NetSuite Credit Card Processing: A Complete Guide to How It Works, Choosing a Provider, and Getting Started

NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform designed to aid businesses in managing key operational processes.

The NetSuite platform provides a suite of tools for accounting, inventory management, supply chain operations, and customer relationship management (CRM), promoting scalability and allowing for the integration of various functions into a single, unified system. These tools allow merchants to streamline accounts receivable (AR) processes, making payment collections a breeze.

The ins and outs of NetSuite payment processing

NetSuite payment processing is a major component of the NetSuite cloud-based ERP system that ensures efficient cash flow and customer satisfaction. It facilitates the acceptance and management of customer payments within the NetSuite platform.

NetSuite provides an arsenal of comprehensive tools and features designed to facilitate efficient business management and financial operations.

What kinds of tools and features does NetSuite offer?

NetSuite’s tools and features aim to make the payment processing experience quick and seamless.

Some of these tools and features include:

• Email pay
• Payment portals
• Saved cards
• Analytics and insights
• CRM module

Email pay

NetSuite’s email pay feature simplifies payment collections by allowing businesses to send electronic invoices with secure payment links directly to customers’ email addresses.

This convenient method encourages prompt payments by enabling customers to pay directly via email, eliminating the need to log into a separate payment portal. The result is a streamlined billing experience that can help reduce AR delays and improve cash flow.

Payment portals

NetSuite’s payment portal enables businesses to offer a self-service experience where clients can view their billing history, update payment information, and make payments online.

These portals are designed to be secure and user-friendly, fostering a high level of customer autonomy and satisfaction. They also reduce the administrative burden on businesses, as customers can manage their own account details and NetSuite payments efficiently.

Saved cards

To further enhance the customer experience and expedite future payments, NetSuite allows customers to securely save their credit card information within their customer records.

The saved card feature follows Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) to ensure data security while offering a convenient option for customers who prefer to use the same payment method for recurring transactions. Saved cards can facilitate smoother, faster payments and improve customer loyalty.

Analytics and insights

Businesses require real-time data to make informed decisions, and NetSuite delivers this through its analytics and insights.

With comprehensive dashboards and customizable reporting tools, you can closely monitor your company’s financial health, track payment trends, and identify areas of improvement. This data-driven approach empowers organizations to optimize payment processing strategies and overall business performance.

CRM module

NetSuite’s CRM feature is a complete solution that supports the entire customer lifecycle, from lead to loyalty. It records every customer interaction, including transactions, support cases, and sales activities, offering a 360-degree view of each client.

The CRM module works seamlessly with the payment processing features to ensure information is up to date, enhancing customer service and driving sales.

Using these tools and features, NetSuite provides a robust platform that supports various business needs, with payment processing at the forefront of fostering substantial growth and operational efficiency.

Decoding NetSuite payment terms

When diving into NetSuite payment processing, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with common terms. These terms are foundational to understanding the intricate operations of financial transactions within the NetSuite ecosystem.

• Payment gateway: NetSuite payment gateways act as digital conduits connecting a merchant’s payment system to the payment processing network. When a customer initiates a credit card transaction, the gateway securely transmits the payment information from the point-of-sale (POS) terminal to the relevant parties, such as payment processors and banks, for authentication and approval.
• Payment processor: A NetSuite payment processor handles credit card payment details. Once the payment gateway transmits the cardholder’s data, the processor validates the transaction details with the card-issuing bank, authorizes the transfer of funds, and communicates the approval or decline back to the gateway.
• Acquirer: An acquirer is a financial institution with the authority to process credit and debit card transactions on behalf of a merchant. Acquirers maintain merchant accounts, which are necessary for a business to receive proceeds from credit card sales.
• Certified processor: A NetSuite-certified processor is a payment processor officially recognized by NetSuite that’s undergone rigorous validation to ensure its services are compatible with NetSuite’s platform. These processors have demonstrated adherence to specified NetSuite payment integration standards and have been tested to ensure they work seamlessly within the NetSuite environment.
• Non-certified processor: Conversely, a non-certified processor is a payment processing entity that NetSuite hasn’t officially accredited. While these processors may still function with the NetSuite platform, they haven’t undergone the same validation process as certified NetSuite payment processors. They may present a higher risk or potentially result in a less optimal user experience.

Understanding NetSuite’s payment terms, gateways, processors (certified and non-certified), and acquirers is essential for businesses to efficiently and securely manage their online transactions.

What are the benefits of NetSuite payment processing?

NetSuite delivers numerous benefits designed to simplify collections operations and provide a superior customer experience.

NetSuite payment processing yields several benefits, including embedded credit card processing, flexible payment options, industry-compliant security, and complimentary training and support.

Embedded credit card processing

Embedded credit card processing offers a significant advantage by integrating into the ERP system itself.

