Payment Gateways

To accept money on your website, you’ll need to set up a secure and user-friendly online payment system. Here’s a breakdown of the main options and steps to get started:

🧰 Step-by-Step Guide to Accepting Payments

You can offer one or more of the following: Payment Gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, Square): These handle credit card transactions securely. All-in-One Ecommerce Platforms (e.g., Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce): These include built-in payment processing. Digital Wallets (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay): Convenient for mobile users. Buy Now, Pay Later (e.g., Klarna, Afterpay): Popular for retail and larger purchases. Cryptocurrency: Accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc., via services like Coinbase Commerce. eChecks or EFT Transfers: Direct bank transfers, common in Canada.

This a special bank account that temporarily holds funds before they’re transferred to your business account. Some platforms (like Stripe or PayPal) include this functionality automatically.

Depending on your setup:
Use plugins if you're on WordPress (e.g., WooCommerce + Stripe). Add payment buttons or forms via your provider’s dashboard. Use APIs for custom-built sites (Stripe and PayPal offer robust developer tools).

Use HTTPS for your website. Comply with PCI-DSS standards for handling credit card data. Enable fraud detection and encryption tools offered by your payment provider.

Run test transactions to ensure everything works smoothly before going live. Would you like help choosing the best payment provider for your type of business—or even help integrating one into your site?