Integration Information
There are a number of ways that you, as a Merchant, can use the Cardstream system. Different Merchants will require different methods of integration depending on their specific requirements. The Cardstream system has been designed with all types of Merchants in mind and boasts flexibility, in as much as its ability to integrate with almost all e-commerce packages. Cardstream supports Internet Sites, Call Centres and traditional high street Merchants.
There are four methods of using the system. They are:
- No Connection - Use our pre constructed Transaction Management System (MMS).
- Cardstream Hosted Payment Pages - Cardstream hosts your secure payment pages.
- Direct Connection - Merchant uses Server to Server calls to process transactions. :
- Use a Pre-Integrated eCommerce package from one of our Partners.
Support throughout the integration process and after the connection is completed will be free of charge. You will be assigned a technician who will assist you through the process and will answer any questions you wish to ask. To further help you during the integration process, we offer a fully functional test environment that simulates the system in live production mode. You may use this service at no extra cost both during and after integration. If you would like further information as integration to the Cardstream service, you can call our support team on +44 20 8906 6802 or you can request a call back by filling in the form below.
Integration Options
Integration with the Cardstream Gateway is run through an HTTPS interface and requires no software installation on a Merchant's web server. There are three methods of connecting to the gateway and the difference between each method is the level of transparency experienced by customers purchasing from your site. Most Merchants wish to have the payment process completely invisible and inline. However, for further information on integration options please read the Integration Guides.
The four main integration options to the service are:
Merchant Management System (MMS)
No matter which method of integration you choose you will have access to the Merchant Management System (MMS). The MMS on its own can be used as a fully functional system for processing transactions. You do not even need an Internet site to use the system.
Features Include:
- Authorisation of transactions
- Full or partial transaction refunds
- Transaction history storage
- Transaction summary service
- Handling of referred transactions
- Set transaction security features
The MMS can fully replace a physical card payment machine supplied by most acquiring banks and can be used in high street shops, call centres or for online shops and applications. It allows you to process your business' transactions from anywhere in the world. You are not tied to a physical machine.
You will still require a Merchant Number to use the MMS. Please read Merchant Accounts Explained to decide which type of merchant account you require.
Secure Unbranded Forms
This is the most basic and easiest integration option. Cardstream can host your secure payment pages (these are those that collect and process the card and cardholder details) on your behalf. These pages come fully unbranded to allow a level of consistency with any Merchant's site.
Direct Connection
The direct connection method or Merchant server to gateway server method is completely transparent. The Merchant hosts their own secure payment pages and passes transaction requests to the gateway by means of a background server to server call. This means the customer never sees any reference to Cardstream with the transaction being run completely in the background. This method requires a good degree of programming skills and knowledge of handling HTTPS calls by means other than a browser.
Pre-Integrated Software
Cardstream works with many Developers and Solution providers to enabling you, the Merchant, a wide variety of software systems that already come packaged with the Cardstream integration already complete. We work hard to identify developers who can provide you with high quality solutions. These solutions can be configured in a few minutes to connect to the Cardstream Gateway and require little to no technical knowledge on the part of the Merchant.
For a full list of solution providers integrated with Cardstream, please visit our Partner section where you will find providers in the following categories:
- eCommerce Solutions & Developers
- eCommerce Consultants
- Internet Service Providers (hosting, security, etc.)
- Site Promotion / Search Engine Optimisation
If you are using a technology provider that is not listed, please send a partner request email to Integration Request.
Next Steps...
You can begin the process of using the service by clicking the button below. Once your application has been received, a Customer service representative will contact you with reference to your needs.
