Total Web Solutions offers one of the lowest priced PCI Level 1 accredited payment solutions in the UK today. With charges as low as £10 per month for 300 transactions it is easy to see why they are fast becoming one of the most popular alternative providers for UK merchants of all sizes. The low pricing, along with flexible service options and award winning customer service mean this is an excellent choice of provider for your online business needs.

Step 1: Get a Merchant Account from your bank

In order to be able to take payments online you must have an Internet Merchant Number from one of the following acquiring banks:

• Natwest / RBS
• HSBC Card Processing
• Barclays Merchant Services
• American Express
• Diners Club
• JCB (Japan Credit Bureau)

If you wish to also take payments over the telephone you will need a MOTO Internet Merchant ID in order to use the Total Web Solutions Virtual Terminal add-on.

If you do not already have a merchant account with one of the above acquiring banks Total Web Solutions will be able to assist you. They have direct relationships within the merchant services departments of each of the acquirers meaning the application goes straight to the correct department for the correct quote. To apply for a no obligation quote simply complete the Total Web Solutions online Application Form found here. By completing the form you are also applying for the Total Web Solutions Payment Gateway.

Once you receive your merchant ID you will need to contact Total Web Solutions so that they can configure your Live and Test Merchant Tools for your store and provide you with the required testing documents.

Step 2: Configure your store account for Total Web Solutions payment gateway

1. Login to your store control panel and go to the "Payment Options" page.
2. Add Total Web Solutions payment method using the drop down menu.
3. Enter your Total Web Solution Customer ID (Test) and Transaction Type in the fields provided. Please refer to Total Web Solutions Technical Support documents for test card, AVS/CCV2 and 3D Secure settings.
4. Click the Submit button to save your setting.

Step 3: Perform test transactions

To test the Total Web Solutions gateway, change the Transaction Type to "Test" in the control panel. The Test transaction is an exact copy of the Live site, but without the acquiring banks attached. Authorisations on the test server are only simulated, but the user experience is identical to Live. You will need to use the test card information provided by Total Web Solutions Technical Support for test transactions.

As well as performing test transactions within your store you will also need to perform test refunds using the Total Web Solutions Test Merchant Tool.

When you are happy with your testing check with Total Web Solutions Technical Support Team so that they can approve your live account status. Once approved, change the Transaction Type to "Live" and you will now be able to accept real Credit and Debit card payments. You may also want to customise the Total Web Solutions Pay Page by adding a custom header/background image. This can be done within the Live Merchant Tool.