When running a successful membership-based business, one of the most important factors is how you process customer payments. When it comes to recurring fees and a high volume of transactions, You have to select a merchant account provider who can meet your specific requirements.
This article will look at some of the best membership-based merchant account providers available today. We’ll compare and contrast their features, benefits, and drawbacks to assist you in selecting the best provider for your company. We have you covered whether you’re just starting or looking to switch to a new provider.
Best Membership-Based Merchant Account Providers
- Stripe
- Chargify
- Authorize.net
- Recurly
- PayPay
- Braintree
Stripe
Stripe is a payment processing company that allows businesses to accept payments online. Its primary features include the ability to accept credit and debit card payments, support for numerous currencies, and connection with a wide range of e-commerce platforms. Stripe also provides fraud detection and prevention features and the option to set up recurring payments and subscriptions.
A significant benefit of utilizing Stripe is its simplicity. The API provided by the firm is well-documented and straightforward to integrate, making it a popular option for developers creating online shops and other e-commerce apps. Stripe has low transaction costs and a transparent pricing structure, making it an affordable alternative for companies of all sizes.
Stripe also provides various security tools to assist companies and consumers in avoiding fraud. For example, Stripe’s fraud detection technologies evaluate transactions and identify potentially fraudulent activities using machine learning algorithms. Stripe also supports 3D Secure, a security standard that aids in the prevention of credit card fraud.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Cost-effective
- Robust security features
Cons
- Limited offline processing
- Limited customization
Chargify
Chargify is a merchant account provider that provides companies with recurring billing and subscription management capabilities. Some of its primary features are automatic billing, configurable invoicing, and extensive reporting. Chargify also interfaces with several other commercial applications, including Salesforce and QuickBooks.
One of the main advantages of utilizing Chargify is its simplicity. The platform contains an easy-to-use interface and provides step-by-step instructions for setting up recurring billing and subscriptions. Furthermore, Chargify’s interaction with other corporate tools enables more efficient financial administration.
Chargify also can manage numerous currencies and tax rates, making it an intelligent choice for firms with worldwide consumers.
One possible disadvantage of Chargify is that it is somewhat more costly than other merchant account providers.
Pros
- Integration with other business tools
- Ease of use
- Handling multiple currencies
Cons
- Cost
- Complex reporting
Authorize.net
Authorize.net is a payment gateway and merchant services provider that allows companies to take credit card and electronic check payments online, through mobile applications, and in person. Some of its primary features include fraud detection and prevention capabilities, support for recurring billing and subscriptions, and the ability to accept payments in over 130 currencies. Authorize.net also connects significant shopping carts, accounting software, and point-of-sale systems.
Authorize.net’s most significant benefits include its dependability and security. The organization is PCI-compliant and employs numerous levels of protection to safeguard sensitive consumer information. Additionally, Authorize.net offers some fraud detection and prevention solutions to assist organizations in reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions.
Another advantage of utilizing Authorize.net is its versatility. The firm provides a variety of pricing choices, including a pay-as-you-go approach and a merchant account option. Furthermore, Authorize.net delivers a selection of connections with major shopping carts, accounting software, and point-of-sale systems, making it simple for companies to incorporate the service into their current plans.
However, there are several drawbacks to utilizing Authorize.net. One disadvantage is that the firm charges a monthly fee in addition to transaction costs. Furthermore, some consumers have stated that customer support might be sluggish in reacting to concerns.
Pros
- Reliability and safety
- Flexibility
Cons
- Additional charges
Recurly
Recurly is a merchant account provider that offers subscription management and a recurring billing platform for businesses. The system’s goal is to make it easier for companies of all sizes to handle subscriptions and regular payments. Some of its features are automatic billing, individualized invoices, and in-the-moment analytics. The payment gateway integrations provided by Recurly, including those with Stripe and PayPal, simplify the process of collecting money from clients.
Pros
- Wide range of subscription features
- Real-time analytics
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- Issues with the platform’s stability
- Limited invoicing customization
PayPal
Paypal is a safe and simple online payment service that facilitates monetary transactions between users and merchants. One of PayPal’s most appealing qualities is that it works with various payment systems, from debit and credit cards to wire transfers and even paper checks. For both buyers and sellers, this opens up a convenient choice.
