Authorize.net vs Blackbaud Merchant Services Virtual Terminal

Authorize.net helps businesses accept electronic and credit card payments online, in person and by phone. It supports major cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and eChecks, with channels for website checkout, mobile payments, in-person card readers, phone orders through Virtual Terminal and digital invoicing. Automated Recurring Billing supports subscriptions, retainers and payment plans. Customer Information Manager stores payment details for returning customers, while Advanced Fraud Detection Suite offers customizable rules to flag suspicious activity. The service lists web, iOS, Android and API platforms, XML and JSON API variants, and a certified network of technology and solution partners. Merchant support is available 24x7 except major holidays. Authorize.net says its processing is designed for small businesses and that it has worked with merchants and small businesses since 1996. There is no free plan. All listed plans cost $25 per month: All-in-one adds 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction; Gateway only adds 10¢ per transaction plus a 10¢ daily batch fee and requires an existing merchant account. Gateway + eCheck lists 0.75% for eCheck and 10¢ per card transaction plus a 10¢ daily batch fee; eCheck is available only to U.S.-based businesses.

Blackbaud Merchant Services Virtual Terminal is a web portal for processing one-time card payments outside other Blackbaud solutions. It supports both card-present and card-not-present transactions. To enter a payment, a user selects a category and account configuration, enters the amount and payer details, and supplies payment information. Email acknowledgements are available when acknowledgement settings are configured. Transactions entered in the Virtual Terminal do not appear in other Blackbaud solutions or apps, and users who cannot see the terminal in the portal need to contact their system administrator for access. Merchant Services is available to customers using products including Raiser’s Edge NXT, Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud NetCommunity, Blackbaud CRM, Blackbaud eTapestry, and Blackbaud Online Express. Blackbaud describes the service as designed exclusively for the social good community. It states that it encrypts and tokenizes card information and adheres to PCI DSS and PA DSS requirements. Pricing is based on transaction percentages and fees, is provided upon request, and is included in the contract.