Online payment process
The online payment process includes all steps from selecting the payment method in the checkout to payment confirmation — including authorization, authentication, and settlement.
Online payment process
The online checkout process (also online payment flow) describes the entire sequence of an electronic payment in e-commerce — from selecting the payment method to the final credit to the Comerciante account.
The typical flow: (1) Customer selects payment method in checkout → (2) Payment data is transmitted to the payment gateway → (3) Authorization request to acquirer and card network → (4) Issuer checks and authorizes → (5) Payment confirmation to Comerciante and customer → (6) Settlement: Payout to Comerciante.
For Comerciantes, the conversion rate and abandonment rate in the online checkout process are critical metrics. Levers for optimization are: fewer form fields, offering preferred payment methods, enabling guest checkout, minimizing loading times, and transparent cost display before the final click.
Online checkout examples
A customer selects TWINT at checkout. They scan the QR code, confirm in the app, and the payment is processed in 3 seconds.
A customer pays by credit card. 3D Secure requires confirmation via banking app. After confirmation, the order confirmation appears.
A merchant optimises the checkout process: guest checkout, Apple Pay as the first option, shipping costs visible before checkout — the abandonment rate drops by 20%.
Online payment process FAQ
What is an online payment process?
The online payment process includes all steps of an electronic payment in e-commerce: from the selection of the payment method to authorization, payment confirmation and payout.
How can I optimize the online checkout process?
Offer preferred payment methods, enable guest checkout, reduce form fields, display shipping costs early, and minimize checkout loading times.
Why do customers abandon the payment process?
Common reasons: preferred payment method is missing, unexpected costs (shipping, fees), mandatory registration, slow loading times, lack of trust or technical issues.
What happens technically during an online payment?
The payment data is sent encrypted to the payment gateway, which forwards it to the acquirer. The acquirer requests authorization from the issuer via the card network. Upon approval, the amount is reserved and later paid out (settlement).
