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Head-to-Head Specification Audit
PayFast vs Lemon Squeezy
E-Commerce & SaaS Businesses · South Africa
Specification Matrix
| Metric | PayFast | Lemon Squeezy |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | CustomBetter | Custom |
| API Rate Limit | 60 req/min | N/A |
| Target Country | South Africa | Global |
| Category | Payment Processing API | Payment Processing API |
| Compliance | POPIA, PCI-DSS | GDPR, PCI-DSS |
| Hosting Regions | ZA-Cape-Town, ZA-Johannesburg | US, EU |
| Native Integrations | 6 listedBetter | 6 listed |
PayFast — Key Specs
- ✓Only major payment gateway with POPIA-compliant ZA data residency by default
- ✓Supports EFT, credit card, Instant EFT, Mobicred, and SnapScan natively
- ✓No monthly fee — pay 2.0–3.5% per transaction only
- ✓Recurring billing API supports subscription SaaS models out of the box
Lemon Squeezy — Key Specs
- ✓Merchant of Record with VAT/GST handling in all regions — works for ZA founders
- ✓Single API for one-time payments, subscriptions, and license key delivery
- ✓Built-in affiliate programme management — recruit affiliates without third-party tools
- ✓5% + $0.50 per transaction — no monthly fee or setup cost
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cheaper, PayFast or Lemon Squeezy?+
Both tools start at $0/mo on their entry plans.
Which tool is better for compliance — PayFast or Lemon Squeezy?+
Both support PCI-DSS. PayFast additionally supports POPIA. Lemon Squeezy additionally supports GDPR.
Is PayFast or Lemon Squeezy compliant with South Africa's POPIA?+
PayFast supports POPIA compliance. Lemon Squeezy does not list POPIA as a supported framework.
Which tool is better suited for South Africa?+
PayFast is evaluated for E-Commerce & SaaS Businesses in South Africa with hosting regions: ZA-Cape-Town, ZA-Johannesburg. Lemon Squeezy has hosting regions: US, EU. For data residency in South Africa, check each vendor's data processing agreements.
Data last verified: 12 June 2026
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