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Authorize.net vs PayPal

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Pros
  • International reach
  • Transparent pricing
  • No long-term contract
Pros
  • Global accessibility
  • Versatile payment acceptance
  • Seamless integration capabilities
  • Effortless online setup
  • Mobile and contactless payment solutions
Cons
  • High fees
  • Limited integration
  • Learning curve
Cons
  • Extra charges
  • Account freezing by PayPal
  • Absence of free hardware
Summary

Established in 1996, Authorize.Net has emerged as a prominent figure in the payment processing landscape, providing a robust and reliable payment gateway for businesses worldwide. Authorize.Net bridges the gap between merchants and processors, facilitating seamless transactions. Offering a comprehensive suite of services, including Advanced Fraud Protection, Customer Information Manager, eCheck payments, recurring payments, and versatile API integrations, the platform caters to various payment methods, from credit cards to eChecks and digital wallets. With a commitment to transparency, Authorize.Net ensures clear and explicit pricing, fostering trust and informed decision-making for businesses. Their services extend beyond national borders, enabling companies in the United States, Canada, and Australia to process payments globally. The platform's dedication to security is evident through their Advanced Fraud Protection Suite and PCI-DSS compliance. While Authorize.Net boasts an A+ rating from the BBB and positive reviews for a user-friendly interface, seamless integration, and top-notch customer support on platforms like G2, it's noteworthy that Trustpilot reviews present a different perspective. Despite some reported challenges, Authorize.Net remains a go-to choice for businesses seeking a reliable and secure payment gateway and processing solution. 

Summary

PayPal, a powerhouse in online payment solutions, has etched their mark as a global leader since they were founded in 1998. Headquartered in San Jose, California, the company has become synonymous with reliability and innovation, catering to both individuals and businesses. Renowned for their commitment to security, PayPal offers a suite of services, including customizable payment gateways (PayPal Payments Pro and Payflow), a user-friendly POS system (Zettle), and versatile APIs for online and in-person transactions. The platform's emphasis on transparency shines through in their pricing model, ensuring users have a clear understanding of the fees associated with various services. PayPal's diverse payment acceptance, from digital wallets to card transactions and API tools and integration capabilities, position them as an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes seeking quick, secure, and adaptable payment processing. PayPal shines with their global payment processing, catering to enterprises, providing next-day funding and swift currency conversions. While positive customer reviews highlight the platform's reliability, security, and seamless integration capabilities, the varied experiences on review platforms such as G2 and Trustpilot underscore the importance of exploring individual business needs. With an A-rated BBB profile, PayPal demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Quick Stats
  • Transaction Speed : 3 to 5 business days
  • Customer Experience : Good
  • Gift Cards : Undisclosed
  • Real-Time Reports : Available
  • Transparent Pricing : Available
  • Pricing Model : Flat-rate pricing
  • Trustpilot Score : 1.5 out of 5
  • BBB Rating : A+
Quick Stats
  • Transaction Speed : 3 to 5 business days
  • Customer Experience : Good
  • Money-Back Guarantee : False
  • Gift Cards : Undisclosed
  • Real-Time Reports : Available
  • Transparent Pricing : Available
  • Pricing Model : Interchange plus
  • Trustpilot Score : 1.3 out of 5
  • BBB Rating : A
Selling Points
  • Advanced fraud protection suite
  • Customer information manager
  • Account updater
  • eCheck payments
  • Virtual POS
Selling Points
  • Diverse payment methods
  • API tools and integrations
  • Reporting & Analytics
  • Installment payments
  • POS system
  • Invoicing
System Features
  • Billing & Invoicing
  • Electronic Receipts
  • Free Hardware
  • Mobile Card Reader
  • Multiple Payment Gateways
  • Recurring Payments & Billing
  • Reporting & Analytics
  • Virtual Terminal
System Features
  • Billing & Invoicing
  • Electronic Receipts
  • Free Hardware
  • Mobile Card Reader
  • Multiple Payment Gateways
  • Recurring Payments & Billing
  • Reporting & Analytics
  • Virtual Terminal
Data Security
  • EMV Compliant
  • Payment Fraud Protection
  • PCI Compliance
Data Security
  • EMV Compliant
  • Payment Fraud Protection
  • PCI Compliance
Pricing Options
  • Annual Subscription
  • Free Trial
  • Freemium
  • Monthly Subscription
  • Undisclosed
    One-Time License
Pricing Options
  • Annual Subscription
  • Free Trial
  • Freemium
  • Monthly Subscription
  • Undisclosed
    One-Time License
Third-Party Integrations
  • Processing Services
  • Accounting Software
  • POS
  • Productivity Software
Third-Party Integrations
  • Processing Services
  • Accounting Software
  • POS
  • Productivity Software
Operating System Compatabilities
  • Android
  • Cloud-Based
  • Mac
  • On-Site Installation
  • Windows
Operating System Compatabilities
  • Android
  • Cloud-Based
  • Mac
  • On-Site Installation
  • Windows
Supported Payment Options
  • ACH Processing
  • Cash Transactions
  • Credit Card Terminals
  • Electronic Signature
  • In-Person Payments
  • Mobile Payments
  • NFC Payments
  • Online Payment Procesing
Supported Payment Options
  • ACH Processing
  • Cash Transactions
  • Credit Card Terminals
  • Undisclosed
    Electronic Signature
  • In-Person Payments
  • Mobile Payments
  • NFC Payments
  • Online Payment Procesing
Customer Support
  • Demos
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Mobile Application
  • Phone
  • Undisclosed
    Tickets
Customer Support
  • Demos
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Mobile Application
  • Phone
  • Undisclosed
    Tickets

