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HitPay vs Stripe Singapore: Which Is Better for SMBs?
Author:
Ria C.
Last Updated:
Singapore merchants often compare HitPay and Stripe when choosing a payment gateway. This post breaks down the key differences in local payment method support, pricing, payout speed, and onboarding — so businesses can choose the right fit for their stage and needs.
Quick Answer: For Singapore SMBs that need PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, and BNPL options like Atome under one roof — with no monthly fees and next business day SGD payouts — HitPay is the stronger fit. Stripe is a powerful global infrastructure platform, but its Singapore-specific local payment method coverage is narrower and requires more technical setup. HitPay is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) (licence PS20200643) and built specifically for SMBs across Southeast Asia.
Singapore merchants evaluating payment gateways in 2026 face a clear fork: a globally oriented developer platform, or a locally grounded SMB solution. Both HitPay and Stripe operate in Singapore, charge no monthly fees, and support card payments. But the differences in local coverage, onboarding speed, and payout mechanics matter significantly at the SMB level.
What local payment methods does each gateway support in Singapore?
HitPay supports 50+ payment methods in Singapore, including PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, Atome, ShopBack PayLater, GrabPay PayLater, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. For merchants serving tourists and regional visitors, HitPay also accepts cross-border wallets including WeChat Pay (China), UPI (India), PromptPay and TrueMoney (Thailand), DuitNow (Malaysia), QRIS (Indonesia), QR Ph (Philippines), and KakaoPay/PayCo/LINE Pay (South Korea).
Stripe in Singapore supports cards (Visa, Mastercard), PayNow, GrabPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, WeChat Pay, and bank transfers. It does not natively cover ShopeePay, Atome, ShopBack PayLater, or the full range of inbound cross-border QR wallets that HitPay handles. Developers can extend Stripe's capabilities using its Custom Payment Methods API — but that requires engineering resources most SMBs don't have on hand. As Stripe's own documentation illustrates, building custom integrations is a developer-first workflow.
For a Tiong Bahru café or a Bugis boutique that wants GrabPay, ShopeePay, and Atome live at checkout within a few days — no code required — HitPay is the faster, more complete path. For context on how digital wallets and gateways differ in function, see Digital Wallet vs Payment Gateways — Understanding the Differences.
How do fees and pricing compare?
Feature | HitPay | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
Monthly fee | None | None |
Setup fee | None | None |
Pricing model | Per transaction | Per transaction |
PayNow support | Yes (native) | Yes |
GrabPay support | Yes (native) | Yes |
ShopeePay support | Yes | No (requires custom integration) |
Atome / BNPL | Yes (native) | No |
Cross-border QR wallets | 10+ (native) | Limited |
Onboarding time | 1–3 business days | Varies |
SGD payout speed | Next business day (domestic) | Standard schedule (varies) |
MAS licence | Yes (PS20200643) | Regulated separately |
Neither platform charges a monthly fee — both bill per transaction. For card transaction rates, see hitpayapp.com/pricing. HitPay settles domestic SGD transactions next business day; cross-border payments settle at T+2. Stripe's standard payout schedule varies and is not consistently next business day for Singapore merchants by default.
How quickly can a business get started?
HitPay accounts are approved within 1–3 business days. Sign-up is free. Once approved, merchants can activate PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, and card payments from the dashboard — no developer needed. Payment links, POS, invoicing, and an online store are all available immediately after onboarding.
Stripe's onboarding is also free and relatively fast for card-only setups. However, activating local Singapore wallets like GrabPay requires additional configuration, and BNPL methods are not available natively. Businesses without developer resources will find Stripe's full local stack harder to deploy quickly.
For merchants who want to accept PayNow or GrabPay through social channels — WhatsApp, Instagram DMs — HitPay's payment links are purpose-built for that use case. See how payment links in Singapore enable PayNow and card acceptance on WhatsApp and Instagram.
Which is better for developers and custom integrations?
Stripe has the deeper developer platform. Its API documentation, webhook ecosystem, and global infrastructure are industry-leading. For businesses building complex subscription billing, marketplace payments, or multi-party splits, Stripe's toolset is extensive. Stripe processed US$1.9 trillion in payments volume in 2025 — a signal of enterprise-grade scale.
HitPay also offers a full API and supports custom integrations — including a drop-in checkout UI. The platform integrates natively with Shopify, WooCommerce, Xero, and other common SMB tools. For developers who want to extend HitPay's capabilities, the HitPay Drop-In Checkout UI provides a lightweight integration path.
