A payment aggregator is one of the tools that make managing an online business easier. Such services give the opportunity to accept payment in various ways without having to enter into contracts with each payment system separately, which saves time and allows you to focus on other aspects of your work.
In the article, we will explain how payment aggregators work, what their pros and cons are, and what to look out for when choosing the right service.
What Is a Payment Aggregator?
A payment aggregator is a service for accepting payments on a company or store's website. Unlike conventional bank acquiring, such systems allow users to connect several ways of making a payment at once. The available methods depend on the chosen aggregator.
All services generally allow the use of bank cards and popular electronic wallets. The list may also include services for postponed payments, mobile transfers, payment through a terminal for personal settlements, etc.
The main advantage of such platforms is ease of use. Connecting a payment aggregator for an online store allows the store to offer customers a choice of payment methods, which increases conversion rates and contributes to attracting an audience.
At the same time, an entrepreneur does not need to register in separate systems, conclude contracts with bank acquiring companies and integrate each payment method separately.
In addition, payment systems offer a user-friendly interface, easy integration and prompt technical support. Finally, the rules of aggregators may be more flexible than those of banking systems: for example, many services support work with the self-employed.
The disadvantage of such services is transaction processing fees, which are usually higher than if you connect systems to accept payments directly. It is important to familiarize yourself with the terms and fees in advance before deciding which payment aggregator to choose for your company.
Compilation of Popular Payment Systems
PayPal
PayPal is one of the most widely recognized online payment systems globally. It offers a versatile platform for sending and receiving money, supporting both individual and business transactions.
PayPal allows users to link their bank accounts, credit cards, or debit cards to their accounts, making it easy to manage funds. With its strong buyer protection policies and ease of use, PayPal is a preferred choice for online shoppers and merchants alike.
Authorize.Net
Authorize.Net is a long-standing player in the payment processing industry, particularly favored by small to medium-sized businesses. It provides a secure platform for credit card and electronic check transactions.
Authorize.Net supports various integration methods, including a robust API, making it adaptable to various e-commerce platforms. Its features include fraud detection tools, recurring billing, and a customer information manager, ensuring a comprehensive solution for merchants.
Stripe
Stripe is renowned for its developer-friendly design and extensive customization options. It provides a powerful suite of APIs that enable businesses to build their own payment solutions.
Stripe supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets. Its advanced features include subscription billing, one-click checkout, and international payments. Stripe's emphasis on security and its innovative approach make it a favorite among tech-savvy businesses and startups.
Verifone
Verifone (previously known as 2Checkout) offers a global payment platform that simplifies the complexities of international e-commerce. It supports multiple payment methods, currencies, and languages, making it ideal for businesses with a global customer base. 2
Checkout provides comprehensive fraud protection and compliance with international security standards. Its flexible integration options and detailed analytics help businesses optimize their payment processes and expand their reach.
Amazon Pay
Amazon Pay leverages the trust and convenience of the Amazon ecosystem, allowing customers to use their Amazon account to make purchases on other websites. This seamless integration helps reduce friction at checkout, potentially increasing conversion rates for merchants.
Amazon Pay also offers fraud protection and an easy-to-use interface for both buyers and sellers. It's particularly beneficial for businesses that want to tap into Amazon's vast customer base.
PaySimple
PaySimple is a versatile payment platform that caters to service-based businesses. It provides tools for billing, invoicing, and customer management, alongside its payment processing capabilities.
PaySimple supports ACH transfers, credit and debit card payments, and recurring billing, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses that require flexible payment options and robust customer relationship management features.
WePay
WePay, a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase, specializes in providing integrated payment solutions for platforms and marketplaces. It offers seamless onboarding for merchants, fraud detection, and a high level of customization through its APIs.
WePay's integration with Chase bank allows for faster and more efficient fund transfers. It's an excellent choice for platforms that need to manage multiple payees and require a scalable payment solution.
How to Choose a Payment Aggregator?
To choose a suitable service from a wide list of payment aggregators, focus on several criteria:
- Reliability. The service should meet security standards and offer tools to protect against fraud. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with customer reviews to assess the reliability of the aggregator in advance.
- Commissions. Service fees differ, so it is essential to choose the most favorable one for a particular case. Companies with high turnover will benefit from aggregators where the commission amount depends on the monthly payment volume.
- Additional payments. Even with a low commission for processing transactions, an aggregator may charge for withdrawing funds, using some tools, and other services. It is important to read the terms and conditions in advance and ensure that there are no hidden fees.
- Available payment methods. A large selection of payment options increases conversion to purchase and also helps to attract new audiences: some customers look for a specific payment method when choosing an online store. Ensure that the aggregator offers payment methods relevant to the company's audience.
- Tech Support. Prompt support available 24/7 is an opportunity to solve the problem quickly. Evaluate the work of this service at the connection stage, as well as to read the feedback from other customers.
Connection Requirements
To integrate the aggregator to your website, you will need to:
- Fill out an application form. Most systems have a questionnaire with basic information about the business. After the application is processed, the service manager will contact the entrepreneur to resolve further issues and obtain more detailed information.
- Provide documents. As a rule, the ID of the company owner is required, as well as documents for the legal entity. They are submitted by email or, in the case of some aggregators, entered into a personal account.
- Conclude the contract. It is sent to the entrepreneur after verification of the submitted documents. Signing it may require sending the original by mail or uploading the signed and scanned page to the website.
- Connect the system. Most services offer ready-made modules for integration. If there is no suitable module, the API is used.
Accepting Payments in Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is a means of payment that has become increasingly popular all around the world. One of the main pros of digital currencies is their availability even in the face of restrictions, making it easier to work with foreign clients.
Other advantages of accepting cryptocurrency payments include low commissions, security, and anonymity. Connecting this payment method allows you to attract new audiences, increase conversion rates, and create an image of a high-tech business.
To receive cryptocurrency payments, websites use crypto processings. These are services that allow you to automate order placement. An example of such a platform is CryptoCloud. The system processes payments in major cryptocurrencies, allows to conduct work on the website, in social networks and messengers, and convert currency.
System fee is from 0.4%; integration is free of charge. Cryptocurrency processing offers security, stability of work, high-quality technical support, convenient design and fast withdrawal of funds.
Accepting Payments for Business
Installing a payment aggregator is a convenient way to connect several payment methods to your website at once. This helps to increase conversion rates and allows customers to choose the most convenient option for them.
Unfortunately, when working for an international audience, aggregators may not be enough — under sanctions, accepting cross-border payments has become more difficult for some companies. One way to solve the problem is to accept payments in cryptocurrency by connecting crypto processing. A service such as CryptoCloud will allow payment processing to be fast, convenient and safe for both parties.
