So for those interested in credit card payment intergration into websites/apps etc, I have been testing usage on Paygate and payfast platforms repectively.
Results: (Please note this is my personal experience with each platform)
Paygate:
Pros~
- Very easy integration using their own web portal
- API very easy to implement in .NET or any framework that supports SOAP
- Full control in respect to visual design when using API
- Transactions quite fast
- No registration needed for customers when using api
Cons~
- Have to redirect to their portal when using their payment portal (I prefer their API so not a problem for me)
- API documentation does not have a lot of code samples. Almost only php samples available on github.
- Require a merchant account to use their service (Big CON for me)
PayFast
Pros~
- Easy integration using their web payment portal
- No merchant account required
Cons~
- No decent API, only subscriptions at this stage, thought they are in the process it seems to update.
- Have to redirect from your website to make payment.
- Customer needs to register with payfast before payments can be made.
- No control over visual aspect of payment portal, as you have to redirect, there is a customization option atleast.
So my own conclussion is that for now I will go with PayGate due to: a complete api, I can create my own custom payment portal, and customers stay on my site. The merchant account is a big drawback for me, so as soon as payfast updates their api to support once off card transactions, I will be going that route.
Results: (Please note this is my personal experience with each platform)
Paygate:
Pros~
- Very easy integration using their own web portal
- API very easy to implement in .NET or any framework that supports SOAP
- Full control in respect to visual design when using API
- Transactions quite fast
- No registration needed for customers when using api
Cons~
- Have to redirect to their portal when using their payment portal (I prefer their API so not a problem for me)
- API documentation does not have a lot of code samples. Almost only php samples available on github.
- Require a merchant account to use their service (Big CON for me)
PayFast
Pros~
- Easy integration using their web payment portal
- No merchant account required
Cons~
- No decent API, only subscriptions at this stage, thought they are in the process it seems to update.
- Have to redirect from your website to make payment.
- Customer needs to register with payfast before payments can be made.
- No control over visual aspect of payment portal, as you have to redirect, there is a customization option atleast.
So my own conclussion is that for now I will go with PayGate due to: a complete api, I can create my own custom payment portal, and customers stay on my site. The merchant account is a big drawback for me, so as soon as payfast updates their api to support once off card transactions, I will be going that route.