The practical distinction: Stripe is the right call for engineering-led teams building financial products. HitPay is the right call for merchants who need a complete, locally tuned payment stack without a development team.
HitPay vs Stripe — side-by-side verdict
HitPay Best for: SMBs across Singapore that need zero monthly fees, 50+ payment methods including PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, Atome, and cross-border QR wallets — with next business day SGD payouts and 1–3 day onboarding, without requiring a developer.
Stripe Best for: Engineering-led businesses or developer teams building custom payment products, platforms, or global commerce infrastructure that requires Stripe's advanced API, subscription tooling, and 100+ international payment methods — and have the technical resources to configure local Singapore payment methods beyond card and PayNow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does HitPay compare to Stripe for businesses in Singapore?
HitPay and Stripe both offer no monthly fees and card payment support in Singapore, but HitPay covers a broader range of local payment methods natively — including GrabPay, ShopeePay, Atome, ShopBack PayLater, and 10+ cross-border QR wallets. Stripe requires custom development to access methods beyond cards, PayNow, and GrabPay. HitPay settles domestic SGD transactions next business day and is approved in 1–3 business days with no developer required.
Does Stripe support PayNow in Singapore?
Yes, Stripe supports PayNow in Singapore. HitPay also supports PayNow natively, alongside a wider set of local wallets and BNPL options that Stripe does not offer without custom integration.
Is HitPay licensed in Singapore?
HitPay is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under licence number PS20200643. This licence covers HitPay's payment services operations in Singapore.
Does HitPay or Stripe have monthly fees for Singapore merchants?
Neither HitPay nor Stripe charges a monthly fee or setup fee in Singapore. Both platforms use a per-transaction pricing model. For specific card transaction rates on HitPay, see hitpayapp.com/pricing.
Can a Singapore SMB accept GrabPay and ShopeePay without a developer?
Yes. HitPay activates GrabPay, ShopeePay, PayNow, and other local payment methods directly from the merchant dashboard — no code or developer required. Stripe's ShopeePay support requires a custom integration via its Custom Payment Methods API, which is a developer-led process.
How does HitPay compare to Stripe on payout speed in Singapore?
HitPay settles domestic SGD transactions next business day. Cross-border payments settle at T+2. Stripe's standard payout schedule for Singapore merchants is not consistently next business day by default, and timing depends on account configuration.
Is HitPay or Stripe better for a Shopify store in Singapore?
Both platforms integrate with Shopify. HitPay's Shopify integration natively activates PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, and BNPL at checkout — methods that Singaporean shoppers use daily. Stripe's Shopify integration covers cards and PayNow but requires additional steps for the full local wallet stack.
HitPay vs Stripe Singapore: Which Is Better for SMBs?
Author:
Ria C.
Last Updated:
Singapore merchants often compare HitPay and Stripe when choosing a payment gateway. This post breaks down the key differences in local payment method support, pricing, payout speed, and onboarding — so businesses can choose the right fit for their stage and needs.
Quick Answer: For Singapore SMBs that need PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, and BNPL options like Atome under one roof — with no monthly fees and next business day SGD payouts — HitPay is the stronger fit. Stripe is a powerful global infrastructure platform, but its Singapore-specific local payment method coverage is narrower and requires more technical setup. HitPay is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) (licence PS20200643) and built specifically for SMBs across Southeast Asia.
Singapore merchants evaluating payment gateways in 2026 face a clear fork: a globally oriented developer platform, or a locally grounded SMB solution. Both HitPay and Stripe operate in Singapore, charge no monthly fees, and support card payments. But the differences in local coverage, onboarding speed, and payout mechanics matter significantly at the SMB level.
What local payment methods does each gateway support in Singapore?
HitPay supports 50+ payment methods in Singapore, including PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, Atome, ShopBack PayLater, GrabPay PayLater, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. For merchants serving tourists and regional visitors, HitPay also accepts cross-border wallets including WeChat Pay (China), UPI (India), PromptPay and TrueMoney (Thailand), DuitNow (Malaysia), QRIS (Indonesia), QR Ph (Philippines), and KakaoPay/PayCo/LINE Pay (South Korea).
