Open source payment gateways offer businesses remarkable customization and flexibility, making them an attractive option for those looking to create a tailored payment solution. However, the allure of a free platform often masks the significant hidden costs involved in maintenance, compliance, and security. Deploying an open source payment gateway requires a deep understanding of the technical aspects and ongoing responsibilities, such as ensuring PCI DSS compliance and establishing relationships with financial institutions. These factors can lead to substantial long-term expenses that many businesses underestimate. In contrast, opting for managed payment solutions like Zift Payments can alleviate these burdens by providing a comprehensive infrastructure that simplifies payment processing. By handling compliance, security, and integration challenges, Zift enables businesses to focus on their core operations and growth.