Credit card processing

[Markshall]

Hi.

I will soon be undertaking a new project in which the client basically wants an e-commerce system with the ability to input credit card details and it will process the payment, this project isn't due to be starting for a couple of months yet but I want to get a head start.

I've never done this before and the most I've done with payment processing is PayPal but the client wants it so the customer doesn't have to use PayPal because not everyone has it.

Now, the problem is I've no idea where to start on finding a piece of software or whatever that will be able to do so. Does anyone know of anything that will be able to do anything of the sort and one that is recommended by others so I know it is safe and secure.

Thanks,
Mark.

 

[Ron]

Well first off before you consider gateways and software, your client needs to realize your hosting must be PCI compliant to accept credit cards directly on the site. You'll need a dedicated IP address with a SSL as a bare minimum, then your hosting needs to meet all requirements as outlined here,

PCI Compliance Guide Frequently Asked Questions

As far as e-commerce software... there is a lot out there. What exactly are they trying to sell?

I highly recommend using Paypal. This will make the application deployment much easier. You do not need a PayPal account to make payments through PayPal. Payments are able to be made directly with an email address and a credit card. It is much easier to meet standards for accepting payments when using a third party gateway such as PayPal because the payment is done completely on their website, not yours. PCI compliance is not required for this and this is much more secure.

Also before considering software, you need to figure out what gateway you're going to use. There are only a few vendors which offer secure and reliable credit card processing with fair rates. In addition to that, you need to make sure the software you're intending to use is compatible with the CC merchant you choose. Most usually are, but its just another complication.

 

[Markshall]

Well first off before you consider gateways and software, your client needs to realize your hosting must be PCI compliant to accept credit cards directly on the site. You'll need a dedicated IP address with a SSL as a bare minimum, then your hosting needs to meet all requirements as outlined here,

PCI Compliance Guide Frequently Asked Questions

As far as e-commerce software... there is a lot out there. What exactly are they trying to sell?

I highly recommend using Paypal. This will make the application deployment much easier. You do not need a PayPal account to make payments through PayPal. Payments are able to be made directly with an email address and a credit card. It is much easier to meet standards for accepting payments when using a third party gateway such as PayPal because the payment is done completely on their website, not yours. PCI compliance is not required for this and this is much more secure.

Also before considering software, you need to figure out what gateway you're going to use. There are only a few vendors which offer secure and reliable credit card processing with fair rates. In addition to that, you need to make sure the software you're intending to use is compatible with the CC merchant you choose. Most usually are, but its just another complication.

Hmm yeah, that does seem like a lot of stuff. I'll speak to the client as say it won't be possible for me to do the project unless he changes the payment method to PayPal. Thanks

 

[Ron]

Hmm yeah, that does seem like a lot of stuff. I'll speak to the client as say it won't be possible for me to do the project unless he changes the payment method to PayPal. Thanks

Wouldn't say not possible, but definitely more complicated. You have to think 110% about security when accepting credit card information.

Another note, you don't have to use Paypal. There are other gateways out there such as Google Wallet, ipayment and paymentwall.