Compare the Payment Element and Card Element
Select the right Element for your payment integration.
Previously, each payment method (for example, cards and iDEAL) required integrating a separate Element. Now, you can use the Payment Element to accept payments from one or multiple payment methods. Since this also includes cards, you have the option to integrate the Card Element or the Payment Element to accept card payments.
For most users, the Payment Element is the best option to process cards. The integration effort is the same as the Card Element and it supports all the common payment flows. It also gives you instant access to additional payment methods, including Google Pay and Apple Pay. Accepting more payment methods can help your business expand its global reach and improve checkout conversion.
If you’re already using the Card Element and want to migrate to the Payment Element, follow our migration guide.
Note
You can have a single line Card Element or use split Elements, such as Card Number, Expiry, and CVC. When referring to the Card Element, the information below applies to both styles.
| Features | Payment Element | Card Element |
|---|---|---|
| Accepts card payments | ||
| Accepts card payments using Wallets (for example, Apple Pay and Google Pay) | ||
| Accepts payments with other payment methods | ||
| Enables faster checkout with Link | ||
| Customizable look and feel | ||
| Handles all Stripe supported card brands | ||
| Handles 3D Secure authentication | ||
| Input style1 | Split | Split and single-line |
1Using split input fields is more accessible than using a single line input.
Advanced scenarios
| Advanced scenarios | Payment Element | Card Element |
|---|---|---|
| Set up future payments | ||
| Save payment details during payment | ||
| Updating a customer’s saved payment details | ||
| Place a hold on a payment method | ||
| Credit card installments | ||
| Charge a different application fee amount based on the card brand, country, or payment method | ||
| Charging differently based on the payment method selected | ||
| Displaying a review page after collecting payment details | ||
| Brand choice for cobranded cards | ||
| Collecting card information so that you can run a validation for verification purposes |
If you want to use the Card Element, see our guide on accepting a payment.