A payment gateway encrypts and transmits customer data; a processor moves funds between accounts. Both are essential for online credit card transactions.

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full ...

A payment gateway securely transfers customers' card info to a payment processor, which then verifies it and completes the transaction. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our ...

A payment processor manages the logistics of accepting card payments. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain ...

Betsy began her career in international finance and it has since grown into a comprehensive approach to journalism as she's been able to tap into that experience along with her time spent in academia ...

Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments are electronic bank transfers that move funds between accounts through the ACH network. Unlike credit card transactions, ACH payments pull money directly from ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I cover digital transformation in payments and financial services Multi-processor payment architectures are becoming more ...

As a staff writer for Forbes Advisor, SMB, Kristy helps small business owners find the tools they need to keep their businesses running. She uses the experience of managing her own writing and editing ...