How to choose a payment gateway for your business

Choosing the right payment gateway for your business can be a challenging task. After all, there's no one-size-fits-all solution: you'll need to find the platform that best suits your organisation's specific needs. Taking into account the characteristics of your business, the preferences of your customers, and the payment options available in your target market can help you make this decision. In addition, factors such as security, ease of integration, fees, and customer support also play a fundamental role in selecting the most suitable payment gateway.

The payment gateway’s role

For both local and cross-border transactions, the payment gateway is a system responsible for establishing the relationship between the consumer, the financial institution, and the seller, all seamlessly integrated with the seller's website. A good platform also provides access to the best payment options - such as Pix in the case of Brazil.  

Essentially, when the consumer checks out on the site, the integrated payment gateway verifies the data and submits the transaction to the financial institution. At this point, the information is checked again. If there are no problems, the transaction is completed. A confirmation of purchase is then sent to the gateway, which immediately notifies both the seller and the user. In addition, the whole process takes place in a secure environment with encrypted data. It is usually completed in a matter of seconds.

A gateway is similar to a payment intermediary, another popular service in the digital marketplace. However, there is a crucial difference: the gateway is fully integrated into the seller's website and connects directly to various financial institutions, so the transaction can be completed directly. In contrast, the intermediary requires an additional step. This means the payment is made to a third-party payment service, which then transfers it to the seller's site. As far as the buyer is concerned, the difference is evident, as with an intermediary, the customer is redirected to an external website during checkout to complete their payment.

The advantages of a payment gateway

For sellers who choose to use a payment gateway, there are certainly significant benefits. Some of them can be listed as follows:

1.Speed and cost reduction

Because the transaction is made directly, there are no costs associated with processing by a third party (as opposed to intermediaries). As a result, the operation is carried out more quickly.

2. More control 

With the use of a payment gateway, the seller has autonomy over which payment methods will be accepted, as well as the installment terms. If there is an intermediary involved, then these specifications will be under the control of the third party company.

3. Trust and credibility

When shopping on websites that use gateways, the consumer remains in the seller's virtual environment.

Consequently, they have a better perception of the shopping experience. The customer, however, is unexpectedly redirected to another site when a payment intermediary is used. This can cause discomfort or worry, and can even lead to abandonment. 

Choosing a payment gateway

When choosing a payment gateway for your organisation, there are a number of factors to consider. Security is a priority for obvious reasons. Integration with existing systems is also crucial to ensure a smooth transition. Costs and fees should also be taken into account to avoid a negative impact on the expected financial results. Finally, customer support is also a key consideration - it needs to be responsive and accessible to deal with technical issues, questions, and problems.

Here are some tips for selecting the payment gateway that is best for your business.

Security and compliance

Make sure that your payment partner meets the highest standards of security and that all financial information is kept safe from fraudulent activity. It is also vital that the gateway is fully compliant with local and international data protection regulations.

So choose a payment gateway that is committed to transparency, security, and compliance, and provides solid features in these areas. This will not only protect your customers but will also help you comply with the law and guarantee that your transactions are secure and compliant.

Integration

Integration with your organisation's existing systems is an essential part of the payment gateway selection process. Make sure that the partner you choose offers straightforward and efficient integration with your platform. Consider the ease of implementation, the technical support offered by the provider and the API solutions available.

Costs and fees

The costs and fees associated with payment gateways can vary significantly from provider to provider. Factors such as transaction fees, monthly fees, return fees and any additional costs - such as currency conversion fees and integration costs - should be considered when evaluating your options.

Support and user experience

The customer support offered by the payment partner plays a crucial role in the overall user experience. Therefore, you should analyse whether the chosen provider offers an efficient, responsive, and accessible support service to deal with technical issues, questions and problems.

Additionally, evaluate the user experience offered by the payment platform, as an intuitive interface and simplified processes can significantly improve the customer experience.

Bazk: Your payment gateway in Brazil

Brazil has attracted many international investors, mainly because it is an emerging, dynamic market with great opportunities. In order to exploit its full potential, there is nothing better than having a good payment gateway in the country. From this point of view, having Bazk as a partner can open new ways.

Bazk ensures a fast, transparent, and secure experience for companies and their customers. It is also a strategic partner to ensure compliance with the regulatory system and to scale your results in Brazil. With in-house development and a dedicated team, Bazk offers you a hassle-free implementation! So why not visit our website and find out more about what we can do for you?

Photo: iStock/Drobot Dean