This integration means users can process credit card payments directly within their ERP, eliminating the need to toggle between systems or re-enter data — thereby reducing errors and saving time.

Flexible payment options

NetSuite supports various payment methods, catering to consumer preferences and modern commerce demands.

By accommodating major credit cards, digital wallets, and electronic payment methods, businesses can expand their reach and offer customers the convenience they seek. This flexibility helps attract a broader market that prefers a diverse range of payment methods.

Industry-compliant security

Since security is paramount, the NetSuite platform adheres to strict industry PCI compliance standards to ensure payment data is securely processed and stored. NetSuite’s commitment to maintaining high levels of security protects businesses against fraud, provides customers with peace of mind, and helps companies preserve their reputations by minimizing the risk of data breaches.

Key security measures available through NetSuite payment integrations include:

• Tokenization. Rather than storing raw credit card data, tokenization replaces sensitive card details with a secure token, drastically reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring compliance with PCI standards.
• Address Verification Service (AVS) and CVV verification. AVS and CVV checks verify cardholder identity at the point of sale, helping prevent unauthorized transactions and reducing chargeback rates.
• Fraud monitoring. Real-time fraud monitoring systems detect suspicious activity and provide immediate alerts, allowing businesses to act quickly before threats impact financial records.
• 3D Secure authentication. 3D Secure adds an additional identity verification step during transactions, requiring customers to confirm who they are before a payment is completed.

Complimentary training and support

NetSuite enhances the customer experience by offering quick and efficient checkout processes. The system’s ability to handle diverse payment options and provide secure transactions builds customer trust and satisfaction.

A streamlined payment processing experience can increase customer loyalty and encourage repeat business, contributing to the company’s long-term success.

From reducing manual data entry to improving financial reporting and cash management, NetSuite helps businesses operate more efficiently by utilizing certified and non-certified payment processing solutions.

NetSuite’s diverse payment processing solutions

NetSuite offers a versatile range of payment processing solutions to facilitate businesses’ transactions. These solutions can be categorized as certified and non-certified solutions.

Certified NetSuite payment solutions

• EBizCharge: EBizCharge is a top-rated payment processing solution that seamlessly integrates with NetSuite, allowing businesses to securely process payments directly inside the platform. The EBizCharge for NetSuite payment processing integration delivers real-time payment processing, automatic reconciliation, customizable reporting, recurring billing capabilities, and fraud prevention, enabling businesses to manage their finances more efficiently and improve the overall customer experience.
• CyberSource: Owned by Visa, Cybersource offers a wide range of payment processing solutions, including online payments, fraud management, and payment security. It provides services to businesses of all sizes across various industries, focusing on scalability and security.
• Freedom Pay: Freedom Pay specializes in providing secure payment solutions for hospitality, retail, healthcare, and other industries. This platform offers payment processing, loyalty programs, data analytics, and more.
• Solupay: Solupay is another payment processor that supports credit card processing, ACH payments, and mobile payment solutions. It caters primarily to businesses in the B2B sector, providing customized payment solutions.
• Adyen: Adyen is a global processor that provides payment processing services for online, mobile, and in-store transactions. It offers a single platform for accepting payments in multiple channels and currencies, with a strong emphasis on international expansion and serving large-scale enterprises.

Non-certified NetSuite payment solutions

NetSuite supports integration with non-certified payment processing solutions. These solutions are typically third-party payment gateways or processors without formal certification testing by NetSuite.

Businesses can still integrate non-certified payment processing solutions with NetSuite, taking advantage of its flexible APIs, customization capabilities, and integration tools.

With multiple options to choose from, it’s important to know what to look for when choosing a payment processor to integrate with NetSuite.

Choosing the right payment gateway for NetSuite

With a clear picture of the available processors and solutions, the next decision is selecting the gateway that best fits your business. Not all gateways integrate with NetSuite equally, and the right choice depends on more than just pricing. Here are the key factors to evaluate:

Integration compatibility. Look for a gateway with a certified NetSuite integration to ensure seamless real-time synchronization and avoid compatibility issues that require manual workarounds.

Supported payment methods. Choose a gateway that supports the full range of payment types your customers use, including credit and debit cards, ACH transfers, and digital wallets.

Security and compliance. Opt for a PCI-compliant gateway with encryption, tokenization, and fraud detection tools to protect customer data and reduce chargeback risk.

Transaction fees and costs. Compare transaction fees, setup costs, monthly fees, and chargeback charges across providers. Transparent, competitive pricing is essential for maintaining healthy margins at volume.

Customer support. Choose a provider with reliable, readily available support to ensure smooth operations and quick resolution of any payment processing issues.

Once you’ve identified the right gateway, the next step is understanding which payment methods it can support inside NetSuite.

NetSuite payment methods: what your business can accept

NetSuite supports a range of payment methods that can be enabled through an integrated payment gateway. Understanding your options helps finance teams match the right methods to their customers and transaction types.

