A Payment Gateway is an e-commerce technology that processes payments for online businesses, eCommerce and physical stores. He acts as an intermediary between the merchant and the financial institutions involved in the transaction
Main functions:
– Encrypt sensitive payment information
– Transmit transaction data securely
– Authorize or decline transactions based on security checks
Features:
– Integração com diversos métodos de pagamento (cartões de crédito/débito, tickets, etc.)
– Compatibility with multiple eCommerce platforms
– Fraud prevention tools
– Transaction reports and analyses
Examples:
PayPal Payments Pro, Stripe, Adyen
2. Payment Intermediary
Definition:
A Payment Intermediary, also known as Payment Facilitator or Payment Service Provider (PSP), it is an entity that offers more comprehensive services than a Payment Gateway, including the complete processing of the transaction and the management of merchant accounts
Main functions:
– Process payments
– Manage merchant accounts
– Offer protection against fraud
– Facilitate fund transfers for merchants
Features:
– Complete payment processing service
– Support for multiple payment methods
– Dispute and chargeback management
– Financial management tools for merchants
Examples:
PayPal, ensuring, Market Payment
Main Differences:
1. Scope of Services
– Gateway: Focuses mainly on the secure transmission of payment data
– Intermediary: Offers a broader range of services, including complete processing and account management
2. Relationship with Financial Institutions
– Gateway: Generally requires the merchant to have their own merchant account
– Intermediary: You can operate with an aggregated merchant account, simplifying the process for the merchant
3. Financial Responsibility
– Gateway: Financial responsibility usually falls on the merchant
– Intermediary: Takes on greater financial and compliance responsibility
4. Implementation Complexity
– Gateway: May require more technical knowledge for integration
– Intermediary: Generally offers more ready-to-use solutions
5. Flexibility:
– Gateway: Offers greater control and customization for large companies
– Intermediary: Provides more complete and accessible solutions, especially for small and medium enterprises
Conclusion:
Both Payment Gateways and Payment Intermediaries play crucial roles in the e-commerce ecosystem. The choice between them depends on the specific needs of the business, considering factors such as transaction volume, available technical resources and desired level of control over the payment process. While Gateways offer greater flexibility and control for companies with more robust technical resources, Intermediaries provide more comprehensive and accessible solutions, particularly attractive to small and medium-sized enterprises seeking simplicity and efficiency in their online payment operations
