Stripe vs PayU

TL;DR — In Brief

Stripe is best for tech startups with developer team. PayU is better suited for online stores with constant traffic. If you're a freelancer or have a small business and want to collect payments simply without complications, PayLinks may be the best option - 30-second setup, no monthly fee, no business registration required.

Simpler than both

Create a payment link while you compare processors.

Use PayLinks for invoices, deposits, or one-off client payments without waiting to choose a full payment stack.

Create a payment link Compare PayLinks

Stripe

Fee:1.5% + 1 RON (standard SEE cards)

Monthly fee:$0

No business req.:No

PayU

Fee:0.99% + 0.3 RON

Monthly fee:0 RON (becomes 25 RON from June 1, 2026)

No business req.:No

PayLinks

Fee:2%

Monthly fee:$0

No business req.:Yes

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	Stripe	PayU	PayLinks
Payment links	✅	✅	✅
Recurring payments	✅	✅	✅
Apple Pay	✅	✅	✅
Google Pay	✅	✅	✅
Revolut Pay	❌	❌	✅
No business required	❌	❌	✅
No website required	❌	❌	✅
Instant setup (30 sec)	❌	❌	✅
Local support	❌	✅	✅

What is Stripe?

Stripe — "Financial infrastructure for the internet". A payment processor for online stores and businesses.

Strengths:

✅Best API for developers
✅Excellent documentation in English
✅Modern and elegant interface

Weaknesses:

⚠️Higher fees than local competitors
⚠️Support only in English (not Romanian)
⚠️Does not refund fee on refunds

What is PayU?

PayU România — "Online payments for your business". A payment processor for online stores and businesses.

Strengths:

✅Global presence in 50+ countries
✅Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) available
✅Many e-commerce platform integrations

Weaknesses:

⚠️Mandatory monthly fee of 25 RON
⚠️Corporate interface, less friendly
⚠️Complex setup for freelancers

The Alternative: PayLinks

PayLinks

If neither Stripe nor PayU seem ideal, maybe because:

⚠️You don't want to pay monthly fees even when you have no sales
⚠️You don't have (or don't want) a website
⚠️You don't have a registered business and want to collect payments as an individual
⚠️You don't want to wait days for approval

...then PayLinks is made for you. Built specifically for freelancers and small businesses.

30s

Full setup

Monthly fee

Payment methods

Global

Payments

Create a payment link →PayLinks vs Stripe

Which one fits you?

Choose Stripe if:

☑️Tech startups with developer team
☑️SaaS businesses
☑️Companies with international customers

Choose PayU if:

☑️Online stores with constant traffic
☑️Businesses wanting BNPL
☑️Companies with international presence

Choose PayLinks if:

✅Freelancers and solopreneurs
✅Individuals wanting to collect online
✅Private tutors and teachers

Questions about Stripe vs PayU

It depends on your needs. Stripe is ideal for tech startups with developer team, while PayU is better suited for online stores with constant traffic. If you're a freelancer or have a small business and want simplicity, PayLinks may be a better option - 30-second setup, no monthly fee.