Payment gateways for US merchants

Introduction to payment gateways

As you prepare to launch your online store, one of the most critical choices you'll need to make is selecting the right payment gateway. Your payment gateway will handle the task of processing payments from your customers, making it essential to choose a provider that's not only secure but also convenient.

If you're a retailer who wants to sell things online, you'll need to know about how payments work. This guide explains what you need to know about payment gateways, payment processors, and payment providers. By the end of this guide, you'll understand the most important things to consider when choosing a payment system for your Shoplazza store.

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.

Payment Gateways

In today's digital age, online transactions have become an integral part of your daily life. Whether you're shopping for goods or services, making donations, or subscribing to digital platforms, the convenience and security of online payments have revolutionized the way you do business. At the forefront of this transformation are payment gateways, the virtual bridges that connect you, the merchants, and your customers, ensuring seamless and secure transactions. Among the wide array of payment gateways available, several have risen to prominence in the United States. In this brief introduction, we'll explore some of the most popular payment gateways trusted by US merchants like yourself, highlighting their features, benefits, and the value they bring to the world of e-commerce.

Stripe

Shoplazza seamlessly integrates with leading payment providers, including American Express, Diners, Discover, Mastercard, and VISA, through the popular payment gateway 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.

To add Stripe to your store, click here.

PayPal

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.

Using PayPal and 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 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. Visit Amazon Pay's help center   for more details.

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.

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.

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.

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."

Points to consider when choosing a payment gateway for the USA

• 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.

Payment Methods

Payment methods refer to the specific ways customers choose to make payments. Here are some popular payment methods used in the United States:

Credit and Debit Cards

1. Credit and debit cards are widely used for in-person and online transactions. Customers can securely enter their card details to complete purchases.

• Key Features: Convenience, wide acceptance, and security measures such as CVV and tokenization.

Mobile Wallets

Mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, enable customers to make payments using their smartphones or other mobile devices. They store payment information securely and facilitate quick transactions.

• Key Features: Contactless payments, easy integration with mobile apps, and enhanced security through biometric authentication.

PayPal

1. PayPal functions as both a payment gateway and a payment method. Customers can use their PayPal accounts or link their bank accounts and cards to make payments securely.

• Key Features: Buyer and seller protection, ease of use, and wide acceptance online.

BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later)

BNPL is a payment option that allows customers to purchase items and pay for them over a set period of time, typically in interest-free installments. It's an increasingly popular choice for those who want the flexibility to spread out payments. Major providers offering BNPL services include Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay.

• Key Features: Flexibility in payment scheduling, immediate purchase access, potential for no interest fees, ease of use through mobile apps or online, increased accessibility for those without traditional credit options.

Points to consider when choosing a payment method for your US store

1. Security: Prioritize a payment method that ensures the security of your online transactions. Look for options that offer robust security features like encryption and two-factor authentication. Trusted payment gateways, such as PayPal and Stripe, provide an extra layer of protection for both buyers and sellers by safeguarding sensitive financial information.

2. Acceptance: Consider the popularity and acceptance of the payment method among online retailers. Opt for payment solutions that are widely supported by ecommerce platforms and online stores. Major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, along with digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay, are commonly accepted and offer a seamless checkout experience for customers.

3. Convenience and User Experience: Choose a payment method that offers convenience and a smooth user experience. Evaluate factors such as ease of integration with your ecommerce platform, availability of mobile payment options, and user-friendly checkout processes. Streamlined payment gateways like Stripe and Square provide easy-to-implement solutions with customizable checkout experiences, while also offering mobile SDKs and APIs for seamless mobile payments.

Additional Information

Uncover the details of online payment systems, from additional gateway options to chargebacks and provider benefits and costs. This information can lead you to a deeper understanding of vital financial aspects for your business.

Exploring additional payment gateways

In addition to the widely-used payment gateway methods mentioned earlier, Shoplazza offers seamless integration with other renowned payment gateways, including Adyen, Checkout.com, Oceanpayment, and Payoneer. These gateways are particularly favoured by international merchants for their global reach and can also be utilized by merchants in Canada.

Feel free to explore the following payment gateways for more information:

• Checkout.com  
• Oceanpayment  
• Payoneer  

Benefits and costs

Choosing the right payment provider is key for any online business. Providers like Stripe, PayPal, Amazon Pay, and Adyen each offer unique solutions to fit different needs. Below, we'll explore what these providers offer, along with a link to their fees, to help you make the best choice for your business.

• Benefits and Costs

Chargebacks

Chargebacks have become a common occurrence in the world of commerce, but understanding their impact and implications is essential for businesses and consumers alike.

What is a chargeback?

In the world of online transactions, chargebacks have become a significant mechanism for consumer protection. Understanding what chargebacks are and how they work is essential for both buyers and sellers alike.

• What is a chargeback?

What are the chargeback fees?

Chargeback fees can have a significant impact on your bottom line, especially if you operate in the e-commerce industry. By exploring the reasons behind these fees and how they are calculated, you can better understand the financial implications for your business as a merchant.

• Chargeback Fees

How do I prevent chargebacks from happening?

Preventing chargebacks is a fundamental aspect of maintaining a healthy and thriving business. You can minimize the risk of chargebacks and protect your revenue streams by implementing effective strategies and best practices.

• Preventing chargebacks