Top Payment Gateways with Built-In Currency Conversion

When nonprofits accept global donations, managing currency conversion is critical to reducing fees and improving donor experience. Payment gateways with built-in currency conversion allow donors to contribute in their local currency while organizations receive funds in their preferred currency. This reduces abandoned donations, simplifies international compliance, and ensures transparent pricing.

Here’s a quick overview of six popular platforms:

• Stripe: Supports 135+ currencies with tools like adaptive pricing and FX Quotes API. Nonprofit pricing available.
• Adyen: Offers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) and fee-free donation processing. Best for large-scale operations.
• PayPal Braintree: Handles 130+ currencies with discounted nonprofit rates. Flexible integration options.
• Airwallex: Supports 135+ currencies with 0% conversion fees for 14 major currencies. Ideal for global payouts.
• Worldpay: Provides Multicurrency Pricing (MCP) with transparent FX rate locking.
• Wise Platform: Uses mid-market exchange rates with an average fee of 0.53%. Great for holding and transferring funds globally.

Quick Comparison

These gateways streamline international donations, reduce fees, and improve donor trust. Choose based on your nonprofit’s size, integration needs, and global reach.

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1. Stripe

Stripe is a versatile platform for international donations, supporting payments in over 135 currencies across more than 45 countries. On GivingTuesday alone, Stripe processed donations exceeding $300 million. It accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and even cryptocurrency. Its extensive global reach is backed by advanced currency management tools.

Supported Currencies

Stripe allows donors to contribute in their local currency, choosing from over 135 options, while organizations can receive funds in their preferred currency. However, there are a few restrictions: American Express does not support some currencies like AFN or ARS, and UnionPay cards are limited to USD or CAD. Additionally, certain currencies, such as JPY and KRW, use zero-decimal formatting, which requires specific API configurations.

Currency Conversion Features

Stripe provides three main tools for managing currency conversions:

• Adaptive Pricing: Automatically converts prices for local currencies in over 150 countries, with a fee ranging from 2% to 4%.
• FX Quotes API: Lets organizations lock in exchange rates for periods ranging from 5 minutes to 24 hours.
• Instant Currency Conversion: Allows manual conversion of balances directly in the Stripe Dashboard, with a 0.5% fee applicable in the US, UK, and much of Europe.

These tools simplify international transactions, making them accessible and efficient for organizations of all sizes.

Integration Options

Organizations have successfully leveraged Stripe's features to boost their performance. For instance, World History Encyclopedia implemented a multilingual payment system supporting 10 currencies through Stripe Checkout, increasing their conversion rate by 5%. Similarly, the Canadian Red Cross saw a 24% rise in recurring donor revenue after adopting digital wallet payments and managed to retain 99% of monthly donors during a migration process. Stripe Billing further supports recurring donation programs with features such as automatic recovery of failed payments and prompts for card updates.

Nonprofit Suitability

Stripe’s capabilities make it an excellent choice for nonprofits handling international sponsorships or donations. Its tools simplify cross-currency transactions and ensure compliance with global standards. Tailored nonprofit pricing and advanced features have led to a 30% increase in recurring donors during large-scale events.

As Max Friedman, Co-founder and CEO of Givebutter, puts it: "Non-profits are wildly under-resourced and underserved by tech companies... With Stripe's leading payment technologies, fraud protection and payment methods coverage, we're able to help our non-profits do more".

2. Adyen

Adyen facilitates international donations by supporting settlements in 61 currencies, including Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) at physical terminals. It also processes donations in major currencies like USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, AUD, HKD, JPY, and SGD. Let’s take a closer look at its key features, including currency support, conversion tools, and nonprofit integration options.

Supported Currencies

Adyen uses a "like-for-like" settlement method, which means transactions are settled in the same currency they were made in, provided it's supported. For flexibility, organizations can set up multiple payout accounts. If a currency isn’t supported, Adyen defaults to a primary account. To minimize cross-border fees, Adyen suggests using local payouts, which transfer funds to a bank account within the same region as the settlement currency.

Currency Conversion Features

Adyen offers two main tools for currency conversion:

• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): At physical terminals, this feature identifies a donor's billing currency and allows them to pay in their home or local currency. The exchange rate typically includes a 3% markup, and merchants can earn a portion of this fee.
• API Pilot Program: Adyen is testing an API that allows payments in one currency while settling in another. This feature is currently being rolled out on a limited basis.

These tools simplify the donation process and integrate smoothly with existing systems.

