Payment gateways for US merchants

As e-commerce continues to grow in popularity, more and more US-based merchants are looking for reliable and secure payment gateway solutions to process online transactions. A payment gateway for your Shoplazza store is an essential element, as it allows customers to securely submit their payment information during checkout.

The payment gateway you select has a direct impact on your customers' payment experience, the level of data protection, and the availability of payment methods. When it comes to gaining the trust of customers, it can be a challenging and time-consuming journey. However, choosing the right payment gateway can significantly ease the process.

Before we delve into the discussion of key factors to consider when selecting a payment gateway and explore popular options for US-based Shoplazza merchants, we recommend reading the introductory article on payment gateways. This will help you familiarize yourself with the concepts and topics that will be discussed in this article.

 

Popular payment gateways supported

Stripe

Shoplazza seamlessly integrates with leading payment providers, including American Express, Diners, Discover, Mastercard, and VISA, through the popular payment system Stripe  . This makes it a preferred choice for many US merchants to process online payments from their customers. By leveraging these trusted payment options, you can offer your customers a convenient and secure checkout experience on your Shoplazza store. Whether your customers prefer to pay with American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, or VISA, Shoplazza ensures smooth and efficient transaction processing. This diverse range of payment methods allows you to attract a broader customer base and increase conversions.

When using Stripe as your payment system, you will be charged a transaction fee for each payment processed. The fee varies based on factors such as the currency and location of the customer, as well as your transaction volume. For more information on Stripe's pricing and fees for US merchants  , you can visit their website.

One of the advantages of Stripe's payment plan is that it only charges you when you make a sale. Each successful transaction incurs a flat fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. This means you only pay for the services you use, without any additional expenses such as setup fees, monthly charges, or hidden costs. This transparent pricing structure ensures that you can manage your payment processing expenses effectively and optimize your profitability in your Shoplazza store.

Benefits of using Stripe:

• Easy integration: Stripe is easy to integrate into your online store, whether you're using an e-commerce platform or building a custom website. With its easy-to-use APIs and developer tools, you can quickly add Stripe as a payment option to your website or mobile app.
• Wide range of payment options: Stripe allows you to accept payments in multiple currencies, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other local payment methods. This provides a range of options for your customers, making it easier for them to pay and complete their purchase.
• Transparent pricing: Stripe's pricing is transparent and easy to understand, with no hidden fees or long-term contracts. You only pay for the transactions you process, and there are no setup fees, monthly fees, or cancellation fees.
• Security: Stripe uses advanced security measures to protect your customers' payment information and transactions. This includes advanced encryption techniques to protect against unauthorized access, as well as fraud detection and prevention measures.
• Fast payouts: With Stripe, you can receive your payouts quickly, with funds typically transferred to your bank account within 2 business days.
• Customization options: Stripe offers a range of customization options, including customizable checkout pages and the ability to add your own branding to the payment process.

Here's a breakdown of Stripe's fees:

1. Transaction Fees:

• For online transactions with domestic cards: 2.9% + 30 cents per successful transaction.
• For online transactions with international cards: 3.9% + 30 cents per successful transaction.

2. Additional Fees:

• ACH direct debit: 0.8% per transaction, with a maximum fee of $5.
• Custom pricing may apply for businesses with high transaction volumes or unique requirements.

3. Disputed Charges and Chargebacks:

• Disputed charges (e.g., due to fraudulent activity): $15 fee per dispute (fully refunded if resolved in your favor).
• Chargebacks (when a customer disputes a charge with their card issuer): $15 fee per chargeback (non-refundable).

4. Subscription Billing Fees:

• For recurring billing and subscription-based businesses: 2.9% + 30 cents per successful transaction.
• Reduced fees may be available for businesses with high-volume recurring billing. Contact Stripe for custom pricing options.

5. Payouts:

• Transfers to your bank account are typically free and subject to your bank's processing times.
• Instant Payouts (for eligible businesses): 1% of the payout amount, with a minimum fee of 50 cents.

