How to Integrate a Payment Gateway into a Mobile App

Ever wondered how a seamless payment experience can transform your mobile app? Major companies like Starbucks and Uber have already embraced this technology, integrating payment gateways into their mobile apps to streamline transactions and boost customer satisfaction. Starbucks, for instance, saw a significant increase in mobile order volume after implementing its payment system, while Uber revolutionized ride-hailing with its smooth, in-app payment process. With mobile payments projected to surpass $7 trillion by 2025, it’s obvious that offering a smooth and secure checkout process is more important than ever.

Although integrating a payment gateway might seem complex, the rewards are significant. Adding this feature to your mobile app not only simplifies user transactions but also enhances your business’s growth potential. A well-integrated payment system can boost user satisfaction and help your app stand out in a crowded market.

In this guide, you will:

• Discover the steps to integrate a payment gateway into your mobile app.
• Learn how to choose the right payment gateway for your needs.
• Explore custom versus ready-made solutions for integrating a payment gateway into your mobile app.
• Evaluate top payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, etc.
• Understand cost implications.

Mobile payment gateway integration options

When it comes to integrating a payment gateway into your mobile app, you have two main options: custom solutions and ready-made solutions. Each has its unique benefits, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in your app’s performance and user experience. So, let’s dive into these options and find out what suits your needs best!

Custom Payment Gateway

Custom payment gateway integration gives you the freedom to tailor a solution specifically for your app. This means you can develop a payment system that seamlessly integrates with your app’s design and functionality. Though it might require a larger upfront investment, you’ll end up with a customized system that evolves with your business and delivers a truly unique user experience.

Ready-Made Solutions

Not ready to reinvent the wheel? Ready-made payment gateway solutions offer a fast and cost-effective way to get up and running. These pre-built systems come with robust features and extensive support, allowing you to integrate mobile payment capabilities without the hassle of custom development. Ready-made solutions are perfect if you need a reliable payment gateway quickly and efficiently.

Key Factors to Consider Before Mobile Payment Gateway Integration

When integrating a payment gateway into your app, several crucial factors can make or break the success of your mobile payment integration. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Transaction Volume

Assess your expected transaction volume to ensure the payment gateway can handle your business scale. Some gateways have tiered pricing based on transaction volume, which can affect your costs significantly.

Supported Currencies

If your business operates internationally or plans to expand, select a gateway that supports multiple currencies. This ensures smooth transactions for customers around the globe.

Payment Methods

Research your customers’ preferred payment methods, such as credit cards, digital wallets, or bank transfers. A gateway that supports a variety of payment options will cater to diverse customer preferences.

Compliance Standards

Ensure the payment gateway adheres to essential compliance standards like PCI DSS and GDPR. This helps protect your transactions and data, avoiding potential legal and financial penalties.

Total Costs

Consider all associated costs, including setup fees, transaction fees, and any additional charges. Be on the lookout for hidden fees such as chargebacks or currency conversion costs.

Sandbox Testing

Verify if the gateway offers a sandbox environment for testing. This allows you to simulate transactions and ensure everything functions correctly before going live.

User Experience

Opt for a gateway that provides a smooth and intuitive checkout experience. An efficient, user-friendly process can enhance customer satisfaction and reduce cart abandonment.

Top X Payment Gateways to Integrate With an App

Discover the top payment gateways that can transform your mobile app into a transaction powerhouse.

1. PayPal

PayPal is one of the most widely recognized and trusted payment gateways globally. It offers a seamless integration for online and mobile payments, allowing users to pay with PayPal accounts, credit, and debit cards.

• Founded: 1998
• Number of Users: Over 400 million active accounts
• Global Reach: Available in over 200 markets
• Key Features: Express Checkout, PayPal Credit, and recurring billing

2. Stripe

Stripe is known for its developer-friendly APIs and flexibility, making it a popular choice for modern businesses. It supports a wide range of payment methods and currencies.

• Founded: 2010
• Valuation: Over $50 billion
• Global Reach: Supports payments in over 135 currencies
• Key Features: Customizable checkout, subscriptions, and advanced fraud protection

3. Square

Square offers a comprehensive payment solution with a focus on small to medium-sized businesses. It provides both hardware and software solutions, including POS systems and mobile payments.

• Founded: 2009
• Market Capitalization: Approximately $60 billion
• Key Features: Point-of-sale systems, online payments, and business loans

4. Braintree

Braintree, a PayPal service, offers a robust platform for managing payments and billing. It is known for its ease of integration and support for various payment methods.