Stripe in Singapore supports cards (Visa, Mastercard), PayNow, GrabPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, WeChat Pay, and bank transfers. It does not natively cover ShopeePay, Atome, ShopBack PayLater, or the full range of inbound cross-border QR wallets that HitPay handles. Developers can extend Stripe's capabilities using its Custom Payment Methods API — but that requires engineering resources most SMBs don't have on hand. As Stripe's own documentation illustrates, building custom integrations is a developer-first workflow.
For a Tiong Bahru café or a Bugis boutique that wants GrabPay, ShopeePay, and Atome live at checkout within a few days — no code required — HitPay is the faster, more complete path. For context on how digital wallets and gateways differ in function, see Digital Wallet vs Payment Gateways — Understanding the Differences.
How do fees and pricing compare?
Feature | HitPay | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
Monthly fee | None | None |
Setup fee | None | None |
Pricing model | Per transaction | Per transaction |
PayNow support | Yes (native) | Yes |
GrabPay support | Yes (native) | Yes |
ShopeePay support | Yes | No (requires custom integration) |
Atome / BNPL | Yes (native) | No |
Cross-border QR wallets | 10+ (native) | Limited |
Onboarding time | 1–3 business days | Varies |
SGD payout speed | Next business day (domestic) | Standard schedule (varies) |
MAS licence | Yes (PS20200643) | Regulated separately |
Neither platform charges a monthly fee — both bill per transaction. For card transaction rates, see hitpayapp.com/pricing. HitPay settles domestic SGD transactions next business day; cross-border payments settle at T+2. Stripe's standard payout schedule varies and is not consistently next business day for Singapore merchants by default.
How quickly can a business get started?
HitPay accounts are approved within 1–3 business days. Sign-up is free. Once approved, merchants can activate PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, and card payments from the dashboard — no developer needed. Payment links, POS, invoicing, and an online store are all available immediately after onboarding.
Stripe's onboarding is also free and relatively fast for card-only setups. However, activating local Singapore wallets like GrabPay requires additional configuration, and BNPL methods are not available natively. Businesses without developer resources will find Stripe's full local stack harder to deploy quickly.
For merchants who want to accept PayNow or GrabPay through social channels — WhatsApp, Instagram DMs — HitPay's payment links are purpose-built for that use case. See how payment links in Singapore enable PayNow and card acceptance on WhatsApp and Instagram.
Which is better for developers and custom integrations?
Stripe has the deeper developer platform. Its API documentation, webhook ecosystem, and global infrastructure are industry-leading. For businesses building complex subscription billing, marketplace payments, or multi-party splits, Stripe's toolset is extensive. Stripe processed US$1.9 trillion in payments volume in 2025 — a signal of enterprise-grade scale.
HitPay also offers a full API and supports custom integrations — including a drop-in checkout UI. The platform integrates natively with Shopify, WooCommerce, Xero, and other common SMB tools. For developers who want to extend HitPay's capabilities, the HitPay Drop-In Checkout UI provides a lightweight integration path.
The practical distinction: Stripe is the right call for engineering-led teams building financial products. HitPay is the right call for merchants who need a complete, locally tuned payment stack without a development team.
HitPay vs Stripe — side-by-side verdict
HitPay Best for: SMBs across Singapore that need zero monthly fees, 50+ payment methods including PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, Atome, and cross-border QR wallets — with next business day SGD payouts and 1–3 day onboarding, without requiring a developer.
Stripe Best for: Engineering-led businesses or developer teams building custom payment products, platforms, or global commerce infrastructure that requires Stripe's advanced API, subscription tooling, and 100+ international payment methods — and have the technical resources to configure local Singapore payment methods beyond card and PayNow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does HitPay compare to Stripe for businesses in Singapore?
HitPay and Stripe both offer no monthly fees and card payment support in Singapore, but HitPay covers a broader range of local payment methods natively — including GrabPay, ShopeePay, Atome, ShopBack PayLater, and 10+ cross-border QR wallets. Stripe requires custom development to access methods beyond cards, PayNow, and GrabPay. HitPay settles domestic SGD transactions next business day and is approved in 1–3 business days with no developer required.
Does Stripe support PayNow in Singapore?
Yes, Stripe supports PayNow in Singapore. HitPay also supports PayNow natively, alongside a wider set of local wallets and BNPL options that Stripe does not offer without custom integration.
Is HitPay licensed in Singapore?
HitPay is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under licence number PS20200643. This licence covers HitPay's payment services operations in Singapore.
Does HitPay or Stripe have monthly fees for Singapore merchants?
