Payment Gateways are indispensable for online businesses. They allow businesses to accept payments via debit or credit card. These gateways ensure safe, secure, and seamless transactions. They have created a world of opportunity for e-commerce stores and have easily surpassed the traditional methods of money transfer. Read about payment gateways in USA below.
Types of payment gateways:
Payment Gateways are divided into 3 broad categories based on their functionality:
Redirect
Redirect payment gateways redirect the customer away from the eCommerce website. These are secure payments solutions but provide little to no control to the merchant. These include sites like PayPal and Apple Pay etc.
Integrated Payment Gateway
These payment options are integrated into the eCommerce website giving the illusion that the transaction is being handled by the same site. However in reality the transaction is being done by an integrated third-party app. This makes the process fast, secure, and hassle-free.
Many major e-commerce websites including Amazon, Shopify, and Uber use this mode of payments gateways.
On-Site Payments
This mode of payment gateways offers complete control to the eCommerce store with no third-party involvement. This method needs good security measures and can be prone to security breaches and leaks.
Tips to Choose the Right Payment Gateway
Many different Payment Gateway options are now available for E-commerce stores. Use the tips below to choose the right vendor for your e-commerce needs.
- Target Audience
- Security
- Convenience
- Fee Structure
- Customer Service
- Ease of Use
- Integration
- Domain Compatibility
- Growth
Target Audience:
Many payment gateways operate in specific areas around the globe. Determine where your potential customers reside and make sure that your payment solutions can provide services in the region.
The reputation of a payment solution and its trust amongst the target audience is an integral factor in leading conversions. Ensure the payment gateway you chose is a reliable partner to your venture.
Security:
Security is paramount when it comes to Payment Gateways. Ensure that the service provider has a strong data security system and its standards are updated regularly. In this age of online businesses, hackers are lurking in every corner. The reliability of your Payment gateway will help you earn your customers’ trust and in turn increase sales
Data encryption and compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) are essential when choosing a payment gateway.
Convenience
The payment gateway should be well integrated into your online business. Any payment solution that requires multiple steps with forms, redirects, and checkpoints can cause potential customers to leave and drop sales. Partner with the payment solution provider to only ask for essential information and avoid redundancies.
Fee Structure:
While some Payment Gateways are free, many can cause a big dent in your profits. The paid versions have an initial setup cost, monthly and annual charges for maintenance and security, International payments fee, charged updates, and hidden charges on every purchase, etc.
Do your research and make sure the option you chose is the best one to maximize profits.
Customer Service:
Many top payment gateways provide round-the-clock customer service to facilitate customers from around the globe. This is essential as customers may face multiple issues including overcharging, denied transactions, tracking transaction history, delayed notifications, etc.
Ease of Use:
Ease of use is paramount when deciding on a payment gateway. Make sure your payment solution integrates well into your e-commerce store and provides a seamless experience to the customers. Using an interface that most people are comfortable with and minimizing the number of steps and the fields of information required can greatly improve the user experience.
Integration:
A Payment Gateway is an integral part of your e-commerce store. It needs to be integrated with other software including Inventory management, Accounts, etc. This will enable easier bookkeeping and tracking.
Domain Compatibility:
Target the Payment Solutions provider that matches up with your eCommerce domain. Many gateways specialize in the local market while others are better in International transactions. Furthermore, different industries have different payment gateways established as the standard payment solution and should be considered when making a decision.
Growth:
The right Payment Gateway can be instrumental in your company’s growth. It can build trust and create a stable customer base for the company. A payment gateway can facilitate growth through the following measures:
- It provides multiple payment options to suit all preferences.
- Legally sound and secure helps build trust
- Can facilitate International transactions
- Easy to use and hassle-free.
Benefits of Payment Gateways:
- Speed: Online payments do not require visits to the bank, and avoid the hassle of bank timings and bank holidays.
- Round the Clock: Payment Gateways enable online businesses to keep their stores open and accept payments round the clock to facilitate International customers.
- Security: Data encryption services provided by payment gateways ensure secure transactions.
- Accessibility: Payment gateways enable businesses to access customers the world over without the hassle of money conversions etc.
4 Popular Payment Gateways
Popular payment gateways for eCommerce stores include:
- PayPal
- Stripe
- Skrill
- WePay
PayPal:
PayPal established in 1999 is the most popular online Payment Gateway. Its features include:
- Easy to use and free of cost
- Fast performance
- No Bank Details required
- Worldwide coverage
- Secure and Reliable.
- Foreign Currency Conversion
- Encrypted Transactions
Stripe:
Stripe is a Payment Gateway exclusive to eCommerce businesses.
- It has an established high-end client base.
- Simple integration into an eCommerce website
- Single-Click Checkout
- Offers sales data tracking in real-time
- 100% currency Conversion
- No Setup or monthly fee
- PCI Compliant
- Trial run available
- Enables online stores to accept Apple Pay, Android Pay, and American Express Checkout
3. Skrill:
Skrill is a popular payment gateway based in the U.K.
- User-friendly application
- MasterCard with multiple benefits
- Minimal charges per transaction
- Highly secure
- Multiple payment options available.
4. WePay:
Wepay is another popular Payment Gateway based in the United States.
- Caters to both small and large-scale businesses.
- Handles complex payment requests
- Secure transactions
- Premium customer support
- Offers flexibility
Conclusion:
Payment Gateways can make or break your eCommerce venture. Be mindful of the tips mentioned above and chose a secure, seamless, and upgraded payment option for your online transactions. A good payment solution will establish trust amongst the customers and take your business to new heights.
Finally, I hope you enjoyed reading about payment gateways in USA. Lastly, read more articles like this one on our front page.
