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Cost of adding payment gateway to website

Cost of Adding Payment Gateway To Website

You want to start accepting payments online. That’s a great move. But when you look into the cost, it can get confusing fast. You see different fees and wonder what you actually need to pay.

The truth is, there’s no single number. The cost depends on your business size, your sales volume, and the provider you choose. But once you understand the pieces, it all makes sense.

Let’s look at what you’re actually paying for.

The Two Services You’re Paying For

First, it helps to know the difference between two key services. Sometimes one company provides both.

  • Payment Gateway: This is the technology on your website. It’s the checkout form that securely collects your customer’s card details. Think of it as the virtual point-of-sale terminal.
  • Payment Processor: This is the service that moves the money. It talks to the banks to make sure the payment is approved and then transfers the funds into your account.

Your total cost is the sum of the fees from these services.

A Simple Breakdown of the Fees

Here are the most common fees you will encounter. You probably won’t have all of them.

1. Upfront and Setup Costs

  • Setup Fee: A one-time charge to activate your account. Not all providers have this.
  • Integration Cost: This is what a developer charges to add the payment gateway to your website. If you use a platform like Shopify or WooCommerce , this might be very low or even free if you do it yourself. A custom website will cost more.

2. The Ongoing Transaction Fees

This is your main recurring cost. It’s how providers make their money. It’s almost always a combination of two fees:

  • Percentage of the Sale: For example, 2.5% of the transaction amount.
  • Fixed Fee: A flat fee per transaction, like 15 BDT.

So, for a 1000 BDT sale, a fee of 2.5% + 15 BDT would cost you 25 BDT + 15 BDT = 40 BDT.

3. Monthly and Regular Fees

  • Monthly Gateway Fee: A fixed fee you pay every month to use the gateway, often between 500 BDT to 1500 BDT. Some providers skip this.
  • Monthly Minimum: Be careful with this. Some plans waive the monthly fee only if you process a certain amount in transactions. If you don’t, you have to pay the difference.

4. Additional and Hidden Charges

You need to read the agreement to find these.

  • Chargeback Fee: If a customer disputes a charge, you might be charged a penalty fee (e.g., 500 BDT) even if you win the dispute.
  • International Card Fee: Accepting payments from foreign cards usually costs more.
  • PCI Compliance Fee: This is a fee for maintaining security standards. Some providers include it for free, others charge a small monthly amount.
  • Annual Fee: A yearly charge just for having the account.

What This Looks Like for Different Businesses

Your total cost changes based on how you do business.

For a new or small business , a simple solution is often best. Providers like SSL Wireless’s Moneybag or bKash offer straightforward pricing.

  • You might pay no monthly fee.
  • Your main cost is the per-transaction fee (e.g., 2.5% + 15 BDT).
  • The setup is usually easy and low-cost.

For a larger business with high sales, a merchant account with a monthly fee can be cheaper. The transaction rate is lower, which saves you money if you sell a lot.

  • You pay a monthly fee (e.g., 1000 BDT).
  • You get a lower transaction fee (e.g., 1.8% + 10 BDT).
  • You need to do the math to see if the savings on transactions outweigh the fixed monthly cost.

How to Keep Your Costs Under Control

You can’t avoid fees, but you can manage them.

  • Start simple: If you’re new, choose a provider with no monthly fee. You can always upgrade later.
  • Know your numbers: Estimate your monthly sales. See if a plan with a monthly fee actually saves you money.
  • Read the contract: Ask about chargeback fees, PCI fees, and the monthly minimum before you sign up.
  • Consider your customers: In Bangladesh, offering popular local options like bKash, Nagad, or Rocket is often expected. These have their own fee structures, but they can significantly increase sales.

At the end of the day, these fees are the cost of doing business online. They allow you to accept payments securely and conveniently from a much wider audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest payment gateway in Bangladesh?

Cheapest” depends on your sales volume. For low sales, a gateway with no monthly fee (like Moneybag’s starter plan) is usually cheapest. For high sales, a provider with a monthly fee but a lower transaction rate might save you more money overall. You have to compare based on your own numbers.

Are there any hidden fees I should watch out for?

Yes, always ask about chargeback fees, PCI compliance fees, and whether a monthly minimum applies. Also, check if the rate for domestic cards is different from international cards.

Can I avoid fees by only using mobile financial services (bKash, Nagad)?

You can, but it might limit your sales. Many customers prefer to pay with credit or debit cards directly. Offering both card payments and MFS options covers all your bases. The fees for MFS are often similar to card transaction fees.