Explore payment processing integrations for your website with this ultimate guide. Learn how to set up, optimize, and secure your payment system for smooth transactions.
You’re trying to run a business and it’s hard enough as it is, especially in our current economic environment. The last thing you want to worry about is how your website's payment system works. You just want to be able to accept payments from consumers so they’re happy and you get your money quickly and efficiently. The in-between isn’t as important.
One of the best ways you can provide a seamless customer experience while meeting all of your business needs, is sourcing the best payment processing solution for your website. Here, we’ll take a look at website payment processing, gateways and merchant accounts, and integrated payments.
(Want to fast track figuring out payment processing for your website? A free Swipesum consultation can help you get started today!)
To get started with website payment processing, you’ll want to review the payment integration options available through your website provider. Many platforms, like Shopify, Squarespace, or WordPress, offer built-in or recommended integrations with payment processors, making it simple to add payment capabilities to your site. However, if your provider doesn’t offer a direct solution or you need a custom setup, you’ll need to independently integrate a payment gateway, which acts as the bridge between your website and a merchant account. This route requires setting up both a gateway and merchant account, with the merchant account handling the actual transaction funds.
When choosing between options, it’s crucial to avoid a direct integration with a single merchant services provider like First Data. While a direct integration might seem convenient, it can limit your flexibility, tying your payment processing to that provider and potentially making it difficult and costly to migrate in the future. By contrast, a gateway integration provides more versatility: you can easily switch processors within the gateway as your business needs evolve.
An integrated payment solution can streamline your operations and provide a seamless experience for customers, simplifying payments and often reducing checkout times. With integration, transactions are processed and recorded in one system, which improves data accuracy and makes tracking sales easier. However, if you opt for a stand-alone solution, you have more control and flexibility, which may benefit your business in the long run. Stand-alone solutions can also help avoid dependency on a single payment processor, enabling you to negotiate better terms or switch processors without overhauling your entire payment setup.
There is a huge variety of integrated payment vendors out there, but finding the best one for your website and unique business is challenging. As with all decisions, get multiple proposals and compare your needs versus the various companies. Some things to look for might be the ability to contact customer service anytime. If you’re a smaller company, you may want a partner that will do some of the development work for you. Additionally, make sure that the vendor you’re working with accepts the payments that your customers use.
Integrating payments into your website and accounting system isn’t something you decide to do and then go for it. Payment integration needs to be meticulously planned in conjunction with your chosen partner. After all, you’re talking about the way you get money for your goods or services; not generally something you want to mess around with willy nilly.
Ensure that your chosen vendor is well organized and presents a plan to you before beginning. It’s also a good idea to ensure you have a single point of contact during your implementation to answer any questions and provide assistance. Remember, if you can’t do the integration yourself, Swipesum can help. Our engineering team will integrate any provider into the software of your choice.
If you’re updating or upgrading your current payment system, your customers may be faced with something new. Warn them far in advance of your planned go live date. It’s good to frame the outage as an upgrade or “making the process better” for the customer. Some vendors will be able to assist you with porting existing user accounts though you will likely pay for this service.
Once you’ve found a payment integration solution it’s time to get rolling. If you’re doing the development in house, make sure your team is set to go. If you’re working with a vendor to help you, ensure that they have the appropriate credentials and access to effectively implement your solution.
You should be the first person to go through your new payment flow. Understand and quality test your payment process so your customers have a clean, efficient experience. Make sure that the pages are attractive and have the appropriate information. Additionally, make sure it’s very clear what the next step for a consumer is.
After your first customers go through and you receive your first monthly bill from your payments provider, you will want to audit the billing statement carefully. Staitment is our great, free audit service that can help.
Make sure you have a plan to keep your system updated and upgraded as well. Your vendor will have an upgrade and update path and you’ll have to keep pace with your website, especially if you need to make changes to continue to work well with the integrated payment system.
Integrated payment systems can make the customer experience worlds better but can be difficult to implement, especially if you’re a smaller business.
Swipesum is here to help - whether you’re already using an integrated payment system and need an overview on ways to make it better or are just dipping your toe, we’re prepped and ready to help you get the most out of your system and increase revenue.
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To accept credit card payments online, businesses need to set up a payment gateway and a merchant account. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
By following these steps, businesses can efficiently set up a system to accept credit card payments online, providing a seamless experience for their customers.
Payment processing fees are the costs associated with processing credit card transactions. These fees can vary based on the payment processor, transaction type, and merchant account. Here are the main types of payment processing fees:
Understanding these fees is essential for businesses to manage their costs effectively and ensure they are getting the best value from their payment processing solution.
In conclusion, payment processing is a critical component of any business that accepts credit card payments. By understanding the types of payment processing, how to accept credit card payments online, and payment processing fees, businesses can provide a seamless customer experience and manage their payments effectively.
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Michael Seaman
Michael Seaman is the co-founder and CEO of Swipesum. A veteran of the payments industry and former employee at one of the largest payments companies, Michael, along with his brother Stephen, has led Swipesum since its inception in 2016. Swipesum is committed to providing innovative payment solutions and exceptional service to its diverse clientele. In his free time, Michael enjoys traveling with his wife Kelsey and their three children, pole vaulting, and engaging in typical Midwestern dad activities.
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