(Image credit: Authorize.net)
Authorize.Net: The Gold Standard for eCommerce Payment Gateways
Overview
Owned by Visa, Authorize.Net stands as a veteran in the payment gateway landscape, renowned for its robust offerings tailored for eCommerce businesses. While primarily a payment gateway, it also offers an all-in-one solution, combining the gateway with a merchant account through third-party partnerships.
Ease of Use
Authorize.Net offers a comprehensive Merchant Interface online dashboard, making account management and transaction oversight a breeze. However, the initial setup, especially the transition from “Test Mode” to live operations, can be intricate, potentially requiring developer assistance.
Features
- eCommerce Services: Tailored for online businesses, ensuring seamless transactions.
- Credit Card Processing & Other Payments: Accepts a wide range of credit cards, digital wallets, and even echeck payments.
- Ancillary Services: Features like Advanced Fraud Detection Suite, Automated Recurring Billing, and QuickBooks integration come standard.
Pricing
Authorize.Net offers two primary pricing structures:
- All-In-One: Combines both the payment gateway and a merchant account.
- Gateway-Only: Tailored for merchants with existing accounts. While direct signup with Authorize.Net provides certain rates, many merchant account providers might offer better deals or even waive some fees. It’s essential to compare and negotiate for optimal pricing.
Customer Support
Authorize.Net shines in customer support, offering 24/7 phone support, a comprehensive knowledge base, live chat, and active social media channels. Their dedication to customer service has earned them the Ace Award for 12 consecutive years.
Popularity
With its longstanding presence and widespread integration, Authorize.Net is a household name in the eCommerce sector. Its ubiquity is further evidenced by many other payment gateways offering an “Authorize.Net emulator mode” for compatibility.
Pros
- Transparent and predictable flat-rate pricing.
- No long-term contracts, offering month-to-month billing.
- Extensive support for multiple currencies.
- Advanced security measures and anti-fraud features.
- Stellar customer support.
Cons
- The all-in-one option might be confusing for some.
- Potentially higher rates for the optional merchant account.
- Direct signup might not always offer the best deal compared to third-party providers.
Overall Rating
4.5/5 – With its comprehensive features, excellent customer support, and longstanding reputation, Authorize.Net is a top-tier choice for eCommerce businesses seeking a reliable payment gateway.