6. Currency Conversion:

• If you accept payments in a currency different from your bank account currency, Stripe applies a 1% fee for currency conversion.

No contracts or monthly fees are key when you’re just starting out. This helps keep overheads at a minimum, a clear benefit for new businesses. Stripe is a user-friendly payment processing platform with competitive fees, strong security measures, and additional features like subscription billing. These benefits make it a great choice for US merchants looking for a reliable and effective payment processing solution.

To add Stripe to your store, click here.

PayPal / Venmo

PayPal   is a global online payment solution that allows users to make payments and money transfers digitally. The company marks 20+ years of experience in the payment industry, supporting 100+ currencies for international businesses. In addition to PayPal, the company also owns Venmo, a mobile payment app popular in the United States.

Venmo   is a mobile payment service that simplifies electronic money transfers. Its user-friendly app enables users to send and receive money effortlessly. By linking bank accounts, credit cards, or debit cards, users can fund their transactions securely. Venmo's social feed feature adds a social element, allowing users to share transactions, comments, and emojis with contacts. This has made Venmo popular among younger users for casual payments like splitting bills or reimbursing friends. Optional security features and the ability to make purchases from select merchants, both online and in physical stores, further enhance its convenience. Overall, Venmo provides a hassle-free and socially connected solution for easy money transfers.

Using PayPal and Venmo for your business allows you to leverage diverse tools to make more profits. PayPal tops the US payment gateway list because of its user payment convenience! The payment gateway supports the ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ functionality, recurring payments, professional invoices, and streamlined payment operations.

PayPal benefits:

• Seamless & Secure Checkout: PayPal offers a secure checkout process that helps prevent fraud and protect customer information. This ensures a seamless transaction process for customers, leading to higher conversion rates and increased sales for businesses.
• Mobile-first shopping experience with the smooth checkout process: PayPal offers a mobile-optimized checkout process that makes it easy for customers to complete transactions on their mobile devices, leading to a better customer experience.
• Supports 100+ currencies: PayPal supports more than 100 currencies, making it easy for businesses to accept payments from customers all around the world.
• Fraud protection technology: PayPal uses advanced fraud protection technology to help prevent fraudulent transactions and protect businesses from chargebacks and other financial losses.
• Easy integration: PayPal provides easy integration options for businesses to add a payment gateway to their website, allowing for a seamless customer experience.
• 24/7 customer support: PayPal offers customer support around the clock to help businesses with any issues or questions they may have about their account or transactions.
• Multiple payment methods: PayPal offers multiple payment options for customers, including credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and more, allowing businesses to accommodate a wide range of payment preferences.
• Robust and reliable: With over 20 years of experience in the payment industry and millions of users worldwide, PayPal is a trusted and reliable payment gateway for businesses of all sizes.

Here is a breakdown of PayPal:

1. Transaction Fees: PayPal charges a fee for each transaction processed through their platform. The standard transaction fee is 2.9% + $0.30 USD per transaction. This fee may vary depending on the merchant's transaction volume or if they qualify for lower transaction rates based on their monthly sales volume.
2. Micropayments Fees: For transactions involving small amounts (typically $10 or less), PayPal offers a micropayments fee structure. The micropayments fee is 5% + $0.05 USD per transaction.
3. Cross-Border Fees: If you receive payments from international customers or conduct transactions in foreign currencies, PayPal charges additional fees for currency conversion. The cross-border fees vary depending on the countries involved and can range from 1.5% to 4% of the transaction amount.
4. Additional Services: PayPal offers additional services such as PayPal Here (for in-person card payments), PayPal Checkout (integrating PayPal on your website), and PayPal Business Solutions (advanced features for larger businesses). These services may have separate fees associated with them, so it's essential to review the specific pricing details for each service.

PayPal is a popular payment processing platform that offers a simple checkout process, strong buyer and seller protection, and additional features like invoicing and recurring payments. These benefits make it a convenient and reliable payment option for US merchants.

