Split Payment Gateways

A split payment in ecommerce is unusual, however still possible if you know where to look, offering buyers the option the pay on more than one card at checkout. This can be via multiple cards owned by one customer or splitting the payment over numerous customer cards for high volume transactions such as holiday bookings etc.

To process payments online businesses will need both a merchant account and payment gateway. The gateway is the part which encrypts the customer payment details and facilitates the transaction by communicating with the acquiring bank. It’s also the facility which will make split payments possible, so finding the best gateway provider for your requirements is vital.

Split payment methods

Split payment methods are not to be confused with credit facilities such as BNPL or alternative card payment options like recurring payments. Split payments can be one customer using a credit card for part of the payment and a debit card for the deposit for example. Another example of a split payment is a group of friends ordering a wedding gift – which they all wish to contribute to using numerous cards registered to different customers.

Split payment terms and conditions

The terms and conditions for split payment gateways are normally offered after application has been approved by the bank and gateway underwriting team. At this stage, you’ll also be offered confirmed pricing and settlement terms. When reviewing if you are happy with the split payment terms and conditions/contract it’s important you compare on a pound for pound basis and consider how settlement terms will affect cashflow etc.

Taking split payments for face-to-face transactions is pretty straight forward and can be divided based on customer requirements via an EPOS or chip and pin machine. However, when it comes to online transactions things can be a little more complex with very few gateway providers offering the facility. If split payments are a requirement for your business, it’s worthwhile speaking to an expert in this area, who can point you in the right direction when it comes to the gateway providers who allow split payments, our specialists can help.

Split credit card payments

Recent studies into allowing customers choice when it comes to how they pay have proven that bounce rates at checkout reduced. For example, introducing Apple Pay and Google Pay increases conversion rates up to 20% when paying via mobile, splitting credit card payments is set to have beneficial effects, although the data is yet unknown. 

Multiple split payments

Managing multiple split payments for one sale can be complex, however the payment gateways which have split payments enabled also have the ability to manage transaction and order administration as well as potential chargeback issues Before deciding which gateway to use, ask about the back office systems and how they can work to your advantage.

So, how do you find the best payment gateway to allow you to accept split payments? Here some things to consider;

• Website platform
  Make sure the gateway provider you’re thinking of using integrates with your website platform, for example there are more available providers for WordPress than Shopify.
• Security
  When taking split payments security is key, search for a gateway provider who is PCI DSS level one (which is the highest level meaning most secure).
• Payment methods
  How do you wish to accept payments? Do you need Apple Pay, Pay by Link etc. make sure your payments wish list is enabled with your chosen provider
• Merchant account
  Each gateway will have integrations to merchant account providers, make sure they have a selection of acquiring banks who will onboard your industry type and location.

With lots of things to consider it might be worth getting some free of charge advice, using a non-biased Broker who can point you in the right direction. Merchant Advice Service work with partners and banks who are happy to help.