How to select the best payment option for your WooCommerce store

Today, most e-commerce stores run on WooCommerce. And there are quite a few reasons for that. WooCommerce is the best platform for streamlining an online shopping experience. It is accessible and flexible, so every online retailer will find the perfect solutions needed to enhance their performance. Compared to other platforms, WooCommerce is free to install and add. So it fits those who are on a budget, but at the same time, it offers numerous paid options for those who want advanced functionality.

However, to function properly, e-commerce stores need another, not less important element. It is a payment gateway so that consumers can purchase products and services with ease. And as a retailer, you want a payment gateway to fit your needs and those of the consumers. In other words, you need to choose a payment option to enhance but not deteriorate your performance. But how to do that?

First things first, and before choosing, you need to understand what are WooCommerce payment options and what they can offer. In a nutshell, a payment gateway is a service that processes and administers online payments. Unlike traditional cash or credit card payments for brick and mortar shops, WooCommerce payment gateways serve primarily for e-commerce.

Each payment gateway has the same working principle. It connects your online shop with the credit cats provider and a consumer’s bank. While a consumer sends its payment data to the store, the payment gateway collects that data and processes it, sending the request to the issuing bank. If the bank approves the transaction, the money for the purchase is deducted from the consumer’s account and then deposited into the merchant’s account. Every transaction is secure because WooCommerce payment gateways use solid encryption technology that protects personal and payment information.

There are many WooCommerce payment options to choose from. Essentially, you can consider three main types of payment gateways: iFrame-based, form-based, and direct payment gateways. The main difference between an iFrame-based payment gateway and form-based payment gateways is that the first generates the payment form directly on your e-commerce website, while the second redirects consumers to an external site to complete the purchase. However, both WooCommerce payment options are third-party platforms that are managed by an external service provider. Only the generated forms are different.

Compared to iFrame-based and form-based WooCommerce payment options, direct or integrated payment gateways are built directly into your e-commerce website. It means they are included in the website’s structure and are a part of your website design. So, you can design them according to your website theme to achieve a more professional and holistic look. However, such a type of payment gateway requires an additional security plan. While iFrame-based and form-based are managed by service providers and are already enhanced with protection, direct gateways require having an SSL certificate and PCI Compliance conformity. 

Besides, when making a decision, you need to consider other factors that are also important. Thus, you will be able to make a smart solution, not relying on hypothetical data but regarding it rationally. This is a set of points to consider when choosing the best of WooCommerce payment options for your online store:

Compatibility

To add a payment gateway to be a perfect fit, you need to consider its compatibility with your platform first. For instance, if your online shop runs on WordPress, you’d better choose between WooCommerce payment options so that a payment gateway won’t impede your WordPress website because of different structures and features.

Usability 

WooCommerce payment gateways can require coding on the backend, while others need to just be installed and activated. And before making a decision, you need to consider that. If you don’t want to handle development, you may consider plugins because they don't require any coding. It is a simple way to get full functionality without going through complex solutions.

Payment methods

When building an online shop, you probably know what payment methods you want to use. Also, it’s critical to think about the consumers and consider their preferred payment methods. With that in mind, you can choose a payment gateway that would fit not only your needs but your consumers' as well. For instance, your target audience prefers e-Wallets to pay for the purchases, so you need to choose a gateway with the corresponding feature. If you can’t find a solution, you can always combine various payment gateways, addressing your customers and your needs at once.

Location

Not every payment gateway serves in your location. Thus, to avoid failure, consider your business location before making a choice. If you’re out of the viewport, you can always search for a gateway serving your geolocation. Luckily WooCommerce provides a country filter in WooCommers payment options so that you can ensure the derided service is available in your area.

Currency

The same as for the location, various payment gateways might support a vast number of currencies, but process payment only in two or three of them. Thus, you need to be cautious and focus on your market location to determine the primary currencies for the deals. And only then choose the appropriate payment gateway.  

Security

Another vital factor is the security of the payments. You need to ensure that your transactions are protected from hacker attacks. Since all WooCommerce payment gateway uses the latest encryption technology, attaining gateways means you get a basic level of security. Thus, choose only reliable gateways. But you can always employ some additional security means.

Pricing

It's critical to remember that employing a payment gateway is a business decision. So, you need to measure your possibilities and budget so as not to fail. Although most of the WooCommerce payment options are free to install and use, they still may require some additional costs for specific features. For instance, some may charge a signup fee and fees paid per transaction. Also, some of the payment gateways charge for disputes or rejected transactions. And you need to be aware of the pricing to escape any financial collapses in the future.

All in all, considering these factors will keep you from making a blind decision. With this information in mind, you have better chances to add a WooCommerce payment gateway to be a leverage to your e-commerce performance. If you can’t choose one, you can always combine several options, which will only improve your sales and your consumers' experience.