Handling payments securely while keeping things simple is critical for Shopify Plus merchants, especially in Australia. The right payment gateway ensures safe transactions, supports local methods like BPAY and PayID, and manages refunds and chargebacks effectively.
Key Features to Look For:
- Security: PCI DSS compliance, encryption, fraud prevention tools.
- Local Payment Options: BPAY, PayID, EFTPOS, and Buy Now, Pay Later services.
- Multi-Currency Support: Process AUD and international currencies without extra fees.
- Efficient Refunds & Disputes: Automated refunds, chargeback notifications, and dispute management tools.
- Developer-Friendly: Robust APIs, webhook support, and testing environments.
- Customer Support: 24/7 Australian-based help with implementation assistance.
Top Payment Gateways for Shopify Plus:
- Shopify Payments: Built-in solution with no third-party setup, multi-currency support, and fraud detection.
- Stripe: Advanced fraud protection, retry tools for failed payments, and customisable APIs.
- PayPal: Flexible payment options, dispute resolution centre, and strong encryption.
- Authorize.net: Handles online, mobile, and in-person payments with extensive support for local methods.
- WorldPay: Tokenisation for security, multi-currency support, and tailored solutions for high-volume stores.
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | Shopify Payments | Stripe | PayPal | Authorize.net | WorldPay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCI Compliance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Local Payments | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Currency | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fraud Tools | Basic | Advanced | Basic | Moderate | Advanced |
| Refund Handling | Integrated | Advanced | Flexible | Moderate | Moderate |
| Integration | Seamless | Customisable | Quick setup | Moderate | Moderate |
| Support | 24/7 | 24/7 | Limited | 24/7 | 24/7 |
Choose a gateway that fits your business needs, supports Australian payment methods, and ensures secure, smooth transactions for your customers.
Must-Have Payment Gateway Features
When selecting a payment gateway for Shopify Plus, it’s essential to ensure it offers tools that protect transactions and simplify daily operations. These features help safeguard customer information and make handling refunds and disputes more efficient.
PCI DSS Compliance
Level 1 PCI compliance is non-negotiable. This includes regular security audits, encrypted data transmission, and safe storage practices.
Multi-Currency Support
A reliable payment gateway should:
- Show prices in local currencies
- Process payments without extra conversion fees
- Offer real-time exchange rates
- Allow settlements in your preferred currency
Fraud Prevention Tools
Strong fraud detection tools are critical. Look for features like AVS, CVV verification, machine learning-based risk assessments, IP tracking, and transaction velocity checks.
Transaction Management
Efficient transaction management should include:
- Batch processing
- Automated billing
- Options for partial and split payments
- Integration with digital wallets
Australian Payment Methods
Ensure the gateway supports local payment options, such as:
- BPAY
- PayID
- EFTPOS
- Buy Now, Pay Later services
- Direct bank transfers
Refund and Dispute Management
Key refund and dispute features include:
- Automated refund processing
- Support for partial refunds
- Chargeback notifications
- Tools for managing dispute evidence
- Access to detailed transaction history
API Integration
Look for gateways with:
- RESTful API access
- Webhook support
- Custom integration options
- Comprehensive developer documentation
- A testing environment for development
Reporting and Analytics
Good reporting tools should provide:
- Real-time transaction tracking
- Settlement reports
- Reconciliation features
- Customisable reporting options
- Data export capabilities
Customer Support
Reliable customer support is crucial. Look for:
- 24/7 support based in Australia
- Multiple contact methods
- Emergency assistance
- Dedicated account managers
- Help with implementation
These features ensure secure payment processing and smooth refund and chargeback handling for Shopify Plus merchants.
1. Shopify Payments
Shopify Payments, designed specifically for Shopify Plus, works seamlessly with the platform, eliminating the need for third-party payment gateways. It offers built-in tools to manage security and payment processing.
The system adheres to PCI DSS standards, using encryption, tokenisation, and fraud detection to safeguard sensitive information. Refunds, including partial ones, can be handled directly from the Shopify admin, with real-time tracking for added convenience.
Shopify Payments also supports transactions in multiple currencies, settling in AUD. It includes automatic currency conversions with competitive rates for both local and international transactions – no extra fees for orders in other currencies.
Next, let’s see how Stripe compares in these areas.
2. Stripe
Stripe is another option for merchants, offering advanced tools designed for businesses handling a high volume of transactions. It works seamlessly with Shopify Plus, providing reliable payment processing.
