On our Italian e-commerce projects, "which payment provider do we use?" rarely has a single answer. The pattern that works is a 2-3 provider mix, each for its audience.
Stripe
Strength: APIs and DX. For custom flows (subscriptions, marketplace, payouts) it is the most complete. Fees: 1.5% + €0.25 EU consumer cards, 2.5% non-EU.
Limit: in Italy, card conversion is lower than PayPal on pure B2C. Some Italian B2C audiences still trust PayPal heavily.
PayPal
Strength: brand recognition. For 40+ audience, it's the "method I trust". Checkout conversion +8-15% when PayPal is available.
Limit: high fees (2.49% + €0.35 standard merchant), and a reputation for favouring buyers in disputes.
Satispay
Strength: growing fast, especially in Lombardy, Veneto, Tuscany. Per-transaction cost: 0% under €10, fixed €0.20 above. For low average tickets (books, food, services) the cheapest option.
Limit: younger and Italy-centric. Marginal on B2B or international.
Our matrix
| Case | Mix |
|---|---|
| Generalist Italian B2C e-commerce | Stripe (cards) + PayPal + Satispay |
| B2C subscription SaaS | Stripe primary, PayPal secondary |
| Italian B2B with e-invoicing | Stripe (also bank transfer), PayPal optional |
| Food/Retail with low ticket | Satispay primary, Stripe fallback |
| International e-commerce | Stripe + PayPal, no Satispay |
Checkout lesson
Showing 5+ providers creates decision fatigue and drops conversion. Three options well-arranged (card, PayPal/Satispay, bank transfer for high tickets) beat the long list every time.