We usually recommend to business that they initially process credit card transactions manually, via a console, provided by their bank. This saves new merchants a considerable amount of money, enables them to test their product range and minimises the threat of charge-backs. However, this form of processing credit card transactions is time consuming compared to the automated process provided by payment gateways.

Web sites do not become successful over-night, it takes time to establish a successful site. After an initial start-up period and when sales are regular you may decide to utilise a payment gateway.

There are many payment gateways, it is important you shop around to find the best service that suits your business and product range. Fees vary considerably, so we have provided a list of questions you should ask:

• Is there a set-up fee?
• What is the set-up time?
• Is there an annual fee?
• What is the monthly fee?
• What is the transaction fee?
• Is there a minimum transaction value?
• Who are your transaction partners (banks)?
• Do you support multiple currencies?
• Which credit cards do you accept?

Finding a suitable payment gateway can prove very difficult. You will require a service that is compatible and will work in conjunction with your:

• Shopping cart
• Web designer
• Web hosting provider
• Product range
• National bank.

We have included a short list of payment gateways for your convenience.
  

SECPay
A gateway for United Kingdom based merchants. SECPay specialise in on-line authorisation of Debit and Credit Card transactions on the Internet. SECPay provide overnight collection of funds directly to your merchant account, both as a service provider, and a software provider. SECPay uses Thawte Certicates to ensure privacy during the transmission of credit card numbers.

  

Secure Trading
Offering a simple 'plug and play' solution for processing payments on your web site. Secure Trading, a gateway for UK based merchants, operates a unique network of gateways with direct links to the banks so that the payments you receive are authorised instantly and are immediately available for payment into your bank account.

  

WorldPay
A gateway for UK and International merchants. However, a Merchant account is not necessarily required. To be used with a merchant account provided by a UK high street clearing bank or they offer a Bureau service for those having difficulty getting their own merchant account. The WorldPay multi-currency processing system enables you to offer your products and services in over 130 different currencies, and to receive payment for them from the range of 24 remittance currencies.

  

NetBanx
Offering credit card authorisation and payment processing for those who wish to provide immediate confirmation to their customer that the transaction has been accepted. Businesses that have current merchant status are able to continue those relationships and take advantage of the NetBanx system. If your business does not already take payment using credit or debit cards then NetBanx is still available to you under their Bureau Merchant scheme.

  

DataCash
A multi-currency system. You are not only able to trade in more than 150 currencies, you are able to have the funds credited to your account in one of 18 currencies. Credit Cards that can be authorized through DataCash are: Visa, MasterCard / EuroCard, American Express, JCB, and Debit Cards: Switch, Solo, Visa Delta and Visa.

  

CyberCash
Offers Internet payment services and electronic payment software. In addition to enabling Internet payments, CyberCash offers merchants state-of-the-art risk management capabilities through its FraudPatrol Internet fraud detection service, and the opportunity to generate additional sales leads through an affiliate marketing program.

  

VeriSign
The VeriSign gateway is for US Dollar transactions, enabling credit card, debit card, purchase card, and electronic check processing services.