What is the difference between Stripes vs Payment Processor?

Career: Stripes

AspectStripesPayment Processor
Primary FunctionProvides payment processing infrastructure and APIs for online businessesEnables merchants to accept electronic payments through various methods
Credentials/CertificationsRequires API integration knowledge, developer skillsRequires PCI compliance, security standards
Work EnvironmentTech-focused, developer-centricBusiness and merchant-focused
Industry UsageUsed by online businesses, e-commerce platformsUsed by merchants, retail, online stores

While both Stripes and payment processors facilitate electronic payments, Stripes offers a developer-friendly API platform for integrating payment solutions, whereas payment processors provide the infrastructure for accepting various payment methods. Businesses often use Stripes as their payment processor, but the terms can sometimes be used interchangeably depending on context.