To add PayPal to your store, click here.

Amazon Pay

Amazon Pay   is a popular payment provider for US merchants in ecommerce. Amazon Pay allows customers to use their Amazon account information to complete purchases on third-party websites. This means that customers can make purchases without having to enter their payment and shipping information each time, which can lead to increased convenience and faster checkout times.

In addition, Amazon Pay offers features such as fraud protection, customer service support, and the ability to customize checkout experiences. These features can be particularly valuable for smaller merchants who may not have the resources to develop and maintain their own payment processing systems.

Overall, Amazon Pay can be a good option for US merchants who want to provide their customers with a convenient and trusted payment option. However, it's worth noting that there are many other payment providers available, and merchants should carefully consider their options before deciding which provider to use.

Here are some of the benefits of using Amazon Pay:

• Increased customer trust: Many customers already trust and use Amazon for their online shopping, so offering Amazon Pay as a payment option can help build trust with your customers and encourage them to make purchases from your site.
• Faster checkout: Amazon Pay allows customers to quickly complete their purchase using their existing Amazon account information, without having to enter shipping and payment information each time.
• Mobile-friendly: Amazon Pay is optimized for mobile devices, making it easy for customers to make purchases from their smartphones or tablets.
• Fraud protection: Amazon Pay offers fraud detection and prevention tools to help protect merchants from chargebacks and other types of fraud.
• Access to Amazon customer service: Amazon Pay customers can receive customer service support from Amazon, which can help reduce the burden on merchants' own customer service teams.
• Customizable checkout: Merchants can customize the Amazon Pay checkout experience to match their brand and website design, helping to create a seamless customer experience.
• Competitive pricing: Amazon Pay offers competitive pricing for processing transactions, which can help merchants save on payment processing costs compared to other providers.

Amazon Pay's fees typically consist of two main components: transaction fees and processing fees. Here's a breakdown of these fees:

1. Transaction Fees: Transaction fees are charged for each transaction made through Amazon Pay. The exact fee structure can vary depending on factors such as the transaction volume and the total value of the transaction. Generally, the transaction fee ranges from 2.9% to 3.9% plus a fixed fee per transaction, typically around $0.30.
2. Processing Fees: In addition to the transaction fees, Amazon Pay may charge processing fees for certain services or features. For example, if you use Amazon Pay to process recurring payments or offer subscription services, there may be additional fees associated with those features. These fees can vary, so it's important to review the specific terms and conditions provided by Amazon Pay.

It's worth noting that there may be other potential fees or charges related to specific circumstances or optional services, such as chargebacks, international transactions, or currency conversion. It's important to carefully review the terms and conditions and pricing details provided by Amazon Pay to understand the complete fee structure.

Amazon Pay is a trusted payment processing service that provides a seamless checkout experience, strong security measures, and additional features like subscription billing. These benefits make it a great choice for US merchants looking to improve their online sales and customer experience.

To add Amazon Pay to your store, click here.

Adyen

Adyen   is a global payment gateway provider that offers a range of payment solutions for businesses of all sizes, including US e-commerce merchants. Adyen has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among large e-commerce companies, due to its ability to process payments in multiple currencies and its emphasis on providing a seamless checkout experience for customers.

Some benefits of using Adyen include:

• Global payment processing: Adyen offers support for more than 250 payment methods in over 150 currencies, making it a good option for merchants who want to expand their business internationally.
• Seamless checkout experience: Adyen's payment platform is designed to provide a seamless and secure checkout experience for customers, which can help increase conversion rates and reduce cart abandonment.
• Fraud prevention and chargeback management: Adyen offers advanced fraud prevention and chargeback management services, which can help protect merchants from financial losses due to fraudulent transactions.
• Competitive pricing: Adyen's pricing model is transparent and competitive, with fees based on a percentage of the transaction amount and no hidden fees or setup costs.

