E-commerce has brought a wave of changes that continues to greatly influence how present-day business is conducted.
E-commerce has not only transformed marketing but has also reshaped how sales processes function and how business models are built.
When setting up a website, choose one equipped with robust security features and convenient payment methods.
Some banks will open your account in minutes with basic identity information, while others require more documentation to verify your business.
Here are some payment methods you can add to your website:
- Bank transfers
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Mobile payments
- E-wallets or digital wallets
- PayPal
- Cash on Delivery (COD)
Before choosing which payment methods to integrate into your business website, consider your target audience—not all customers use the same payment methods.
Advantages of Integrating Payment Methods on Your Website
There are many advantages to integrating payment methods into your business website:
- Increased sales — the primary goal of most businesses
- Greater convenience — for both you and the customer
- Bills and invoices are instantly generated, helping you streamline transactions
A major benefit of online businesses is the ability to grow without needing a physical store.
Customers can purchase online anytime, from anywhere—improving their overall experience and encouraging them to return.
Setting up payment methods for your website is simple. It’s also a great idea to add a live chat app for customers who need immediate help.
The best thing about online payment support is that it helps you maximize impulse purchases while building trust and loyalty with customers.
Steps to Adding Payment Methods to Your Website
Check for existing payment gateways offered by your web host
Some hosting services already have partnerships with payment gateway providers, making setup easier.
Review the payment support available in your host’s control panel before adding anything new.
Many hosting providers offer payment integrations as part of their service packages, while others may charge extra.
Choosing a payment gateway
There are two types of payment gateways:
- Hosted gateways (like PayPal), which redirect customers to a secure external page
- Non-hosted gateways, which integrate directly on your website via APIs and modules
If you want to integrate Stripe but aren’t sure where to start, you can use a PayPal order form.
A non-hosted gateway processes payments directly on your website. This can be risky if your site isn’t secure because sensitive customer information is stored on your servers.
Ensuring a secure web gateway is essential for protecting customer transactions and building trust.
It’s your responsibility to safeguard your website and customers from cyber threats. Check out this post to learn how to embed a PayPal form on your website.
Study and compare payment gateways
Make sure to research the different payment gateway options available to avoid issues or hidden costs.
Important comparison points include:
- Transaction fees
- Integration fees
- Withdrawal fees
- Payment flexibility options
- Security features
- Add-ons
- Subscription capabilities (recurring payments)
Whether you choose a hosted or non-hosted payment gateway, compare all associated fees.
In addition to setup and integration costs, you may pay per transaction, per refund, or for feature add-ons. Some providers also charge annual or renewal fees.
Integrating payment methods
You can add a payment gateway from your website’s admin panel or control panel.
Select the payment methods that best fit your business model. After integrating them, test everything using a Sandbox/Test account.
If you prefer PayPal, read our article on how to embed web payments on PayPal.
Creating a merchant account
Once your payment gateway is set up, you must create a merchant account and link your payment services.
Merchant accounts are supported by the FDIC and typically include fraud protection.
You'll also be able to manage payment transactions between your merchant account and your website.
In Summary
To compete in today's online marketplace, your website needs a payment system so customers can complete purchases the moment they’re ready.
Evaluate which payment gateways align with your business goals.
By doing so, you'll have a fully optimized website and begin accepting online payments quickly. Explore more tips in our article on website optimization best practices and other ecommerce insights from POWR.