Credit and debit cards are the most common method for B2B and eCommerce transactions. They process quickly, support stored payment profiles for recurring billing, and reduce friction in the collections process.

ACH and electronic funds transfers (EFTs) move money directly between bank accounts, making them well-suited for high-value invoices where lower transaction fees matter. ACH is a cost-effective alternative to card payments for businesses with predictable billing cycles.

Wire transfers are typically reserved for large or international transactions where speed and security are priorities. They offer reliable settlement for significant payment volumes.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is an increasingly common option for businesses that want to offer customers more flexible payment terms without managing financing in-house.

Choosing the right mix for your business

The right combination of payment methods depends on a few key factors. Transaction volume and size play a major role — high-value or recurring transactions often favor ACH due to lower per-transaction fees, while card payments better serve smaller, one-time purchases. Customer preference also matters; offering the methods your customers already use reduces friction and late payments. Finally, factor in processing costs across each method, since fees vary and the difference compounds at volume.

Choosing the best NetSuite payment processor for your business

Choosing the best NetSuite payment processor for your business is essential to streamlining your financial operations and enhancing customer satisfaction. When selecting a processor, it’s crucial to consider several factors.

First, assess the types of NetSuite payment methods you want to accept, including major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, as well as digital payment options. Make sure your payment processing capabilities align with your customers’ preferred methods.

Next, evaluate the transaction fees and payment processing options offered. Financial institutions and credit card processors may differ in fee structures, which can impact your cash flow. Look for a payment processor with transparent, competitive fees that accommodate your budget.

Finally, your provider should provide a seamless NetSuite integration that minimizes the risk of duplicate data entry and offers robust fraud management tools. A good gateway ensures secure transactions and allows for faster payment collections, directly influencing your bottom line.

How to set up credit card processing in NetSuite

Setting up credit card processing in NetSuite requires a few key steps. Proper setup minimizes errors and manual data entry, enhancing financial health and cash flow management.

1. Choose a payment gateway provider. This is the foundation for processing credit cards through NetSuite. When evaluating options consider:

• Compatibility with NetSuite
• Supported payment methods and card types
• Security and PCI compliance
• Transaction fees, setup costs, and monthly fees
• Quality and availability of customer support

2. Install the payment gateway. Once you’ve selected a provider, configure the connection by inputting API credentials provided by the gateway. This establishes secure communication between NetSuite and the payment service and forms the foundation for all subsequent payment operations.

3. Configure payment methods. Set up the payment types you want to accept, including credit cards, ACH, and digital wallets. Proper configuration ensures you can process all desired payment types smoothly and that financial records update accurately.

4. Test the integration. Before going live, run test transactions in a sandbox environment to verify the integration is working correctly. Test authorization, capture, void, and refund scenarios and validate that payment data appears accurately in NetSuite’s financial reports.

With setup complete, the next step is putting automation to work to get the most out of your NetSuite payment integration.

Automating and optimizing credit card payments in NetSuite

Automating payment processes in NetSuite reduces manual effort, minimizes errors, and improves cash flow consistency. Key automation capabilities include:

Recurring billing. Businesses can configure recurring payments to occur at specific intervals, ensuring timely collections and reducing administrative work. This is particularly valuable for subscription-based models or businesses with predictable billing cycles.

Batch processing. Configuring batch processing for bulk transactions minimizes manual approvals and delays, making it ideal for businesses handling high transaction volumes.

Dunning management. Automated dunning tools retry failed payments and send email notifications to customers about expired cards or failed transactions, prompting them to update payment information before accounts go overdue.

Tokenization. Tokenization replaces raw credit card information with a secure token, allowing customers to store payment details securely for future transactions while reducing fraud risk and maintaining PCI compliance.

Automated reconciliation. NetSuite’s automated reconciliation matches payments with bank transactions, ensuring seamless financial tracking and minimizing discrepancies without manual intervention.

Self-service payment portal. Offering a self-service portal allows customers to update payment details and settle invoices independently, reducing friction and ensuring uninterrupted transactions without requiring direct business intervention.

Together these automation tools reduce the time your team spends on manual payment tasks and give you better visibility into cash flow and collections performance.

Improving the NetSuite experience with EBizCharge

From automated payment workflows to secure payment portals and comprehensive analytics, NetSuite offers a seamless user experience that simplifies collections and improves cash flow management.

Integrating your NetSuite system with a top-rated payment processor like EBizCharge will further enhance your AR process by allowing your business to process NetSuite payments directly within the platform. EBizCharge fortifies NetSuite’s existing infrastructure with features that simplify security, reduce the risks associated with fraud management, and offer transparent, competitive fees.

With EBizCharge, businesses can optimize operations, drive growth, and deliver exceptional customer service in today’s fast-paced digital economy.