PCI DSS Compliance
If you store, process, or transmit cardholder data, you must comply with PCI DSS standards. Use tokenization and never store full card numbers. Consider using payment service providers that handle PCI compliance for you.
- Never store CVV codes
- Use tokenization for card storage
- Implement strong encryption (AES-256)
- Regular security audits and penetration testing
Payment Gateway Selection
Choose payment gateways that support multiple payment methods (credit cards, debit cards, UPI, net banking). Popular options include Stripe, Razorpay, PayPal, and local payment processors. Consider transaction fees and international support.
- Support multiple currencies for international bookings
- Handle 3D Secure authentication
- Implement webhook handlers for payment status
- Support refund and partial refund operations
Fraud Prevention
Implement fraud detection mechanisms to prevent fraudulent transactions. Use velocity checks, address verification, and machine learning-based fraud detection systems.
- Monitor transaction patterns and velocity
- Implement address verification (AVS)
- Use 3D Secure for high-value transactions
- Set up alerts for suspicious activities
Error Handling and Retries
Payment processing can fail due to various reasons. Implement proper error handling, retry mechanisms, and user-friendly error messages. Maintain transaction logs for auditing.
- Handle network timeouts gracefully
- Implement idempotent payment requests
- Provide clear error messages to users
- Log all payment attempts for auditing
Conclusion
Secure payment processing requires compliance with industry standards, careful gateway selection, fraud prevention, and robust error handling. Always prioritize security and user experience when implementing payment functionality.