Essential tips for choosing the best Payment Service Provider for your business

When running an online business, it is crucial to ensure a secure and reliable link between your paying customers and the bank. This is where a Payment Service Provider (PSP) plays a vital role. A PSP payment provider acts as the intermediary between your business and the bank, enabling you to accept payments online and securely transfer customer card and payment details for processing funds to your Internet Merchant Account (IMA). 

What is a Payment Service Provider (PSP)? 

A Payment Service Provider (PSP) is an essential partner for businesses looking to accept electronic payments from credit and debit cards. By providing an online solution, the PSP enables businesses to process card payments on their website and accept payments through other channels, such as mail and telephone. This flexibility allows businesses to cater to their customers' preferences and expand their reach. 

One of the key roles of a PSP is to ensure the security of transactions. With the rising threat of cybercrime, it is crucial for businesses to have robust security measures in place. A reliable payment service provider will offer tools and protocols to reduce card fraud, protecting businesses from potential financial losses and reputational damage. 

In addition to security, a reputable PSP will also provide a range of complementary software solutions. For example, they may offer a "virtual" online terminal for processing manual transactions or provide online reporting and management tools. These additional features enhance the overall payment experience and help businesses streamline their operations. 

When selecting a PSP, it is important to consider your specific requirements. The PSP should offer a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to your needs, rather than just their own capabilities. This ensures that you have the flexibility to choose the services that align with your business goals and objectives. 

While some banks may offer limited PSP services, it is often beneficial to partner with a dedicated PSP provider, such as Access PaySuite, for a more comprehensive range of payment solutions. By choosing the right PSP, businesses can establish a secure and efficient payment ecosystem that enables seamless transactions and fosters customer trust and satisfaction. 

What are the pros and cons of using a PSP?  

Using a PSP has several advantages. One major benefit is the ability to integrate multiple payment methods through a single API, providing instant access to various payment options. Additionally, businesses only need to establish a contractual relationship with the PSP to access different payment methods.  

However, it is important to note that PSPs may charge more per transaction compared to payment gateways, as they provide a full-service solution that includes payment processing and money collection. The choice between a comprehensive PSP package or contracting only the gateway service depends on factors such as the business's legal and technological capabilities, sales volume, and the presence of an in-house payments team. 

Why is a PSP necessary for accepting online card payments?  

To accept payments online, it is essential for businesses to have a PSP. The PSP acts as a bridge between the business and the bank, facilitating the transfer of customer card details and payment instructions to the bank. This connectivity is crucial for processing payments to the business's account. While it is possible to obtain a merchant account directly from a payment service provider, choosing a dedicated PSP can provide a wider range of payment solutions tailored to the business's needs. 

Can businesses accept online payments without a PSP?  

No, businesses cannot accept online payments without a PSP or a merchant account. While a merchant account is necessary, businesses have the option to obtain one through a payment service provider instead of going through the entire verification and setup process with a merchant account provider. This allows businesses to access the required account without the need for a separate merchant account provider.  

Overall, a PSP is an essential partner for businesses looking to accept electronic payments, providing the necessary infrastructure, security, and support to facilitate smooth and secure transactions. 

What should businesses look for in a PSP?  

When choosing a PSP, businesses should consider their specific requirements based on the type and size of their operations. It is important to select a PSP that offers a full range of solutions, including payment gateways and other services.  

The PSP should provide flexible solutions targeted at the business's needs rather than solely focusing on their own capabilities. Factors to consider include the integration with desired payment methods, fees, support, and the ability to meet legal and technological requirements. 

Choosing the right PSP is essential for the smooth operation of your online business. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating PSP options: 

• Comprehensive technical solutions:  

A reliable PSP should offer a wide range of technical solutions tailored to your specific requirements. This includes various methods for collecting customer card details and processing payments. Look for a PSP that can accommodate your technical expertise and unique needs. 

• Competitive rates:  

Cost is an important consideration when selecting a PSP. Prices can vary significantly between different providers, so it's crucial to shop around and compare rates. Consider not only the set-up fees and cost per transaction but also whether the fees are inclusive of all services or if additional charges apply. Choose a PSP that aligns with your business's transaction volume. 

• Upfront costs and long-term operational considerations:  

While the headline rates are important, it's equally essential to consider the overall long-term operational costs associated with partnering with a PSP. Ensure that the PSP offers robust fraud management support and prioritizes security to protect your bottom line. 

• Reporting and administration facilities:  

Efficiently managing online payments requires access to comprehensive reporting and administration tools. Look for a PSP that provides real-time transaction statements, allows you to export valuable customer data, and offers sophisticated reporting capabilities. These tools will enable you to make informed management decisions and target future sales effectively. 

• Excellent technical support:  

A reliable PSP must provide excellent technical support to address any issues that may arise. Ensure that the PSP offers responsive assistance whenever needed, as unexpected challenges can occur in the course of running your online business. 

• The latest fraud protection:  

Fraud poses a significant threat to online businesses. Look for a PSP that provides robust fraud solutions to eliminate risks and maximize acceptance rates. PSPs with experience in issuing Internet Merchant Accounts (IMAs) will have firsthand knowledge of managing chargebacks and should offer configurable fraud-screening solutions and authentication mechanisms like 3D Secure. 

Find out more about our fraud and risk management software 

• Trustworthy security measures:  

Building trust with your customers is crucial for the success of your online business. Your chosen PSP should provide the latest security solutions to protect your customers' card details. Choose a PSP that prioritizes security and instills confidence in your customers. Ensure that the payment solution is PCI compliant. 

• Established service history:  

Ensure that the PSP you choose has a strong service history, firm financial foundations, and a professionally run operation. Check for references from current customers and inquire about their experience. Additionally, verify the PSP's uptime record and assess its ongoing investment in infrastructure and capacity to mitigate the risk of downtime. 

What factors should I consider when choosing a payment solutions provider? 

Implementing payment solutions can be a complex process, and it's important to ask the right questions to ensure that you choose the best solution for your business. Here are some common questions that people often ask when looking to implement payment solutions: 

• How easy is it to set up the payment system?  

Legacy payment systems can be complex and require extensive training, while cloud-based payment providers offer inexpensive and functional systems that can be set up quickly. 

• Does the payment gateway support your current banking relationship?

If you have an existing relationship with a bank, it's important to determine whether the payment gateway supports that relationship, especially if you plan to switch payment processors or expand your business to new countries. 

Find out more about our online payment gateway offering

• Does the payment solution integrate well with your existing setup?  

Ensure that the payment solution can easily integrate with your current hardware and software infrastructure. 

Remember, these questions are just a starting point, and it's important to tailor them to your specific business needs and requirements. By asking the right questions and thoroughly analyzing your options, you can make an informed decision when implementing payment solutions. 

Selecting the right PSP is crucial for the success of your online business. Consider the range of technical solutions, competitive rates, upfront costs, reporting and administration facilities, technical support, fraud protection, security measures, and service history when evaluating PSP options. By choosing a reliable and trustworthy PSP, you can ensure a seamless payment experience for your customers while protecting your business from fraud and reputational harm.