How do you accept online payments on your website?

Nova “Every extra step at checkout is a customer who drops off halfway.”
Quick answer
To accept online payments you need a payment gateway, such as Stripe or PayPal, integrated into your site or system. The gateway processes the card, deposits the money and charges a fee on each sale; some have no monthly or setup fee. At CA, integrating a payment gateway starts at $190 USD.
Key facts
| What you need | A payment gateway account and its integration on your site |
|---|---|
| How they charge | Per-transaction fees; rates vary by gateway and method |
| Monthly fees | Some gateways have none; check each provider |
| At CA | Integration from $190 USD |
What is a payment gateway?
It is the service that processes card and other payments, verifies the transaction and deposits the money in your account. Your site never stores full card details: the gateway handles them.
What should you check before choosing one?
Compare against your real numbers, not just the advertised fee:
- Per-sale percentage and any fixed per-transaction fee.
- Whether there is a monthly or setup fee.
- Payment methods your customers use.
- How long payouts take.
- Subscription support, if you need it.
Do customers still pay you by bank transfer and send a receipt?
See details and pricingFrequently asked questions
How much does the gateway charge per sale?
It depends on the gateway, payment method and whether the card is domestic or international. Check the current rate on the provider’s site before deciding.
Are fees included in the integration?
No. The gateway charges its fees directly on each transaction.
How much does a full integration cost?
It is listed on the payment gateways page, in the per-tier pricing table.