We are a small non profit just starting to enable our website to do on-line transactions. My programmer suggested Authorize.net, and I just wanted to see if there are other providers that might be better. BTW, is there any requirement tha tthe payment gateway and merchant account be provided by the same institution? We use a Unix website with MySQL databases. We will most liely use a PHP-based open source shopping cart with custom scripting.

PS. Sorry if I didn't do a search for similar threads. Beleive it or not, I can't find the search button (Yes, I feel stupid!) If you know of any good threads, feel free to post links in lieu of replying...

Authorize.net is excellent. I rate them and verisign the best based on my experiences. As to bank and gateway the same. No, they are different, but you must choose two who have working relationships. I personally set up both through Online Data which I found at this site:


http://www.nationwebbiz.com/services.htm

It was quick and painless and I have had no problems.

How often do they deposit money into your account? If it is once a month or soemthing, it wouldnt be worth it. If it is within 48 hours, then it would be.

Better yet, skip through all the affiliate BS :rolleyes: to Online Data.

direct link: https://www.onlinedatacorp.com/onlineapp/

Incognito, is nationwebbiz.com your domain? Seems odd you've given that url for 'Online Data' through that domain twice already. I would certainly think someone who says they use the "Online Data" service would know the actual location of their website by now, eh? :cool:

Bingo, carry on folks...

Slightly confused. incognito siad Authorize,Net was excellent, and that he/she had set up his online banking throuhg Online data. Online Data is another provider altogether, not a AuthorizeNet reseller, correct?

What is the deal with AuthorizeNet's reseller system? Do they have any impact on the service you get. Once you're set up, do you have to deal with them, or do you deal with AuthorizeNet directly?

BTW, anyone know anything about Chase's Surepay?

The reseller is out of the loop once you are set up. They also work with different merchant account providers however, so you need to look at the total package for fees and make a choice based on total package - not just the fact that they are an authorize.net reseller.

I recommend Merchant Express. Ask for Joy.

-t

I would highly recommend echo-inc.com as your merchant provider and payment gateway. We have used them for a while and they are much more reasonable in cost (only $10/month min with free gateway software). They also are reasonable with "hidden" costs such as chargebacks (5 free per month, which is pretty hard to exceed - above that only $5/per incident).

Good luck,
DK

I was a little concerned about Online Data's site:

We provide a unique value-added service for your Internet bustiness.

...But I'm not selling space to Adult sites :emlaugh:

Cheers
Kat