Online Payment Gateway: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Payment Gateway Technology?

Payment gateway technology acts as the intermediary between online merchants and financial institutions, enabling the secure transmission of payment data during online transactions. It ensures that sensitive information, such as credit card details, is encrypted and transmitted securely, protecting both buyers and sellers from potential fraud. 

Exploring Different Types of Payment Gateways  

1. Online Payments Gateway

An online payments gateway is a platform that allows businesses to accept payments made through different channels, such as websites, mobile apps, or virtual terminals. It provides a seamless user experience by securely processing transactions in real-time.

2. Payment Gateway Server

A payment gateway server is the backend infrastructure that handles the processing and routing of payment data. It is responsible for securely transmitting the information from the customer's device to the acquiring bank and then to the issuing bank for authorization and settlement. 

Understanding Payment Gateway Fees  

When it comes to payment gateways, it's important to understand that providers charge fees for their services. These fees can vary based on factors such as transaction volume, average ticket size, and the type of payment methods supported. It's crucial for businesses to compare different payment gateway providers to ensure they choose the one that best suits their needs and budget. 

Payment gateway fees typically include several components, such as setup costs, transaction fees, monthly fees, and sometimes additional charges for certain features or services. Let's take a closer look at these costs: 

1. Setup Costs

Some payment gateway providers may charge a one-time setup fee to get your business up and running. However, many providers now offer this service without any upfront fees. 

2. Transaction Fees

Businesses are generally charged on a pence per transaction basis. As a general rule, the higher the volume of transactions processed, the lower the pence per transaction charge. It's important to consider this factor when comparing payment gateway providers. 

3. Monthly Fees

Payment gateway providers often charge a monthly fee for their services. This fee typically ranges between £19 and £50. Keep in mind that the more functionality you require, such as digital payment links or international alternative payment methods (APMs), the higher your payment gateway costs may be. 

4. Additional Charges:  

Some payment gateway providers may impose additional charges for specific features or services. It's important to inquire about any potential extra costs before making a decision. 

5. Consider Free Monthly Transactions

Another factor to consider is the number of free monthly transactions included in the payment gateway package. Access PaySuite, for instance, offers between 350 and 700 inclusive gateway transactions per month as a rough guide. This can be a significant cost-saving opportunity for businesses with lower transaction volumes. 

Payfac vs. Payment Gateway

Payfac, short for Payment Facilitator, is a type of payment service provider that enables businesses to accept payments on their platform without the need for individual merchant accounts. On the other hand, a payment gateway acts as a secure link between the merchant's website or app and the acquiring bank.  

While Payfacs offer a simplified onboarding process, payment gateways provide more customisation options and control over the payment flow. 

Payment Gateway Integration Requirements

Integrating a payment gateway into your website or app requires meeting certain requirements. Here are the key considerations: 

1. Ensuring Secure Communication 

To maintain secure communication between your website or app and the payment gateway, it is essential to obtain an SSL certificate. This certificate encrypts the data transmitted during the payment process, protecting sensitive customer information. 

2. Compliance with Industry Regulations 

Compliance with industry regulations is crucial when integrating a payment gateway. One such important regulation is the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). PCI DSS sets security standards for handling payment card information, aiming to prevent fraud and unauthorised access. It ensures that adequate security measures are in place to protect consumers during online transactions. Therefore, it is essential for your business to adhere to these regulations when integrating a payment gateway. 

3. Consider the Fraud Prevention Solutions on Offer 

In addition to ensuring compliance with industry regulations when selecting a payment service provider that offers a payment gateway, it's crucial to consider their fraud prevention solutions. These solutions are specifically designed to identify and prevent fraudulent transactions, providing businesses with an added layer of security and protection.  

4. Compatibility with the Payment Gateway Provider's API 

Before choosing a payment gateway provider, it is important to ensure compatibility with your website or app. This includes compatibility with the provider's Application Programming Interface (API), which allows your website or app to communicate with the payment gateway. Integration support from the payment gateway provider can make the transition smoother and hassle-free. 

By meeting these requirements and selecting a payment gateway provider that offers integration support, businesses can seamlessly integrate a payment gateway into their website or app, ensuring secure and efficient payment processing for their customers. 

5. What Does a Payment Processor Do?  

A payment processor is a financial institution or company that facilitates the transfer of funds between the buyer's account and the merchant's account. It ensures that the transaction is authorised and settled, deducts any applicable fees, and transfers the funds to the merchant's designated bank account. Payment processors often work in conjunction with payment gateways to provide end-to-end payment solutions. 

What type of payment gateway do I need? 

The type of payment gateway you need will depend on several factors, including: 

Acceptance Channels

Consider how you would like to accept payments, whether it's through a website, telephone, or through open banking, for example. Different payment gateways are optimised for different acceptance channels, so it's important to choose one that aligns and integrates with your preferred methods. 

Card Data Storage and Control

Determine how you want to handle card data and the level of control you desire over the payment user journey. You can opt for a hosted solution, where the payment processor's server handles card data, ensuring secure transactions without your direct involvement. 

Alternatively, you can choose an API solution, where you have more control over the payment user journey by managing card data on your own server. Understanding the differences between hosted and API solutions can help you make an informed decision. 

By considering these factors, you can determine the type of payment gateway that best suits your business needs and preferences 

Payment gateway technology is the backbone of secure and efficient online payments, providing businesses and individuals with the confidence to navigate the digital payment landscape. Whether you're a merchant integrating a payment gateway into your website or a consumer curious about online transactions, this comprehensive guide offers insights into payment gateway servers, fees, integration requirements, and the role of payment processors.  

Get in touch today to find out more about the power of payment gateway technology and unlock the potential of seamless online payments.