Which one is better - payment processing via Gateway Service or via Virtual Terminal?

[bnamodel]

Hi there,

In terms of both security and total cost, which service of CC payment processing is better - "Automated processing via a gateway service" or "Manual processing via a retail/POS terminal or an online virtual terminal"? And which way may be more convenient for customers?

By the way, my business is based in Australia. So could any of you recommend any good Australia-based service-provider of Virtual Terminal / Gateway / Merchant Account?

Thank you very much in advance!!!


Regards,
Brian

[kuroi]

The relative costs depend upon who you use and the type of transactions you do. Though one thing is for sure, offline processing via a retail/POS machine or virtual terminal will cost you significantly more time than an automated gateway.

You would also need to check your providers terms of business since offline processing of internet transactions may be forbidden.

Offline processing also raises significant security issues since you will need to have all the card details necessary to be able process the transaction, whereas with a normal offline / card holder present transaction these would stay on the card and not come into your presence.

So offline takes you more time, opens up security issues for you and your customers, and may be forbidden anyway. Care to guess which option I'm likely to recommend ?

[bnamodel]

Thanks so much for your recommendation. Sure I will try to use gateway service now. ;D