Credit Card Handling

Anon

How would I set up a system to handle credit cards? Do I have to install something onto the server? Is there a way for me to verify the credit card and charge the fees online? Thanks.

tasistro

ssl on apache is a good start.

there is an algorithim to check if a card is valid visa, mastercard, AmEx or similar. Of course your point of sale provider will check with the bank too, but there will be a charge involved. The algorithim I know of does not check the current line of credit (duh!), it is to verify that the user didn't input something like 1111222233335555

What country are you in?

Saludos
Gerardo

Anon

you need a merchant account from a reseller of Authorize.Net or from www.linkpoint.com (or many of the other providers)

-S

Anon

its probably a whole lot easier to use a 3rd party provider such as worldpay.com.

that way your shop cart or other app does all the spadework passes on the variables for checking, then returns the user back to you when the payment cycle is complete.

Anon

If you choose to use a third party, check the terms and conditions carefully. Many will still hold you responsible if their system accepts a flase or stolen credit card and you will be liable to supply the goods in this case.

tasistro

True. We are always made to pay up in case of a customer complaint. It's incredible how often people happen to "forget" what they have bought.

Also:
-Track as much info as possible and log it locally, specially if you need a report on a complaining customer. You usually have a few days to provide proof of the purchase, if some server goes down and you can't check on your VPOS data from your provider you must pay. CC numbers are touchy but there are other ways to reference the data or hash it if you need to. Ask what info will be in the complaint notice so you can link it to your transaccion.

-Make your terms very clear to your customer before they press the accept button, specially the refund/return policies.

-If possible make you system able to log info and que transaccions. That way if your provider happens to fail you can still be in business. You could loose some money if their system goes down and they won't pay a cent to you or give a discount.

-Ask for info like how well they handle troublesome transaccions. Those that may get stuck half way through their system and the bank. They could return unknown or uncertain states. What will they report to you and what will actually be their state. Should you repost/wait or pray. How do they handle that, how does it work, can they give a demo or trial period. This topic will give or save you a lot of pain later on.

Saludos
Gerardo

Anon

Small advice!!!!
Go to you local Bank they can help you further, i know how it works here in the netherlands. You have too pay a montly prize too the bank you get a small script that links your page too the server of the bank and does the verification and money transfer. Its easier too install then invent the wheel again in PHP although its possible.

PS: It's not cheap!!!

Hope this helps

grtz Bzzzz