A payment gateway is a technology infrastructure or service that facilitates and authorizes online payment transactions between a customer (or buyer) and a merchant (or seller) in e-commerce or other online transactions. It acts as a secure bridge between the customer’s financial institution (usually a bank) and the merchant’s website or application.
Let’s explore some of the top payment gateway for WordPress that is available on the market today.
Here’s how a payment gateway typically works:
1. Customer makes a purchase:
When a customer decides to make a purchase online, they proceed to the checkout page and provide their payment information, which may include credit card details, bank account information, or other payment methods.
2. Information encryption:
The payment gateway encrypts this sensitive payment data to ensure its security during transmission over the internet. Encryption helps protect the information from unauthorized access or interception by cybercriminals.
3. Authorization request:
The payment gateway forwards the encrypted payment information to the payment processor or acquiring bank, which then routes the request to the customer’s bank or card issuer.
4. Payment authorization:
The customer’s bank or card issuer evaluates the transaction and determines whether it can be authorized based on factors like available funds, card validity, and potential fraud. They then send an authorization response back to the payment processor.
5. Transaction response:
The payment processor communicates the authorization response to the payment gateway, which in turn relays it to the merchant’s website or application.
6. Transaction completion:
If the transaction is authorized, the customer’s payment is approved, and the purchase is completed. The merchant can proceed to fulfill the order.
7. Transaction records:
Both the merchant and the payment gateway maintain records of the transaction for accounting and reconciliation purposes.
Key features and benefits of a great payment gateways should include:
Security: Payment gateways use encryption and security protocols to protect sensitive customer information.
Convenience: They offer a seamless and efficient way for customers to make online payments.
Global reach: Payment gateways can support transactions in multiple currencies and can cater to customers worldwide.
Fraud prevention: Many payment gateways have built-in fraud detection and prevention mechanisms to reduce the risk of fraudulent transactions.
Integration: Payment gateways can be integrated into various e-commerce platforms and websites, making it easy for businesses to accept online payments.
Some popular payment gateway providers include PayPal, Stripe, Square, Authorize.Net, and Adyen, among others. Businesses choose payment gateways based on factors such as transaction fees, available features, compatibility with their e-commerce platform, and regional availability. In this article, we will explore some of the best payment gateway for WordPress.
Malaysia
1. iPay88Â
iPay88 is a leading online payment gateway provider in Malaysia, offering both local and international payment options. iPay88 is an excellent option for businesses looking for a reliable and feature-rich payment gateway. However, they should be aware of the fees associated with using this service.
Pricing and Other Fees
Setup Fee
- SME – RM 488
- Startup – 488
Annual fee
- SME – RM 500
- Startup – Zero Fee Lifetime
Charges on Refunds: Information Available on request
Commission per transaction.
- SME – 2.9%
- Startup – 3.5%
Accepted Payment Methods
- Visa, MasterCard Credit/Debit Card
- FPX, Malaysia Online Bank Transfer Alliance Online, CIMB Clicks, Am Online, installments Online, EON Online, RHB Online
- Other Payment Methods: PayPal, Grabpay, TouchnGo pay, Boost Wallet, KipplePay, Vcash Wallet.
Supported Currencies
Only RM (other currencies, including USD, are supported in iPay88 multi-currency gateway)
2. Billplz
Another popular and rapidly growing payment gateway in Malaysia is Billplz, which is particularly popular for the low transaction fees and the wide selection of payment methods it offers. Among Billplz’s many advantages is its PayPal integration. Additionally, Billplz integrates with EasyStore, a well-known local eCommerce platform.
Pricing and Other Fees
- Setup Fee: Free
- Annual fee: Free
- Charges on Refunds
- The commission per transaction: RM 1.50 per transaction
Accepted Payment Methods
- Visa, MasterCard Credit/Debit Card
- Malaysia Online Bank Transfer Alliance Online, Am Online, CIMB Clicks, EON Online, Hong Leong Online, Maybank2u, RHB Online, FPX
Supported Currencies: RM only
Approvals & Onboarding Time: 2 weeks
eCommerce Platform Integration
EasyStore, WooCommerce
3. eGHL
eGHL Systems Berhad (eGHL) was founded in March 2013. It provides a safe and easy-to-use online payment solution for internet companies in Southeast Asia, including card and non-card payment options. eGHL is regulated by the Central Bank of Malaysia as a non-bank acquirer under Malaysia’s Financial Services Act 2013.
The eGHL payment gateway has full Level 1 PCI compliance and is built with cutting-edge technology.