• Founded: 2007
• Acquired by PayPal: 2014
• Key Features: Mobile and web payments, recurring billing, and fraud protection

5. Authorize.Net

Authorize.Net is a long-standing player in the payment gateway market, providing a reliable solution for online and in-person transactions.

• Founded: 1996
• Acquired by Visa: 2010
• Number of Merchants: Over 400,000
• Key Features: Secure payment processing, virtual terminals, and recurring billing

6. Adyen

Adyen is a global payment company that supports international payments with a focus on providing a unified commerce experience.

• Founded: 2006
• Market Capitalization: Approximately $60 billion
• Global Reach: Available in over 200 countries
• Key Features: Integrated payments, risk management, and data insights

7. Worldpay

Worldpay, now part of FIS, offers a broad range of payment solutions for businesses of all sizes, including online, mobile, and in-store payments.

• Founded: 1989
• Acquired by FIS: 2019
• Key Features: Multi-currency support, fraud protection, and data analytics

8. 2Checkout (now Verifone)

2Checkout, rebranded as Verifone, provides flexible payment solutions for global e-commerce, including online payments and subscription management.

• Founded: 2006
• Acquired by Verifone: 2020
• Global Reach: Available in over 200 countries
• Key Features: Digital goods payments, recurring billing, and international support

9. WePay

WePay, a JPMorgan Chase company, specializes in integrated payment solutions for platforms and marketplaces.

• Founded: 2009
• Acquired by JPMorgan Chase: 2017
• Key Features: Marketplace payments, integrated solutions, and fraud protection

10. Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service that allows users to make secure payments using their Apple devices.

• Launched: 2014
• Number of Users: Over 500 million
• Global Reach: Available in over 60 countries
• Key Features: Contactless payments, secure tokenization, and integration with Apple devices

11. Google Pay

Google Pay is a digital wallet platform that simplifies online and in-store payments using Google’s secure payment technology.

• Launched: 2015
• Number of Users: Over 150 million
• Global Reach: Available in over 40 countries
• Key Features: Contactless payments, integration with Google services, and loyalty program support

How to Choose the Right Payment Gateway for Your App

With a multitude of options available, it’s important to evaluate key factors to find the best fit for your app’s needs. You’ll want a solution that not only supports various payment methods but also scales with your business growth and integrates seamlessly into your app. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing the ideal payment gateway for mobile payment integration:

1. Is the payment gateway accepted internationally, supporting global transactions and multiple currencies?
2. Can this payment gateway scale with your business?
3. What payment methods does the gateway support?
4. How does the payment gateway impact the user’s checkout experience—speed, ease, and security?
5. How much development effort is required for mobile payment integration with this gateway?
6. Is the gateway cost-effective, offering a favorable balance between setup costs and transaction fees?

By addressing these questions, you’ll be well-equipped to select a payment gateway that meets your business needs effectively.

How to Add Payment Gateway in the App

Integrating a payment gateway into your app can be a game-changer, but did you know the process differs between iOS and Android? Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

iOS

Step 1. Payment Gateway Selection (*duration: 1-2 Weeks) 

We start by helping you choose the most suitable payment gateway for your iOS app. Whether it’s Stripe, PayPal, or another provider, Mangosoft ensures the gateway aligns with your business requirements and integrates smoothly with iOS.

Step 2. API Key Acquisition (1 Week) 

Once the payment gateway is selected, we facilitate the registration process to obtain the necessary API keys. These credentials are essential for secure communication between your app and the payment provider.

Step 3. SDK Integration (2-3 Weeks) 

Next, our experts integrate the payment gateway’s SDK into your iOS app. The team configures the SDK to fit your app’s architecture, ensuring a seamless connection between your app and the payment system.

Step 4. Payment Flow Development (3-4 Weeks) 

We then develop the payment flow within your app. This includes designing the payment user interface and implementing functionality for processing transactions, handling errors, and providing user feedback.

Step 5. Testing and Validation (1-2 Weeks) 

Mangosoft rigorously tests the payment integration to ensure it works flawlessly. We validate that transactions are processed securely and that the user experience meets the highest standards.

Step 6. Deployment and Monitoring (1-2 Weeks) 

Finally, we deploy the updated app to the App Store. Post-launch, Mangosoft monitors the payment gateway’s performance and addresses any issues to ensure continuous, smooth operation.

Android

Integrating a payment gateway into an Android app involves a slightly different approach but follows a similar process:

Step 1. Payment Gateway Selection (duration: 1-2 Weeks) 

We begin by assisting you in selecting the ideal payment gateway for your Android app. Whether it’s Google Pay, Stripe, or another provider, Mangosoft ensures the gateway fits your needs and integrates well with Android.