PayPal provides a wide variety of protection measures to ensure the safety of both buyers and sellers. In this category are features like the ability to dispute transactions and tools for detecting and preventing fraud.
The use of Paypal might provide benefits due to its worldwide accessibility. It is a beautiful choice for firms that sell globally since it is accessible in more than 200 countries and supports more than 25 currencies.
Pros
- Simple to use
- Flexibility
- Global reach
Cons
- Fees for certain transactions
Braintree
Braintree is a payment solution that allows businesses to accept and process payments from a mixture of sources, such as credit/debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, and digital wallets. Its extensive feature set caters to businesses of all sizes and industries, making it a versatile choice for any merchant. Among the key features that distinguish it is the ability to customize the checkout page to align with the brand, providing customers with a seamless experience.
Braintree prioritizes security by incorporating sophisticated fraud detection tools to protect against fraudulent transactions. The platform supports recurring payments and subscriptions, making it an excellent choice for businesses that provide subscription-based products or services. Furthermore, Braintree accepts payments from customers worldwide and supports over 130 currencies, allowing companies to expand their global reach and increase sales.
Its mobile optimization feature enables businesses to accept payments while on the go, which benefits both the company and its customers. Although some may find its fees slightly higher than those of other merchant account providers, there is a credit card transaction cap of $50,000. It may also be too complicated for businesses that are just getting started with online payments. Braintree’s flexibility, security, and global reach, on the other hand, make it a dependable and comprehensive payment solution for businesses.
Pros
- Global coverage
- Integration
- Safety
Cons
- Transaction limit
- Complexity
Things to Consider When Choosing a Membership-Based Merchant Account Provider
Businesses must be aware of the potential pitfalls when selecting a merchant service provider. Here are a few key factors to help you make this decision.
Your Company’s Requirements
First and foremost, businesses should consider their specific requirements. As a business owner, you should consider what will enable your company to grow and thrive. For example, a new business just getting started with subscription billing will have different requirements than an established company with a large customer base. Furthermore, a SaaS company with 100,000 customers will need an additional merchant account than one with a few hundred.
To determine which merchant services provider is best for your company, consider the following factors: do you accept check payments from customers, credit or debit card charges, require a shipping address at the time of the transaction, and so on? Keep in mind that it is about meeting the bare minimum requirements and planning for your company’s future growth.
Customer preference
Another thing to think about is your customers’ preferences. A successful company offers its customers solutions. Consider your customers’ preferred payment methods and ensure that the merchant services provider you select can meet their requirements.
For instance, if your merchant account provider only accepts credit card payments, but your customers prefer bank transfers, you may lose potential sales and customer loyalty. Collect customer feedback on selected payment methods and provide a solution that meets those needs.
Billing experts and industry leaders
It’s also a good idea to talk to industry leaders and billing experts to understand what to expect and compare it to your requirements. Consider whether the merchant services provider will support your payment solution, and ask yourself questions such as whether you will need a specific shopping cart to work with the merchant account, whether you will need to send invoices to your customers, and so on.
Furthermore, do your research and compare prices from various providers when it comes to cost. Be wary of hidden fees that could raise your expenses, and remember that reputation is just as important, if not more important, than the price charged for the service.
Customer service and ongoing assistance
Finally, consider the customer service and ongoing support the merchant services provider will provide. After signing the contract, there may be API integration issues or billing system errors. It is critical to have a merchant provider who will respond to your concerns and provide support as needed, predominantly if your business operates around the clock. Look for a merchant provider that offers live help, excellent documentation, and, ideally, a direct line of communication via phone or live chat.
Conclusion
Online payment processing is a vital component of any successful e-commerce venture. It provides a safe and convenient means of transacting business for the buyer. Choose a Merchant Account Provider that works for your company and provides your customers with the highest level of safety and the most options. To further ensure the security of your business and your customers, You have to check that your website and payment system adhere to all applicable regulations.
