Integrating Authorize.Net hosted payment gateway plugins into your WordPress website enables secure and seamless transactions. Authorize.Net’s hosted payment gateway solutions provide businesses with an easy-to-implement, PCI-compliant checkout system that enhances security and user experience. This guide covers WordPress Authorize.Net hosted payment gateway plugins development, including its types, benefits, and step-by-step instructions for creating a custom plugin.

Additionally, we will answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) to ensure a complete understanding of Authorize.Net payment gateway development in WordPress.

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What is an Authorize.Net Hosted Payment Gateway?

An Authorize.Net hosted payment gateway allows customers to complete transactions using Authorize.Net’s infrastructure while maintaining a seamless checkout flow. Instead of processing payments directly on your site, a hosted gateway securely redirects users to Authorize.Net’s payment page, ensuring enhanced security and compliance.

Benefits of Using an Authorize.Net Hosted Payment Gateway in WordPress:

• Enhanced Security – Authorize.Net manages encryption, fraud prevention, and PCI compliance.
• Smooth Checkout Experience – Provides a user-friendly payment interface.
• Multi-Currency Support – Accepts payments from international customers.
• Easy WordPress Integration – Compatible with WooCommerce and other platforms.
• Reduced Compliance Burden – Avoids handling sensitive card details directly.

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Types of Authorize.Net Hosted Payment Gateway Plugins

When developing a WordPress Authorize.Net hosted payment gateway plugin, you can choose from different types based on business needs:

1. Authorize.Net SIM (Server Integration Method) Plugin

• Redirects users to Authorize.Net’s secure hosted payment page.
• PCI-compliant and secure.
• Ideal for small businesses looking for easy payment processing.

2. Authorize.Net Accept Hosted Plugin

• Uses an embedded iframe to host the payment page on your site.
• Provides a seamless checkout experience without handling card details directly.

3. Authorize.Net Recurring Payments Plugin

• Supports automatic billing and subscription-based services.
• Useful for memberships, SaaS platforms, and donation sites.

4. Authorize.Net eCheck Plugin

• Enables users to process electronic checks.
• Useful for businesses that want to accept ACH payments.

5. Authorize.Net Digital Wallets Plugin

• Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other digital wallets.
• Enhances convenience and improves conversion rates.

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How to Develop an Authorize.Net Hosted Payment Gateway Plugin in WordPress

Step 1: Set Up a WordPress Plugin Structure

Create a new folder in the wp-content/plugins/ directory and set up the necessary files:

/wp-content/plugins/authorize-net-hosted-gateway/
    - authorize-net-hosted-gateway.php
    - includes/
    - assets/
    - templates/

Step 2: Define Plugin Metadata

In authorize-net-hosted-gateway.php, include the plugin header:

<?php
/*
Plugin Name: Authorize.Net Hosted Payment Gateway
Plugin URI: https://example.com/
Description: A custom Authorize.Net hosted payment gateway plugin for WordPress.
Version: 1.0
Author: Your Name
License: GPL2
*/

Step 3: Register the Payment Gateway

Create a function to register the payment gateway within WooCommerce:

function register_authorize_net_hosted_gateway($gateways) {
    $gateways[] = 'WC_Authorize_Net_Hosted_Gateway';
    return $gateways;
}
add_filter('woocommerce_payment_gateways', 'register_authorize_net_hosted_gateway');

Step 4: Create the Payment Gateway Class

Define the Authorize.Net hosted gateway class with required parameters:

class WC_Authorize_Net_Hosted_Gateway extends WC_Payment_Gateway {
    public function __construct() {
        $this->id = 'authorize_net_hosted';
        $this->method_title = __('Authorize.Net Hosted Payment', 'woocommerce');
        $this->supports = array('products');
    }

    public function process_payment($order_id) {
        $order = wc_get_order($order_id);
        return array(
            'result'   => 'success',
            'redirect' => $this->get_authorize_net_redirect_url($order),
        );
    }

    private function get_authorize_net_redirect_url($order) {
        $return_url = site_url('/thank-you');
        return "https://accept.authorize.net/payment/paymentpage?amount=" . $order->get_total() . "&currency=USD&return_url=$return_url";
    }
}

Step 5: Activate and Test the Plugin

• Upload the plugin to wp-content/plugins/.
• Activate it from the WordPress admin panel.
• Test transactions in Authorize.Net’s sandbox mode before going live.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between hosted and non-hosted Authorize.Net gateways?

A hosted Authorize.Net payment gateway redirects users to Authorize.Net’s secure checkout page, while a non-hosted gateway processes payments directly on your website, requiring stricter PCI compliance.

2. Can I develop a custom Authorize.Net hosted gateway plugin without coding?

Yes, you can use plugins like WooCommerce Authorize.Net Payment Gateway or WP Simple Pay to integrate Authorize.Net without coding. However, custom development offers greater flexibility.

3. Does Authorize.Net hosted gateway support recurring payments?

Yes, Authorize.Net provides a Recurring Billing API that enables automatic billing for subscriptions and memberships.

4. How do I test my Authorize.Net payment gateway plugin?

You can use Authorize.Net Sandbox Mode to process transactions without real money. Create test API keys in the Authorize.Net Developer Dashboard.

5. Is an Authorize.Net merchant account required for hosted payment gateways?

Yes, an Authorize.Net Merchant Account is required to use hosted payment gateways and access advanced API features.

6. How do I ensure my payment gateway is secure?

• Always use HTTPS.
• Validate API requests.
• Enable fraud detection and security measures in Authorize.Net settings.

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Conclusion

Developing a WordPress Authorize.Net hosted payment gateway plugin offers a secure, efficient, and scalable way to handle transactions. Whether you’re building an eCommerce store, a subscription service, or an online donation platform, Authorize.Net’s hosted gateway ensures compliance and user trust.

By following this guide, you can create a custom WordPress plugin to process Authorize.Net payments seamlessly. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to leave a comment below!

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