Stripe enables real-time payments in multiple currencies, with settlements processed in AUD. Sensitive card data is encrypted using the latest TLS protocols and stored securely in vaults separate from your Shopify Plus store’s database.
The platform also includes Radar, its fraud prevention system that uses machine learning to identify and block suspicious transactions instantly.
Some standout features include:
- Smart Retries: Automatically attempts failed payments at optimal times to improve success rates.
- 3D Secure 2.0: Adds an extra layer of authentication for transactions that require verification.
- Dynamic Descriptor Control: Lets you customise how charges appear on customer statements.
Stripe simplifies chargeback management with tools that reduce manual work. For businesses relying on recurring payments, its retry system uses payment data to recover failed transactions effectively. The platform also offers detailed reports that provide a clear view of payment flows and performance, helping businesses make informed decisions.
Next, let’s take a look at how PayPal compares.
3. PayPal
PayPal provides secure and efficient payment processing for Shopify Plus stores through its Express Checkout feature, making transactions easier for both merchants and customers.
The platform prioritises security and flexible payment options. With end-to-end encryption and tokenisation, transactions are well-protected. Plus, automatic currency conversion supports payments in multiple currencies, catering to both local and international transactions in Australia. This combination of security and currency support ensures smooth handling of refunds and chargebacks.
PayPal’s dispute resolution centre simplifies chargeback management. Its automated system allows merchants to easily submit evidence and track cases. The platform supports both full and partial refunds, offering flexibility for complex transactions with multiple payment capture options.
On top of that, PayPal delivers helpful tools like operational insights and recurring payment options. The reporting dashboard provides detailed analytics on transaction volumes, settlement times, and chargeback ratios. Smart payment buttons make checkouts faster, especially for subscription-based payments. Recent updates have also enhanced fraud prevention while keeping the checkout process smooth on all devices.
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4. Authorize.net
Authorize.net provides reliable payment processing tailored for Shopify Plus stores. Its integration with Shopify Plus enables merchants to handle transactions securely while offering flexibility in how payments are accepted.
One of its key strengths is the ability to process payments across various channels. Whether it’s online, mobile, or in-person transactions through its Virtual Terminal, Authorize.net makes it easy to manage payments, including phone orders.
It supports a wide range of payment options, helping businesses cater to different customer preferences. In addition to standard credit and debit cards, it accepts digital wallets like Apple Pay and eCheck payments. This flexibility simplifies handling refunds and disputes, making it easier for Australian businesses to meet customer needs.
Merchants also benefit from 24/7 technical support, ensuring smooth and secure transactions, even for businesses operating across global markets.
To improve the checkout process, Authorize.net offers simple payment buttons that can be added throughout your Shopify Plus store. These buttons help reduce friction during payment and may boost conversion rates.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Methods | Credit/debit cards, eChecks, Apple Pay, PayPal |
| Processing Channels | Online checkout, mobile, Virtual Terminal, Virtual Point of Sale |
| 24/7 Support | Round-the-clock technical assistance |
| Integration Options | Easy-to-use payment buttons |
For businesses seeking integrated solutions, Authorize.net also offers a partner program, underlining its commitment to secure and dependable payment processing for Shopify Plus merchants. Up next, we’ll delve into WorldPay’s secure payment processing.
5. WorldPay
WorldPay is a payment gateway that works with Shopify Plus stores to handle payments securely and efficiently. It supports transactions in multiple currencies and automatically converts them to AUD, simplifying financial management.
The platform uses tokenisation to safeguard sensitive data and includes tools to reduce fraud risks. It also provides reporting features to help merchants monitor transactions and handle refunds or chargebacks effectively.
WorldPay integrates smoothly with Shopify Plus, ensuring your brand’s look and feel remain consistent. It also offers custom solutions for businesses handling large transaction volumes or running subscription models. These features make it a reliable choice for merchants managing high-volume sales or subscription services.
Refund and Chargeback Tools
Effectively managing refunds and chargebacks is essential for keeping cash flow steady and maintaining strong customer relationships in your Shopify Plus store. With advanced tools, you can simplify these processes while reducing the risk of fraud. Here’s a breakdown of the tools that can help ensure secure and efficient refund and chargeback management.
Automated Refund Processing
Modern refund systems now offer automated processing that validates refund requests and ensures funds are transferred within 3–5 business days.
