Payment Gateway Solution for Businesses
Everything you need to know about Authorize.Net - the trusted payment gateway that helps businesses accept online payments securely with extensive integration options.
What is Authorize.Net?
Authorize.Net is a leading payment gateway service provider that enables businesses to accept online payments through websites and mobile applications. Founded in 1996 and acquired by Visa in 2018, Authorize.Net has established itself as one of the most trusted and widely used payment gateways, processing billions of dollars in transactions annually for over 430,000 merchants.
Unlike all-in-one payment processors like PayPal or Square, Authorize.Net specializes specifically as a payment gateway - the technology that securely transmits transaction information between merchants, payment processors, and financial institutions. This focused approach makes it a preferred choice for businesses that need robust, reliable payment processing integrated into their existing systems.
How Authorize.Net Works
Authorize.Net functions as the intermediary between your website or application and the financial networks that process payments. When a customer makes a purchase, Authorize.Net securely collects and encrypts payment data, then routes it through the appropriate financial channels for authorization and settlement.
Setting Up an Authorize.Net Account
Getting started with Authorize.Net involves:
- Applying for a merchant account with a participating bank or payment processor
- Signing up for an Authorize.Net gateway account
- Configuring your payment settings and security options
- Integrating the gateway with your website or application
- Testing your implementation in sandbox mode
- Going live and starting to accept real payments
Key Authorize.Net Statistics
- Processes over 1 billion transactions annually
- Serves over 430,000 merchants worldwide
- Supports transactions in over 150 currencies
- Processes over $149 billion in payment volume annually
- Has been operating since 1996 (over 25 years in business)
- Integrates with 100+ shopping carts and platforms
Authorize.Net's Core Products and Features
Authorize.Net offers a comprehensive suite of payment processing features:
Payment Gateway
Core service that securely transmits payment data between merchants, processors, and financial institutions.
Customer Information Manager (CIM)
Secure storage of customer payment profiles for recurring billing and faster checkout experiences.
Advanced Fraud Detection Suite (AFDS)
Comprehensive set of tools and filters to help detect and prevent fraudulent transactions.
Recurring Billing
Automated billing system for subscription-based businesses and installment payments.
Invoicing
Professional invoice creation and payment tracking with customizable templates.
Virtual Terminal
Web-based interface for manually processing payments without a physical terminal.
Mobile Payments
Solutions for accepting payments through mobile devices and applications.
Developer API
Comprehensive API for custom integration and advanced payment workflows.
Payment Methods Supported by Authorize.Net
Authorize.Net supports a wide range of payment methods suitable for various business models:
Credit and Debit Cards
All major card networks including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club.
Digital Wallets
Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal through integration options.
eChecks/ACH Payments
Electronic checks and bank transfers through the Automated Clearing House network.
Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through partner integrations.
Alternative Payment Methods
Various regional payment methods through expanded capabilities.
Authorize.Net Fees and Pricing
Authorize.Net uses a combination of gateway fees and payment processor fees:
Standard Pricing Plans
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Per-Transaction Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-in-One Option | $25 | 2.9% + $0.30 | New businesses without merchant account |
| Payment Gateway Only | $25 | $0.10 + processor fees | Businesses with existing merchant account |
| Enterprise Solutions | Custom | Custom | High-volume businesses |
Additional Services Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Chargebacks | $25 per occurrence |
| Batch processing | Included |
| Payment updates | $0.10 per transaction |
| International cards | 1.5% additional fee |
| Advanced Fraud Detection | $10 per month |
Pro Tip
If you process more than $50,000 annually, the Payment Gateway Only plan combined with a competitive merchant account will likely save you money compared to the All-in-One option. Compare rates from multiple payment processors to find the best combination for your business volume.
Industries Served by Authorize.Net
Authorize.Net is versatile enough to serve various industries:
E-Commerce Retail
Online stores of all sizes needing secure payment processing integrated with their shopping carts.
Subscription Businesses
Companies with recurring billing models benefiting from the Customer Information Manager.
Nonprofits
Charitable organizations accepting online donations with customizable forms.
Service Providers
Businesses that invoice clients and need professional payment collection tools.
B2B Companies
Businesses that need to process large transactions with enhanced security features.
Integration Options with Authorize.Net
Authorize.Net offers multiple integration methods for different technical needs:
Pre-built Shopping Cart Modules
Plugins for popular e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce, Magento, Shopify, and BigCommerce.
Hosted Payment Forms
Secure payment pages that redirect customers to Authorize.Net for payment processing.
API Integration
Direct integration using Authorize.Net's comprehensive API for custom payment flows.
Mobile SDKs
Software development kits for integrating payments into iOS and Android applications.
Important Consideration
While Authorize.Net integrates with many platforms, some features may not be available through all integration methods. For advanced functionality like recurring billing with stored payment profiles, you may need to use the API integration rather than pre-built modules.
Security Features of Authorize.Net
Authorize.Net employs multiple layers of security to protect transactions:
PCI Compliance
Level 1 PCI DSS compliant - the highest level of certification for payment security
Advanced Fraud Detection
Customizable filters and tools to identify and prevent fraudulent transactions
Data Encryption
128-bit SSL encryption and tokenization for sensitive payment data
Secure Customer Storage
Customer Information Manager safely stores payment data without exposing it to merchants
Authorize.Net vs. Other Payment Gateways
Authorize.Net compares favorably to other payment gateway options:
| Feature | Authorize.Net | Stripe | PayPal Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $25 | $0 | $30 |
| Transaction Fee | $0.10 + processor fees | 2.9% + $0.30 | 2.9% + $0.30 |
| Recurring Billing | Yes (with CIM) | Yes | Yes |
| Fraud Protection | Advanced suite included | Radar (additional cost) | Basic protection |
| Integration Options | Extensive | Developer-friendly | Limited |
Future of Authorize.Net
As part of Visa, Authorize.Net continues to evolve with new features:
- Enhanced mobile payment capabilities
- Improved fraud detection with machine learning
- Expanded international payment methods
- Better analytics and reporting tools
- Enhanced developer tools and API capabilities
- Deeper integration with Visa's payment technologies
Final Recommendation
Authorize.Net is an excellent choice for businesses that need a reliable, secure payment gateway with extensive integration options. Its long history in the industry, robust feature set, and strong security make it particularly well-suited for established businesses with existing merchant accounts. While the monthly fee may deter very small businesses, the advanced features and reliability often justify the cost for companies processing significant transaction volumes or needing specialized functionality like advanced fraud protection or sophisticated recurring billing.
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