Payment Gateway Features
Payment gateways primarily provide payment processing tools that allow users to send and receive credit card payments as well as online payments directly from a bank account. Given the variety of payment options available, as well as the myriad ways that payments can be structured, there can be a lot of variety among online payment systems. Some may even integrate with a physical credit card terminal, providing businesses that operate both in-person and online with a means to accept payments using one tool. However, payment gateways include a variety of features to help businesses run smoothly both on- and offline.
Reporting — Data should be every business’ best friend, and payment gateways provide crucial data on each transaction made through the platform. This can make it easy to track how and where money is entering and leaving the business, helping better predict future performance. This also provides an added security measure of visibility into where money is going and whether it was an authorized transaction.
This data can also provide crucial demographic information so businesses can be more aware of who and where their customer base is.
Manual payment entry — Manual payment entry allows a business the option to take down payment information provided over the phone or in person and put it into the payment gateway, creating a larger amount of flexibility. This can also help businesses facilitate returns or refunds requested over the phone.
PCI compliance — Payment card industry (PCI) regulations ensure the security of credit card users online by enforcing strict security requirements. These include protecting cardholder data, maintaining a vulnerability management program, implementing strong access control measures, regularly monitoring and testing networks, and maintaining an information security policy. Luckily, most payment gateways have this already baked in, making it easy for users.
Fraud protection — Fraud can be a huge concern when buying and selling online, and most payment gateways already have safeguards in place to protect their users. Many payment gateways use a variety of fraud prevention tools, ensuring 360-degree protection for all users.
Two-factor authentication — Two-factor authentication is a method that enables users to keep their account extra secure. After signing into the platform using a browser, the second form of authentication will either email or text the user a code that they can then input to ensure that they are the owner of the account. This way, users can prevent unauthorized access to their account.
Internationalization — International support can come in the form of both language and foreign currency support. By supporting multiple languages and currencies, businesses can receive payments from around the world and make their business truly global. By having this built into the payment gateway, businesses can avoid dealing with foreign banks and other entities that they may not be equipped to do business with.
Additional Payment Gateway Features
E-commerce software integration — Integration with your business’ e-commerce solution can make it much easier for both you and your customers. Customers can easily make a purchase without leaving your store, making it less likely that you will lose customers due to inconvenience. But the main advantage is data integration, which makes it easy to process payments and track each transaction. This can help with inventory management, accounting, and more in the long run.
Accounting software integration — Integration with your accounting software makes it easy to track incoming and outgoing finances, as well as track invoices and other financial data.
Recurring billing — Many payment gateways allow users to set up recurring payments of invoices for ongoing services. By having this information within the payment gateway itself, it gives customers the option to set up automatic payments.
Accepted credit and debit cards — Payment gateways often have a variety of credit cards and payment methods they accept. Merchants can often choose from that list of accepted payment options which methods they will accept, giving them control.
Other Features of Payment Gateways: B2B, Mobile, Retail
Potential Issues with Payment Gateways
Integrations — While your e-commerce platform may be one of the biggest deciding factors when choosing a payment gateway, there are other software integrations to keep in mind as well. Subscription management tools are often paired with payment gateways to manage recurring payments from customers. Additionally, shopping cart tools will need to be considered, as they allow customers to select items for purchase and generate a total amount to be charged through the payment gateway.
Currencies and payment type — Payment gateways are limited by the countries and currencies they support. This often requires e-commerce businesses to use more than one payment gateway to cater to more customers. Additionally, tools in this category are limited by the payment methods they accept: credit cards, ACH payments, split payments, etc. It’s important to understand where your customers are and the payment methods they use before integrating a new payment gateway with your e-commerce store.
Transaction fees — Most payment gateways will charge a small processing fee for each transaction. This fee can be either a flat rate or a small percentage and is often determined by the number of transactions your e-commerce business processes each month. Small businesses usually pay a lower rate than enterprise-level e-commerce businesses. Monthly and initiation fees are also common for most payment gateways.
