Comparison
A simpler Stripe alternative for PayNow
Should you use Stripe for PayNow, or is there a simpler option?
Stripe is built for global online payments — it excels at cards, subscriptions, and checkout flows across many currencies. Adding PayNow to Stripe means routing a local bank-to-bank payment method through a global payment gateway, paying 1.3% per transaction in the process.
DoubleAM is not a payment gateway. We generate the PayNow QR code and branded card. When your customer scans and pays, the money moves from their bank directly to yours — no gateway, no settlement delay, no 1.3% taken out. We charge a flat fee for the software.
If you need Stripe for cards and subscriptions, keep Stripe. If you want PayNow specifically, without the percentage fee, DoubleAM is the simpler path.
How they compare
| Feature | Stripe | DoubleAM |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Global payment gateway | PayNow QR software |
| PayNow fee | 1.3% per PayNow transaction | Flat fee, no percentage |
| Where money goes | Into Stripe balance, settled to your bank | Directly into your own bank account |
| Settlement speed | T+2 or longer depending on schedule | Instant — bank-to-bank |
| Setup required | Gateway account, API integration | Free tools: under 2 min. API: sign up. |
| Focus | Global multi-currency cards + PayNow | Singapore PayNow only |
| Best for | Multi-currency, subscriptions, SaaS | Singapore businesses accepting PayNow |
In fairness: Stripe is an excellent global payment platform and one of the best in the world for card payments, subscriptions, and international commerce. If your business needs those capabilities, Stripe is worth it. If you specifically want PayNow with no percentage fee, you are using a global gateway to solve a local bank-to-bank problem — and paying 1.3% for it. Always verify current Stripe pricing directly at stripe.com/en-sg.
What 1.3% actually costs
PayNow is free. The banks built it to be free. That 1.3% is the cost of routing it through a payment gateway.
$10,000/month in PayNow
$130/month
to Stripe on PayNow
DoubleAM: flat fee — keep it all
$30,000/month in PayNow
$390/month
to Stripe on PayNow
DoubleAM: flat fee — keep it all
$100,000/month in PayNow
$1,300/month
to Stripe on PayNow
DoubleAM: flat fee — keep it all
Illustrative only. Verify current Stripe PayNow pricing at stripe.com.
Try the free tool now
No account needed. No gateway. Generate a branded PayNow card in under a minute.
Comparing all options? See our full fee comparison →
PayNow without the gateway
Flat fee for software. No gateway, no settlement delay, no percentage on what you receive. Money goes straight into your own bank.
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