Pricing and Other Fees
Setup Fee:
- Starter – RM 399
- Small Biz – RM599
Annual fee
- Starter – 1st year waived; 2nd year onwards RM 399Small
- Biz – 1st year waived; 2nd year onwards waive if transaction volume exceeds RM60000 per year)
Charges on Refunds
The commission per transaction:
- Starter – 2.8%
- Small Biz – 2.5%
Accepted Payment Methods
- Visa, MasterCard Credit/Debit Card
- Malaysia Online Bank Transfer Maybank2U, RHB Online, HL Online, Standard Chartered, Alliance Online, CIMB Clicks, Bank Islam, UOB, PbeBank, Ambang, Affin Online, Bank Muamalat, Bank Rakyat, OCBC, KFH
- Other Country Debit
Supported Currencies: Only RM
Approvals & Onboarding Time: 7–14 working days
eCommerce Platform Integration
EasyStore, SiteGiant, WooCommerce.
Global
1. Stripe
Dlocal is a wonderful payment gateway, hosting various local payment methods. The payment platform offers the facility to make payments via credit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, etc. – all in one integrated platform. The gateway is available in a variety of countries, allowing users to perform international transfers conveniently. Moreover, its less complicated dashboard makes the overall user experience convenient.
Pricing and Other Fees
Setup Fee – No setup charges
Annual fee – No annual charges
Charges on Refunds – None
Commission per transaction – No commission
Accepted Payment Methods
Supports all major methods
Supported Currencies: 135+ currencies
Approvals & Onboarding Time: 1-2 days
eCommerce Platform Integration
Magento, Shopify, EasyStore, BigCommerce WooCommerce, and more.
2. PayPal
PayPal is one of the most popular and easily recognizable payment gateway providers. The good news is that it’s also one of the simplest. All you need is a PayPal account, and you’re ready to start processing payments on your website. In Malaysia, PayPal is not commonly used due to its high processing costs and the lack of locally favored payment solutions. There are only three ways to accept payments: PayPal, credit cards, and debit cards.
Pricing and Other Fees
Setup Fee: Free
Annual fee: Free
Charges on Refunds: No extra charge
Commission per transaction
- Domestic 3.9% + RM2.00
- Cross border 4.4% + Fixed fee based on the currency received
Accepted Payment Methods
Credit/Debit Card Visa, MasterCard, Discover American Express Malaysia Bank Transfer
Supported Currencies: 24 Currencies (USD, RM, Euros, GBP, Yen, SGD, and more currencies)
Approvals & Onboarding Time: Immediate
eCommerce Platform Integration
Magento, Shopify, EasyStore, BigCommerce WooCommerce, and more.
Choosing the right payment gateway
Choosing the right payment gateway for your business is a critical decision that can impact your revenue, customer experience, and overall success in e-commerce. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to choose a payment gateway:
1. Understand Your Business Needs:
Analyze your business model, including the types of products or services you sell, your target audience, and your expected transaction volume.
2. Payment Methods:
Consider the payment methods you want to offer to your customers. This includes credit/debit cards, digital wallets (e.g., PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay), and other local or international payment options.
3. Geographic Coverage:
Determine whether you’ll primarily serve a local or international customer base. Choose a payment gateway that supports the regions where your customers are located.
4. Integration Compatibility:
Check if the payment gateway integrates seamlessly with your e-commerce platform or website. Compatibility and ease of integration can save you time and development costs.
5. Security and Compliance:
Ensure the payment gateway adheres to industry-standard security protocols and is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant. Security is crucial for protecting sensitive customer information.
6. Fees and Pricing Structure:
Understand the fee structure, including setup fees, monthly fees, transaction fees, and any additional costs. Consider how these fees will impact your profitability.
7. Scalability:
Choose a payment gateway that can grow with your business. It should accommodate increasing transaction volumes without causing disruptions.
8. Customer Support:
Evaluate the quality of customer support provided by the payment gateway. Responsive and knowledgeable support can be invaluable when dealing with payment-related issues.
9. User Experience:
Consider the user experience for both you (the merchant) and your customers. A user-friendly dashboard and a smooth checkout process can improve the overall experience.
10. Reporting and Analytics:
Look for payment gateways that offer robust reporting and analytics tools. Access to transaction data can help you make informed business decisions.
11. Mobile Optimization:
Ensure the payment gateway is optimized for mobile devices, as an increasing number of customers make purchases via smartphones and tablets.
12. Reviews and Reputation:
Research online reviews and seek recommendations from other businesses in your industry. A payment gateway with a positive reputation is more likely to provide reliable service.
13. Contract Terms:
Read and understand the terms and conditions, especially any contract or cancellation terms. Avoid long-term contracts if possible, as they may limit your flexibility.
14. Testing and Integration:
Before making a final decision, consider testing the payment gateway with a small number of transactions to ensure it functions as expected and integrates smoothly with your website or app.
15. Backup and Redundancy:
Plan for contingencies. Having a backup payment gateway or redundancy in place can prevent disruptions in case of technical issues with your primary provider.
16. Future Features and Innovations:
Inquire about the payment gateway’s plans for future features and innovations. Staying up-to-date with technology trends can help your business remain competitive.
Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best payment gateway for your business will depend on your unique requirements and priorities. Take your time to research, compare options, and test them if possible before making a final decision.
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