OpenCart Payment Methods Guide

Introduction to payment methods

Reliable payment methods are essential for conversions and customer trust. OpenCart includes built-in options and can be extended with third-party payment gateways.

This guide covers the core concepts, available options, setup steps, security practices, and common payment issues in OpenCart.

Basic Concepts (gates, security)

• Payment gateway: A service that processes electronic payments for e-shops. It operates as an intermediary between your shop and banking networks.
• Hosted vs integrated gateways:
  • Hosted: The client redirects to the payment portal website to complete the payment (e.g., PayPal Standard). This reduces your responsibility for card data security.
  • Integrated: Payment is made directly to your site, often via API (e.g., Stripe). It offers better user experience but requires stricter security measures (PCI DSS compliance).
• PCI DSS compliance: A set of security standards for organizations that handle card information. Compliance is critical if you process payments directly.
• Tokenization: A method where sensitive card data are replaced with a unique token, reducing risk.

SSL and Transaction Security

Using an SSL certificate is absolutely necessary for every e-shop. SSL encrypts the data exchanged between your client's browser and server, protecting sensitive information such as login and payment data.

• Makes sure your site address starts with https:// and the security pad appears in the browser.
• It increases customer trust.
• It supports search visibility and user trust.

You can obtain SSL certificates from your hosting provider or from qualified certificate issuing authorities. Many hosting companies offer free SSL via Let's Encrypt.

On OpenCart, after installing SSL on the server, you must activate it from the settings: System > Settings > Store Processing > Server (tab) > SSL Usage: Yes.

Integrated Payment Methods

OpenCart includes some basic payment methods that do not require connection to external gates. To manage them, go to Extensions > Extensions, select "Payments" from the filter and install/edit the desired methods.

Bank Deposit

Allows customers to pay via direct deposit to your bank account.

• Bank transfer instructions: Enter your bank account details (IBAN, Beneficiary Name, Bank) and any other instructions. This information will appear to the customer after the order is completed and the confirmation email.
• Total: Minimum order amount for this method to be available.
• Order Status: The situation in which the order will be placed after selecting this method (usually "Pending" or "Awaiting Payment").
• Geo Zone: Geographical area of application.
• Status: Activated/Deactivated.
• Sort Order: Show order.

Cash On Delivery

The client pays cash on delivery.

• Total: Minimum order amount.
• Order Status: Order status (usually "Processing" or a custom status such as "Awaiting COD Payment").
• Geo Zone: Geographical zone.
• Status: Status.
• Sort Order: Show order.

Check / Postal Check

For check payments. Less common now.

• Payable To: The name on which the check will be issued.
• Total: Minimum order amount.
• Order Status: Order status.
• Geo Zone: Geographical zone.
• Status: Status.
• Sort Order: Show order.

Free Checkout

Used when the total order is zero (e.g. for free digital products). It is automatically activated when no payment is required.

• Order Status: Order status (usually "Complete" or "Processing" for digital products).
• Status: Status.
• Sort Order: Show order.

Popular payment gateways and extensions

To accept payments with online cards, you will need a payment portal extension. Many are available in OpenCart Greece Eshop and the official OpenCart Marketplace.

Stripe

One of the most popular and modern payment portals worldwide, known for its easy integration and programmer friendly capabilities. It supports many payment methods.

PayPal

Widely recognised and reliable payment portal. It offers various integration solutions (e.g., PayPal Standard, PayPal Express Checkout).

Greek Gates (Viva Wallet, EveryPay, etc.)

For the Greek market, specialized providers work with Greek banks and support local needs such as installments.

• Viva Wallet: Popular selection in Greece and Europe.
• EveryPay: Reliable solution with support for many Greek banks.
• Other banking portals (eg, Alpha Bank, Eurobank, Piraeus) are also available through respective extensions. See more

The choice of the appropriate portal depends on your needs, charges, supported countries and technical requirements.

General Configuration Steps

The configuration of a payment portal usually includes the following steps:

1. Create Account: Sign up for payment portal service.
2. Download API Keys: You will receive unique keys (e.g., Publishing Key, Secret Key, Merchant ID) required to connect OpenCart to the gate.
3. Expansion Facility: Download and install the corresponding OpenCart extension for your portal ( Extensions > Installation of Extensions.
4. Enable & Configure: Go to Extensions > Extensions > Payments, find the extension, install it (if not already done) and click "Edit".
   • Enter your API keys.
   • Adjust the mode of operation (e.g., test/live mode, transaction type - authorize/capture).
   • Set the order status for successful and failed payments.
   • Adjust the geographical area, status and classification order.
5. Test: Perform test mode transactions (if supported) to make sure everything works properly before going to live mode.

Order Status & Payments

It is important to correctly match order statements with payment results:

• Pending/Awaiting Payment: For orders where payment has not yet been confirmed (e.g. bank deposit, pending approval from the gate).
• Processing: For orders where the payment has been confirmed and the order is ready for processing/send.
• Complete: For orders completed and shipped (or delivered, for digital products).
• Failed/Canceled: For orders where payment failed or cancelled.
• Refunded: For orders that have been fully or partially returned.

Most payment portals allow you to specify which situations will correspond to each payment scenario in their expansion settings.

Best Practices

• Priority to Security: Always use SSL. Choose reliable payment gateways. If you handle card data directly, make sure PCI DSS requirements are covered.
• Variety of Choices: You offer at least 2-3 popular payment modes to cover customer preferences.
• Debt Transparency: Inform customers of any additional transaction charges (if any) before completing the payment.
• Mobile-friendly: Make sure the payment process is smooth and on mobile devices.
• Extensive Trials: Try all payment methods thoroughly before the official launch and after each upgrade.
• Clear Instructions: Provide clear instructions for methods such as bank deposit.
• Regular Control: Check regularly the payment portal settings and transaction reports for any problems.

Dealing with Problems

• Payment method does not appear in checkout:
  • Check if the extension is installed and activated.
  • Make sure the right geographical zone is set.
  • Check "Total" field (minimum order amount).
  • Check for any currency or customer restrictions in the gate settings.
• Error while processing payment:
  • Check the API keys and gate settings at OpenCart.
  • Check OpenCart Error Logs ( System > Maintenance > Error Record.
  • Check the dashboard of the payment portal for error details.
  • Make sure SSL is properly configured.
  • Contact payment portal support.
• Orders are not properly updated after payment:
  • Check the order status settings in the gate extension.
  • Make sure "Callback URL" or "IPN URL" is correctly configured on the payment gate control panel so that it can notify OpenCart of the payment status.