Paystack vs Privacy.com
Paystack
paystack.comPrivacy.com
privacy.comSide by side
| Figure | Paystack | Privacy.com |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | 1 NGN/mo | $5/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 10 | 7 |
| Spec score · Payment Processing Software | 8.8 (#11) | 8.3 (#18) |
| API | The public API is RESTful and JSON-based, uses HTTPS, and provides separate test and live keys. | The developer API supports creating and configuring virtual cards, retrieving real-time payment data, setting card permissions, and setting spending limits. |
| Data protection | Paystack states it has ISO 27701 certification for data privacy and protection. | Privacy says sensitive data is encrypted, web traffic uses TLS with HSTS, and inter-data-center communication uses IPsec with AES-256. |
| Integrations | Paystack advertises more than 50 integrations spanning ecommerce, accounting, invoicing and CRM platforms. | The site links browser extensions for Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox, plus iOS and Android apps; paid Plus and higher plans include API access. |
| Security | Paystack states it is PCI DSS Level 1 certified and ISO 27001:2022 certified. | Privacy states it is PCI-DSS compliant, ISO 27001 compliant, and SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 certified. |
| Support | Paystack says its Customer Success team is available around the clock. | Privacy provides a support center with articles on account setup, cards, funding sources, limits, disputes, fraud protections, and business use. |
Plans
Paystack
- AccountFree
- Paystack transaction pricing (Nigeria)Free
- Dedicated virtual accounts1 NGN a month
- Nigeria local transactions1.51 NGN a month
- Nigeria international transactions3.91 NGN a month
- Nigeria transfers up to NGN 5,00010 NGN a month
- Nigeria transfers NGN 5,001–50,00025 NGN a month
- Nigeria transfers above NGN 50,00050 NGN a month
- Test SmartPeak P1000 terminal85,000 NGN, paid once
- Live SmartPeak P1000 terminal100,000 NGN, paid once
Privacy.com
- PersonalFree
- Plus$5 a month
- Pro$10 a month
- Premium$25 a month
- Plus$60 a year
- Pro$120 a year
- Premium$300 a year
In their own words
Paystack
Paystack helps businesses in Africa accept online and in-person payments from customers around the world. Listed channels include cards, bank accounts and transfers, USSD, POS, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa QR, and mobile money. Its APIs support one-time and recurring payments through an app or website, instant transfers, and customer identity verification. The dashboard provides reporting, alerts, exports, transaction reports, customer search, and purchase insights. Listed integrations include WooCommerce, Shopify, Chargebee, Zapier, Wix, and Xero; developer materials include an API and SDKs for Android, iOS, and Flutter. Paystack says its automated and manual fraud systems help protect against fraudulent transactions and related chargeback claims. It states that it is PCI DSS Level 1, ISO 27001:2022, and ISO 27701 certified. The pricing page lists no subscription, integration, or maintenance fee, but transaction fees apply. In Nigeria, local transactions cost 1.5% plus NGN 100; that NGN 100 is waived under NGN 2,500, with local fees capped at NGN 2,000. Automatic settlement is free and generally reaches the merchant's bank account the next working day.
Privacy.com
Privacy.com creates virtual payment cards that mask the payment information a user would otherwise share for online transactions. Cards lock to their first merchant, so they cannot be used elsewhere if stolen or compromised. A card can also be set to close after one transaction, or given transaction, monthly, yearly, or total spending limits; charges above a limit are declined. Users can pause or close cards at any time. The free Personal plan allows 12 new cards each month. Paid plans start at $5 a month: Plus adds API access, while Pro includes up to three open Everywhere Cards and 1% cashback on eligible transactions up to $4,500 per month. The service has web, iOS, Android, and browser extension access; paid Plus and higher plans include an API for creating and configuring cards, retrieving real-time payment data, and setting permissions and limits. To transact, users must be US citizens or legal residents aged 18 or older with a checking account at a US bank or credit union, and must pass identity verification.