Set Up Payment Gateways on Your Wix Store
Learning Objectives
- Integrate Wix Payments into your online store
- Connect popular payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe
- Understand transaction fees, payout schedules, and refund processing
- Test your payment setup to ensure it works properly
Introduction
Setting up reliable payment gateways is essential for any online store. Your customers need secure, familiar ways to pay, and you need to receive payments quickly and reliably. This chapter walks you through setting up Wix Payments as your primary gateway, then adding PayPal and Stripe to give customers more choice. You'll also learn about fees and payout schedules so there are no surprises when the money starts rolling in.
Lessons
Setting Up Wix Payments
Wix Payments handles credit and debit card payments directly through your store. Here's how to activate it:
Step 1: In your Wix dashboard, go to 'Accept Payments' in your store settings.
Step 2: Select 'Wix Payments' and click 'Set Up'.
Step 3: Fill in your business details exactly as they appear on your official documents. Any mismatches can delay approval.
Step 4: Upload the required verification documents when prompted. This usually includes ID and business registration papers.
Step 5: Wait for approval. This typically takes 1-3 business days.
The approval process exists for security reasons, so don't skip any steps or provide incomplete information.
Adding PayPal and Stripe
Most customers expect to see PayPal as an option, and Stripe offers excellent international support. Here's how to add them:
For PayPal:
Step 1: Go back to 'Accept Payments' in your dashboard.
Step 2: Click 'Add Payment Method' and select PayPal.
Step 3: Log into your existing PayPal business account or create one if needed.
Step 4: Authorise the connection between Wix and PayPal.
For Stripe:
Step 1: In 'Accept Payments', click 'Add Payment Method' and select Stripe.
Step 2: Enter your Stripe account credentials or create a new Stripe account.
Step 3: Complete the verification process as required by Stripe.
Having multiple payment options reduces cart abandonment. Some customers trust PayPal more than entering card details directly, whilst others prefer the speed of direct card payments.
Understanding Fees and Payouts
Each payment gateway charges different fees and has different payout schedules. Here's what to expect:
Wix Payments:
- Transaction fees typically range from 2.9% + 30p per transaction
- Payouts usually arrive within 2-7 business days
- Check your specific region's rates in your dashboard
PayPal:
- Standard rate is around 2.9% + fixed fee depending on currency
- Instant transfer available for additional fee, otherwise 1-3 business days
- Fees can be lower for higher volume merchants
Stripe:
- Similar to Wix Payments at around 2.9% + 30p
- Payouts typically within 2-7 business days
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Factor these fees into your pricing strategy. If you're selling a £10 item, a 3% fee plus 30p means you'll receive roughly £9.40 after fees.
Testing Your Payment Setup
Never launch without testing. Here's how to run test transactions:
Step 1: Create a test product in your store with a low price (£1 is fine).
Step 2: Go through the complete purchase process using each payment method.
Step 3: Check that confirmation emails are sent to both you and the customer.
Step 4: Verify that the transaction appears in your payment gateway dashboards.
Step 5: Process a refund to test that system too.
This is the bit most people skip, but testing catches problems before your real customers encounter them.
Practice
Create a test product and complete a purchase using each of your activated payment gateways. Time how long each process takes and note any friction points. Check your email confirmations and payment dashboards to ensure everything connects properly.
FAQs
Which payment gateways should I choose for my Wix store?
Start with Wix Payments for card transactions and PayPal for customers who prefer it. Add Stripe if you're targeting international customers or need advanced features.
How do transaction fees affect my pricing?
Always include transaction fees in your profit calculations. If fees average 3%, ensure your markup covers this plus your desired profit margin.
Why might payouts be delayed?
New accounts often have longer hold periods for security. Unusual transaction patterns, disputes, or incomplete verification can also cause delays.
Can I process refunds through all gateways?
Yes, but the process varies. Wix Payments and Stripe handle refunds through your dashboard, whilst PayPal refunds go through your PayPal account.
Jargon Buster
- Payment Gateway: Service that processes payments between your customers and your bank account
- Transaction Fees: Charges taken by payment providers for processing each sale
- Payout Schedule: How often funds from sales are transferred to your bank account
- Merchant Account: Business account that allows you to accept card payments
Wrap-up
Your payment gateways are now set up and tested. Remember to monitor your transaction fees regularly and adjust your pricing if needed. Keep an eye on payout schedules, especially during busy periods when cash flow matters most. Review your payment analytics monthly to see which gateways your customers prefer – this data helps you optimise the checkout experience.
Next, you'll learn how to set up shipping options and tax calculations to complete your store setup.