Back when there were fewer people using credit cards, the integration of payment gateways into websites was more of a useful but unnecessary feature. Today, however, it is an absolute must. Because the safety and convenience of customers are presently the top considerations, you should give serious consideration to incorporating a payment system that is straightforward, uncomplicated, and trustworthy into your online company as soon as you possibly can.

Learn About the Different Gateway Types First:

Hosted Gateway:

Considering this method,  hosted gateway functions in the same capacity as a third party. Therefore, to make a transaction, your clients will need to go away from your website. When a consumer is led to a web page for payment gateway to key in credit card information, this is essentially the situation that arises. The customer’s browser is automatically switched to the merchant’s site as soon as the transaction data is submitted. They will now complete the checkout process, at which point the transaction approval will be shown.

Direct Post Technique:

It is a form of integration that enables a client to purchase on your website without exiting your site. This approach does not need you to get PCI compliance. After a consumer selects “buy” from a drop-down menu, the Direct Post method anticipates that the relevant transaction data is sent to payment gatewayand processor, bypassing your server entirely in the process.

The benefits of using this approach are comparable to those of having an integrated gateway. You receive access to the customization possibilities as well as the branding capabilities, but you are not required to comply with PCI DSS. The user can complete all of the required actions on a single page.

A Non-Hosted Method:

It is often known as an integrated gateway, in which no third parties are present during checkout process. Here, PCI DSS compliance is achieved by businesses that use integrated gateways; this implies that these businesses are storing, safeguarding, and carrying out specific verification. Establishing payment gateway solution that is offered on the online retailer’s website is how this is accomplished.

Companies have the option of using a white-label versions as a non-hosted solution in certain scenarios. This is essentially pre-made gateway to adjust and suit your needs and given your name and logo.

When merchants meet all of the requirements for compliance, they may become payment service providers themselves, making an integrated gateway a potential source of dedicated income for the business. This indicates that your company can accept payments on behalf of other sellers while charging them a charge. Being a provider, however, comes with a technical cost. This is because you require a system to securely store all data and encrypted credit card info and more. Regulatory issues are only one of these burdens.

What are the Steps Necessary to Integrate a Payment Gateway?

Make sure to check with your website’s host. The company that hosts your website or provides the software for your online store may offer payment gateway options that are easy to put on your suite. Look in the administrative section of your website or the control panel of your online store to check if there are any payment gateway alternatives.

You may either choose an external gateway or a direct gateway. Your consumers will be sent to another website to complete the payment processing if you use an external gateway, often known as a “redirect.” Direct gateways, which are often referred to as “transparent” gateways, do the processing inside your shop, therefore keeping the consumer on your website. If you have the option, go for a direct gateway since it gives off a more professional vibe.

1. Create a merchant account by signing up for one.

You will need to set up a merchant account, which you will then connect to your payment gateway when the account has been created. You will be able to collect money from the client. You will often incur additional fees for each transaction when using a merchant account.

2. Create an account with the payment gateway of your choice.

After you have registered for your gateway, you will be given all of the required information that you will need to send to the software that runs your online shop. This may be a login name and password, but it might also be an ID and an authorization file.

3. Create a store on your website.

The majority of internet stores will construct a webshop for their clients by using software provided by a third party. This program is responsible for both the design of the ordering page and the management of all of the codes required to send the payment information to the gateway. Developing new code from scratch is one of the most challenging aspects of website creation, and as a result, it is often a process that is best delegated to trained specialists.

4. Add desired payment methods.

The procedure for doing so will be different for each service, but in general, you will need to input your payment gateway information for each kind of payment you want to take (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). Your payment integration with different payment methods is responsible for deciding which cards may be used. This is something that may be done via the administrative page of your online business.

5. Test your gateway.

Your payment gateway provider will almost always give you access to a test environment or a sandbox to practice in. These enable you to test the proper functioning of the payment process by simulating transactions using fictitious funds.