--- title: What Is an API? description: Don’t reinvent the wheel; opt for an API to complete your software service. image: https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/api-payjunction-benefits.svg --- [tel:1-800-601-0230](tel:1-800-601-0230) 800-601-0230 - Features - Solutions - Developers - [Pricing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/pricing.html) - Resources [See a Demo](https://www2.payjunction.com/tour-payjunction) Features - EXPLORE PRODUCTS [No-code Payments Integration®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/no-code-payments-integration.html) [ZeroTouch Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-terminal.html) [Portable Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/portable-credit-card-reader-terminal.html) - ACCEPT PAYMENTS [Invoices](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/electronic-invoices.html) [ACH Electronic Checks](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ach-payments.html) [SmartSurcharge®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-surcharge.html) [Cards on File](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/store-credit-card-info.html) [Rapid Refunds](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/credit-card-refund.html) [Recurring Billing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/recurring-payments.html) [Ecommerce](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ecommerce-merchant-services.html) [Mobile App](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/payjunction/id1324839420?ls=1&mt=8) - EXPLORE CAPABILITIES [Overview](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-processing-solutions.html) [Integration Marketplace](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Remote Signature](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/signature-capture.html) [Multi-Location](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/enterprise-payments.html) [Sales Reports](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/sales-reports.html) [Search and Export](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/transaction-history-search.html) [Customization](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/custom-payment-software.html) Solutions - [Veterinary Streamline payment workflows and get paid faster with up-front deposits and payment schedules for high-cost procedures. Get time back and spend it with furry patients.](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-veterinarians) - [Dental Simplify patient payments with multiple means of collection at your dental practice. Meet patient expectations and elevate the payment experience.](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-dentists) - [Auto Dealer Manage dealership payments by department, brand and location. Get automated reports for simplified end-of-day close and save on processing fees.](https://www2.payjunction.com/automotive-merchant-services) Developers - [API Documentation See how to embed omnichannel payment features into your software, using your choice of our intuitive integration methods.](https://developer.payjunction.com/) - [Developer Experience Explore the developer journey and learn how our full-service partnership model helps you maximize merchant payment adoption rates.](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-api.html) - [No-code Payments Integration® Rapidly integrate payment acceptance features into any SaaS application in minutes using our easy-to-use Chrome browser extension.](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/no-code-payments-integration.html) - [Integration Marketplace Check out our growing marketplace of integrated solution partners that streamline payment acceptance and help businesses automate and scale.](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Pricing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/pricing.html) Resources - [About Us Learn how our people-first culture at PayJunction helps us earn widespread recognition and awards.](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/about.html) - [Careers Join us in our pursuit to deliver exceptional experiences to customers and partners.](https://www2.payjunction.com/careers) - [Support Get helpful information about how to use features, troubleshoot problems and contact us.](https://support.payjunction.com/) - [Blog Gain useful insights into payment industry trends and PayJunction solutions.](https://blog.payjunction.com/) - [Guides Up your payment processing knowledge with our in-depth eBooks and White Papers.](https://guides.payjunction.com/) - [Tutorials Read articles and watch videos about how to use valuable features on the PayJunction platform.](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/pj-university) # What Is an API? ![What Is an API?](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/api-payjunction-benefits.svg) [![Picture of Ursula Librizzi](https://blog.payjunction.