{"id":11963,"date":"2025-01-16T11:49:08","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T15:49:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cybercommunications-pr.com\/~acceptapayments\/?p=11963"},"modified":"2025-01-16T12:06:29","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T16:06:29","slug":"payment-gateways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/acceptapayments.com\/es\/payment-gateways\/","title":{"rendered":"Pasarelas de pago frente a cuentas mercantiles: \u00bfcu\u00e1l es la diferencia?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The terminologies used in the business industry can be complex. Which is why, it\u2019s important for anyone interested in it to learn their meanings. Doing so can save individuals from investing money, time, and other valuable resources into something they don\u2019t fully understand.<\/p>

In this article, we\u2019ll explain the differences between the terms \u201cpayment gateways\u201d and \u201cmerchant accounts\u201d to provide a better understanding of them.<\/p>

PAYMENT GATEWAY<\/h2>

A payment gateway<\/a> is a technology or system that merchants use to accept electronic payments.<\/p>

Payment gateways can either be physical POS card terminals or the online checkout page where one inserts payments and personal information in eCommerce transactions.<\/p>

Payment gateways use industry-standard encryption during the transfer of payment information to the business owner\u2019s account, which secures the transaction and protects both participating parties from potential fraud.<\/p>

In brick-and-mortar stores, the POS card terminal is connected by cables to send and receive the customer\u2019s payment information.<\/p>

In eCommerce, that information is transmitted through an application programming interface (API), which allows two applications to securely transfer data.<\/p>

MERCHANT ACCOUNT<\/h2>

A merchant account is a business bank account.<\/p>

A merchant account allows a business to accept funds in a variety of ways including from electronic payments such as credit or debit cards.<\/p>

Since it\u2019s a business bank account you\u2019ll need a business license to set one up.<\/p>

PAYMENT GATEWAY VS MERCHANT ACCOUNT<\/h3>

The major difference between payment gateways and merchant accounts is that the first is the application through which the transaction is completed, and the other is where the money earned from that transaction is received.<\/p>

Both are useful for business owners.<\/p>

In order to accept card payments, as a business owner you will need to incorporate both a payment gateway and a merchant account. Both are needed because they work together to process card transactions, whether in person or online.<\/p>

ADVANTAGES OF USING PAYMENT GATEWAYS AND MERCHANT ACCOUNTS<\/h3>

Using payment gateways and merchant accounts can grow a business\u2019 customer base because it expands the forms of accepted payment.<\/p>

It is a win-win result, customers are offered varied and convenient payment options, and business owners benefit from the increased security for these payments.
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HOW TO SELECT THE PAYMENT GATEWAY AND MERCHANT ACCOUNT THAT BEST FIT YOUR BUSINESS<\/h2>

There are many payment gateways and merchant account provider options out there but knowing what to look for can make all the difference.<\/p>

Consider a provider who offers more than just low pricing. Although tempting, low costs are not always commensurate with better value. Instead, seek a provider that offers:<\/p>