 

With seamless API integration and plug-ins for Shopify and WooCommerce, it ensures smooth transactions even during peak demand. Attendees can pay via e-wallets like GCash, GrabPay, Maya, or credit cards, providing flexible options. 

From ticketing to on-site sales and vendor payments, PayMongo enables fast, secure, and hassle-free financial operations, helping event organizers maximize revenue and streamline payments.

PayMongo Fees

• Pay Only for Successful Transactions – No setup or subscription fees.
• Card Payments (Philippine-issued): 3.5% + ₱15 per transaction
  Card Payments (Foreign-issued): 3.5% + ₱15 + 1% additional fee
  E-Wallets:
  • GCash (includes GCredit): 2.5%
  • GrabPay: 2.2%
  • Maya: 2.0%
    Online Banking: 0.8% or ₱15 (whichever is higher)
    Buy Now, Pay Later: 1.5%
    Disbursements & Payouts: ₱10 per transaction
• Volume Discounts: Custom, preferential rates available for high-volume events.

Pros

• Supports multiple payment methods including e-wallets, cards, online banking, and BNPL
• Integrates easily with popular ticketing platforms and APIs for smooth checkout
• Handles high-volume transactions reliably even during traffic spikes
• BSP-regulated and PCI-DSS compliant with strong fraud protection

Cons

• Payouts are not instant, taking T+1 or T+2 days
• Customer support responses can be slow
• Account setup and verification can be time-consuming
  

8. Peach Payments

Peach Payments is a secure, seamless payment gateway designed for the event industry. It simplifies ticket sales and transactions, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for attendees. 

The platform integrates easily with popular event management systems and supports multiple payment methods, enhancing convenience and accessibility for customers worldwide. 

With enterprise-grade security, real-time risk checks, mobile-ready checkout, and fast settlements, Peach Payments empowers event organizers to manage finances efficiently while delivering frictionless, reliable payment experiences.

Peach Payments Fees

• Growth Plan (SMEs)
  • Transaction Fee: 2.95% + R1.50 per transaction (ex VAT)
  • Features: Daily automated settlements, 365-day support, local and international card acceptance, easy ecommerce plugin integration
• Enterprise Plan (High-Volume Businesses)
  • Transaction Fee: Customized, volume-based rates for businesses transacting over R500,000/month
  • Features: Dedicated account manager, API/SDK integrations, one-click checkout, recurring billing, daily automated settlements

Both Plans Include: Multiple payment methods, refunds, and seamless daily settlements

Pros

• Secure and reliable payment processing for event ticket sales
• Accepts multiple payment methods including cards and digital wallets
• Predictable pricing with flat monthly fees for budget planning
• Next business day payouts to South African bank accounts

Cons

• Some support relies on chat and email, not phone
• Flat monthly fees may not suit small or low-volume events
• Integration mainly via ecommerce plugins, limiting custom setups

Conclusion

Choosing the right event payment platform is crucial for your event’s success. While platforms like PayPal, Stripe, Eventbrite, and Authorize.NET offer various features, each has limitations.

EventsAir stands out as a comprehensive solution. It offers:

• Advanced payment processing
• Real-time payouts
• Detailed analytics
• PCI-compliant security
• Support for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events
• Powerful event management tools for marketing, accounting, registration & check-in, and more

For event organizers seeking an all-in-one platform that simplifies payments and enhances overall event management, EventsAir is the clear choice. 

Ready to streamline your event payments? Get started by booking a demo.