CPGateway Internet Credit Card Processing by Synchronics
CPGateway is a service provided by Synchronics that enhances credit card processing for Synchronics merchants.
CPGateway allows you to obtain card authorizations from your processor using the Internet instead of dialing out for each authorization. This method is much faster and more reliable than dial-up communications and can provide 2-second authorizations.
CPGateway is available for both CounterPoint V7 and CounterPoint SQL.
You can also use CPGateway for real-time credit card authorizations in your CPOnline store, if you are using CounterPoint V7.5.6 or higher. (If you are using CPOnline with a CounterPoint SQL system, you can’t currently use CPGateway for your online store’s credit card authorizations, but this functionality is planned for a future CPOnline/CounterPoint SQL release.)
Benefits
CPGateway offers:
- Credit card, debit card, and check authorizations via the Internet
- Fast authorization response times–typically 2 seconds 1
- Faster settlement times
- Internet-based service (uses your Internet connection)
- CounterPoint V7 compatibility (V7.5.3 or later)
- CounterPoint SQL compatibility (V8.2.5 or later)
- CPOnline compatibility
- CISP Compliance
- Simple setup
- Economical fees
- Ease of use
- Reliability
- Security
- One Internet connection serves multiple workstations
- Compatible with the Synchronics Merchant Program
- Compatible with First Data North
- Compatible with Vital
- Compatible with Paymentech
- Automatic fallback to dial-up
- EBT food stamps for SMP or Vital
- Direct American Express authorizations instead of routing through processors (reduces bank fees)
Details
To authorize a charge, simply record the sale in CounterPoint in the normal way, obtaining the credit card information using a magstripe card reader (or by entering the card information manually).
CounterPoint then connects to CPGateway through the Internet using TCP/IP protocol and requests the authorization. CPGateway maintains a high-speed connection to your card processor and quickly obtains the authorization and passes it back to CounterPoint. Your CounterPoint system is continuously connected to CPGateway via the Internet, and CPGateway stays connected with your processor, so you avoid the delays associated with dial-up service and modems-and typically obtain authorizations in 2 seconds
Use CounterPoint’s existing settlement functions to settle a batch via CPGateway. This will settle transactions authorized via CPGateway as well as any transactions authorized using dial-up. Settling via CPGateway is faster than settling via dial-up.
Merchant Relationship
You must establish a merchant relationship for card processing. We recommend taking advantage of the Synchronics Merchant Program (SMP).
If you do not wish to process under SMP, you may establish a merchant relationship with any processor who can work through First Data North, Vital, or Paymentech.
No additional software purchase is necessary for SMP merchants. Non-SMP merchants require the Credit Cards Option.
Configuration
You need an Internet connection-dial-up, DSL, cable, T1, or any service that supports a TCP/IP connection to the Internet. Only one Internet connection is required regardless of the number of CounterPoint workstations.
You will also need an ISP (Internet Service Provider) to provide connectivity to the Internet.
In a Windows or NetWare network, each CounterPoint workstation uses TCP/IP to communicate through the Internet to CPGateway. In a Unix/Linux network, the server handles the communications.
Reliability
We understand the importance of absolutely reliable credit card processing. CPGateway is designed to stay in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Maximum reliability is built into CPGateway – redundant (duplicate) servers, redundant Internet connections from your CounterPoint system to CPGateway, redundant communication lines to the card processors, redundant power systems, etc.
If your local Internet service fails (your ISP or communication lines go down), CounterPoint will automatically switch to dial-up mode and call your card processor directly. And CounterPoint V7 will automatically use the Modem Server Option, if it is active.
All authorizations obtained from your processor, whether through CPGateway or via direct dial-up, are identical and can be settled in the same batch.
CounterPoint and CPGateway are designed to ensure that you will keep authorizing and settling credit cards – no matter what.
Visa CISP Compliance
With CPGateway, your shopper’s credit card information is safe and secure
CPGateway is a CISP compliant service. The Cardholder Information Security Program (CISP) is a program implemented by Visa to ensure that cardholder information is secure and protected against identity theft. CPGateway complies with all CISP requirements, including a firewall to protect credit card information, data encryption, anti-virus protection, regular security testing, and more.
As a CISP compliant service, CPGateway also adheres to the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard.
Pricing
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Standard
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SMP *
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| Activation Fee |
$150
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$100
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| Minimum Monthly Fee |
$20
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$15
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| Minimum Inactive Fee |
$5
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$5
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* Synchronics Merchant Program (PNC Merchant Services)
Activation Fee
An Activation Fee is charged for each new store.
Transaction Fee
A transaction fee is charged for each authorization request. Your per-transaction fees will be reduced if you exceed 4,000 transactions in a month (across all stores).
Minimum Monthly Fee
If a store has very few transactions in a month, you will be charged the Minimum Monthly Fee for that store.
Partial Year Use / Minimum Inactive Fee
If a store has no transactions, you will be charged the Minimum Inactive Fee ($5). This fee allows you to use CPGateway during busy months, then use dialup during slower months while keeping your CPGateway account open. This reduces costs in slower months while avoiding the additional Activations from re-starting CPGateway service. (It is your responsibility to turn CPGateway on and off using CounterPoint’s setup functions.)
Note that CPGateway fees do not include costs associated with Internet connectivity (typically provided by your ISP), fees from your card processor, or any services provided by your Dealer.
