2.9%+30¢
Stripe's standard online rate
180
Days Stripe can freeze funds
$15
Per chargeback dispute fee
100+
Restricted business categories
Stripe works well for many businesses. But when these issues hit, merchants start looking for alternatives fast.
Stripe can reportedly hold merchant funds for up to 180 days with rolling 90-day extensions. Automated systems trigger holds based on volume spikes, chargeback rates above 1%, or operating in industries Stripe considers high-risk — even if they approved you initially.
In 2025, Stripe froze $1.45 million from donation platform Flipcause, contributing to the company's bankruptcy and affecting 3,200+ nonprofits owed $29 million.
Stripe prohibits or restricts dozens of legitimate business categories. The approval process for 'restricted' categories is opaque, not guaranteed, and merchants can be terminated even after initial approval if Stripe's automated systems later flag the account.
Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.30 for every online transaction regardless of the actual card cost. Debit card interchange rates can be as low as 0.05% + $0.21, but you still pay the full 2.9%. On $50K/month, the overpayment vs interchange-plus pricing typically exceeds $300-$500.
Stripe does not offer any mechanism for passing processing fees to customers. For merchants in industries where surcharging is common (gas stations, service businesses, contractors), this is a significant limitation.
Stripe offers standard email and chat support, but dedicated technical account managers are reserved for enterprise plans (Stripe Scale). Merchants consistently report difficulty reaching humans for account-level issues like holds and freezes.
Not all payment processors are created equal. Before you switch from Stripe, make sure your alternative checks these critical boxes.
The most important factor for cost savings. Interchange-plus passes the actual card cost through with a small fixed markup — instead of Stripe's flat rate that overcharges on debit and low-cost cards.
A named person who knows your business, answers the phone, and advocates for you. Not a ticket queue, not a chatbot, not enterprise-only.
No processor should freeze your funds without a conversation. Look for explicit policies that require merchant communication before holds are placed.
If your business is restricted on Stripe, make sure your alternative doesn't just 'tolerate' you — find one that actively specializes in your category with dedicated banking relationships.
The ability to pass processing fees to customers can eliminate your costs entirely. Look for fully compliant surcharge and cash discount program support.
Next-day funding should be standard, not a premium feature. Avoid processors that charge extra for faster access to your own money.
ClickWerxs combines enterprise-grade payment processing with dedicated human support. Built specifically for merchants who need more than what developer-first platforms like Stripe can offer — including high-risk processing, interchange-plus pricing, and a named account manager from day one.
Switching payment processors sounds intimidating but it's straightforward. Here's a step-by-step timeline for moving off Stripe.
Pull your Stripe processing statements and calculate your effective rate. Compare it against interchange-plus pricing to understand your potential savings. Most merchants are surprised by the gap.
Submit an application with your business details and recent processing history. With ClickWerxs, approval typically takes 24-48 hours. Your account manager handles the underwriting process.
Keep Stripe active while your new account is configured. There's no need to go dark — run both processors simultaneously to ensure zero downtime.
Connect your website or platform to your new payment gateway. Your account manager handles the technical integration. Compatible with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and custom builds.
Phase out Stripe at your own pace. Your Stripe dashboard and transaction history remain accessible indefinitely. Start saving on every transaction immediately.
“Stripe held $40K for three months. No explanation, no phone number. ClickWerxs got us live in two days. Haven't had a single issue.”
Marcus T.
E-Commerce Retailer, Austin TX
“The interchange-plus savings alone made the switch worth it. We save over $350/month compared to Stripe's flat rate.”
David L.
SaaS Company, San Francisco CA
“Stripe flagged our account as 'restricted' with no path forward. ClickWerxs actually specializes in working with merchants like us. Complete night and day experience.”
Rachel S.
E-Commerce Brand, Denver CO
“Having a dedicated account manager who picks up the phone changed everything. Stripe support was always a ticket queue.”
Yusuf A.
Wholesale Distributor, Atlanta GA
“We switched to ClickWerxs for the cash discount program. Our processing costs went from $1,200/month to practically zero.”
Tom H.
Auto Repair Shop, Phoenix AZ
“Stripe held $40K for three months. No explanation, no phone number. ClickWerxs got us live in two days. Haven't had a single issue.”
Marcus T.
E-Commerce Retailer, Austin TX
“The interchange-plus savings alone made the switch worth it. We save over $350/month compared to Stripe's flat rate.”
David L.
SaaS Company, San Francisco CA
“Stripe flagged our account as 'restricted' with no path forward. ClickWerxs actually specializes in working with merchants like us. Complete night and day experience.”
Rachel S.
E-Commerce Brand, Denver CO
“Having a dedicated account manager who picks up the phone changed everything. Stripe support was always a ticket queue.”
Yusuf A.
Wholesale Distributor, Atlanta GA
“We switched to ClickWerxs for the cash discount program. Our processing costs went from $1,200/month to practically zero.”
Tom H.
Auto Repair Shop, Phoenix AZ
Get a free rate comparison based on your actual processing volume. We'll show you the savings — no commitment, no pressure.