One of the most common questions from people opening an online store: "How do I add card payments to my site?" It looks technical, but most of the process is actually paperwork and an agreement with the bank. If you know the stages in advance, your launch won't be delayed.
How does it work?
When a buyer presses "Pay", they're usually redirected to the bank's secure payment page, enter their card details there, and return to your site after paying. Your site receives the payment result from the bank and moves the order to "paid". Card details never pass through or get stored on your site — the most convenient option for both security and your own liability.
The stages
- Legal status and account. Banks usually require a registered company or sole trader and a business current account.
- An e-commerce agreement with the bank. This service is called internet acquiring. The bank checks your site, the products you sell and your terms.
- Getting the site ready. Banks usually want to see on the site: products and prices, contact details, delivery and return terms, a privacy policy, and HTTPS.
- Technical integration. The bank provides test and live credentials, and a developer connects the site to the bank's payment system.
- Test payments. Successful payments, declined cards, abandoned payments and refunds are all tested.
- Going live. After testing, the system is switched to real payments.
The bank's checks can take a few weeks — start this process in parallel with building the site.
Costs
The bank takes a percentage of every successful transaction; the rate and any extra fees (setup, monthly service) depend on the bank and your turnover. Get offers from several banks, compare them, and ask how many days it takes for money to reach your account.
Security and 3-D Secure
With modern card payments, buyers also confirm the payment with an SMS code or in their banking app (3-D Secure). This reduces fraudulent payments and disputed transactions. The site itself must also run on HTTPS, and the admin panel should be protected by a strong password and two-step login.
The most common problems
- The payment went through but the order is still "unpaid". Usually the notification the bank sends to your site isn't arriving — the server, Cloudflare or security settings may be blocking it. Always test.
- No refund procedure. Decide in advance how money is refunded, both with the bank and in the site's terms.
- Forgetting payment on delivery. Some buyers still prefer to pay cash or by card to the courier — offering both increases sales.
Other questions to think about before opening a store: 8 questions to answer before you open an online store.
We build online stores together with payment integration — more: opening an online store.
