A payment gateway is a service that helps you process online payments. It securely takes the payment information from the customer (like their credit card details) and sends it to the right place to complete the transaction, then sends a confirmation back to the customer.

Is it the same as a payment portal or payment provider?

• Payment Portal: Often used interchangeably with payment gateway, but it typically refers to the webpage or interface where customers enter their payment details. Often, this is called the Check Out page. It's more about the front-end experience, while the gateway handles the technical processing.

• Payment Provider: A payment provider is a broader term, referring to the company that offers the entire payment service, which may include the gateway, the tools to manage payments, and other financial services like merchant accounts.

In short, the payment gateway is the specific tool that processes the payment, while the payment provider might offer a whole suite of services, including the gateway.