Guide to payment gateway integrations: How to get started

Key takeaways

• Payment gateway integrations help businesses accept and process customer payments seamlessly.

• A streamlined payment gateway can significantly improve customer experience, increase conversion rates, and provide transaction security.

• Choosing the right payment integration solution can help your business grow efficiently.

The global digital payment market is set to reach US$36.75 trillion by 2029,¹ meaning that the shift to digital payments is here to stay. To stay ahead of the curve and meet changing customer expectations, you’ll need to make sure you integrate with a secure payment gateway.

An intuitive payment experience is a must. In fact, 77% of consumers are likely to abandon their cart if their preferred payment method isn’t available. Integrating with a modern payment gateway could be your key to building trust and increasing sales.

Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about integrating with a payment gateway. Find out how it works, what features to look out for, and how to get started quickly.

What is a payment gateway integration?

Payment gateway integration is the process of connecting your business’ website, app, or point-of-sale (POS) system with a payment processor. Think of it as the bridge between your customer’s bank and your business.

A payment gateway securely transfers a customer's payment to you while protecting sensitive financial details like card information. It acts as the intermediary between the customer’s bank and the merchant, ensuring safe and efficient payment processing.

For businesses, integrating with a reliable payment gateway ensures that the payment process is efficient, secure, and capable of handling diverse payment methods. Shoppers increasingly expect a smooth checkout experience, and if you can deliver this, you're more likely to build trust and drive conversions.

The benefits of payment gateway integrations

Integrating with the right payment gateway lets you do more than just process transactions. It also elevates the customer experience, provides payment security, and helps your business grow. Here are the benefits of integrating with a payment gateway:

Quick and easy to set up

Modern payment gateways come with low-code or no-code integration options, making it quick and easy to implement without heavy IT involvement. If you operate on an eCommerce platform like Shopify, look for a provider that offers no-code plug-and-play options that could enhance your existing payment gateway. Modern payment gateways, for example, can give you access to more payment options and lower fees.

You could also embed low-code checkout solutions onto your website, add customisable Payment Links onto your social platforms or invoices, or build your own customisable solution using APIs. With a variety of options, you could have a payment solution up and running in hours or days rather than weeks.

Enables business growth

Whether expanding into new markets, handling higher transaction volumes, or supporting multiple currencies, integrating with the right payment gateway can allow your business to grow without frequent reconfigurations or costly upgrades. It can also support payment preferences based on local shopping behaviours, such as through offering pricing in local currencies and the option to pay via local payment methods.

For example, while credit cards remain popular as a payment method, we’re increasingly seeing the rise of digital payment methods and buy now, pay later (BNPL) options like Klarna. When you’re able to cater to different customer preferences in different regions, you can help prevent cart abandonment due to payment friction.

Saves costs with lower fees

Integrating with the right payment gateway can also save you in fees. For example, a payment gateway integrated with multi-currency accounts can allow you to settle payments in the same currency that customers pay in. This feature saves your business from paying unnecessary currency conversion and forced settlement fees whenever a foreign currency payment is automatically converted into your home currency. Multi-currency accounts let you hold multiple currencies and pay out from the same balances, further saving you in unnecessary FX fees.

Comes with built-in security and compliance

A secure payment gateway includes end-to-end encryption, fraud detection, and compliance with industry regulations. This way, you can ensure that your customer data remains protected, giving you and your customers peace of mind while minimising fraud risks.

Advanced fraud prevention features, such as AI-powered risk analysis, tokenization, and biometric authentication provide additional layers of security. Your business could then proactively deflect fraudulent transactions while reducing false declines that might hurt revenue and customer trust. Integrating with a reliable payment gateway also enables real-time transaction monitoring, allowing you to respond immediately to suspicious activity.

Enhances the customer experience with features like autofill

Beyond offering diverse payment options, a modern payment gateway can also improve checkout speed. Features like auto-filled customer details, saved payment details, and mobile-friendly checkout flows create a fast, frictionless payment experience. Studies show that even a one-second delay in checkout can reduce conversions by up to 7%.²

Types of payment gateway integrations

Different payment integration methods offer varying levels of customisation, ease of implementation, and security, so opt for the method that best aligns with your needs. Below, we explore the key payment gateway integration types, their advantages, and trade-offs.

API integration

API integration enables businesses to connect directly to a payment gateway provider’s Application Programming Interface (API), giving you complete control over the payment flow. This method enables a fully-customised payment experience that aligns with your brand and user interface.

API-based integrations support advanced functionalities like recurring payments, multi-currency transactions, and tokenization for secure storage of payment details. However, implementation requires dedicated developer resources.

Hosted payment pages

A hosted payment page sends customers to a secure, third-party checkout page managed by the payment gateway provider. The provider takes care of security and compliance, reducing the merchant’s workload.

This approach is ideal for businesses looking for a fast and secure payment solution without handling sensitive data. However, since customers are redirected off-site, the transition could affect the user experience and impact conversion rates.

Plugins and extensions

Plugins and extensions provide ready-to-use payment integration options for popular eCommerce platforms like Shopify. Ideal for businesses looking for a hassle-free plug-and-play solution, they require minimal setup while delivering maximum convenience. But they may also have limited customisation options.

Payment links

Payment links offer a simple, no-code solution for businesses to generate secure, shareable payment links. Companies can send these links via email, SMS, or social media to accept payments without their own dedicated website or checkout page.

