Websites using Authorize.net

Okay, let s break down Authorize.net, covering its overview, revenue, alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

Authorize.net: Overview

Authorize.net is a payment gateway service that enables businesses to accept credit card and electronic check payments online, in person, or via mobile devices. It acts as the intermediary between a merchant s website/point-of-sale system and the payment processing network.

Key Features:

• Payment Gateway: The core service, handling the secure transmission of transaction data.
• Various Payment Methods: Supports major credit and debit cards, eChecks, and some digital wallets.
• Recurring Billing: Allows for automated billing cycles for subscriptions and memberships.
• Security: Emphasizes PCI compliance and fraud protection tools.
• Developer Tools: Provides APIs and SDKs for integration with custom applications and platforms.
• Virtual Point of Sale (VPOS): Enables manual credit card entry through a web browser for phone orders or face-to-face transactions.
• Customer Information Manager (CIM): Securely stores customer payment information for faster checkouts and recurring payments.
• Reporting and Analytics: Offers tools for tracking transactions and sales performance.
• Integration: Integrates with various shopping carts, POS systems, and business software.

Authorize.net: Revenue

Authorize.net is a subsidiary of Visa, Inc. and while precise, granular revenue figures are not publicly released, it s estimated to be a significant player in the payment gateway market. Visa s overall financial reports encompass Authorize.net s performance, but they aren t specifically broken out.

• Large Transaction Volume: It processes billions of dollars in transactions annually, generating substantial revenue.
• Key Revenue Sources:
  • Monthly fees charged to merchants.
  • Transaction fees per payment.
  • Potential fees from value-added services and add-ons.

Authorize.net: Alternatives

The payment gateway market is competitive. Here are some popular alternatives to Authorize.net, with their strengths:

• Stripe:
  • Strengths: Strong developer focus, very flexible API, wide range of payment options, modern features, pay-as-you-go pricing.
  • Use Cases: Ideal for tech-forward businesses, SaaS companies, and e-commerce platforms needing extensive customization.
• PayPal Payments Pro:
  • Strengths: Established brand recognition, strong user base, integrated with other PayPal services, handles various payment types.
  • Use Cases: Suitable for businesses comfortable within the PayPal ecosystem, e-commerce platforms, and international selling.
• Square:
  • Strengths: Integrated POS system, hardware options, good for in-person and online sales, simple user interface.
  • Use Cases: Popular for small businesses with both online and offline sales, retail, restaurants, service-based businesses.
• Braintree (a PayPal company):
  • Strengths: API-focused like Stripe, supports complex payment workflows, good for large merchants, customization options.
  • Use Cases: Growing e-commerce platforms, subscriptions services, businesses requiring specialized integrations.
• Payline:
  • Strengths: Offers competitive rates, strong customer service, various integrated options.
  • Use Cases: SMB, eCommerce, Restaurant

Other Alternatives:

• Shopify Payments
• Worldpay
• NMI
• 2Checkout

Authorize.net: Pricing

Authorize.net s pricing structure generally involves:

• Monthly Gateway Fee: A fixed monthly fee for the use of the gateway service.
• Per-Transaction Fee: A fee charged for each transaction processed. This fee usually has a percentage component and a flat fee (e.g., 2.9% + $0.30).
• Additional Fees: Potential fees for setup, chargebacks, eCheck processing, and optional add-on services.

Pricing Plans (General):

• Payment Gateway Only: Monthly fee plus transaction fees.
• All-in-One Solution: May include a payment processor, which could alter pricing and fees.

Important Notes on Pricing:

• Pricing can vary: Costs may fluctuate based on the specific agreement a business has with Authorize.net or its reseller.
• Negotiation: Higher-volume merchants might have the ability to negotiate rates.
• Contract Terms: Review contract terms for details on fees, penalties, and cancellation policies.
• Hidden Fees: Always read the fine print to understand all potential fees.

Authorize.net: Customer Care Details

Authorize.net provides customer support through various channels:

• Phone Support: Offers phone support during business hours.
• Online Chat: Provides live chat support.
• Email Support: Has an email-based ticketing system.
• Help Center/Knowledge Base: A comprehensive online resource with articles, FAQs, and documentation.
• Developer Documentation: Extensive resources for developers to integrate the API.
• Partner Program: Some support is also provided by authorized resellers and integration partners.

Customer Care Strengths:

• Comprehensive Resources: Has a well-developed help center for self-service support.
• Multiple Channels: Provides options for phone, chat, and email, catering to different preferences.
• Developer Support: Offers strong resources for those integrating the platform.

Customer Care Considerations:

• Wait Times: Response times for phone or email support may vary.
• Complexity: Some users report difficulties navigating the support options or finding the specific information they need.

Key Takeaways:

• Authorize.net is a robust and established payment gateway with a long history, offering various payment options, security, and developer tools.
• Revenue is substantial but not specifically broken down in Visa reports.
• Many competitors exist, and businesses should evaluate their specific needs to choose the best option.
• Pricing can vary, and it s essential to carefully compare quotes and terms.
• Customer service is available through multiple channels, but users may encounter variations in experience.

Before choosing Authorize.net, businesses should assess its pricing, features, and integration capabilities against other available payment gateways, ensuring it meets their specific transaction and security requirements. I always advise testing the support offered during your free trial period.