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ursula_Librizzi.jpg?width=48&height=48&name=Ursula_Librizzi.jpg) Ursula Librizzi](https://blog.payjunction.com/author/ursula-librizzi) 4/6/2017 The adage, ‘Don’t reinvent the wheel’ is simple. If the work has already been done, don’t waste your time duplicating it. That very idea is the core reason why APIs are so successful today. Many software companies are very good at what they do, and offer APIs so other companies don’t have to replicate the same work. ## An API Example Put simply, an API lets you interface your software with another. Consider this example: A software company wants to display a map in its interface, but instead of creating its own mapping technology from scratch – which would cost a small fortune – it leverages an existing API. In comes [Google Maps API](https://developers.google.com/maps/) to the rescue. All the software company needs to do is code Google’s API to have maps up and running in hours instead of months. Then, the company can focus on building new features for its customers instead of wasting time and resources re-creating maps. Smart companies leverage these to be more efficient and cost-effective with their development resources. Smart developers focus on their unique software features and leverage other companies’ work to fill in the rest. Here are other powerful examples: | Company | API | | --- | --- | | [PayJunction](https://developer.payjunction.com) | Processes credit cards, electronic checks and captures electronic signatures | | [Twillio](https://www.twilio.com/docs/api/rest) | Communicates via text messaging | | [Facebook](https://developers.facebook.com/) | Allows Facebook users to log in to your website using their Facebook credentials | | [Mailchimp](https://developer.mailchimp.com/) | Allows management of email lists and communication | | [Amazon](https://developer.amazon.com/echo) | Allows to extend and work with Alexa | | [USPS](https://www.usps.com/business/web-tools-apis/welcome.htm) | Calculates shipping costs | You get it, there’s an abundance out there. ## PayJunction's API We process payments and capture electronic signatures, and we do it well. We offer a [payment API](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-api.html) that allows software companies to leverage all our work and certifications. But what makes ours special? Because most credit card terminals aren’t cloud based, SaaS-based companies seeking integrated [payment processing](https://blog.payjunction.com/credit-card-processing-explained/) have limited options. We offer one of the only cloud-based terminals with REST API, which allows these Saas-based companies to integrate payment processing effortlessly. Our cloud-controlled Smart Terminal can communicate with any native or SaaS-based software while never storing cardholder data on a computer. That allows your customers to securely process and [store credit cards](https://blog.payjunction.com/credit-card-on-file-benefits/) without leaving your software interface. Ours can add payment processing to any software, bypass [EMV middleware](https://blog.payjunction.com/emv-middleware-slows-processing-speeds/) and remain outside of [PCI DSS](https://blog.payjunction.com/pci-dss) scope. We are a [PCI Level 1 compliant](https://blog.payjunction.com/payjunction-security-pci-dss-compliance/) and [EMV Level 3 certified](https://blog.payjunction.com/emv-terminal-certification-explained/) provider, leaving little work for your developers when it comes to integration. We maintain compliance and complete audits, ensuring your software is always up to date. Another plus? We offer a free developer terminal to software providers seeking integration, so you can test the partnership and see the benefits unfold before your eyes. ## Pick the Best Payment API. [![LOOK FOR THESE 5 FEATURES](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/635739/11f48b88-42c2-4933-a144-502818c75196.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/635739/11f48b88-42c2-4933-a144-502818c75196) How has your experience been with leveraging other’s APIs? Please tell us below! [EMV](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/emv) [API](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/api) [Smart Terminal](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/smart-terminal) [Questions and Answers](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/questions-and-answers) --- ##### [![AVS Downgrades Increase Your Fees](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/avs-downgrades-impact.svg) AVS Downgrades Increase Your Fees](https://blog.payjunction.com/avs-downgrades-impact) ##### [![What’s Better? Monthly vs. Daily Discount](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/monthly-vs-daily-discount.svg) What’s Better? Monthly vs. Daily Discount](https://blog.payjunction.com/monthly-vs-daily-discount) ###### About Author ![Picture of Ursula Librizzi](https://blog.payjunction.