- The gateway moves the transaction data.
- The acquirer holds your account and moves the money.
- A PSP bundles the gateway, processing and often acquiring together.
- Most high-risk merchants want a full-stack PSP that underwrites their vertical.
The payment gateway
The gateway securely captures and transmits payment data between your checkout, the acquirer and the card networks, returning an approve/decline in real time.
The acquiring bank
The acquirer holds your merchant account, takes on processing risk, and settles funds to you. Your MID is issued under an acquirer.
The payment service provider (PSP)
A PSP bundles the gateway, processing and often acquiring into one service, adding tooling and reporting - so you don't integrate each piece separately.
Which do you need?
For most high-risk businesses, a full-stack PSP that underwrites your vertical is the practical choice. PlatinumEdge combines all three with dedicated MIDs and routing - see our high-risk payment gateway.
Is a payment gateway the same as a PSP?
No. The gateway is one component; a PSP bundles the gateway with processing and acquiring relationships into a single service.
Do I need all three?
You need the functions of all three, but a full-stack PSP provides them together, which is simpler for most merchants - especially high-risk ones.