Safe, Seamless, Smart: Authorize.Net & Credit Card Processing

An Overview of Authorize.Net

Payment gateways are integral when it comes to credit card processing. As a provider renowned for their payment gateways, Authorize.net offers comprehensive features and services that enhance and facilitate transaction processing. Since their founding in 1996, Authorize.net has connected all parties involved in credit card processing, ensuring businesses accept and process payments seamlessly.

With features like hosted payment pages, recurring billing, and advanced fraud detection, Authorize.Net provides various tools to help businesses manage and prevent fraudulent transactions. Thanks to their user-friendly API integrations, they provide the framework for processing credit card transactions more quickly and effectively, allowing businesses to adjust and manage customer information efficiently. By accommodating transaction needs like mobile, online, and in-store payments, the goal of Authorize.net is to simplify digital transactions.

As evidence of their dedication to offering the resources businesses need, Authorize.net won the "Best API Integration" award in 2018 and 2019 and the "Highest Authorization Rate Award" in 2020.

Service Offerings

Advanced fraud protection suite

Security is paramount in the world of payment processing, and Authorize.net addresses this concern with their Advanced Fraud Protection Suite. This suite serves as a comprehensive shield, adept at identifying, managing, and preventing suspicious and potentially fraudulent transactions. Businesses benefit from heightened flexibility thanks to the ability to configure filter settings tailored to their unique needs. The platform also enhances intelligence by restricting the activity and transactions of specific IP addresses and countries. What sets it apart is the seamless integration because this suite is built directly into the Authorize.net platform.

Customer Information Manager

Their Customer Information Manager (CIM) feature is a robust tool for businesses that streamlines customer interactions. It empowers businesses to manage customer profiles effectively, allowing customers to securely save essential details such as billing, shipping, and payment details for any future orders. With support for multiple payment methods, CIM ensures a seamless integration process for a business's application or website, all made possible through the platform's reliable APIs.

Recurring payments

Businesses that deal with repeat customers will find the recurring payments feature invaluable. Utilizing the Automated Recurring Billing (ARB) system, the platform enables the acceptance and submission of monthly installments or recurring payments. This not only provides a flexible way for customers to pay by credit card or directly from their bank accounts but also streamlines the billing process, improving both security and efficiency. Businesses can choose a recurring schedule that aligns with their needs, accept multiple payment methods, and conveniently review the status of every subscription and transaction through the online portal.

API developer tools

Authorize.net provides robust API developer tools to empower businesses to integrate customer profiles seamlessly and track their payments through multiple payment methods. The integration of customer profiles becomes a straightforward process, contributing to a more streamlined and efficient payment processing experience for businesses. Additionally, they offer SDK support, which ensures the platform has a smooth development process for applications on native iOS and Android platforms.

Digital invoices

With digital invoicing, Authorize.net streamlines the invoicing process for businesses. With this function, users can pay with ease using computers or mobile devices without the need for extra software, and it provides more flexibility by accepting payments by ACH and credit cards. Authorize.net offers digital invoicing with features like discounts and partial payments, along with comprehensive reports that include updated cards, reasons for changes, and account closures. To access these reports, you must use the Merchant Interface or APIs to view them easily.

Simple checkout

Authorize.net's Simple Checkout feature is designed to make it easy for businesses to accept payments on their websites. This feature allows businesses to customize the payment experience, creating buttons for customers to either donate or buy now. When customers click these buttons, they will be directed to a secure payment page to enter their payment information. This ensures their sensitive information remains confidential.

Accepting various payment methods

Authorize.net facilitates a broad spectrum of payment transactions, catering to various business needs. The platform guarantees flexibility in payment processing regardless of the payment method—online, in-person, or ACH. Additionally, they accept a wide range of payment methods, including JCB, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, eCheck, PayPal, Chase Pay, Apple Pay, Click to Pay, and PayPal.

Account Updater

For businesses utilizing both CIM and ARB, Authorize.net's Account Updater service becomes a valuable tool. This service ensures that card information remains up-to-date, effectively preventing payment interruptions and potential lost sales. By automatically updating credit card information, businesses can maintain a smooth and uninterrupted payment process, enhancing customer satisfaction.

eCheck payments

Ideal for contactless mobile payments, bill payments, and recurring transactions, electronic checks are a stellar digital payment option. Authorize.net supports eCheck payments, which streamline administrative tasks, reduce processing time, and enable easy management of bills and recurring payments. With faster processing and deposits compared to traditional checks, electronic checks leverage the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network for seamless transactions.

Virtual POS

Free for all businesses using Authorize.net, this virtual POS allows you to turn a computer device into a POS system by connecting a compatible card reader. Businesses can accept EMV payments and email or print receipts by pairing a device with the card reader.

