Payment Gateway Integration is the process of integrating a payment gateway into a website or application to facilitate secure online transactions. A payment gateway is a secure, third-party service that processes and verifies credit card and other electronic payment transactions on behalf of merchants.

Payment gateway integration typically involves setting up an account with a payment gateway provider, integrating the provider’s API into the website or application, and customizing the checkout process to meet the specific needs of the merchant. The payment gateway provider typically handles the secure transfer of sensitive financial information between the customer, the merchant, and the acquiring bank, and ensures that all transactions are conducted in compliance with payment industry regulations and standards.

Integrating a payment gateway can be a complex process, as it involves handling sensitive financial information and ensuring compliance with security and regulatory requirements. However, it is a critical component of e-commerce and other online transactions, as it enables merchants to accept payments from customers in a secure and convenient manner.

Common payment gateway providers include PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.net, and Braintree. Choosing the right payment gateway provider for a website or application depends on a variety of factors, including the type of business, the geography of the target market, the payment methods supported, and the cost and features of the provider’s service.