Authorize.net vs. Paypal 

Finding the ideal credit card processing company is crucial for businesses in the digital age. Two key players in this space are Authorize.net and PayPal, each offering unique usability, security, and pricing features. This comparison aims to break down these aspects, helping businesses make well-informed decisions based on their specific requirements in the constantly changing landscape of online transactions.

Value-added benefits

Authorize.net and PayPal offer numerous benefits that seamlessly integrate with eCommerce systems and support features such as recurring billing, surcharging, chargeback management, and real-time transaction monitoring. Authorize.net stands out for their stability and specialized Level 2 and 3 processing, tailored explicitly for business-to-business transactions. 

In contrast, PayPal excels in facilitating in-person and international sales, leveraging their broad currency conversion capabilities. This contrasts with Authorize.net's currency limitations, which only cover AUD, CAD, CHF, DKK, EUR, GBP, JPY, NOK, NZD, SEK, USD, and ZAR. Notably, recurring billing is included in all Authorize.net plans, while it remains an optional add-on for PayPal.

Usability 

Authorize.net distinguishes themselves with comprehensive usability, providing 24/7 phone support, an online ticketing system, chat, and full payment processing capabilities. Additionally, they showcase flexibility through support for subscription billing and excel in the payment gateway process with stability and specialized Level 2 and 3 processing, particularly beneficial for business-to-business transactions.

In contrast, PayPal stands out for their text support, available from 8 AM to 8 PM central time Monday through Friday, coupled with an online community and a resolution center. They emphasize versatility through diverse payment offerings, tools, and features, making it ideal for businesses seeking in-person and international sales capabilities. 

Level of data security

Authorize ensures secure transactions through strict safety measures, combining physical and electronic safeguards. Each user account is equipped with specific security permissions, enhancing operational efficiency. The company conducts annual security scans to ensure compliance with PCI DSS, utilizing TLS 1.2 and 1.3 protocols for secure transactions. Advanced features like multi-factor authentication contribute to added account security. Consistent reminders reinforce the importance of maintaining accurate information and avoiding password sharing, ensuring that users are fully aware of the consequences of such actions.

PayPal implements reliable data security measures, including SSL encryption for data in transit between the user's browser and their servers, two-factor authentication for added account security, and email authentication to reduce phishing risks. Advanced fraud detection technology is employed to prevent unauthorized charges, and secure connections using TLS and HSTS ensure protection against interception. Physical and technological safeguards, such as firewalls and secure data storage, further contribute to users' accounts and financial information security.

Prices

PayPal offers a range of payment processing rates from 1.90% to 3.49%, along with fixed fees per transaction. The exact rates vary based on transaction type and payment method. For instance, PayPal's rates span from 1.9% to 3.5%, coupled with fixed fees ranging from 5 to 49 cents. Beyond processing payments, PayPal provides comprehensive business solutions, enabling secure online and in-person transactions, credit/debit card processing, and access to financial services, including business loans.

On the other hand, Authorize.net provides two merchant plans, including an all-in-one option and a gateway-only plan, with a $ 0.10 per transaction fee. The all-in-one option combines a merchant account and a payment gateway; that way, users can benefit from a bundled merchant account at a 2.9% + 30¢ fee, streamlining setup and organization. 

Concluding thoughts

In the landscape of digital transactions, Authorize.net and PayPal emerge as leading contenders. While both platforms offer essential features, Authorize.net excels in stability and Level 2/3 processing for B2B transactions, while PayPal dominates in in-person and international sales with their versatile currency conversion capabilities. Security-wise, Authorize.net implements strict measures like multi-factor authentication, while PayPal employs SSL encryption and advanced fraud detection. Price-wise, PayPal offers variable rates with fixed fees, whereas Authorize.net provides a gateway-only plan and an all-in-one option.

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