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ursula_Librizzi.jpg?width=200&height=200&name=Ursula_Librizzi.jpg) ### Ursula Librizzi Ursula is the sales and marketing operations manager for PayJunction. She oversees daily marketing tasks and liaises between the sales and marketing departments. ###### Related Posts ## [![Are You Being Refunded Interchange?](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/interchange-refunds-unethical-billing.svg) Are You Being Refunded Interchange? So far, we’ve covered how some Merchant Account Providers practice unethical billing when charging you, but providers can also be deceptive when your business runs a return. In part five of this series, we will uncover how some providers intentionally fail to reimburse Interchange on returns.](https://blog.payjunction.com/interchange-refunds-unethical-billing) ## [![Surcharge vs. Cash Discount: How to Offset Credit Card Processing Fees](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/surcharge-fee-convenience.svg) Surcharge vs. Cash Discount: How to Offset Credit Card Processing Fees As credit card processing fees continue to rise, many businesses are searching for ways to recover those costs without alienating customers. Several options exist, such as surcharges, cash discounts, and other fees, but not all are created equal.](https://blog.payjunction.com/credit-card-surcharge-vs-cash-discount-convenience-fee-service-fee) ## [![Minimize Credit Card Processing Fees With These 3 Tips](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/credit-card-processing-fees.svg) Minimize Credit Card Processing Fees With These 3 Tips Most Merchant Account Provider’s monthly billing statements are seemingly overloaded with a plethora of information. It's no wonder there’s more to your credit card processing fees than meets the eye. To get the best rates, you must first understand what exactly determines a credit card processing fee. Though some factors are simply out of your hands, if you implement best practices with what you can control, you’ll get the lowest rate possible.](https://blog.payjunction.com/credit-card-processing-fees) ## Meet a Payment System You’ll Love - ###### FEATURES [No-code Payments Integration®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/no-code-payments-integration.html) [ZeroTouch Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-terminal.html) [Portable Terminal](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/portable-credit-card-reader-terminal.html) [Invoices](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/electronic-invoices.html) [ACH](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ach-payments.html) [SmartSurcharge®](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/smart-surcharge.html) [Cards on File](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/store-credit-card-info.html) [Recurring Billing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/recurring-payments.html) - [Ecommerce](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/ecommerce-merchant-services.html) [Customization](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/custom-payment-software.html) [Remote Signatures](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/signature-capture.html) [Rapid Refunds](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/credit-card-refund.html) [Multi-Location](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/enterprise-payments.html) [Sales Reports](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/sales-reports.html) [Search and Export](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/transaction-history-search.html) [Mobile App](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/payjunction/id1324839420?ls=1&mt=8) - ###### BUSINESS SOLUTIONS [Auto Dealers](https://www2.payjunction.com/automotive-merchant-services) [Veterinary](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-veterinarians) [Dentistry](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-dentists) - ###### RESOURCES [Product Overview](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-processing-solutions.html) [Integrations](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Blog](https://blog.payjunction.com/) [Guides](https://guides.payjunction.com/) [Support](https://support.payjunction.com/) [Service Status](https://status.payjunction.com/) [Tutorials](https://blog.payjunction.com/tag/pj-university/) [API](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-api.html) - [Trust Center](https://trust.payjunction.com/) [Request a Demo](https://www2.payjunction.com/payjunction-demo) [Pricing](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/pricing.html) [About Us](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/about.html) [Careers *HIRING*](https://www2.payjunction.com/careers) [Press](https://media.payjunction.com/) - ###### RESOURCES [Integrations](https://integrations.payjunction.com/) [Guides](https://guides.payjunction.com/) [Tutorials](https://blog.payjunction.com/tag/pj-university/) [API](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/payment-api.html) [Request a Demo](https://www2.payjunction.com/payjunction-demo) [About Us](https://www.payjunction.com/payments/about.html) [Careers *HIRING*](https://www2.payjunction.com/careers) [Press](https://media.payjunction.com/) [Trust Center](https://trust.payjunction.com/) [Service Status](https://status.payjunction.com/) - ###### BUSINESS SOLUTIONS [Auto Dealers](https://www2.payjunction.com/automotive-merchant-services) [Veterinary](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-veterinarians) [Dentistry](https://www2.payjunction.com/payment-processing-dentists) ##### 800-601-0230 SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER  Become a better advocate for your business. 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