You should consider Adyen as your payment provider because it offers a robust payment gateway that supports a wide range of payment methods supported by Shoplazza, including Union Pay, Discover, Mastercard, JCB, Diners, VISA, American Express, Carte Bancaire, and Bancontact, along with credit and debit cards. Adyen's platform is designed to be user-friendly and customizable, providing you with powerful tools to manage your finances, optimize checkout experiences, and prevent fraud."

For a comprehensive and detailed breakdown of Adyen's fees, we kindly recommend visiting their official website  . Adyen provides specific fee information tailored to your business needs, including transaction fees, payment method fees, and any other applicable charges. Their website will provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date fee structure, ensuring that you have the complete information you need for your payment processing requirements.

By choosing Adyen as your payment provider, you can benefit from its global network of partnerships and expertise, making it a valuable partner for merchants seeking to expand their business internationally. Adyen is dedicated to helping you grow your business and drive revenue by providing you with a trusted and reliable payment processing solution that is tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're looking to improve the checkout experience for your customers or streamline your payment operations, Adyen can provide you with the tools and support you need to succeed.

 

Types of payment gateway providers

If you want to accept payments for your business, you'll need to find a company that can help you do that. There are different types of payment companies out there, so it's important to choose the one that's best for your Shoplazza store. We can explain the differences to help you decide.

Merchant Accounts

A merchant account provider assists online businesses in setting up their payment processing by opening a merchant account. In addition to ensuring that payments go smoothly to the merchant account, they also handle credit and debit card transactions and alternative payment methods like e-wallets, direct debits, and bank transfers.

It's important to determine which payment types your business requires before selecting a merchant account provider, as some may have more limited payment options than others. It's also wise to look for providers that offer features such as fraud protection, reporting tools, and data encryption services, which can improve the security of your customers' checkout experience.

Third party payment processors

A payment processor is an online service provider that helps merchants and customers complete secure online transactions. They manage credit card transactions between the merchant's website and the issuing bank, processing, authorizing, and settling payments. Payment processors offer various features, such as fraud protection, customer service, reporting capabilities, and integration with e-commerce platforms. There are many payment processors available, with some specializing in specific payment methods like PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or cryptocurrency payments.

When choosing a third-party processor for your customers, it's important to ensure that their payment gateway supports all the payment types you want to accept and that they're compatible with any invoicing software or other systems you use. Additionally, you should check the processor's terms of service for transparent fees and ensure they provide secure payment processing that adheres to PCI compliance standards.

 

Interchange costs in the United States

Interchange is the underlying cost structure of payment processing that can fluctuate depending on the payment card type and submission method, whether it is online or in-person. Payment processing involves a cost, and by comprehending the interchange, you can choose the most suitable payment processor and negotiate better rates. Being aware of the interchange costs enables you to steer clear of unfavorable quotes and concentrate on favorable ones to secure the best possible rates.

Interchange Rates in the US official links

• Credit Card Processing Fees & Interchange Rates | Visa  
• Interchange rates & fees | Mastercard  

What you need to know about interchange

There are several key aspects about interchange fees that you should be aware of:

• Interchange Fee Structure: Interchange fees are set by the payment card networks (such as Visa, Mastercard, and Discover) and are typically a percentage of the transaction value, plus a flat fee. The exact rates vary based on factors like card type (credit, debit, rewards), transaction method (online, in-person), and industry category.
• Cost Variability: Interchange fees can vary significantly depending on the aforementioned factors. Different card types and transaction methods may incur different fees. It's important to understand these variances, as they can impact your overall payment processing costs.
• Payment Processor Markup: In addition to interchange fees, payment processors add their own markup to cover their services. This markup is how processors make their money. When selecting a payment processor, it's crucial to compare not only their interchange rates but also their markup fees, as this will determine your total cost.
• Negotiating Rates: As an e-commerce merchant, you have the ability to negotiate interchange rates and processor markup with your payment service provider. Depending on your business volume and negotiation skills, you may be able to secure better rates. It's worth exploring this option to potentially reduce your processing costs.
• Statement Analysis: Regularly reviewing your payment processing statements can help you understand the specific interchange fees you are being charged. By carefully examining these statements, you can identify any discrepancies or potential opportunities to optimize your fee structure.
• Industry Best Practices: Staying informed about industry best practices and changes in payment regulations can help you navigate interchange fees more effectively. Payment card networks periodically update their fee structures, and understanding these updates can assist you in making informed decisions for your e-commerce business.

