Payment Gateways Explained: The Connection Between Checkout and Payment Processing
How does an online checkout communicate with a payment service? A payment gateway connects checkout with the provider that processes the payment.
1:47 · No narration: the video shows each step as text on screen, and every step is written out below, with buttons that jump the video to it.
Prefer YouTube? Watch this video on our YouTube channel (opens in a new tab).
The six points in the video
This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.
-
Step 1: Start with the checkout
The customer begins the payment step for an intended purchase.
On-screen labels: Customer purchase; Payment step; Expected amount.
-
Step 2: Identify the payment provider
The site needs the intended provider and the correct account connection.
On-screen labels: Chosen provider; Business account; Correct connection.
-
Step 3: Use the supported integration
Follow the provider approach for collecting and transmitting payment information.
On-screen labels: Supported integration; Protected information; Provider guidance.
-
Step 4: Read the payment result
The business needs to distinguish an approved attempt from other outcomes.
On-screen labels: Provider response; Accurate status; Recorded result.
-
Step 5: Keep the order in step
The website should reflect the payment outcome in the order process.
On-screen labels: Matching order; Relevant status; Useful confirmation.
-
Step 6: Test the important outcomes
Use the provider testing environment before relying on the live route.
On-screen labels: Test environment; Successful outcome; Unsuccessful outcome.
A practical check for your business
Record the payment provider and the business account used by the integration. Use the provider test tools to review successful and unsuccessful outcomes without entering real payment details into shared troubleshooting material.
Sources and further detail
Common questions
How does an online checkout communicate with a payment service?
A payment gateway connects checkout with the provider that processes the payment. Use the provider test tools to check the real integration and payment outcomes.
Go further
More video tips
All 205 videos →
Product SKUs Explained: Internal Codes for Stock and Product Variants
SKUs, explained.
Product Variants Explained: Sizes, Colours and the Exact Item Ordered
Product variants, explained.