Step 2. API Key Acquisition (1 Week)

Following gateway selection, we manage the registration process to secure the necessary API keys. These keys are crucial for secure and efficient transactions between your app and the payment provider.

Step 3. SDK Integration (2-3 Weeks) 

Mangosoft then integrates the payment gateway’s SDK into your Android app. We configure the SDK to ensure it operates seamlessly within your app’s framework, adhering to Android’s requirements.

Step 4. Payment Flow Development (3-4 Weeks) 

Next, we develop the payment flow, including designing the payment interface and implementing the necessary functionalities for processing payments, managing errors, and delivering user feedback.

Step 5. Testing and Validation (1-2 Weeks) 

Our team conducts thorough testing to ensure that the payment gateway integration functions perfectly. Mangosoft verifies that all transactions are processed securely and that the user experience is optimal.

Step 6. Deployment and Monitoring (1-2 Weeks) 

Finally, we will deploy your updated app to the Google Play Store. Mangosoft continues to monitor the payment gateway’s performance and resolve any issues to ensure reliable and smooth payment processing.

*Please note that all duration periods are approximate and can vary based on factors such as project size, complexity, and the specific resources required.

Risks to Avoid in Mobile Payment Gateway Integration

Integrating a payment gateway into your mobile app can carry some risks. With increasing instances of mobile payment fraud and ever-evolving customer expectations, it’s essential to recognize and mitigate these risks to ensure a smooth and secure payment process. Here are some top risks to avoid:

• Security Vulnerabilities

Inadequate security measures can lead to data breaches and fraud. It’s vital to implement encryption and secure tokenization to protect sensitive customer information. 

• Incompatibility with Devices and Platforms

Your payment gateway must work seamlessly across various devices and operating systems. Incompatibility can lead to transaction failures and a poor user experience. Proper testing and optimization across all platforms are essential to avoid this issue.

• Poor Integration with Your App

A poorly executed payment gateway integration can negatively impact user experience, leading to abandoned transactions and lost revenue. Partnering with a trusted payment gateway integration company ensures that your payment gateway is expertly integrated, enhancing functionality and customer satisfaction.

Mobile Payment Gateway Integration Cost

When considering the cost of developing POS software, several factors come into play. On average, building a basic POS system can range from $5,000 to $15,000. This usually covers core functionalities like sales tracking, inventory management, and essential mobile payment integration.

For more advanced systems, especially those incorporating payment gateway integration in mobile applications, costs can rise significantly. Adding features like multi-location support, custom analytics, and sophisticated payment gateway solutions could push the budget to $20,000 to $50,000. If your POS system needs to handle complex payment processing or integrate with a payment gateway for mobile apps, this could further increase development costs.

Success Stories of Mobile Payment Gateway Integration from Our Clients

When it comes to mobile payment solutions, Mangosoft stands out for its extensive experience and expertise. Our team has successfully delivered numerous projects that cater to the evolving needs of businesses looking for secure, efficient, and customizable payment systems. 

Mangosoft developed the Personal Wallet Agent, a cutting-edge application designed to enhance users’ control over their personal finances. This service provides real-time transaction management and ensures robust security and immediate support. Our solution has significantly improved user engagement and operational efficiency while safeguarding against cyber threats.

The Challenge

The existing payment system suffered from inefficiencies that hindered transaction management and real-time problem resolution. Users faced delays in payments and experienced difficulty in resolving issues quickly. Additionally, the system was vulnerable to hacker attacks, which jeopardized customer trust and loyalty.

Our Solution

Mangosoft created a sophisticated personal wallet service equipped with real-time transaction monitoring and multi-factor security. This solution enables users to manage their finances seamlessly, track all transactions accurately, and receive instant support for any issues. Enhanced security measures were implemented to protect against cyber threats and ensure reliable operation.

The Results

• Reduced cyber attacks by 80%
• Boosted user engagement by 30%
• Decreased transaction processing time by 90%
• Enhanced real-time payment processing by 70%

Conclusion

Integrating a payment gateway into your mobile app can significantly enhance user experience and streamline transactions, but choosing the right approach and partner is crucial. Whether you opt for a custom solution tailored to your unique needs or a ready-made system for quick deployment, understanding key factors such as transaction volume, supported currencies, and compliance standards will help you make an informed decision. Additionally, considering costs, scalability, and user experience will ensure you select a gateway that aligns with your business goals.

Mangosoft experts specialize in payment gateway integration in mobile applications, offering both custom and ready-made solutions to fit your specific needs. We’re here to support you throughout the entire payment gateway integration process, ensuring a seamless and effective implementation. Reach out to us to transform your mobile payment capabilities and achieve a superior transaction experience for your users.