Checkout isn’t just the last step of a sale; it’s often the moment that decides whether you get paid or lose the customer.
That’s why merchants spend so much time debating:
Should you build a custom checkout from scratch or use a third-party solution?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your business model, resources, customer expectations, and long-term goals. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and considerations so you can make an informed decision.
Why Checkout Matters
Today’s checkout is more than a payment page. It needs to:
- Accept various payment types (cards, wallets, BNPL, ACH, crypto)
- Work seamlessly on mobile
- Protect from fraud and keep PCI compliant
- Handle global payments
- Create a frictionless experience
You get it right, you make more customers. Get it wrong, and they leave the cart.
The Case for Custom Checkout
Advantages of Custom Checkout:
1. Full Control Over UX & Design
You can design a payment page flow just like your brand, try out different layouts, and customize every element to reach your business goals.
2. Tailored Functionality
A custom payment page is enough for niche brands, where the third-party solutions do not have an industry-specific payment page.
3. Data Ownership
A customized payment page allows you to store and collect customer data as per your requirements. You get more control over the visibility and collection of information.
Disadvantages of Custom Checkout:
1. Development Cost & Time
To build a safe, trustworthy checkout, you need developers, designers, and compliance experts. It can take months and a big budget to build, and even more to keep it going.
2. PCI Compliance & Security
If you process sensitive payment data, you have to worry about PCI DSS compliance, fraud prevention, and security audits.
3. Risk of Technical Debt
What is good for you today may be bad for you tomorrow. As payment methods change, how do you continue to update your system?
The Case for a Third-Party Checkout
Advantages for Third-Party Checkout:
1. Fast Deployment
Platforms such as Stripe Checkout, Shopify Payments, or RapidCents Checkout have you live in days, not months.
2. Built-in Security & Compliance
Third-party checkouts take care of PCI compliance, fraud tools, and data encryption for you.
3. Automatic Updates
Always be up-to-date with the latest payment methods, security updates, and compliance changes. No additional development needed.
4. Global Scalability
Most providers support a wide range of currencies and payment options, making it easy to sell to anyone around the world.
Disadvantages for Third-Party Checkout:
1. Limited Customization
Most providers force you to use specific templates, thus reducing your control over the user experience.
2. Platform Lock-In
Changing a third-party API once you integrate with it can be slow and expensive.
3. Added Fees
Third-party companies may then charge per-transaction fees plus extra for more advanced features.
Key Considerations
Ask yourself:
- How unique is your checkout flow?
If your needs are standard, third-party works. For custom flows, consider building it yourself. - Do you have the resources?
Custom checkouts mean developers, security experts, and ongoing maintenance. - What’s your risk tolerance?
Third-party tools reduce liability. Custom builds require managing compliance and fraud prevention. - What’s the total cost?
Factor in development, security, hosting, and maintenance, not just initial setup.
The Hybrid Approach
A hybrid model is preferred by many businesses:
- Use a third-party backend for security and compliance
- Build a custom frontend for branding and UX control
That gives you flexibility without assuming full PCI liability, but you still need technical know-how.
Final Thoughts
Checkout is a crucial component of your customer journey.
Regardless of whether you’re building from scratch or using a third-party, the aim is the same: fast, secure, frictionless transactions.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but what is certain is that:
The real money you lose is in a bad checkout experience.
Need help optimizing your checkout?
At RapidCents, we help businesses improve payment processes—whether you’re building custom solutions or integrating third-party tools.
Contact us today to learn more.
