What is a Payment Service Provider (PSP)?

A payment service provider, or PSP, allows you to take credit and debit card payments through your website, EPOS, call-centre or other application. It connects your application to your merchant account and can provide additional services such as fraud screening and reporting.

Why do I need a PSP?

The PSP processes payments and provides a vital connection between your merchant bank account and your e-commerce website or other front-end application. Using a PSP in connection with a merchant account can be a much faster way to obtain collected revenues in comparison with third-party services which may hold onto your money for longer.

Will I need a merchant account?

To use a PSP you will. Your bank is able to provide you with this type of account. They will want to know about your trading history, the nature of your online business and the steps you will take to prevent fraud.

My bank offers me payment services with my merchant account. Why should I switch?

Often your bank will persuade you to use services bundled with your merchant account, but this is not always the best value solution for your business. By moving your online payment service provider away from your bank, you could make a large saving. For example, our packages charge a flat fee per transaction - not a percentage of the whole transaction charge. You may be surprised how much you could save by moving to Axiar.

If I switch to Axiar am I going to be penalised by my existing PSP?

No, but always check you existing contract documents. Usually one month termination of contract applies.

Can I accept all credit and debit cards for payment?

Yes, as long as your merchant account is set up for use with them.

Can I keep my existing merchant account?

Axiar is the 'connector' which links your merchant account to your website. We can integrate our services with all UK merchant account providers.

What if I use Axiar and want to change my merchant account?

This is no problem. Using Axiar makes your front-end independant of your merchant account. This means you can switch seemlessly from one merchant account to another without having to alter any programming or configuration anywhere.

What do I have to do to switch?

We have provided a flow chart showing the steps for integrating our systems; you can find it here.

How do Axiar take payments for its services?

We collect payments monthly by Direct Debit. Each month you pay for the previous month's transactions, and the next month's service charge.

How soon can I start to make savings?

You can set up a test account straight away, and as soon as you switch your systems to use Axiar you can start saving. We have a flowchart to explain the process and timescales here.

Can I pull out at any time?

If you did decide Axiar was not for you, we only ask for one months notice to terminate the service.

Is your system safe and secure against fraudulent transactions?

A huge benefit of using the Axiar Payment Gateway is that you can screen transactions through a fraud module specific to your business. One of our fraud analysts can work with you to integate a protection strategy based on your business needs. In addition to this, Axiar already offers 3D Secure and off- the-shelf screening tools.

Will you work with our web developers?

Yes, we'll be happy to work with your developers. They can speak directly with our Technical Integration Specialists to make the integration as straighforward as possible.

Can I speak with one of your existing customers?

Yes, we can let you have details and links to testimonials.

When does my money go into my bank account?

This is part of your merchant account service and not the Axiar Payment Gateway. Our part does not affect your existing timescales.

How do I check to see who bought my products and services?

Axiar provides you with the Payment Management System - a comprehensive system where you can see information on the transactions made, and perform other functions such as refunds.