What Is Authorize.Net?

What Is Authorize.Net? 🛡️

Founded in 1996 and now part of Visa/CyberSource, Authorize.Net offers a trusted payment gateway service for merchants to accept credit cards and eChecks online, in-person, over the phone, and via mobile devices. It supports everything from simple “Buy Now” buttons and virtual terminals to full-featured API integrations.

Core Use‑Cases

1. Online Stores & eCommerce Platforms

Platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, Wix and WordPress plugins allow seamless integration:

  • Accept credit cards and eChecks onsite without redirecting customers

  • Support subscriptions, pre-orders, saved payment profiles, and tokenization via Accept.js, reducing PCI burden

  • Use extensions (e.g., SkyVerge, ELEX) offering advanced refund, partial capture, and eCheck support

  • (READ FULL ARTICLE ON AUTH.NET COMPATIBLE PLATFORMS)

2. Point‑of‑Sale & Mobile Payments

  • Integrate POS or mobile terminals for physical store transactions .

  • Virtual Terminal supports manual MOTO (Mail/Phone Order) processing for call centers and order fulfillment support.authorize.net.

3. Invoicing & Billing

  • Create digital invoices to collect payments via card or eCheck.

  • Use Automated Recurring Billing (ARB) for subscriptions, memberships, or installment plans .

  • Known integrations to QB Online through 3rd party plug-ins

4. Fraud Protection & Account Management Tools

  • Built-in fraud filters, velocity monitoring, and Account Updater (auto-routing renewed cards) come included—no hidden fees

  • Manage saved payment profiles via Customer Information Manager (CIM) and Accept.js for secure tokenization

5. Developer & Platform Integrations

  • Offers extensive APIs and SDKs for PHP, Java, mobile apps, and more .

  • Integrates with third-party CRM, accounting systems, and custom applications; commonly used to process cards directly without retaining sensitive data .

Why Choose Authorize.Net?

  • Flexible Multichannel Payments: Supports online, in-person, remote, and mobile sales

  • Inclusive Feature Set: Invoicing, fraud tools, recurring billing, CIM, eCheck—no need for expensive add-ons

  • Broad eCommerce Compatibility: Certified integrations with WooCommerce, Magento, Shopify, and more

  • Robust Security & Compliance: Accept.js helps reduce PCI scope; fraud filters and tokenization provide strong data protection

  • Reliable Support & Ecosystem: Merchant support cases, partner channels, developer docs, and certified plugins ensure smooth setup .

Bottom Line

Authorize.Net is a mature, versatile solution ideal for businesses needing a single gateway for multichannel payments—supporting web storefronts, retail locations, invoices, and developer-driven systems—while delivering built-in security and reliability at no extra-cost for many essential features.

**My take: Use it for e-commerce or invoicing but dont use it for CP. It has antiquated hardware and EMV certifications**

What is auth.net?