Integration Options

Adyen Giving streamlines donation prompts by integrating them directly into checkout flows. Nonprofits can use API, pre-built UI components, or activate donations directly on payment terminals. Impressively, Adyen absorbs all transaction fees, ensuring that 100% of donations go to the nonprofit. The platform also connects users to over 140 pre-approved nonprofit partners and includes a Campaign Manager for real-time tracking.

"We turned Giving on in 2022 for the Ukraine appeal and the response from our customers was incredible. Our UK customers donated a total of £250,000 in just over a year", shares David Cameron, Head of Marketing (UK&I).

Nonprofit Suitability

Adyen’s approach to fee-free donation processing and multi-currency support makes it ideal for global sponsorship programs. While standard transactions incur a fixed processing fee of $0.13 plus payment method fees, Adyen Giving covers all costs for donations. To comply with card scheme regulations, merchants using DCC must clearly disclose exchange rates and markups on receipts. This transparency, combined with its multi-currency features, ensures a smooth experience for donors and nonprofits alike.

3. PayPal Braintree

PayPal Braintree supports donations in more than 200 markets and over 130 currencies, making it a strong choice for global sponsorships. In 2024, the platform processed 26.3 billion transactions, totaling $1.68 trillion. It also offers a clear distinction between presentment and settlement currencies.

Supported Currencies

Braintree handles more than 130 local presentment currencies across 44 countries. By default, it uses a single currency setup where donors' banks manage any currency conversion. Alternatively, nonprofits can opt for a multi-currency setup, which involves requesting additional merchant accounts for each currency and updating integrations with specific Merchant Account IDs. This method avoids issues where donors might see one amount but are charged differently due to fluctuating bank exchange rates.

Currency Conversion Features

If a donor uses a currency different from your settlement currency, Braintree converts the funds before depositing them. However, PayPal applies an additional percentage to the market exchange rate for service fees. Verified 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S. benefit from discounted rates of 2.19% + $0.29 for standard card and digital wallet transactions. For non-USD currencies or cards issued outside the U.S., an additional 1% fee applies. The multi-currency setup also minimizes "refund friction", where exchange rate changes between the donation and refund dates could otherwise result in discrepancies for donors. These features integrate seamlessly into various donation systems.

Integration Options

Braintree offers several integration methods, including REST APIs, GraphQL APIs, mobile and JavaScript SDKs, and a Donate SDK tailored for charitable organizations. Nonprofits can choose between a quick-to-deploy Drop-in UI or a fully customized checkout experience. While single-currency setups are automatic, multi-currency setups require approval from banking partners and manual configuration. To ensure smooth operations, Braintree advises testing all currencies in their sandbox environment before going live.

"PayPal is giving us the tools and support to further grow our business".

Nonprofit Suitability

With flexible integration options, discounted rates for charities, and robust currency support, Braintree is especially well-suited for nonprofit organizations. Its enterprise payout system allows fund distribution to over 200 markets in 50+ currencies, enabling international operations. However, nonprofits should note that transaction fees are generally not refunded for canceled donations, so this should be considered in financial planning.

4. Airwallex

Airwallex stands out with its global payment solutions designed to meet the needs of nonprofits. Supporting nearly 1,000 currency pairs across 64 currencies, the platform enables organizations to accept payments in over 135 currencies from more than 180 countries. Additionally, it offers like-for-like settlements in 14 major currencies, which is a huge plus for global sponsorship programs.

Supported Currencies

Operating in over 200 countries, Airwallex leverages local payment networks to make transfers faster and more affordable. It supports more than 160 local payment methods, including digital wallets like Alipay and WeChat Pay, traditional bank transfers, and even buy-now-pay-later options like Klarna. This variety ensures that donors can use payment methods they’re comfortable with, reducing barriers during the donation process.

Currency Conversion Features

Airwallex's Automatic Currency Conversion (ACC) simplifies international donations by supporting over 25 currencies. Donors can contribute in their local currency, while nonprofits receive payments in their base currency. For organizations with global operations, there’s also the option to hold funds in the original currency, avoiding unnecessary conversion fees. For instance, a nonprofit receiving EUR donations can use those funds directly to pay European vendors, saving on exchange costs. Plus, with competitive FX rates and no typical 3–4% spreads seen with platforms like PayPal, Airwallex offers a more cost-effective solution.

Integration Options

Airwallex makes integration easy with no-code plugins for platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. For more customized setups, it provides options like a Native API, Drop-in Elements, and Card Elements. These tools, combined with features like role-based approvals and audit trails, help nonprofits maintain transparency and streamline governance.

