How to accept credit cards online

Most customers expect to pay by card or digital wallet. When your business doesn't offer those options online, you risk losing the sale before it even starts. The good news: accepting credit cards online is easier than it used to be, and you don't need a physical store or a complicated setup to get started.

Why accept credit cards online

Accepting credit cards online removes friction from the payment process. It helps you:

• Reach more customers. Accept payments from anyone, anywhere.
• Get paid faster. Card payments typically settle faster than a check. Instant deposit options may let you access eligible funds sooner.
• Reduce unpaid invoices. Customers can pay as soon as they receive an invoice, minimizing back-and-forth.
• Improve cash flow. Predictable, faster payments make it easier to manage expenses and plan ahead.

What you need to accept credit cards online

To accept credit cards online, you'll need a way to securely process payments. Behind every online card payment, three components work together:

• Payment gateway: Securely captures and transmits payment information for online transactions.
• Payment processor: Moves money between the customer's bank and yours.
• Merchant account: Holds funds until they are transferred to your business bank account.

Many small businesses use a payment service provider (PSP), such as QuickBooks Payments. A PSP combines the technology and payment services needed to accept card payments into a single solution.

Ways to accept credit cards online

After choosing a payment service provider, you can offer one or more ways for customers to pay online.

Pay-enabled invoices

Send a digital invoice and your customer pays by card directly from it. Ideal for service businesses, freelancers, and B2B transactions.

Payment links

Generate a shareable link and send it via email, text, or social. No website is needed. This option works well for one-off or occasional transactions.

Online checkout

Add a checkout experience to your website where customers enter card details and complete a purchase. Best for product sellers or businesses with higher transaction volumes.

Recurring payments

Save a customer's payment method securely and charge it automatically on a set schedule. Useful for retainers, subscriptions, or any ongoing service.

How QuickBooks Payments helps you accept cards online

QuickBooks Payments supports invoicing, recurring payments, and multiple ways for customers to pay online. And because it's built into QuickBooks, payments you process through QuickBooks Payments are automatically recorded in your books. This helps reduce manual reconciliation and eliminates the need to enter payment data twice. See how QuickBooks Payments works and explore current payment rates.