How to accept Credit Card payment: 3 simple ways

3 min read Mar 8, 2024

Behind your café counter, the mix of customers’ demands flexible payment options. Accepting Credit Card payments isn't just convenient; it's essential for business success, ensuring you cater to every customer's preference and never miss a sale, whether in-store or online.

We will discuss the essentials of integrating Credit Card payment systems for your business, covering the key methods and tools needed to accept Credit Card payments.

How to accept Credit Card payments online

Accepting Credit Card payments online is vital for success. Let's explore how to set up your business for online transactions.

• Digital storefront: Your digital storefront is the first impression customers have of your business online. It's crucial to design a website or platform that is visually appealing and user-friendly, ensuring customers can easily browse, select, and pay for products or services with their Credit Cards.
• Payment gateway: A payment gateway is the digital bridge between your website and the payment processor. It securely captures and transfers payment data from the customer to the processor, facilitating transaction authorisations. Think of it as the online equivalent of a physical Credit Card reader.
• Payment processor: This is the engine that powers the transaction process, handling the funds transfer from the customer's Credit Card account to your business account. Payment processors perform the essential tasks of verifying transaction details, ensuring funds are available, and securing money transfer.

How to take Credit Card payments in person

For brick-and-mortar businesses, the ability to accept Credit Card payments in person is vital for day-to-day operations. Let's understand the tools that make this possible.

• Countertop card readers: These are the stalwarts of physical stores, providing a reliable way to accept Credit Card payments at a fixed location. Countertop card readers are connected to your point of sale (POS) system, securely processing transactions with just a swipe, chip insertion, or tap.
• Mobile card readers: Perfect for businesses on the move, mobile card readers transform your smartphone or tablet into a portable payment terminal. Whether you're at a market, delivering goods, or providing services on-site, these devices offer a flexible solution to accept Credit Card payments anywhere, anytime.

How to accept Credit Card payments over the phone

Accepting Credit Card payments over the phone caters to customers preferring personal interaction or those without internet access. This method involves manually inputting customer Credit Card details into a secure payment system.

By using a virtual terminal, a web-based application provided by your payment processor, you can enter Credit Card information received during phone calls. This ensures a secure transaction while expanding your payment acceptance capabilities to include telephonic sales, offering flexibility and convenience to your business and customers.

Credit Card processing fees

Navigating Credit Card processing fees is crucial for merchants to manage costs effectively. Here's a breakdown of the typical fees involved:

• Service Fees: These are charged by payment processors for their services, typically as a monthly or annual fee. Typically, service fees can range from ₹0 to ₹1,500 per month, depending on the provider and the services offered.
• Transaction Fees: A transaction fee is charged for each transaction processed, which generally varies from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount, depending on the Credit Card network and the payment processor.
• Interchange Rate: This is a fee paid to the card-issuing bank, part of the transaction fee. It can range from 1% to 2% of the transaction value. The Credit Card networks set these rates, which vary based on the type of card and transaction.

How to choose a Credit Card Payment processor?

Choosing the right Credit Card payment processor is important for your business, impacting everything from transaction security to your bottom line. Here are some key factors:

• Fees and pricing structure: Evaluate the processor's fee structure, including transaction fees, monthly fees, and any hidden charges. Opt for a processor with transparent pricing that fits your business model.
• Security and compliance: Ensure the processor adheres to the highest security standards, like PCI DSS compliance, to protect sensitive Credit Card information.
• Integration capabilities: The processor should easily integrate with your existing business systems, such as your POS system, e-commerce platform, and accounting software.
• Customer support: Reliable customer support is crucial. Look for a processor that offers 24/7 support through multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat.
• Payment options and flexibility: Choose a processor that supports a broad range of payment options, including all major Credit Cards, to cater to your customers' preference.

Also Read: Credit Card minimum amount due: Meaning, calculation and importance

FAQs

What is the best way to accept Credit Card payments?
The best way to accept Credit Card payments depends on your model. Online merchants should integrate a secure payment gateway. Physical stores benefit from countertop or mobile card readers.

How can I receive Credit Card payments for free?
While there's no way to accept payments without incurring any fees, selecting a payment processor with low transaction fees and no monthly charges can minimise costs.

What is the cheapest way to take Credit Card payments?
Comparing payment processors to find one with competitive transaction fees and no hidden costs is the cheapest way to accept payments.

Can you accept Credit Card payments without a merchant account?
Yes, using a third-party payment processor allows you to accept Credit Card payments without a traditional merchant account, though fees and limitations may apply.

Do you need a machine to process Credit Cards?
For in-person transactions, a machine or card reader is required. For online or phone payments, a virtual terminal or payment gateway suffices.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily constitute the views of Axis Bank Ltd. and its employees. Axis Bank Ltd. and/or the author shall not be responsible for any direct / indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.