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Last Updated: May 2024

The Best Online Payment Services of 2024

  • 1) Compare
  • 2) Sign-up
  • 3) Accept Payments
Top 3 Merchant Services
Special Deal
Clover
Clover
very good
8.8
Accept payments anywhere
Visit Site
Merchant One
Merchant One
very good
8.8
Easy payments solution
Visit Site
Paysafe
Paysafe
good
8.1
Worldwide payment solutions
Visit Site

Our Best Overall Provider

Our Top Picks for May 2024
Clover
favicon-CLOVER
Clover
Quick and simple setup
Merchant One
favicon-MERCHANT ONE
Merchant One
Rates starting at 0.29%
Paysafe
favicon-PAYSAFE
Paysafe
Rates from 0.03% + $0.10

The Benefits of Using a Payment Gateway

Are you a business owner interested in understanding the available payment options for transactions? Online payments are becoming more convenient and safe through new technologies that facilitate credit card transactions. By using a payment gateway, companies are expanding their business across the Internet. Consider the various factors that go into online transactions and how you can choose the best payment gateway today.

What is a Payment Gateway?

Payment Gateways are a kind of software and server that is cable of transmitting the information from a transaction to banks during a purchase. This communication not only transfers the information and payment to the bank, but it also is capable of receiving such information as whether the transaction is approved or declined. These services include a high level of security to protect sensitive data such as credit card numbers that might be abused by fraudulent parties. Sometimes a service fee is applicable to utilize an online payment gateway. The details simply depend on the payment gateway providers themselves and the terms they have established. Although some research might be required to choose the best product, an ecommerce payment gateway certainly has its benefits for your business.

Benefits of Using a Payment Gateway

  • Much faster payment method than cheques or processing a credit card manually
  • Much easier way to process payments as well
  • No third-party site is needed to perform transactions 

Various Types of Payment Gateway Services

First and foremost, these gateway services are used as a credit card payment gateway. A transaction using this kind of service retains and protects sensitive data while contacting banks with information. A credit card payment gateway should automatically guarantee a certain level of security by the very nature of its function. An ecommerce payment gateway might also be capable of other features, including a reporting system and the ability to process refunds. Sometimes, a merchant account payment gateway is capable of using multiple user accounts or of processing reoccurring transactions.

How to Choose the Best Online Payment Gateway

Payment gateways are becoming increasingly popular. With this popularity comes a wide variety of options for your business. Some of the most important factors in choosing an online payment gateway of course include pricing, but also its features and support. The best payment gateway doesn't rack up significant fees but also guarantees security in your online transactions. Payment gateway providers should be able to provide information regarding their services and associated costs. As pricing is sometimes the most inhibitive factor, be sure to gather this information when making a payment gateway comparison between companies.

By doing just a little research, you should be able to make a basic payment gateway comparison that will help you choose a service for your business. With so many payment gateway services available for use today, your choices should be plentiful. Start investigating today how a merchant account payment gateway can significantly benefit you and your business.

Our Top 3 Picks

  • 1
    Clover

    Clover

    • Best forRestaurants, retailers
    • Rates2.3% - 2.7% + $0.10
    • Contract LengthStarts from 1 year

    Many top credit card processing companies sell Clover’s point-of-sale systems. But did you know that Clover itself offers credit card processing through parent company Fiserv? That’s right. While Clover is primarily known for its POS hardware, it also offers a range of other services including payment processing, gift cards, invoicing and payroll solution, and working capital financing.

    That said, if you’re looking for a payment processor that offers Clover devices, you should compare Clover to the many other payment processing companies that are authorized to resell Clover products. Clover’s flat-rate processing may seem convenient, but it looks less attractive when you consider the hundreds of poor reviews it has received from small business owners that have used its service.

    Pros
    • Predictable, flat-rate processing
    • Access to all Clover hardware
    • Large app store
    Cons
    • Poor customer service reputation
    • Monthly fees
  • 2
    Merchant One

    Merchant One

    • Best forBusinesses seeking merchant and payment processing solutions
    • Rates0.29%-1.55% per swiped card transaction
    • Contract Length3 years

    Merchant One is a credit card payment processing company that offers solutions to small and large businesses in various industries. The company partners with Clover to resell its state-of-the-art POS systems, provides its customers with free training on using them, and services the hardware in-house. This ensures a high-quality user experience.

    While Merchant One has excellent reviews on Trustpilot, several complaints indicate issues with customer service, billing, and contract terms. Nevertheless, Merchant One’s dedicated managers will respond to queries and guide you on setting up your account and processing transactions.

    Why we chose Merchant One - We chose Merchant One because it’s able to process both POS and mobile phone credit card payments.

    Our experience - We liked that Merchant One provides a dedicated account manager and offers lower card payment processing fees than some of its rivals.

    Pros
    • Assigned account managers
    • State-of-the-art technology
    • Tailored solutions for different businesses
    Cons
    • Free trial unavailable
    • Billing and pricing issues noted