The Advantages & Disadvantages of Authorize.Net

Advantages

• Wide Currency Support: With the help of Authorize.net, businesses with headquarters in the US, Canada, or Australia can accept payments from anywhere around the world. Businesses may reach a global audience by processing payments both online and offline with ease, thanks to their APIs. For businesses outside the US and Canada, these services are administered through their solution, Cybersource
• Transparent pricing: Unambiguous pricing for all services is guaranteed by Authorize.net, which places a strong emphasis on transparency. Companies can make well-informed decisions and build trust by knowing the costs
• Monthly agreement: Authorize.net is a flexible service that works with monthly contracts. Due to the lack of long-term commitments and early termination penalties, businesses can alter their payment processing arrangements whenever circumstances change
• Advanced security measures: Authorize.net prioritizes security and employs cutting-edge techniques to safeguard private financial information. This dedication to security fosters trust between companies and clients, creating a safe environment for online and offline interactions

Disadvantages

• High fees for the all-in-one plan: Because of the transaction fees associated with Authorize.net's all-in-one service, businesses could conclude that other options are more affordable. Having a merchant account in advance and subsequently buying Authorize.net's payment gateway can be a more cost-effective option compared to using Authorize.net for both the merchant account setup and the payment gateway
• Limited integrations: Authorize.net has limitations regarding integrations with third-party POS systems and hardware. As for their virtual POS feature, compatible card readers are also limited
• Learning curve: Although setting up Authorize.net is straightforward, user reports have stated that becoming accustomed to the interface and using the comprehensive features may take some time
• Complex reporting features: Users have expressed challenges with the complexity of Authorize.net's reporting features. Therefore, navigating and understanding the reporting tools may require additional effort

Authorize.Net's Pricing Structure

Authorize.Net adopts an flat-rate pricing model, providing businesses with versatile choices to meet their unique needs. The platform presents two distinct plans: the comprehensive All-In-One option and the specialized Payment Gateway Only plan.

With the All-In-One option, businesses can access a merchant account and an online payment gateway. This plan has a favorable $0 setup fee and a monthly service fee of $25. As for the payment processing fee, 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction is applied.

Similarly, the Payment Gateway Only plan, applicable to businesses with an existing merchant account, maintains a monthly fee of $25 and a setup fee of $0. Transactions under this plan incur 10 cents per transaction and an additional 10 cents per daily batch fee.

Additional services, such as an advanced fraud detection suite, a customer information manager, recurring payments, eCheck payments, invoicing, an account updater, and simple checkout, come free of charge with both plans. However, Account Updater and eCheck processing come at an additional cost. The provider does not disclose the price of Account Updater; however, for eCheck processing, the transaction fee is 0.75%.

Security & Compliance

Upon a customer's request, Authorize.net will provide an Attestation of Compliance certifying that it complies with all the PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry-Data Security Standards) standards. Additionally, they have established elaborate mechanisms to protect merchants and their customers. The platform employs 13 transaction tools and filters to manage and prevent fraudulent activities. Some of these include:

Their Advanced Fraud Detection Suite gives merchants complete control, enabling them to take actions such as declining transactions, authorizing withholding, or processing. They also implement database and shipping filters focusing on billing and shipping details, making verifying addresses easier and tailoring transaction handling based on verification outcomes. Their IP and velocity filters are designed to isolate or block suspicious activities, limit transactions, and customize actions based on geographic area. Additionally, they offer tools like the suspicious transaction filter, hourly velocity filter, and amount filter, which can pinpoint and restrict potentially fraudulent transactions.

Furthermore, they have partnered with SecurityMetrics to further enhance security by facilitating compliance and PCI-DSS for businesses that use their services. SecurityMetrics is an approved scanning vendor that conducts PCI scans, audits, software assessments, terminal security audits, penetration tests, and other analyses to ensure that businesses remain compliant and committed to secure transactions.

User Experience & Testimonials

Authorize.net boasts an esteemed reputation, holding accreditation and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). They maintain a commanding advantage on G2, earning an impressive 4.2 out of 5. Still, it is noteworthy that Trustpilot reviews, which have an overall rating of 1.5 out of 5, present a different perspective.

Positive reviews largely agree that Authorize.net is reliable and easy to set up, as they facilitate smooth payment processing and impacts a business's efficiency. Diverse sectors of customers appreciate the customer support and security features. The company also receives consistent praise for their straightforward integration with other services and user-friendly interface. Additionally, Authorize.net's top-notch customer service has received numerous positive reviews.

On the other hand, negative reviews often center around concerns related to the funds being held. Authorize.net has responded to these complaints by clarifying that fund holding is typically attributed to the merchant account provider rather than Authorize.net directly. In one customer's case, where funds were not deposited, Authorize.net explained that the business did not fall under their supported categories, leading to the cancellation of the merchant account and a 120-day fund hold. Additionally, there have been reports of users being charged for services they did not use.

How Can I Get in Touch With Authorize.Net?

Authorize.Net ensures accessibility through multiple avenues for customer service. For direct inquiries, you can call 1-888-323-4289, providing a convenient and immediate way to address questions or concerns. Alternatively, a user-friendly form on their website allows you to submit specific inquiries along with essential business information, and Authorize.net will contact you.

In addition, Authorize.Net has a thorough support center that is an invaluable resource, offering guidance and solutions for most typical questions. This approach to customer care highlights the platform's dedication to providing their consumers with various efficient help choices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Authorize.Net stands as a robust and versatile payment gateway provider, fostering seamless connections between businesses and processors. From advanced fraud protection to customer information management and recurring payments, Authorize.Net provides tools that enhance security and streamline payment processing. The platform's commitment to broad currency support, transparent pricing, and flexible monthly agreements adds to its appeal.

While Authorize.Net has received acclaim for its reliability, ease of setup, and efficient customer service, it is crucial to consider potential downsides such as high fees for the all-in-one plan, limited integrations, and reported learning curves.

If, after reading this review, you wish to compare other payment processors, access Several.com's review page, comparison page, and credit card processing blogs to learn more about credit card processing specifics. Choosing a payment processing provider that is compatible with your needs is a challenge. We simply help with the process.

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