Remember, it's always advisable to consult with a financial professional or payment processing expert who can provide tailored advice based on your specific business needs and circumstances.

Why interchange matters?

Having a solid understanding of interchange is vital when assessing payment processing quotes to ensure you avoid unnecessary expenses. It's important to note that interchange fees themselves are unavoidable, but what truly matters is how much your processor adds on top of those fees. Processors typically include a markup above interchange to generate profit, and it's important to have control over that additional amount. However, it's worth noting that not all processors provide transparent information about interchange, and some may charge fixed or fluctuating rates unrelated to interchange, making it challenging to determine the exact costs involved. By grasping the concept of interchange costs, you can effectively distinguish between favorable, average, or potentially misleading quotes and negotiate more confidently.

 

Points to consider when choosing a payment gateway for the USA

• Ease of integration: There are multiple options for integrating payment gateways: hosted, self-hosted, and API or non-hosted. Choosing the appropriate integration type depends on your implementation preferences and desired level of control over your payment infrastructure.
• Flexibility: Your payment gateway should be capable of accommodating the payment methods and currencies preferred by your target audience. It should also possess scalability, allowing you to easily add or remove options as needed. By having this flexibility, you can avoid the need to switch payment gateway providers as your business expands, thereby preventing unnecessary costs for methods that are no longer required.
• Security: As highlighted in the main article introducing payment gateways, payment gateways serve as vital safeguards against payment fraud. The best online payment gateway in the USA will prioritize your safety and that of your customers by possessing SSL certificates, complying with Level 1 PCI standards, and implementing the latest data protection practices. Additionally, it is important for your chosen payment gateway to adhere to local data privacy regulations, such as CCPA. Before committing to a specific provider, carefully review their security & compliance section to ensure they meet these essential requirements.
• Pricing: For small businesses and start-ups, pricing can be a significant concern. Aside from the regular monthly and per-transaction charges, the cost of a payment gateway can be influenced by variables such as geographic coverage, multi-currency capabilities, recurring billing, and supplementary tools.

Despite these factors, it is essential not to become discouraged. There is always a cost-effective solution that can be tailored to the unique requirements of your business.

 

What about other currencies such as GBP or EUR?

Accepting GBP (British Pound) and EUR (Euro) payments on your Shoplazza store can present some complexities, but it is indeed possible. Here are a few important considerations to keep in mind.

First, ensure that your chosen payment gateway integrated with Shoplazza supports GBP and EUR transactions. Not all payment gateways offer multi-currency capabilities, so it's essential to select one that specifically accommodates these currencies.

It's also important to be aware of any legal and regulatory requirements associated with accepting international payments. Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations pertaining to cross-border transactions in your jurisdiction to ensure compliance.

Consider the potential tax implications and fees associated with accepting GBP and EUR payments. It's advisable to seek guidance from an accountant or tax professional to understand any tax obligations and their impact on your business finances.

Last, focus on the customer experience. Clearly communicate to your customers that they can pay in GBP and EUR, and ensure that the payment process is smooth and user-friendly on your Shoplazza store.

While there may be complexities involved, accepting GBP and EUR payments on your Shoplazza e-commerce store is feasible with the right payment gateway and proper considerations in place.

 

What is a chargeback?

It's important to be aware of potential chargeback fees that may apply to your business. A chargeback is a dispute initiated by a customer with their credit card issuer or bank to reverse a transaction and receive a refund for a purchase made with their credit card. Chargebacks are typically used when a customer is dissatisfied with a product or service, or when fraudulent activity is suspected on their card. Payment processors typically charge a chargeback fee ranging from $20 to $100 USD. 