Chargeback Prevention Features
Fraud detection systems are designed to spot and prevent suspicious transactions before they escalate into chargebacks. Some key features include:
- Real-time Risk Assessment: Monitors transaction patterns to flag unusual behaviour.
- Address Verification Service (AVS): Confirms that the billing address matches the card details.
- 3D Secure 2.0: Adds an extra layer of authentication for transactions deemed high-risk.
Dispute Management Systems
These tools work alongside transaction tracking features to simplify the chargeback dispute process. They allow merchants to:
1. Track Dispute Status
Assign unique IDs to disputes and monitor their progress with timeline tracking.
2. Collect Evidence
Automated systems gather and organise essential transaction data, such as:
- Delivery confirmation
- Communication history with customers
- Product descriptions and images
- Transaction timestamps
3. Use Response Templates
Pre-designed templates help you craft professional responses that meet card network standards, improving your chances of resolving disputes in your favour.
Reporting and Analytics
Comprehensive reporting tools provide insights into refund and chargeback trends. These reports help merchants:
- Monitor refund rates across various product categories
- Keep chargeback ratios below 1% of transactions
- Spot potential fraud patterns
- Examine seasonal return behaviours
Record Keeping
Automated logging systems maintain detailed records, including:
- Original transaction details
- Refund amounts and processing dates
- Chargeback documentation
- Final resolution outcomes
Best Practices for Australian Merchants
- Clearly display your refund policies to avoid confusion.
- Process refunds promptly, typically within 5–7 business days.
- Maintain detailed records for at least seven years, as required by Australian regulations.
- Respond to chargeback notifications within 7–21 days to ensure timely handling.
Payment Gateway Comparison
When choosing a payment gateway, it’s essential to evaluate security, integration options, refund/chargeback processes, and customer support. Here’s an overview of how popular providers stack up.
Security Features
Each provider employs strong security measures to protect transactions. Shopify Payments includes fraud analysis tools, Stripe leverages machine learning and real-time monitoring, PayPal ensures encrypted transactions and seller protection, Authorize.net incorporates fraud detection with IP filtering, and WorldPay offers customisable security settings.
Integration Options
Integration capabilities vary significantly:
- Shopify Payments: Built-in for Shopify users, offering a seamless experience.
- Stripe: Provides a highly flexible API with detailed documentation for developers.
- PayPal: Offers quick setup with Express Checkout integration.
- Authorize.net and WorldPay: May require additional technical support for implementation.
Refund and Chargeback Handling
Refund and chargeback processes are another key consideration. Some gateways feature user-friendly dashboards for managing disputes, while others integrate these tools directly into the merchant interface, streamlining the resolution process.
Support for Australian Merchants
For businesses in Australia, it’s important to pick gateways that handle local currency, comply with Australian banking regulations, and integrate smoothly with accounting systems for GST reporting. Round-the-clock support is also a must for uninterrupted operations.
For Shopify Plus store owners in Australia, Alinga offers expert assistance to ensure smooth payment gateway integration tailored to your business needs.
Conclusion
The payment gateway you choose for your Shopify Plus store plays a crucial role in both your operations and the experience you deliver to customers. A secure and dependable payment system is essential for eCommerce success in Australia.
When evaluating payment gateways, consider the following:
Security and Compliance
- PCI DSS compliance
- Fraud detection tools
- Encrypted transactions
- Adherence to local banking regulations
Scalability and Integration
- Robust APIs
- GST reporting capabilities
- Compatibility with Australian accounting software
- Infrastructure that supports business growth
Local Support and Currency
- 24/7 Australian-based support
- AUD transaction handling
- Competitive currency conversion rates
- Expertise in the local market
These points highlight the critical features discussed earlier. As shown in the gateway comparisons, prioritising security, scalability, and local support is essential.
Additionally, features like refund and chargeback management tools help ensure steady cash flow and keep customers satisfied. Choose a gateway that meets your current needs while supporting future growth.
For Shopify Plus stores in Australia, partners like Alinga can help align your payment systems with your business goals while ensuring top-notch security standards.
Do you require a leading eCommerce company you can trust to help you achieve your online vision? Your one-stop shop is Alinga. We are a full-fledged eCommerce company specialising in developing high-performing and scalable Shopify stores. Your strategy and user experience come first, and we then establish and relocate everything for you. Choose Alinga to discover what it’s like to collaborate with an eCommerce team that is focused on objectives and truly achieves your goals. Contact us right away so we can work together to develop something incredible!
