Hey folks,
I'm working on a wedding website for a couple with friends and family scattered all over the globe. I need to implement a feature that allows guests to send monetary gifts, but I've hit a snag with the payment processes. The couple's bank is in Dubai, and I'm based in the Philippines. The main headache is finding a payment gateway that can handle global transactions, particularly for cash gifts, since most platforms I've checked out, like Polar.sh and Lemonsqueezy, clearly state they don't support personal donations or cash gifts.
What I'm looking for is a gateway that:
* Allows payments from everywhere.
* Explicitly accepts gifts or donations.
* Can transfer the funds to a Dubai bank account.
* Has reasonable fees (ideally under 5%).
Has anyone tackled a similar situation? I could really use some recommendations for reliable services that can facilitate this kind of setup. Thanks a ton!
3 Answers
Honestly, it might be worth steering clear of a complex payment gateway altogether. The couple could just set up an account with a service like Wise, which is great for local transfers and typically cheaper. It simplifies things for everyone involved.
You could try using Stripe, but keep in mind that it allows donations primarily for registered charities, not personal cash gifts. It’s important to check their policies on that before assuming it will work for your needs.
Instead of a fancy payment gateway, you might consider using a one-off payment service like Western Union. This gets the job done without the hassle of integrating a full system. Just note that credit card companies have strict rules about money transfers, which complicates things for personal gifts.
So, cash gifts to individuals are a no-go with Stripe then? That’s a bummer!