For the merchant, it will mean having to rely on credit card details that are given by a customer who is not physically present, while the consumer may also be concerned as to how secure their credit card details will be, when they are transmitted over the Internet.

With so many consumers now using their credit cards to buy goods and services online, it is imperative for any online merchant to have the necessary payment structure and security in place that will allow them to process transactions in a fast and secure manner.

However, before they are able to accept credit card payments online, the merchant needs to have two major components in place. The first is an online Merchant Account, and the second is a Payment Gateway, a unique online facility that acts as a security filter between the merchant's website and the actual payment processor, who is responsible for processing the transaction.

The payment gateway therefore provides a number of important services including substantial fraud protection, as well as being able to support the major credit cards, so as to allow a fast and secure payment transaction.

The merchant should always consider what particular solutions they require from their payment gateway. In fact, a less expensive payment service provider may not always be the best option, as their quote may be based on just a limited number of services, whereas what initially appears to be a slightly more expensive payment solutions provider, may in fact include all the services that the merchant requires and so prove to be a much better value option in the long run.

At E-Clear we combine the technology and innovation of a leading Payment Service Provider, with the strength of a global payments network. Our enhanced risk prevention and fraud protection tools have been designed to provide both the merchant and the consumer with the fast and secure online processing service that they require.