The world’s payment gateway market was valued at $22.09 billion in 2021, and it is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 22.1% between 2022 and 2030. What is a payment gateway, exactly? And, how should you choose a payment gateway for your business?
In this piece, we’ll get answers to these questions.
A payment gateway is an e-commerce application service provider that authorizes payments between a merchant and the customer, typically for e-businesses and online retailers. It is the equivalent of a physical point of sale terminal located in most retail outlets.
A payment gateway facilitates the transfer of information between a payment portal (such as a website, mobile phone or interactive voice response service) and the front end processor or acquiring bank.
Benefits of a Payment Gateway
Payment gateways encrypt sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, to ensure that information passes securely between the customer and the merchant.
There are many benefits of using a payment gateway for your e-commerce business, including:
• Increased security: Payment gateways offer a high level of security for online transactions. They use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption to protect sensitive data as it is transmitted over the internet. This helps to prevent fraud and data breaches.
• Convenience: Payment gateways make it easy and convenient for customers to make online payments. For example, a casino offering online slots can use a payment gateway to accept payments from players using a credit/debit card or an e-wallet, such as PayPal.
• Reduced costs: Payment gateways can help to reduce the costs associated with processing payments. They can do this by offering lower transaction fees and by offering discounts on bulk payments.
• Flexibility: Payment gateways offer a high degree of flexibility, allowing you to customise the payment experience for your customers. You can choose the payment methods that you want to offer, as well as the currencies that you want to accept.
• Global reach: Payment gateways offer a global reach, allowing you to accept payments from customers around the world. This can help to increase your customer base and your sales.
How To Choose A Payment Gateway
There are a lot of different payment gateway providers out there, so it’s important to choose one that is right for your business. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a payment gateway:
1. Cost
One of the most important considerations when choosing a payment gateway is the cost. There are a variety of fees that you will be charged, including transaction fees, monthly fees, and gateway fees. Make sure to compare the fees of different providers to find the most affordable option.
2. Supported Payment Methods
Another thing to consider is the payment methods that are supported by the payment gateway. Most providers support major credit cards, but there are some that also support alternative payment methods such as PayPal or Google Wallet.
3. Ease Of Use
The payment gateway you choose should be easy to use, both for you and for your customers. Look for a gateway that offers a simple checkout process and easy integration with your website.
4. Security
Security is a vital consideration when choosing a payment gateway. Make sure to choose a provider that offers the latest in security features, such as encryption and fraud protection.
5. Customer Service
When you are running an online business, it’s important to have access to good customer service. Look for a payment gateway provider that offers 24/7 support in case you have any problems.
Choosing the right payment gateway is an important decision for any online business. Keep these factors in mind to find the best provider for your needs.