"I see Airwallex as a one-stop shop for payment acceptances, global payouts, and so much more. Here's how I'd put it to other businesses: you can start in one place with Airwallex, and then you can grow." - Daven Johnson, Founder and CEO, Gimme Swag

5. Worldpay

Worldpay is a payment platform with a broad global presence. It supports over 135 currencies in 146 countries and serves more than 1 million merchants worldwide. For nonprofits with international sponsorship programs, this means donors from almost any location can contribute in their local currency while settlements occur in your chosen base currency.

Supported Currencies

The platform handles payments through major credit and debit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX. In the U.S., it supports ACH and eCheck, while in the UK and Europe, it offers Direct Debit/EFT options. Additionally, Worldpay enables domestic processing in over 70 markets, which can help improve payment authorization rates and reduce transaction costs.

Currency Conversion Features

Worldpay’s Multicurrency Pricing (MCP) feature displays the converted price to donors upfront. It also includes FX rate locking, which can secure exchange rates for up to 3 days for acquiring and up to 30 days for payouts, with rates updated every 30 minutes. Unlike Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which only converts currency at the final payment stage, MCP provides complete transparency by showing donors exactly what they’ll pay right from the start.

MCP shows donors local prices while you settle in your base currency, enhancing transparency and boosting conversion rates. - Worldpay

These features make it easier for organizations to manage international transactions while minimizing risks tied to currency fluctuations.

Integration Options

Worldpay also simplifies integration. Its plug-and-play setup allows nonprofits to start using the platform quickly, without requiring extensive technical expertise. For those needing custom solutions, Worldpay offers detailed developer documentation. It even integrates with WordPress through tools like Lifeline Donation Pro.

Nonprofit Suitability

Worldpay’s combination of transparent pricing and user-friendly integration makes it a great fit for nonprofits running global sponsorship programs. Key features include donor management systems, recurring donation options (weekly, monthly, or yearly), anonymous giving, and tracking for specific campaigns. Transaction fees for nonprofits typically start at 2.5% + $0.10 per transaction, with custom pricing available. To qualify for discounted rates, nonprofits must provide valid documentation of their status to Worldpay or an authorized partner. With its global capabilities and nonprofit-focused tools, Worldpay is a reliable choice for organizations managing international donor contributions.

6. Wise Platform

When it comes to managing global sponsorships, dealing with multiple currencies efficiently is a must. Wise Platform simplifies this process by allowing organizations to accept and hold funds in over 40 currencies, while enabling transfers to 160+ countries without the hassle of double conversions. This means donations can be received and held in their original currency, avoiding unnecessary conversion fees when paying international partners or sponsored individuals.

Supported Currencies

Wise offers local account details for nine major currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, JPY, AUD, NZD, SGD, and RON. This setup allows organizations to accept donations through local payment methods like ACH transfers in the U.S. or SEPA transfers in Europe. For donors, this eliminates the added cost of international wire fees. Wise currently serves over 10 million customers, moving $34.2 billion each quarter, with 74% of payments processed in under 20 seconds.

Currency Conversion Features

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, charging an average fee of just 0.53%. In February 2026, Wise introduced a native payment gateway, enabling organizations to accept card and digital wallet payments directly on their websites. The platform’s "Auto Conversions" feature automatically executes transfers when a pre-set exchange rate is reached. This transparent fee structure can lead to considerable savings, especially for high-volume transactions.

"We built our payment gateway because our business customers told us their biggest pain point wasn't just fees - it was the lack of control over when and how their international revenue gets converted." - Cathy Chen, Product Manager, Wise Business

Integration Options

Wise supports seamless integration through its RESTful API and Swift messaging options. It connects with popular tools like Stripe, Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero, enabling nonprofits to automatically sync and categorize international transactions. For organizations that handle large-scale international payments, the BatchTransfer feature allows up to 1,000 recipients to be paid in a single click. Additionally, there are no recurring account fees - just a one-time fee to set up local account details. These features make global payment processes smoother and more efficient.

Nonprofit Suitability

Wise stands out as a practical choice for nonprofits managing international funds. Its competitive fees, transparent mid-market rates, and batch payment capabilities help reduce both costs and administrative workload. While not exclusively tailored for nonprofits, Wise's ability to hold multiple currencies and provide local receiving details makes it a valuable tool for cross-border sponsorship programs. For example, receiving payments via local accounts, like USD ACH transfers, comes with no fees.

