PortalPay vs WooCommerce: Headless API-First vs Plugin Stack

Choose modern API-first payments with crypto support, or traditional WordPress ecommerce with a large plugin marketplace.

74%

Lower Fees

$3,300

Average Annual Savings

Instant

Settlement Time

Feature Comparison

Feature	PortalPay	WooCommerce
Architecture	API-first, headless by design	WordPress plugin-based
Developer Experience	REST + GraphQL APIs, typed objects	PHP/WordPress plugin ecosystem
B2B Workflows	Receipts, reserve, users, split, tax APIs	Requires multiple add-ons or plugins
Headless / Omnichannel	First-class (POS, kiosks, custom apps)	Primarily web storefront, headless via plugins
Processing Fees	0.5-1%	Depends on gateway (typically 2.9% + 30¢)
Settlement	Instant	1-3 days (gateway dependent)
Accept Crypto	✓	Via add-ons
Surcharging / Routing	Programmable policies via APIs	Typically custom or plugin-dependent
Compliance & Tax	Tax API + audit-friendly primitives	3rd-party tax plugins recommended
Security Model	Keyed access via API Management	WordPress auth + plugin permissions
Scalability	Cloud-native, edge-friendly API surface	Varies by host, caching, and plugins
Extensibility	Compose domain APIs for bespoke flows	Large plugin marketplace
Bank Requirement	No	Yes (for most gateways)

Real-World Savings Examples

Ecommerce Store ($15k/mo)

With WooCommerce:$5,310/year

With PortalPay:$1,125/year

You Save:$4,185

79% annual savings

Subscription Business ($20k/mo)

With WooCommerce:$7,080/year

With PortalPay:$1,500/year

You Save:$5,580

79% annual savings

Marketplace ($25k/mo)

With WooCommerce:$8,850/year

With PortalPay:$1,875/year

You Save:$6,975

79% annual savings

B2B Platform ($30k/mo)

With WooCommerce:$10,620/year

With PortalPay:$2,250/year

You Save:$8,370

79% annual savings

How to Switch from WooCommerce to PortalPay

1
Export products and customer data from WooCommerce
2
Set up PortalPay account with crypto wallet
3
Use REST/GraphQL APIs to integrate with your stack
4
Build custom storefront or use existing headless solution
5
Migrate product catalog via API
6
Configure payment flows and B2B workflows as needed
7
Test transactions end-to-end
8
Switch DNS/traffic when ready

Why Businesses Switch to PortalPay

Problems with WooCommerce

✗High processing fees (2.90% + 0.3¢)
✗Slow settlement (1-3 business days)
✗Chargeback losses
✗Requires traditional bank account
✗Limited crypto support

Benefits of PortalPay

✓Ultra-low fees (0.5-1% total)
✓No monthly fees ever
✓Instant settlement (seconds)
✓Zero chargebacks
✓No bank account required
✓Accept both crypto and cards
✓Free enterprise features included

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to switch from WooCommerce to PortalPay?

No! Most businesses complete the switch in under an hour. You can export your data from WooCommerce, set up your PortalPay account, and start accepting payments the same day. Many merchants run both systems in parallel for a week to ensure a smooth transition. Our support team helps with the migration.

Will my customers need crypto wallets?

No. While crypto enthusiasts can pay directly with their wallets, any customer can pay using credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay through our onramp. We handle the crypto conversion instantly. Your customers won't even know it's crypto - they just see a simple payment experience.

How much will I really save?

On average, businesses save 70-85% on total payment processing costs. The exact savings depend on your monthly volume and current WooCommerce plan. Use our cost calculator above to see your specific savings. Most businesses save between $2,000-10,000 annually.

Do I need a bank account to use PortalPay?

No! This is a major advantage over WooCommerce. Payments go directly to your crypto wallet. You can hold as crypto, convert to stablecoins, or cash out to your local currency. Perfect for international businesses or new companies that struggle with traditional banking.

What about features I use in WooCommerce?

PortalPay includes all essential features for your industry - and they're all free. We have specialized POS systems for restaurants, retail, hotels, and more. Check the feature comparison table above to see specific capabilities. In most cases, you'll get more features than WooCommerce offers, at no extra cost.

Is settlement really instant?

Yes! Crypto transactions settle in seconds, not days. Compare this to WooCommerce's 1-3 business day wait. You have immediate access to your funds for restocking, payroll, or any other needs. No more waiting for batch processing or dealing with hold times.