Here are a few typical chargeback fees to consider:

• Chargeback Fee: This fee is charged by your acquiring bank or payment processor for each instance of a chargeback. It helps cover the administrative costs associated with managing the dispute.
• Retrieval Request Fee: Before a chargeback is initiated, the card issuer may request additional information or documentation from you. In such cases, a retrieval request fee may be charged for each request made by the card issuer.
• Representment Fee: If you decide to dispute a chargeback and submit a representment (also known as a chargeback rebuttal), there may be a fee associated with this process. It covers the costs of investigating, preparing, and presenting evidence to support your case.

It's important to review your specific agreement with your acquiring bank or payment processor to understand the exact chargeback fees applicable to your business. This will help you manage potential costs associated with chargebacks effectively. Don't hesitate to consult with your acquiring bank or payment processor for further clarification on the fee structure.

Here are the steps on how chargebacks work:

• Customer initiates a dispute: The chargeback process begins when a customer disputes a charge on their account. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as if the customer did not receive the product or service they paid for, if the charge was made fraudulently, or if there was a billing error.
• Payment processor notifies the merchant: Once the customer initiates a dispute, the payment processor will notify you, the merchant, of the dispute. The payment processor will provide you with details of the dispute and any supporting documentation from the customer.
• Merchant reviews the dispute: As a merchant, it's important to review the dispute carefully and provide any additional information or documentation that may be relevant to the case. This may include order information, shipping information, or any communication you have with the customer.
• Payment processor investigates the dispute: The payment processor will investigate the dispute to determine its validity. This may involve reviewing transaction details, reaching out to the customer or the merchant for additional information, and analyzing any supporting documentation.
• Payment processor makes a decision: Based on the results of the investigation, the payment processor will make a decision about whether or not to issue a chargeback. If the claim is found to be valid, the payment processor will refund the customer's money and charge it back to the merchant's account. The merchant will also be charged a chargeback fee.
• Merchant can dispute the chargeback: If the merchant believes that the chargeback was issued unfairly or mistakenly, they can dispute the chargeback with the payment processor. This may involve providing additional evidence or documentation to support their case.
• Final decision is made: Once the payment processor has made a final decision about the chargeback, the outcome is final and can not be appealed. The merchant may need to adjust their accounting and inventory to account for the lost revenue or returned merchandise.

It's important for merchants to actively monitor and manage chargebacks to minimize their occurrence. This includes maintaining excellent customer service, clear refund and return policies, accurate transaction records, and timely responses to chargeback notifications.

 

Can I use multiple payment processors at the same time

As a merchant using the Shoplazza platform, you have the advantage of expanding your payment options beyond just traditional credit cards. Shoplazza supports multiple payment gateways, allowing you to integrate alternative payment methods into your online store. By offering popular options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal, you can cater to a broader range of customers who prefer these alternative methods. This flexibility enhances the convenience and accessibility of your store, potentially leading to increased conversions and customer satisfaction. With Shoplazza's support for alternative payment gateways, you can confidently provide a seamless and user-friendly checkout experience for your customers, ultimately boosting your business's success in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

 

In conclusion

For US merchants, choosing the most suitable processing option for your business requires careful consideration of various factors. You need to assess your transaction volumes, types of payments you accept (primarily online), and find a processor that specializes in serving businesses like yours in an online environment. Additionally, it is advisable to ensure that your processing costs are tied to interchange fees and that you avoid getting locked into lengthy agreements. By following these steps, you can identify a solution that effectively meets the needs of your Shoplazza store.

 

Disclaimer

This guide is designed for American merchants who intend to sell their products or services both domestically and internationally. The content presented in this article serves as general knowledge and information. While we make efforts to maintain accuracy, payment processing details and policies can differ among various providers. For precise and current information, we highly recommend contacting each payment provider directly. They will offer you the most precise and specific details concerning their services and requirements.