Payments6 min read

How to Accept Online Payments: Complete Guide for Small Businesses

Learn how to accept credit cards, debit cards, and ACH payments online. Set up secure payment processing for your invoices.

By BildOut Team

Accepting online payments is no longer optional—it's essential for getting paid quickly. Clients expect convenient payment options, and businesses that offer them get paid faster.

Why Accept Online Payments?

Online payments benefit both you and your clients:

  • Get paid 2-3x faster than check or wire transfer
  • Reduce manual payment processing
  • Improve cash flow with instant payment confirmation
  • Offer convenience your clients expect
  • Track payments automatically
  • Reduce late payments with easy payment links

Types of Online Payments

Modern payment processors support multiple payment methods:

  1. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover)
  2. Debit cards
  3. ACH bank transfers (lower fees, slower processing)
  4. Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
  5. Buy now, pay later options

How to Set Up Online Payment Processing

Getting started with online payments is straightforward:

  1. Choose a payment processor (Stripe, Square, PayPal)
  2. Create a business account
  3. Connect your bank account for deposits
  4. Verify your business information
  5. Set up payment links or embed payment forms
  6. Test with a small transaction
  7. Start accepting payments

Payment Processing Fees

Understand the costs involved:

  • Credit/debit cards: typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
  • ACH transfers: 0.8% - 1.5% (much cheaper for large amounts)
  • International cards: may have higher fees
  • Chargebacks: $15-25 per dispute

Security and Compliance

Keep payments secure:

  • Use PCI-compliant payment processors
  • Enable two-factor authentication
  • Never store card information yourself
  • Use secure payment links (HTTPS)
  • Monitor for suspicious activity

Accepting online payments is easier than ever. With modern invoicing software like BildOut, you can add a payment button to every invoice—no coding required. Start accepting payments today and get paid faster.

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