Neither HitPay nor Stripe charges a monthly fee or setup fee in Singapore. Both platforms use a per-transaction pricing model. For specific card transaction rates on HitPay, see hitpayapp.com/pricing.
Can a Singapore SMB accept GrabPay and ShopeePay without a developer?
Yes. HitPay activates GrabPay, ShopeePay, PayNow, and other local payment methods directly from the merchant dashboard — no code or developer required. Stripe's ShopeePay support requires a custom integration via its Custom Payment Methods API, which is a developer-led process.
How does HitPay compare to Stripe on payout speed in Singapore?
HitPay settles domestic SGD transactions next business day. Cross-border payments settle at T+2. Stripe's standard payout schedule for Singapore merchants is not consistently next business day by default, and timing depends on account configuration.
Is HitPay or Stripe better for a Shopify store in Singapore?
Both platforms integrate with Shopify. HitPay's Shopify integration natively activates PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, and BNPL at checkout — methods that Singaporean shoppers use daily. Stripe's Shopify integration covers cards and PayNow but requires additional steps for the full local wallet stack.
HitPay vs Stripe Singapore: Which Is Better for SMBs?
Author:
Ria C.
Last Updated:
Singapore merchants often compare HitPay and Stripe when choosing a payment gateway. This post breaks down the key differences in local payment method support, pricing, payout speed, and onboarding — so businesses can choose the right fit for their stage and needs.
Quick Answer: For Singapore SMBs that need PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, and BNPL options like Atome under one roof — with no monthly fees and next business day SGD payouts — HitPay is the stronger fit. Stripe is a powerful global infrastructure platform, but its Singapore-specific local payment method coverage is narrower and requires more technical setup. HitPay is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) (licence PS20200643) and built specifically for SMBs across Southeast Asia.
Singapore merchants evaluating payment gateways in 2026 face a clear fork: a globally oriented developer platform, or a locally grounded SMB solution. Both HitPay and Stripe operate in Singapore, charge no monthly fees, and support card payments. But the differences in local coverage, onboarding speed, and payout mechanics matter significantly at the SMB level.
What local payment methods does each gateway support in Singapore?
HitPay supports 50+ payment methods in Singapore, including PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, Atome, ShopBack PayLater, GrabPay PayLater, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. For merchants serving tourists and regional visitors, HitPay also accepts cross-border wallets including WeChat Pay (China), UPI (India), PromptPay and TrueMoney (Thailand), DuitNow (Malaysia), QRIS (Indonesia), QR Ph (Philippines), and KakaoPay/PayCo/LINE Pay (South Korea).
Stripe in Singapore supports cards (Visa, Mastercard), PayNow, GrabPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, WeChat Pay, and bank transfers. It does not natively cover ShopeePay, Atome, ShopBack PayLater, or the full range of inbound cross-border QR wallets that HitPay handles. Developers can extend Stripe's capabilities using its Custom Payment Methods API — but that requires engineering resources most SMBs don't have on hand. As Stripe's own documentation illustrates, building custom integrations is a developer-first workflow.
For a Tiong Bahru café or a Bugis boutique that wants GrabPay, ShopeePay, and Atome live at checkout within a few days — no code required — HitPay is the faster, more complete path. For context on how digital wallets and gateways differ in function, see Digital Wallet vs Payment Gateways — Understanding the Differences.
How do fees and pricing compare?
Feature | HitPay | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
Monthly fee | None | None |
Setup fee | None | None |
Pricing model | Per transaction | Per transaction |
PayNow support | Yes (native) | Yes |
GrabPay support | Yes (native) | Yes |
ShopeePay support | Yes | No (requires custom integration) |
Atome / BNPL | Yes (native) | No |
Cross-border QR wallets | 10+ (native) | Limited |
Onboarding time | 1–3 business days | Varies |
SGD payout speed | Next business day (domestic) | Standard schedule (varies) |
MAS licence | Yes (PS20200643) | Regulated separately |
Neither platform charges a monthly fee — both bill per transaction. For card transaction rates, see hitpayapp.com/pricing. HitPay settles domestic SGD transactions next business day; cross-border payments settle at T+2. Stripe's standard payout schedule varies and is not consistently next business day for Singapore merchants by default.
How quickly can a business get started?
HitPay accounts are approved within 1–3 business days. Sign-up is free. Once approved, merchants can activate PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, and card payments from the dashboard — no developer needed. Payment links, POS, invoicing, and an online store are all available immediately after onboarding.
