Online payments
Take Credit Cards Online for Your Business
To take credit cards online, start with how customers place orders and receive their receipts. A website checkout is not the only choice. Payment links, invoices and a virtual terminal can fit different sales workflows.
Short answer
What do I need to take credit cards online?
You need a payment service that fits how you sell, such as a website gateway, payment link, invoice or virtual terminal. Confirm processing terms, fraud checks and refund tools. Keep card data off your own systems where possible and ask which security responsibilities remain with your business.
Choose the right way to collect payment
A website checkout sends payment details through a payment gateway. Ask whether a hosted checkout or hosted payment fields can keep sensitive card details away from your server. Confirm that your website software supports the connection.
Payment links let you send customers to a hosted payment page. Invoices add an amount due and a record of the request. Check how each option identifies the order and marks it paid so staff do not collect twice.
A virtual terminal lets staff enter phone orders through a secure browser page. Do not put card details in email, order notes or a shared document. Ask the provider for an approved phone payment procedure.
Understand security and disputes
Card not present transactions are usually priced differently from in person payments. Ask which category applies to website orders and manually entered phone payments. Address and security code checks can help flag mismatches, but they do not eliminate fraud.
Confirm how suspicious orders are held for review. Keep order details, customer communications and delivery records for chargeback responses. Ask who sends dispute notices, what evidence is needed and where staff can see response deadlines.
Keep card data out of your systems
PCI responsibilities remain even when a provider hosts the payment page. Ask which validation applies to your setup and what your staff must do. Review access controls and website security with whoever maintains your site.
Do not retain security codes. If returning customers need stored payment methods, ask about provider managed tokens rather than storing card details yourself. Confirm how access is removed when an employee leaves.
Reconcile fees and refunds
Check statements for gateway fees, per transaction fees and any separate monthly charges. Ask whether gateway billing arrives separately from processing. Match deposits to completed orders and look for fees on declined attempts or refunds.
Confirm how to issue full and partial refunds, which fees remain and how refunds affect deposits. Upload a recent statement on our contact page for a free statement review. We read every line and explain each fee.
Common questions
Still not sure? Ask us directly.
Do I need a website?
No. Hosted payment links and invoices can collect payments without a full online store. Confirm how customers receive receipts and how you track paid orders.
Do address checks stop every fraudulent order?
No. Review mismatches alongside order details and your provider’s fraud tools. Ask how settings affect approvals and which orders require staff review.
Who handles chargebacks?
Your business generally needs to supply evidence. Ask the provider who manages notices and submissions, and confirm the charges associated with disputes.
Can I refund only part of an order?
Many systems support partial refunds. Verify this before choosing a setup, including permissions, customer notifications and reporting for the remaining balance.
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