How does online credit card processing work?
Accepting card payments online is an easy way to improve how your business operates and makes sales.
Here’s a quick guide to how the process works.
Online credit card processing (or processing any online card payments) is a much simpler process than you probably think, but there are a few essential things you’ll have to get in order before you can start.
There’s a few accounts you’ll need to set up, some security essentials you’ll need to make sure you have, and you’ll need to choose a card processing provider who can help you start using online payments without burying you in hidden fees.
So what do you need to get started with online credit card processing?
Online Merchant Account
You’ll need a merchant account if you plan to take card payments of any kind - not just online card payments.
This isn’t the same as your business account (where your money ends up), a merchant account is what will allow you to process debit or credit card payments and transfer the funds into your business account.
You’ll need to make sure your merchant account is set up to allow online payments when you set it up.
Payment Gateway
Your online payment gateway is ultimately what will securely process a customer’s credit card transaction - essentially it replicates the function of a card terminal online.
It helps make sure you get paid and can also help with safety elements like checking for fraud.
When customers go through checkout they’ll be taken to your secure online payment gateway to enter their card details and authorise their payment.
None of the customer card details are stored by you, so you don’t have to worry about data security.
Virtual terminal
If an eCommerce store isn’t the right choice for your business, but you’d like to be able to take payments away from your store, a virtual terminal is a great choice.
Using a secure online portal, you can remotely enter customer card details to take payment for goods or services.
It’s a simple online payment method, which allows you to keep trading no matter where you’re based.
Many retailers with a virtual terminal use them to accept payments from customers over the phone, using a mobile device with an internet connection.
All you have to do is log into your virtual terminal and enter the customer card details into a secure form.
The details are instantly confirmed and checked before the payment is authorised.
Online credit card processing in action
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User enters their details into the application via the website
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The card details are sent to the Payment Gateway
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The details are sent to the Internet Merchant Account for processing
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Payment confirmation or rejection notification is sent back to the application via the Payment Gateway
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The money is transferred into your Business Account according to your agreed settlement window
Start taking online payments with Handepay
Being able to take payments online can add another dimension to your business, and it’s easier to get started than you think.
Get in touch with us today and we’ll take you through the simple process of setting up online payments for your business.
You’ll have no hidden fees and you’ll instantly be able to start taking payments in the ways your customers want.
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