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Overview
Authorize.Net is one of the oldest and most established payment gateways in the industry. Founded in 1996, it's been a trusted payment processing solution for thousands of businesses over the years.
As a payment gateway, Authorize.Net requires a separate merchant account (unlike Stripe or Square which are all-in-one solutions). This two-part system gives you more flexibility but also more complexity in setup and management.
Authorize.Net is known for its reliability and extensive integration options. It works with hundreds of shopping carts, e-commerce platforms, and business applications, making it a versatile choice for established businesses.
Pricing Breakdown
Standard Pricing
| Component | Fee |
|---|---|
| Gateway Fee (monthly) | $25/month |
| Transaction Fee | $0.10 per transaction |
| Processing Rate | 2.9% + $0.30 (varies by merchant account) |
| Setup Fee | $49 (one-time) |
Note: Authorize.Net is a payment gateway, so you'll also need a separate merchant account. Processing rates vary by the merchant account provider you choose.
Key Features
Payment Gateway
Reliable payment gateway with 99.99% uptime and secure transaction processing.
Recurring Billing
Built-in recurring billing and subscription management for businesses with repeat customers.
Fraud Prevention
Advanced Fraud Detection Suite (AFDS) with customizable fraud filters and rules.
Extensive Integrations
Works with hundreds of shopping carts, e-commerce platforms, and business applications.
Customer Information Manager
Securely store customer payment information for faster checkout on future purchases.
Virtual Terminal
Web-based virtual terminal for processing phone, mail, or fax orders.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Established and reliable service
- Extensive integration options
- Strong fraud prevention tools
- Recurring billing built-in
- Works with many merchant accounts
- Good for established businesses
- Virtual terminal included
✗ Cons
- Monthly gateway fee ($25/month)
- Requires separate merchant account
- More complex setup process
- Less modern than newer processors
- Setup fee required
- Less developer-friendly than Stripe
- Not ideal for small businesses
Who Should Use Authorize.Net?
Established E-commerce
Businesses already using Authorize.Net or needing a reliable gateway for existing systems.
Businesses with Merchant Accounts
Companies that already have merchant accounts and need a payment gateway solution.
Recurring Billing Needs
Businesses that need robust recurring billing and subscription management features.
Multi-Platform Integration
Businesses using multiple platforms that need a gateway with extensive integration options.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Authorize.Net
How much does Authorize.Net charge?
Authorize.Net charges a $25 monthly gateway fee plus $0.10 per transaction. You'll also pay processing fees (typically 2.9% + $0.30) through your merchant account provider. There's also a $49 one-time setup fee. Unlike Stripe or Square, Authorize.Net requires both a payment gateway (Authorize.Net) and a separate merchant account, which adds to the total cost.
Is Authorize.Net safe and secure?
Yes, Authorize.Net is safe and secure. They're PCI DSS Level 1 certified (the highest level of security compliance) and have been processing payments since 1996. They use advanced fraud detection tools (AFDS) and encryption to protect transactions. However, you're still responsible for maintaining PCI compliance on your end. Authorize.Net has a strong security track record with 99.99% uptime.
What are Authorize.Net's fees and pricing?
Authorize.Net pricing breakdown:
- Monthly gateway fee: $25/month
- Transaction fee: $0.10 per transaction
- Processing rate: 2.9% + $0.30 (varies by merchant account)
- Setup fee: $49 (one-time)
Note that you'll need a separate merchant account, which adds additional costs. Compare this with Stripe or Square which have no monthly fees.
What are Authorize.Net's pros and cons?
Pros: Established and reliable (since 1996), extensive integration options, strong fraud prevention, recurring billing built-in, works with many merchant accounts, good for established businesses, virtual terminal included.
Cons: $25/month gateway fee, requires separate merchant account (more complex setup), less modern than newer processors like Stripe, setup fee required, less developer-friendly, not ideal for small businesses or startups.
Does Authorize.Net charge ACH fees?
Authorize.Net offers ACH (bank transfer) processing, but fees vary by your merchant account provider. Typically, ACH fees are lower than credit card fees (often $0.25-$0.50 per transaction or a small percentage). You'll need to check with your merchant account provider for specific ACH pricing, as Authorize.Net is just the gateway, not the processor.
Is Authorize.Net worth it in 2025?
Authorize.Net is worth it if you already have a merchant account and need a reliable gateway with extensive integrations. However, for most businesses, modern all-in-one solutions like Stripe or Square are better because they eliminate the monthly gateway fee, simplify setup, and offer better developer tools. Authorize.Net makes sense for established businesses already using it or those with specific integration requirements that newer processors don't support.