Updated: September 02, 2013

If you are going to accept payments via the Internet, you'll most likely need a payment provider. This type of provider allows you to accept credit cards online for payment. Usually these providers offer both Merchant and Gateway accounts, which are defined below.

Try out my new Payment cost calculator to see what various payment providers will cost you.

Rank Provider Pricing Site Logo

Top Pick! CDG Commerce Setup: Free Monthly Merchant: $10 Monthly Gateway: Free Per Transaction: 2.25% + $0.30 Click for More Info

Runner Up Authorize.net Setup: $99 Monthy Merchant: $9.95 Monthy Gateway: $17.95 Per Transaction: 2.19% + $0.35 Mobile App for Merchants: Available! Click for More Info

Runner Up Paypal Pro Setup: $0 Monthy Merchant: $30 Monthy Gateway: $0 Per Transaction: 2.9% + $0.30 Click for More Info

• What accounts do you need? A merchant account is what allows you to accept credit cards, while a Gateway account ties you to the Internet. So, you may already have a merchant account, if you are an offline retailer, or take cards over the phone. In that case, you just need a gateway account, which can then be tied to your merchant account.
  
  
• What are the costs? Pay close attention to the monthly fees and transaction fees. If you need a gateway AND merchant account, each one will have different fees. One good thing about CDG Commerce, is that they add on the Gateway account for free. I built a cost calculator to help explain more of the fees and estimate your monthly costs for different providers.
  
  
• Check integration with your cart. If you are installing a new shopping cart for your site, make sure the payment provider is supported. Most of the main shopping carts have modules written for the main providers, but check just to be sure.
  
  
• Check for PCI Compliance - Credit card processors are requiring stricter measures for any site taking credit cards. This includes secure handling of any credit card and customer information. For more information on PCI compliance, see this website. Here is a good site that offers scanning services for your website.
  
  
• Do you need SSL at all? If you are taking simple payments, you might not need integration with a shopping cart at all - you could just send a transparent request to the provider. I've written such a script - click here. This script currently is only available for authorize.net.

I do custom integrations! If you need a form or application integrated to your payment provider, contact me. I've done many integrations with various payment providers.

 

NOTE: I am a reseller or partner with these sites, and may receive a referral fee if you sign up with them. However, this arrangement does not impact your fees in any way.