Integration of payment gateway sounds complex, only that it isn’t. Even the smallest of businesses use them and notice an increase in successful payments and customer satisfaction. You can also get the same results for your business. All you need to do is select the one suitable for you and follow this guide.
Below, we have shared a step-by-step guide that can help you integrate a payment gateway to your site. But before that, let’s learn a thing or two about payment gateways:
Ways to Integrate Payment Gateway
When it comes to integrating payment gateways, you have several options depending on your e-commerce platform, business needs, and technical expertise.
Here are the common methods:
- Hosted Payment Gateways: These gateways redirect customers to a secure payment page hosted by the payment provider. After completing the payment, the customer is redirected back to your website.
- API Integration: This method involves integrating the payment gateway directly into your website using APIs. It provides a seamless checkout experience as customers stay on your site throughout the transaction.
- Direct Post Method (DPM): With DPM, customers enter their payment details on your site, but the data is sent directly to the payment gateway for processing. This method ensures that sensitive information does not pass through your servers.
- Payment Gateway Plugins: For popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, there are pre-built plugins that simplify the integration process. These plugins can be easily installed and configured with minimal technical knowledge.
Based on your business needs and budget, you can pick the different ways to integrate payment gateways.
Basic Steps to Integrate Payment Gateway
Step 1: Choose a Payment Gateway Provider
First things first, you need to select the right payment gateway provider. For this, start by researching various providers and comparing their features.
Key factors to consider include:
- Transaction Fees: Compare the fees charged per transaction and any additional costs such as setup fees, monthly fees, and chargeback fees.
- Supported Payment Methods: Ensure the gateway supports the payment methods popular among your customers, such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets (PayPal, Apple Pay), and alternative payment methods.
- Security Features: Look for features like encryption, fraud detection, and compliance with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard).
- Customer Support: Assess the quality and availability of customer support, including response times and support channels (email, phone, chat).
- Create a Merchant Account
Once you’ve chosen a payment gateway provider, the next step is to create a merchant account. This account will be the backbone of your transaction management.
The process typically involves:
- Filling Out an Application: Provide details about your business, such as your business name, address, tax identification number, and bank account information.
- Verification: The provider will verify your business details and may require additional documentation, such as a business license or proof of identity.
- Approval: After verification, your merchant account will be approved, and you will gain access to the payment gateway’s dashboard, where you can manage transactions and view reports.
Note: This is the basic process, and it may differ slightly depending on the provider.
- Obtain API Credentials
If you opt for API integration, you’ll need to obtain API credentials from your payment gateway provider. These credentials include an API key and secret, which are essential for authenticating your website with the payment gateway.
To obtain these, you need to log into your account and then access the API section of your account dashboard. There are instructions to generate an API key and secret, so follow those and then make sure you store this information somewhere safe.
- Install and Configure the Payment Gateway
The installation and configuration process varies depending on your chosen integration method:
- API Integration: For a direct and seamless checkout experience, you’ll need to add the necessary code snippets to your website. This involves integrating the payment gateway’s API into your e-commerce platform, setting up endpoints for payment processing, and handling responses from the gateway.
- Plugins: If you’re using a popular e-commerce platform like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento, there are pre-built plugins available. Install the plugin via your platform’s marketplace and configure it by entering your API credentials and other required settings.
- Test the Integration
Before going live, it’s critical to test the payment gateway integration thoroughly:
- Sandbox Environment: Use the sandbox or test environment provided by the payment gateway to simulate transactions without involving real money.
- Test Scenarios: Conduct various transaction scenarios such as successful payments, failed payments, and refunds to ensure everything works as expected.
- Error Handling: Verify that error messages and handling mechanisms are properly implemented to guide users through any issues during the payment process.
- Go Live
Once testing is complete and you’re confident that the integration works seamlessly, it’s time to go live:
- Switch to Live Mode: Change your configuration from the test environment to the live environment using the settings provided by your payment gateway.
- Monitor Transactions: Keep a close eye on the initial transactions to ensure everything runs smoothly. Monitor for any unexpected issues or discrepancies.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Regularly update your integration with any changes or updates from your payment gateway provider to maintain security and functionality.
Time to get started
In times when people rely more on digital payments than cash, not having a payment gateway can have a major negative impact on your business. It is not just an option but a necessity. So, invest in a solution that caters to your needs and follow this guide to solve your integration queries.
We would also suggest you choose a payment gateway provider with a strong customer support system. That way, whenever you get stuck, you know there’s a helping hand, just a call or message away.
Plural by PineLabs is a good choice as its solutions are quite easy to use. As noted by its customers, its onboarding is seamless and smooth. Plus, Plural’s payment gateway is secure and ideal for businesses with large volumes of transactions. This user-friendly gateway offers more than 100 payment methods, including EMI and Pay Later choices.
Moreover, Plural’s Affordability Suite enables your business to incorporate deals, discounts, rewards, and cashback at checkout. Get in touch with its team to learn more about how payment gateways can help you boost your business.