Comparison of Features and Limitations

When selecting a payment gateway for global sponsorship programs, it's essential to weigh factors like currency support, conversion fees, and ease of integration. These considerations help nonprofits navigate the challenges of handling international donations effectively.

Stripe supports over 135 currencies and offers competitive rates for verified 501(c)(3) organizations, making it a popular choice for nonprofits. PayPal Braintree handles more than 130 currencies and provides discounted rates for verified charities. On the enterprise side, Adyen supports 36 currencies via Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) with a $0.13 fixed fee plus variable rates depending on the payment method. Worldpay supports 126+ currencies, with typical transaction fees averaging around 1.5%. Meanwhile, Airwallex offers "like-for-like" settlements in 14 major currencies with 0% conversion fees, avoiding unnecessary currency conversions. Wise Platform stands out with its use of the mid-market exchange rate, charging an average fee of just 0.53%, but it integrates with existing payment systems rather than functioning as a standalone checkout solution.

Integration complexity differs across platforms. Stripe and Braintree provide developer-friendly APIs, which require some technical expertise, while Adyen offers a more straightforward integration process but has a complex pricing structure. For nonprofits using WordPress, plugins like "Charitable" enable code-free integrations in about 15 minutes. All major platforms support recurring donations, a crucial feature since 31% of online charity revenue in 2024 came from monthly gifts. Additionally, Stripe and Braintree include automated tools to recover failed payments and update expired card information.

High-volume processors can often negotiate custom nonprofit pricing, while platforms like Wise offer transparent, low-cost transfers with minimal conversion markups. Adyen's local acquiring network can improve authorization rates for international transactions, and PayPal's strong brand recognition helps foster trust, especially among international donors.

Here’s a quick comparison of the key features across major platforms:

This table highlights the strengths and limitations of each gateway, helping nonprofits identify the best fit for their specific needs.

Conclusion

Selecting the right payment gateway for global sponsorship programs hinges on three key factors: currency conversion costs, integration compatibility, and donor experience. For nonprofits seeking to minimize foreign exchange fees, Airwallex is a strong choice. With fees around 0.5% above interbank rates and the ability to hold funds in over 130 currencies without forced conversions, it’s ideal for organizations managing international payouts.

When seamless integration with platforms like HelpYouSponsor is a priority, Stripe and PayPal are standout options. Both provide powerful tools for managing donations efficiently. While their FX fees are higher - approximately 2% for Stripe - the ease of integration and broad platform compatibility can make them worthwhile for small to mid-sized organizations.

For nonprofits handling international donations on a larger scale, Braintree offers support for 130+ currencies across 200+ markets, with nonprofit rates of about 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction. Meanwhile, the Wise Platform delivers transparency with an average fee of 0.53% using mid-market exchange rates. However, it functions as an integration tool rather than a standalone checkout solution.

The best choice depends on your organization’s unique requirements. Testing gateways in sandbox mode can help ensure smooth operation. Look for solutions that support recurring donations and offer transparent pricing, as even small FX markups can add up over time. By prioritizing integrated currency conversion and clear fee structures, you can maximize the funds directed toward your mission.

FAQs

How do I choose the best payment gateway for my nonprofit’s countries and currencies?

To choose the right payment gateway for your nonprofit, make sure it supports the countries where you operate and allows for multi-currency transactions with smooth currency conversion. Verify that it complies with international financial regulations and accommodates a variety of payment methods to make donating easier for supporters. Gateways with strong global features and reliable conversion tools can help broaden your nonprofit's reach.

What’s the difference between presentment currency and settlement currency?

Presentment currency refers to the currency displayed to the customer during checkout - the one they use to complete their payment. This ensures the process is straightforward for the buyer. On the other hand, settlement currency is what the merchant receives after the payment is processed. In international transactions, these currencies might not match, which could lead to currency conversion fees or adjustments based on exchange rates. Simply put, the presentment currency serves the customer, while the settlement currency is for the merchant.

Can I avoid currency conversion fees by holding and paying out in local currencies?

Using local currencies for transactions can help cut down on conversion fees, but it largely depends on the features offered by your payment gateway. Many platforms with multi-currency support allow you to accept payments in local currencies while settling in your preferred currency, which can minimize additional charges.

To make the most of this, ensure your payment provider supports both multi-currency accounts and local payouts. Keep in mind, though, that not all gateways automatically waive all fees, so it's essential to review their policies carefully.

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