I am working on developing a web site solutions company. I will offer hosting as a convenience factor and looking for a credit card processor to work with my current client system. I looked into ModernBill but it has more features than I need.

So far my site has a client login and client CP.

Basically what I'm looking for is a very simple PHP script that will take credit cards and store them in a database (with encryption) then bill monthly. My plan is to have the client register a new account, then fill out the credit card information. If approved, my script will then create the website automatically.

Also looking into merchant accounts, anyone know of any good merchant accounts out there?

Any suggestions?

Welcome to the forum Amsinnov. If you are in the US you could acquire a merchant account, or if you are innternational you could also apply for a EU direct merchant account.
Your other option is third party processor.
Where are you located?

Thanks for your quick reply! I live in the US.

Your best bet then would be to acquire a merchant account, also offer paypal, or use a third party processor.
If you go with a merchant account you will also need a gateway such as authorize.net, linkpoint, or eprocessingnetwork.com, just to name a few. They do have a monthly gateway fee on average from $10 to $15 per month. Also some gateways include the first 250 transactions in the monthly gateway cost, and charge an additional transction rate after 250+.

Keep in mind that Authorizenet.com will also charge you about $25 to use their recurring billing process.

Verisign will charge will charge you about $10-$26.00 and usually give you anywhere from 500-1,000 free transactions.

LinkPoint does not charge for recurring billing or any transactions.

If fraudulent transactions might be something you are really worried about, you might looking to Verisign.

I thought a server-side processor would use an API or something to my Merchant Account? Please forgive me, never setup anything like this before.

I plan to have the software on my side handle the monthly billing, then use the API to actually charge the card?

Well each gateway offers an API - but storing the credit card number on your server is not a great idea. If your server is hacked - all those credit card numbers are vulnerable. Most of the time - the gateway will do the recurring billing for you.

Corey is correct, it's best to use the gateways recurring billing so that you do not retain the clients card numbers on your server.

Ok, great to know. :)

I could still use a server-side program to collect the data, then send to through the API then? My next question would be any good script PHP script out there that will do this, or does the gateway company offer these?

Thanks in advance. :)

Yes you can use script software or build your own and then pass it though the API.

Originally posted by amsinnov
I am working on developing a web site solutions company. I will offer hosting as a convenience factor and looking for a credit card processor to work with my current client system. I looked into ModernBill but it has more features than I need.

So far my site has a client login and client CP.

Basically what I'm looking for is a very simple PHP script that will take credit cards and store them in a database (with encryption) then bill monthly. My plan is to have the client register a new account, then fill out the credit card information. If approved, my script will then create the website automatically.

Also looking into merchant accounts, anyone know of any good merchant accounts out there?

Any suggestions?

I would advise against storing your customer's credit card data on your own servers. You're undertaking quite a liability if someone were to hack your website and steal hundreds of credit cards. It's best to keep sensitive information like that, stored with a merchant account.

Check each gateway - they offer the code actually to help you implement it.

I need second or third head for this. Can someone help.

For many reasons (too numerous to mention here) I have to retain CC info in my system. I have been thinking of several ways, but would like to hear someone's suggestions.

If you need to store CC info in your system (outside of the CVV which is never allowed)... my suggestion is to start by taking a look at the Visa CISP Web site at:
http://usa.visa.com/business/accepting_visa/ops_risk_management/cisp.html

Thanks for suggestion. I did looked. And couldn't find what I was looking for. I need a write-up on how its actually done.