Gateway, PSP and acquirer: ask who does what
A gateway connects a checkout to payment-processing services. A PSP can bundle several functions, while the acquiring arrangement governs card acceptance. Providers use overlapping descriptions, so confirm the contracting entities, which services are included and who handles underwriting, disputes and settlement. A software integration alone is not merchant-account approval.
Choose payment methods around customer needs
Record the cards, wallets and bank-payment methods you actually need. Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay should be confirmed for your merchant country, business activity and integration rather than assumed from a logo. Separate customer payment methods from checkout currencies and the currencies paid into your settlement account. Our directory filters include only documented capabilities; missing information remains unconfirmed.
Check integration and recurring flows
Compare a hosted checkout, payment links, API integration, mobile SDK or an available webshop connector. Ask who maintains the integration, which versions are supported and how sandbox testing works. For subscriptions, confirm token handling, initial authorization, subsequent payment flows, cancellation and refund support. Responsibility for card data depends on the integration and should be clarified with the provider.
Evaluate cost and operational support
Use comparable transaction volumes, ticket sizes and customer countries when reviewing pricing. Include gateway, platform and integration costs as well as processing charges. Understand reconciliation, dispute handling, outage escalation and payout visibility before migration. Testing should cover success, failure, refunds and any recurring flow, not just the first successful payment.
Frequently asked questions
Is a gateway the same as a merchant account?
No. Gateway software and an acquiring merchant account perform different roles, even when supplied in a bundled service. Confirm the scope of the actual offer.
Do wallet logos guarantee support?
No. Wallet availability depends on the account, market, customer device and integration. Confirm the particular flow you need.
Can I compare gateways without signing in?
Yes. Public discovery and directory comparisons are available without an account. Saving a private application requires sign-in.
Continue your research
Compare fees, reserves and settlement structures · Prepare a merchant application · Understand our evidence and matching methodology