Accept payments on your website — How to

No matter how great your eCommerce shop looks, you never reap any of the benefits unless you get a prospective client to make an actual purchase. Your site visitors will never make a purchase unless they feel like they can trust you 100% with their financial information.

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There is a lot of confusion between the terms payment gateway and payment processor when it comes to online stores. Though each one plays a role in the chain of action that makes up payment processing, the lines between the two can become blurry.

Let’s do a quick rundown on payment gateways and processors and then focus on the different types of payment processors available to you.

What is a Payment Gateway?

A payment gateway is a secure online portal that works with your clients when they enter their payment information. It authorizes the payment and can be thought of as the point-of-sale terminal of your eCommerce shop.

In short, the payment gateway collects your client’s payment information. From there, it either finalizes the transaction (as is the case with third-party payment gateways such as PayPal) or connects with your website’s payment processor to finish the transaction.

Common payment gateways for WordPress eCommerce sites include:

• PayPal
• net
• Stripe
• Braintree

Keep in mind that many WordPress eCommerce solutions, such as WooCommerce, include multiple payment gateways such as the ones mentioned above. And typically, you do not need a payment processor to finalize most WooCommerce transactions.

Still, some eCommerce platforms do require a payment processor. This is especially true for retailers that that gross millions in sales a year.

What is a Payment Processor?

Payment processors, also called merchant accounts, transmit financial information between your website, the client’s issuing bank, and the acquiring bank (which is yours).

Following a client has made a purchase on your website and has entered their payment information (such as their credit card numbers), the payment processor then executes the payment and finalizes the transaction.

In fact, payment processors are responsible for the following

• Managing the relationships between your business and credit card firms
• Handling your clients’ personal and financial information
• Processing transactions by withdrawing money from your client and crediting it to your account
• Transferring funds to your bank account

Keep in mind that sometimes the same firm will provide online shop owners both a payment processor and multiple payment gateways for finalizing online transactions. Still, it is also possible for you to use two separate firms if you want to.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common WordPress payment processors so that when it comes time to open up shop you can be fully prepared.

Top WordPress Payment Processors

1.

Selz

Selz gives website owners the ability to build an eCommerce store right on top of an existing website or blog. For instance, they offer pre-defined themes, a custom domain and free SLL certificate, built-in social sharing, and even the ability to sell from your Facebook page. In addition, you can utilize the built-in buy buttons, access sales metrics, give client discounts, and even integrate a shopping cart.

Additional features include:

• Install the free Selz WordPress plugin for basic eCommerce function
• Easily integrate with your WordPress website in minutes
• Use Selz Pay, PayPal, or 2Checkout as payment gateways for processing credit cards
• Rest assured the latest SSL encryption is in place for secure transactions
• 100+ currencies accepted
• Customized order confirmations with upsell and cross sell capability
• Get paid weekly using Selz Pay

PRICE: Starting at $12.99/month

2.

Helcim

Helcim is an all-purpose payment processor that works in–person, via mobile device, and as an online eCommerce credit card processor. Implement recurring billing cycles, email invoice requests, and host shopping carts such as Ecwid, Shopify, and BigCommerce. Alternatively, if you prefer to download your shopping cart and integrate it into your website so with the likes of Magento, Squirrel Cart, or the ever-popular WooCommerce.

Additional features include:

• Virtual Terminal with easy login for entering client credit card information
• Built-in acceptance of Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards
• 2-day bank settlements meaning you get paid quickly
• Credit Card Vault for safekeeping of clients’ financial information
• Directly integrate payment gateways into your website, shopping cart, billing system, or application
• Integrate the third-party payment gateway Authorize.net
• No PCI compliance fees

PRICE: $25/month

3.

PayJunction

PayJunction is the perfect payment processor for mid- to sizable-scale businesses. For example, it offers things like smart payment processing, electronic signature capturing, and multi-user, multi-location reporting.  In addition, it allows you to send digital receipts to clients, reduce the chances of chargebacks, and turn any web browser into a virtual terminal for finalizing purchases, processing checks, and recharging accounts.

Additional features include:

• Comprehensive reporting for accountability and business growth
• Connect with third-party applications like Magento and Shopify, and WooCommerce
• PCI and HIPAA compliant
• Next day deposits
• Easily search all transactions
• Qualified businesses receive one free Smart Terminal for in-person purchase
• Price match guarantee

PRICE: FREE

4.

2CheckOut

2Checkout enables merchants like you to accept secure, worldwide mobile and online payments. For example, it meets the highest PCI compliance and implements strict fraud rules so you can rest assured your data and the financial information of your clients is safe. Additionally, you can integrate this payment processor directly onto your website in minutes and start selling to clients right away.

Additional features include:

• Responsive by design and mobile-friendly
• 8 payment methods and 87 currencies
• Enable recurring billing
• Integrate with dozens of popular open-source shopping carts
• Accept PayPal, major credit cards, and even debit card transactions
• Receive funds via EFT, wire transfer, or Payoneer in the currency of your choice
• 87 currency options

PRICE: FREE

Notable Mentions

There are plenty of popular payment processors available to website owners offering lots of features, competitive pricing, and ease of use.

Here are some notable mentions that may be better suited for your individual needs:

• ACH Payments
• Flagship Merchant Services
• Payline Data
• Adyen

Final Thoughts

If you are looking to open an online shop, it is notable you consider how you will accept payments on your website. And, while many eCommerce platforms integrate payment gateways into their software for use by website owners, the truth is, sometimes you need something with more features and more handling power.

Altogether, if you are a medium to sizable size online retailer or expect to grow that big, you may want to consider utilizing the power of a payment processor. And with the right one, you may not even need to invest in a separate payment gateway to accept payments.