Merchant Services
eCommerce Processing
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a payment gateway?

The payment gateway is a link between the Payment Processor and your Web site (or the Web site your goods are hosted on). When your customer makes an online purchase, the information from your Web site must be sent through a payment gateway before an authorization is obtained. After the authorization is obtained, the Payment Processor must transfer any funds through the payment gateway.

What is the difference between a Payment Gateway and a Shopping Cart?

A payment gateway takes the place of a card-swipe terminal machine. It captures the customer's card data from the merchant's Web site or Internet browser and securely sends it to the credit card Merchant Service provider for payment processing. A Shopping Cart is a software program that allows customers to collect multiple products prior to the purchase (checkout) process.

I already have a Shopping Cart. Why do I need a Payment Gateway?

The shopping cart collects items from your customer, adds up the item's costs, calculates taxes and shipping costs, and provides a total amount to the customer. A payment gateway's function is to collect the purchaser's name, address, credit card number, and expiration date. The payment gateway securely sends this information and verifies that the purchaser has enough funds in their account to pay for products ordered and that those funds may be deposited into the merchant's account.

What is an Electronic Check?

An electronic check is a convenient Internet purchase type that many Internet shoppers use. It works just like a paper check, except it is processed electronically and it clears faster than a paper check. A customer uses funds from a savings or checking account when paying by electronic check. Electronic check services are available to Internet Merchant Account customers using Authorize.net.

Why should all e-Commerce merchants offer Electronic Check processing as a payment option?

By providing customers with the option of paying with an electronic check, Merchants can sell goods and services to customers who do not have a credit card, or would rather not use a credit card. An electronic check is a cost-effective alternative to paper checks and credit cards.

Are e-Commerce merchants able to manually process transactions?

Yes, most gateway processors including Authorize.net include Virtual Terminal features.

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