Identify the technology that would enable the agency to trade

online.

Jenni Corbett

Methods of Accepting Credit Card Payments

There are two ways in which you can accept credit cards on your site:

Using Your Own Merchant Account.

For this you will need:

A bank that will allow you to open a merchant account.

Check with your local banks for more information on this.

Through a Third Party Merchant.

There are numerous companies around that are willing to accept credit cards payments on your behalf in exchange for various fees and percentages. These are also known as "payment gateways".

(Nine UK banks – known as acquiring banks currently offer merchant accounts.)

Using Your Own Merchant Account.

1. Set up a Secure Server This is a computer that uses encryption to make it difficult for intruders to intercept confidential information.

2. Set up SSL Secure Socket Layer technology is used to encrypt the data. You can apply for an SSL certificate online, some example sites are below.

3. Build / Buy shopping software

This allows customers to pay for ecommerce by entering credit card information.

Sites where you can purchase and download this software include:

4. Card payment processing service

This software validates your customer's credit card information over your secure server.

(Payment gateway, otherwise known as payment service provider - PSP)

A payment gateway connects your main web site to your merchant bank account over the Internet.

PSP software can be found at these websites:

Through a Third Party Merchant.

There are numerous companies around that are willing to accept credit cards payments on your behalf in exchange for various fees and percentages.

Reviews on these services can be found here: http://www.thirdpartymerchantaccounts.net/merchant-account-reviews.htm

Other services a third party might offer include fraud protection, order processing and And active affiliate marketers ready to promote your product in exchange for a commission.