Learn
Monetization

Easiest Way to Accept Payments

The easiest way to accept payments is Stripe Payment Links — create a product in the Stripe Dashboard, generate a payment link, and embed it as a button on your site. No backend code required. For even simpler setup (but higher fees), Lemon Squeezy or Gumroad handle everything including taxes and compliance.

Why this matters

Accepting payments is the moment your project becomes a business. But payment processing can feel overwhelming with all the options, compliance requirements, and technical setup. The good news: you can start accepting payments in under 30 minutes.

What's at stake

Every day you delay monetization is a day of missed revenue. Builders who wait for "the perfect payment setup" often never start charging. A simple payment link is better than a perfect system that never ships.

In detail.

Payment Processor Comparison for Small Apps

Stripe

  • Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
  • Setup time: ~30 minutes to first payment
  • Best for: Builders who want full control and plan to scale
  • Tax handling: You handle it (or use Stripe Tax add-on)
  • Easiest option: Stripe Payment Links (no code) or Stripe Checkout (minimal code)

Lemon Squeezy

  • Fees: 5% + $0.50 per transaction
  • Setup time: ~15 minutes
  • Best for: Solo founders who want everything handled
  • Tax handling: Included (they are the Merchant of Record)
  • Easiest option: Built-in checkout pages with product links

Gumroad

  • Fees: 10% + $0.50 per transaction
  • Setup time: ~10 minutes
  • Best for: Digital product creators, simplest possible setup
  • Tax handling: Included (Merchant of Record)
  • Easiest option: Product page with instant checkout

Paddle

  • Fees: 5% + $0.50 per transaction
  • Setup time: ~30 minutes
  • Best for: SaaS businesses wanting managed compliance
  • Tax handling: Included (Merchant of Record)
  • Easiest option: Paddle Checkout overlay

PayPal

  • Fees: 2.99-3.49% + fixed fee
  • Setup time: ~20 minutes
  • Best for: Validating with existing PayPal users
  • Tax handling: You handle it
  • Easiest option: PayPal buttons

Which Should You Choose?

  1. Just want to start charging today? → Lemon Squeezy or Gumroad
  2. Want lower fees and more control? → Stripe Payment Links
  3. Building a SaaS with subscriptions? → Stripe or Paddle
  4. Selling to international customers? → Lemon Squeezy or Paddle (tax handled)

Start accepting payments without the complexity

  • Payment setup guidance matched to your app type
  • Pre-monetization readiness check
  • Builder log to document your pricing decisions publicly
Get started with BWORLDS

Keep learning.

Related topics

how to charge for my appsimple payment setup for micro saasstripe alternatives for small appshow to add a paywall to my app

Frequently asked questions.

Yes. Stripe, Lemon Squeezy, and Gumroad all allow individuals to accept payments. You operate as a sole proprietor by default. Consider forming an LLC once you are generating consistent revenue ($1,000+/year) for liability protection.

Stripe gives you more control and lower fees (2.9% vs 5%) but you handle taxes and compliance yourself. Lemon Squeezy charges higher fees but handles everything — taxes, invoicing, and compliance — as your Merchant of Record.

Not to start. Stripe Payment Links, Lemon Squeezy product links, and Gumroad checkout pages work without any backend code. You just embed a link or button. Add a backend later when you need subscription management or custom flows.

If you use Lemon Squeezy, Paddle, or Gumroad, they handle taxes for you as Merchant of Record. If you use Stripe or PayPal, you are responsible for tax compliance — Stripe Tax can automate this for an additional fee.