Welcome to

Paywall.app Guide

This guide covers the essentials of online payments and explains the differences for various business models: online retailers, subscription services, and multi-vendor platforms. Start with understanding payment fundamentals and then explore the section that matches your business needs.

We’ve also created a glossary of common industry terms and definitions. If you encounter unfamiliar terms, refer to the glossary for clarity.

  • Payment Fundamentals. Understand how online payments work: from customer transactions to your business account, including the roles of banks and payment processors.
  • Optimizing Checkout Processes. Learn best practices for designing checkout forms that reduce cart abandonment and improve the customer experience.
  • Managing Risk and Fraud. Discover how to protect your business from fraudulent transactions using rules-based logic and machine learning.

By understanding these fundamentals, you’ll be better equipped to handle the nuances of online payments for your specific business model.

How Online Payments Work

Online payments involve four major players: the cardholder, the merchant, the acquirer (a bank processing payments on behalf of the merchant), and the issuing bank (the bank that issued the card). Understanding the flow between these entities is crucial for setting up your payment system.

Designing Effective Checkout Forms

The checkout experience is critical for conversion. Ensure your forms are simple and adaptive, supporting various devices and payment methods. Responsive design and supporting local payment methods can significantly reduce cart abandonment.

Fraud Management

Preventing fraud involves both rules-based and machine learning approaches. Combining these strategies can help you proactively identify and prevent fraudulent transactions, reducing the risk of chargebacks and associated fees.

Global Payment Methods

To cater to a global audience, support various payment methods beyond credit and debit cards. This includes digital wallets, bank transfers, and cash-based payment methods. Adapting to local preferences can expand your customer base significantly.

Simplifying Tax Compliance

Navigating tax compliance is essential for global operations. Understand the requirements for collecting and remitting taxes like VAT, GST, and sales tax. Ensure your system is equipped to handle the complexities of different tax jurisdictions.

For Online Retailers

If you operate both online and in-person, unify your payment systems to provide a seamless experience. Support modern payment methods like chip cards and mobile wallets to enhance security and convenience.

For Subscription Services

Managing recurring payments involves setting flexible subscription logic and minimizing involuntary churn. Automate billing and communication to handle payment failures efficiently.

For Platforms and Marketplaces

Facilitating payments for multiple sellers requires robust onboarding, compliance with regulations, and flexible money movement capabilities. Ensure you can split payments, hold funds, and support various transaction models.

Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our support team for assistance.

    • Does PayWall handle VAT or taxes?

      No, PayWall does not handle VAT or taxes at this time. You will need to manage them on your own.

    • Does PayWall have a monthly fee?

      No, PayWall is free to use. You only pay a transaction fee when you receive a payment.

    • Can I have multiple PayWall accounts?

      Yes, you can have multiple PayWall accounts. You can use different PayWall accounts for different purposes or businesses.

    • What is the maximum amount I can charge using PayWall?

      The maximum amount you can charge per transaction is US$50,000.

    • When will I receive funds in my bank account?

      For US customers, we will transfer the funds to your bank account within 2 business days after the payment is completed. For international customers, transfers are made within 7 business days after the payment is completed.

    • What is the maximum amount I can charge per month?

      Regular accounts can charge up to US$500,000 monthly, while business accounts have no limitations.

    • What type of payment methods can I accept?

      Currently, PayWall supports Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

    • Can I integrate PayWall with my accounting software?

      If your application has an API, we can integrate PayWall with your accounting software. Please contact us to discuss further.

    • I lost my password. How can I access my account?

      You can reset your password by clicking on the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. Enter your email address, and we will send you an email with a link to reset your password.

    • Do I need a US bank account to use PayWall?

      PayWall is currently available in 47 countries. For the most recent list of supported countries, please contact us. If you do have a US bank account, you can still use PayWall regardless of your location.