--- title: "Ecommerce Credit Card Processor: The Basics | Online Cred" description: Learn about the essentials of online credit card processing to get your business’s e-commerce sales started. image: https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/HERO%20IMAGES/Basic_Online_CC_Processing_svg_ShKTTNjD.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. 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In this post, we’ll cover the need-to-knows of online credit card processing to ensure a smooth start. ## What’s Required For Successful Online Credit Card Processing Ecommerce credit card processing requires [multiple services and providers](https://blog.payjunction.com/online-credit-card-processing/). These include: - A website hosting platform - A shopping cart software - A Payment Gateway - An [online merchant account](https://blog.payjunction.com/online-merchant-account/) These providers work together through integrations to provide a seamless user experience for both businesses and consumers. ## Payment Processing Demo Schedule 15 minutes with a payments expert Get a customized PayJunction product walk-through Understand requirements and pricing Determine your SAVINGS! GET DEMO NOW ## How Ecommerce Credit Card Processing Works Once you’ve taken care of the [preliminary work](https://blog.payjunction.com/online-store-3d-cart/) required to start taking online payments, it’s time to configure your ecommerce credit card processors and make some sales! On the surface, online credit card processing looks simple, and to the untrained eye it may seem as if every step of an online purchase is supported by a single provider. On the backend, it’s quite the opposite. While your website hosting and shopping cart keep your website live and make your products appear available to consumers, the Payment Gateway and online merchant account power your ability to make actual sales. In terms of [technical steps](https://blog.payjunction.com/credit-card-processing-diagram/), successful ecommerce credit card processing goes as follows: 1. The card information is manually entered into the shopping cart software. 2. The Payment Gateway receives the transaction information and communicates it to the [Payment Processor](https://blog.payjunction.com/payment-processors/). 3. The Card Association then receives the transaction data and determines the Interchange cost for the transaction and approval. 4. The card-issuing bank communicates the approval to the Card Association network and then the merchant. 5. The Payment Gateway provides confirmation to the e-commerce site or shopping cart. ## Ecommerce Credit Card Processor Costs If you’re unfamiliar with the basics of [payment processing costs](https://blog.payjunction.com/credit-card-processing-cost/), it’d be wise to get acquainted so you can gain a deeper understanding of the costs of online credit card processing. By default, online payments have a higher cost than those done in-person at retail locations. This is because the act of keying in a transaction online is riskier than dipping an [EMV card](https://blog.payjunction.com/emv-chip-readers) in a terminal. The higher the risk, the higher the cost. Most businesses doing the majority of their transactions online are set up on a [MOTO Tiered plan](https://blog.payjunction.com/moto-processing-definition/). There are ways to keep ecommerce credit card processing costs at a minimum. By utilizing tools like AVS and collecting CVV, you will ensure that you’re paying the lowest cost since you’re using security tools to prevent fraudulent transactions. You can also eliminate costs by minimizing the number of providers you work with. ## Learn how to streamline your online payment services. [![READ ON](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/635739/5735ac75-d969-4692-9caf-9061e40a9685.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/635739/5735ac75-d969-4692-9caf-9061e40a9685) Do you have any questions based on this information? Post a question in the comment section below and we’ll happily get back to you. *Editor's Note: This post was originally published in February 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.* [E-Commerce](https://blog.payjunction.com/topic/e-commerce) --- ##### [![POS Credit Card Terminal: The Advanced Shopping Guide](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/credit-card-terminal-guide.svg) POS Credit Card Terminal: The Advanced Shopping Guide](https://blog.payjunction.com/credit-card-terminal-guide) ##### [![The Challenge In Obtaining a Working Credit Card Chip Reader](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/emv-compliance-year-later.svg) The Challenge In Obtaining a Working Credit Card Chip Reader](https://blog.payjunction.com/emv-compliance-year-later) ###### 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 ## [![Understanding Retailer Credit Card Processing and How It Can Help Your Business](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/retailer-credit-card-processing.svg) Understanding Retailer Credit Card Processing and How It Can Help Your Business From Starbucks to Shake Shack, a growing number of businesses have floated the idea of doing away with cash transactions altogether, media reports have observed. But given that a significant number of U.S. businesses still do not accept credit cards at all, perhaps a more relevant conversation to be having is what continues to hold some businesses back from accepting credit card payments?](https://blog.payjunction.com/retailer-credit-card-processing) ## [![Understanding Credit Card Authorization vs. Credit Card Pre-Authorization](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/credit-card-authorization.svg) Understanding Credit Card Authorization vs. Credit Card Pre-Authorization In the payment processing industry there is a lot of payment jargon used interchangeably, and sometimes done so incorrectly. As a business owner processing credit cards, it is important you know what these terms mean so you use them correctly if a customer asks.](https://blog.payjunction.com/credit-card-authorization) ## [![Merchant Credit Card Processing: Everything To Know](https://blog.payjunction.com/hubfs/BLOG/FEATURED%20IMAGES/merchant-credit-card-processing.svg) Merchant Credit Card Processing: Everything To Know Merchant credit card processing opens a business up to a wider variety of payment methods. Business owners can make shopping more convenient for customers and explore e-commerce avenues to expand their reach. In this guide, we’ll explain how Merchant Account Providers operate and how to choose a service that will support you for years to come.](https://blog.payjunction.com/merchant-credit-card-processing) ## 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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