This method works especially well for service-based businesses, freelancers, and those handling one-time transactions.

Compare different types of payment gateway integration methods

With so many options out there, it’s important to pick the payment gateway integration type that fits your operations, budget, and customer experience goals. Let's see how key payment integration types compare in terms of security, ease of use, setup, and cost.

Key considerations when choosing a payment integration solution

Imagine a payment gateway that seamlessly integrates with your existing tech stack, saving your IT team from tedious configurations while providing bank-grade security for your transactions. Here are the key factors to consider when making your choice.

Payment methods and currency support

Today's customers want to pay their way, whether it's through local bank transfers, digital wallets, or credit cards. Allowing them to choose their preferred method creates a seamless checkout experience and keeps them from abandoning cart. Partner with a provider that supports diverse payment options and cross-border transactions without piling on extra payment gateway fees.

Security, compliance, and fraud prevention

Payment security is all about earning your customers' trust. Choose a payment solution that's compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and packed with features like fraud detection, encryption, and 3D Secure authentication. Make sure the platform you choose is also compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other local data protection laws, too.

Integration and technical compatibility

Your payment solution should fit into your tech stack like a missing puzzle. When picking one, ask yourself: Is it easy to integrate? Does it offer API-first flexibility for custom setups or simple plug-and-play options for eCommerce platforms?

Also, ensure it's compatible with your current tools, such as Enterprise Resourcing Planning (ERP) tools, accounting software, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools. Finally, don't forget to consider your team's bandwidth. Do they have the skills for direct integrations, or would a fully managed, hosted solution save you time and resources?

Cost and revenue optimisation

When evaluating payment solutions, consider the total cost of ownership. Think setup, maintenance, chargebacks, and currency conversion costs. The right provider can make all the difference. Look for one with competitive FX rates, automated reconciliation, and real-time transaction insights to boost your revenue and keep costs in check.

Scalability for international expansion

If global expansion is part of your strategy, your payment solution should support seamless cross-border transactions. Choose a provider that offers multi-currency support. For example, multi-currency accounts allow you to receive, hold, and pay in various currencies without unnecessary foreign exchange (FX) conversions.

Look for local acquiring and like-for-like settlement options to reduce fees and improve authorisation rates. Ensure the provider also offers regulatory compliance in key markets to guarantee a smooth entry into new regions.

Business model and growth plans

The best payment solution grows with your business. Consider your transaction volumes, average order values, and plans to expand into new markets. For fast-growing or global companies, your solution should support multi-currency transactions and local payment methods. It's the key to smoother transactions, happier customers, and higher conversion rates.

Step-by-step guide to payment integration

Payment integration might seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can set up a seamless, secure, and scalable payment system without the hassle. This step-by-step guide breaks it down, helping you find the right payment gateway provider, integrate smoothly, and start accepting cross-border payments quickly.

1. Choose a payment gateway integration method

Start by evaluating payment providers based on security, global reach, supported payment methods, and integration flexibility. Consider options that support multi-currency transactions and local payment methods like digital wallets to ensure frictionless customer experiences. Comparing providers side by side will help you find the best fit for your business needs.

2. Set up a merchant account

A merchant account is necessary for processing card payments. The setup process varies by provider but generally requires business details, financial documentation, and bank account information. Some solutions, like Airwallex Business accounts, let businesses settle, hold, and transfer funds without having to open a separate business account, simplifying financial operations.

3. Obtain API keys or integration credentials

Once the provider approves your account, you'll receive API keys or integration credentials that connect your system to the payment gateway. Treat these credentials like banking passwords; secure storage prevents unauthorised access.

4. Integrate the payment gateway with your platform

Choose the payment integration method that suits your business needs. For complete control and customisation, opt for API integration. Prefer a simpler option? Hosted payment pages handle security and compliance for you. Need a quick, no-code solution? Use plugins or extensions for platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. If development resources are tight, modern payment providers offer low-code and no-code options to get you up and running in no time.

5. Test the integration and go live

Before accepting real transactions, thorough testing is non-negotiable. Use a sandbox environment to simulate payments, test edge cases, and verify security settings. Once everything runs smoothly, your payment gateway is ready to go live – delivering seamless, secure payments for your customers.

Power global eCommerce with smarter payment integrations

As global commerce evolves, so do the payment solutions that power it. The rise of "super apps" like WeChat Pay and Alipay has shown the potential for seamless, integrated financial ecosystems where payments, banking, and business operations converge.

With Airwallex, you can collect payments in multiple currencies, boost acceptance rates, and eliminate costly FX fees on a single platform designed for global eCommerce. Integrate with our payment gateway solution quickly, with no-code, low-code, and fully-customisable solutions.

Whether you're an eCommerce brand, a subscription service, or a fast-growing marketplace, Airwallex gives you the tools to streamline payments, protect revenue, and scale seamlessly. Our robust payment infrastructure, local acquiring network, and AI-driven fraud prevention ensure every transaction is secure, efficient, and optimised for success.

Discover how Airwallex can transform how you accept and manage payments so you can focus on growing your business worldwide.

¹https://www.statista.com/outlook/fmo/digital-payments/worldwide#:~:text=Total%20transaction%20value%20in%20the,US%2436.75tn%20by%202029.

²https://www.bigcommerce.com/glossary/page-load/