If you’re a merchant running an online store or you offer an online service, you need to be able to accept online payments. Offering customers fast, easy ways to pay for your goods or services is essential, if you want to increase sales. A payment service provider (PSP) – also called a payment gateway – makes the process simple and convenient by enabling you to accept debit or credit card payments.
 

The PSP enables secure card payments using industry-standard protocols like 3D Secure to process authorised transactions. 3D Secure is a security protocol designed to provide an additional layer of security for both foreign and local online credit and debit card transactions. Payments are made into any nominated bank account.
 

Nedbank partners with more than 20 payment gateways to suit your individual or complex business needs. When choosing a PSP, the following criteria are essential:
 

• An established track record and reputation
  The beauty of the digital revolution – that anyone, anywhere can build innovative apps and platforms to cater to user needs around the globe – is also its main drawback. If anyone can enter the industry, how do you find the credible, reliable service providers? It’s best to use payment gateways and a digital banking partner that have been around for a while and have excellent word-of-mouth reputations.
  
  
• The right fit to your business needs
  If you are a small business, choose a PSP that specialises in this segment. If you are a larger merchant with more complex requirements, you’ll need a PSP that has a track record in this segment.
  
  
• Alternative payment methods
  Does the payment gateway you’re considering offer QR code or scan-to-pay payments? Customers can link their credit card to this payment option on their mobile banking app, then use their smartphone camera to scan a QR code and make a payment.
  
  
• Pricing
  Most PSPs offer a variety of products and pricing structures. Pricing can be structured per transaction or as a monthly fee. Additional costs include setup, account maintenance and chargebacks. You can negotiate pricing in most instances. A shopping cart platform may attract separate fees.

• Contracts
  Most payment gateways offer a month-to-month contract. Depending on your requirements, this could be a good option, especially while you are assessing a suitable fit to your business. If you prefer a longer-term contract, pay attention to the termination costs.
  
  
• Capability
  If you already have an established e-commerce platform, it is important to check PSP integration compatibility. E-commerce shopping cart checkout platforms include Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce, Wordpress, BigCommerce, Opencart, Magento, Xcart and Drupal.
  
  
• Support
  It can affect your business severely if you experience any technical downtime or are unable to accept payments. You need a PSP with good support channels that resolve any problems efficiently. Make sure that they provide training and setup support. 

Talk to the experts
 

Take your company to the next level by setting up payment gateways that make it easy for your customers to buy your products online and for you to receive payment. This may seem complicated, but it’s easy. For more information on Nedbank ePay Solutions and our partner gateways, call the Nedbank Merchant Helpdesk on 0860 114 966 or visit Nedbank Merchant Payment Solutions.