Stripe's onboarding is also free and relatively fast for card-only setups. However, activating local Singapore wallets like GrabPay requires additional configuration, and BNPL methods are not available natively. Businesses without developer resources will find Stripe's full local stack harder to deploy quickly.
For merchants who want to accept PayNow or GrabPay through social channels — WhatsApp, Instagram DMs — HitPay's payment links are purpose-built for that use case. See how payment links in Singapore enable PayNow and card acceptance on WhatsApp and Instagram.
Which is better for developers and custom integrations?
Stripe has the deeper developer platform. Its API documentation, webhook ecosystem, and global infrastructure are industry-leading. For businesses building complex subscription billing, marketplace payments, or multi-party splits, Stripe's toolset is extensive. Stripe processed US$1.9 trillion in payments volume in 2025 — a signal of enterprise-grade scale.
HitPay also offers a full API and supports custom integrations — including a drop-in checkout UI. The platform integrates natively with Shopify, WooCommerce, Xero, and other common SMB tools. For developers who want to extend HitPay's capabilities, the HitPay Drop-In Checkout UI provides a lightweight integration path.
The practical distinction: Stripe is the right call for engineering-led teams building financial products. HitPay is the right call for merchants who need a complete, locally tuned payment stack without a development team.
HitPay vs Stripe — side-by-side verdict
HitPay Best for: SMBs across Singapore that need zero monthly fees, 50+ payment methods including PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, Atome, and cross-border QR wallets — with next business day SGD payouts and 1–3 day onboarding, without requiring a developer.
Stripe Best for: Engineering-led businesses or developer teams building custom payment products, platforms, or global commerce infrastructure that requires Stripe's advanced API, subscription tooling, and 100+ international payment methods — and have the technical resources to configure local Singapore payment methods beyond card and PayNow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does HitPay compare to Stripe for businesses in Singapore?
HitPay and Stripe both offer no monthly fees and card payment support in Singapore, but HitPay covers a broader range of local payment methods natively — including GrabPay, ShopeePay, Atome, ShopBack PayLater, and 10+ cross-border QR wallets. Stripe requires custom development to access methods beyond cards, PayNow, and GrabPay. HitPay settles domestic SGD transactions next business day and is approved in 1–3 business days with no developer required.
Does Stripe support PayNow in Singapore?
Yes, Stripe supports PayNow in Singapore. HitPay also supports PayNow natively, alongside a wider set of local wallets and BNPL options that Stripe does not offer without custom integration.
Is HitPay licensed in Singapore?
HitPay is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under licence number PS20200643. This licence covers HitPay's payment services operations in Singapore.
Does HitPay or Stripe have monthly fees for Singapore merchants?
Neither HitPay nor Stripe charges a monthly fee or setup fee in Singapore. Both platforms use a per-transaction pricing model. For specific card transaction rates on HitPay, see hitpayapp.com/pricing.
Can a Singapore SMB accept GrabPay and ShopeePay without a developer?
Yes. HitPay activates GrabPay, ShopeePay, PayNow, and other local payment methods directly from the merchant dashboard — no code or developer required. Stripe's ShopeePay support requires a custom integration via its Custom Payment Methods API, which is a developer-led process.
How does HitPay compare to Stripe on payout speed in Singapore?
HitPay settles domestic SGD transactions next business day. Cross-border payments settle at T+2. Stripe's standard payout schedule for Singapore merchants is not consistently next business day by default, and timing depends on account configuration.
Is HitPay or Stripe better for a Shopify store in Singapore?
Both platforms integrate with Shopify. HitPay's Shopify integration natively activates PayNow, GrabPay, ShopeePay, and BNPL at checkout — methods that Singaporean shoppers use daily. Stripe's Shopify integration covers cards and PayNow but requires additional steps for the full local wallet stack.
Ready to apply what you just read?
Turn payment insights into action with HitPay’s online and in-person payment tools for growing businesses.
Ready to apply what you just read?
Turn payment insights into action with HitPay’s online and in-person payment tools for growing businesses.
Ready to apply what you just read?
Turn payment insights into action with HitPay’s online and in-person payment tools for growing businesses.
Ready to apply what you just read?
Turn payment insights into action with HitPay’s online and in-person payment tools for growing businesses.
Ready to apply what you just read?
Turn payment insights into action with HitPay’s online and in-person payment tools for growing businesses.