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A payment gateway (in Internet / eCommerce terms) is a secure Internet connection between a customer's computer, your shopping cart and your merchant account, which ultimately processes credit cards safely and securely online when people buy through your website.

Payment gateways encrypt sensitive information, such as customer credit card numbers and billing information, to ensure that the information passes securely between the customer and you, the merchant. This prevents opportunity for fraud and adds additional security to every transaction. A MUST if you plan to sell online and accept credit cards through your website.

Do I need a Payment Gateway to accept credit card payments?

If you do not have a website and you only want to process credit cards offline, then you do not need a payment gateway. You might just need a virtual terminal. But, if you plan to sell online, you will need a payment gateway linked to your website's shopping cart. It's when you start accepting orders online that you need a payment gateway associated with your merchant account.

How do I know if I have a merchant account Payment Gateway?

Simply ask the company that issued you your merchant account if your merchant account has a payment gateway account assigned to it, or do you have to order that separate. Call them up and ask, "Hi, I need to know if my merchant account came with a gateway or if I have to order one." If they say you have a payment gateway associated with your merchant account, then ask them for the username and password login information associated with your merchant account so you can start using it with your shopping cart.

If you don't have a payment gateway, but need one, request it from your merchant account provider. Typically, there may (or may not) be a one-time fee involved with setting it up, in addition to a small transaction fee for every sale you run through your online payment gateway account.

How do I get a merchant account with a Payment Gateway?

Either way, if you do not have a merchant account, or a gateway to process credit cards online through your website, apply online through MyMarketingCart.com, and start accepting credit card payments from your clients and customers with your own merchant account. The online application is quick and easy.