Best Payment Providers That Integrate with Xero (Including High-Risk Options)
Payment Providers that work with Xero
If your business uses Xero for accounting, choosing a payment provider that integrates with Xero can save hours of admin, help you get paid faster, and improve your cash flow visibility.
Whether you're running an eCommerce store, service-based business, or operating in a high-risk sector, there are merchant accounts and payment gateways available that work with Xero—some plug-and-play, others via custom integrations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits of integrating payments with Xero, the best providers (including for high-risk businesses), and answer some frequently asked questions to help you choose the right solution.
Why Use a Xero-Compatible Payment Provider?
Integrating your payment provider with Xero can transform the way you manage your accounts and payments:
1. Get Paid Faster
Xero-compatible payment gateways let you add a “Pay Now” button to your invoices. Your customers can pay instantly using credit card, debit card, PayPal, or direct debit—reducing delays.
2. Automatic Reconciliation
Payments received are matched automatically to invoices in Xero. This removes the need for manual data entry and keeps your accounts accurate and up to date.
3. Real-Time Cash Flow Insight
With live payment data syncing into Xero, you can view outstanding balances, track paid invoices, and make informed financial decisions.
4. Smoother Customer Experience
Providing convenient, professional, and trusted ways for your customers to pay increases your chances of getting paid on time—while boosting your brand credibility.
5. Less Admin, More Time
Reduce back-office work and avoid reconciling accounts across multiple systems. Xero payment integration helps you focus more on growing your business and less on spreadsheets.
Top Xero Payment Providers for Low-Risk Businesses
These mainstream providers integrate directly with Xero and are best suited for businesses operating in low-risk sectors like retail, hospitality, consultancy, and digital services:
- Stripe – A popular, easy-to-use payment gateway for online card payments.
- GoCardless – Perfect for recurring direct debit payments or subscription billing.
- PayPal – A trusted option with broad consumer recognition.
- Square – Great for combining in-person and online transactions with simple Xero integration.
- Worldpay – Offers multiple payment methods and is suitable for growing businesses.
These providers can typically be connected with a few clicks and are ideal if your business fits within traditional banking risk profiles.
Xero Payment Providers for High-Risk Businesses
High-risk sectors such as CBD, financial products, travel, supplements, or ticketing often struggle to access mainstream payment solutions. But that doesn’t mean you can’t integrate with Xero.
Some high-risk merchant account providers offer custom or third-party integrations with Xero.
Features to Look For:
- Manual or API integration with Xero
- Industry-specific experience and compliance support
- Transparent fees and rolling reserves (where applicable)
- Quick settlement times despite high-risk status
Merchant Advice Service works with a wide range of high-risk payment processors who can help your business take payments securely while integrating data back into Xero. These partnerships include providers with experience handling regulated sectors and international payment needs.
How to Choose the Right Xero-Compatible Payment Provider
When comparing providers, consider the following:
- Industry risk level – Are you high-risk or low-risk?
- Recurring vs one-time payments – Do you need subscriptions or just invoicing?
- Settlement speed – How quickly do you need to access your funds?
- International payments – Do you take payments in multiple currencies?
- Fees and reserves – What are the true costs of processing?
To make this process easier, The Payments Directory® helps businesses filter providers based on key criteria—including integration options with platforms like Xero, supported MCC (merchant category) codes, accepted payment methods, and operating geographies. This tool is especially useful for high-risk or niche sectors where not every provider will be suitable. Instead of approaching multiple providers manually, merchants can shortlist those that match their specific industry and technical needs in just a few clicks.
Need Help Choosing a Xero-Compatible Payment Provider?
Merchant Advice Service offers independent support to help businesses—especially those in high-risk sectors—find suitable merchant services that integrate with Xero.
We’ll help you:
- Compare payment gateways
- Find Xero-compatible merchant accounts
- Understand high-risk requirements
- Save time and reduce fees
Speak to an expert today for free, no-obligation advice.
