You can have more than one payment method on your site — for example:
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Credit / debit card payments via a payment gateway (e.g. Stripe, Windcave, eWay, Afterpay)
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PayPal payments via someone’s PayPal account
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Bank payments (e.g. via bank deposit)
Here’s how to add a new payment gateway or switch your active one, plus things you’ll want to check along the way.
Step 1: Decide which gateway(s) you want
Before making changes, think about:
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which countries you sell to | Not all gateways support all countries. For example, some NZ-only or Australia-only gateways may not work globally. |
| Supported payment methods | Does the gateway support Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.? |
| Fees, settlement time, currency conversion | Some gateways charge extra fees or have delays in getting the funds into your bank. |
| Integration time | Some gateways need more paperwork/documentation, may take time to approve. |
Step 2: Log into your Rocketspark Dashboard
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Log in to your Rocketspark account and open your website’s Dashboard.
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Navigate: Manage Store → Payment Gateways.
Step 3: Add / set up a new payment gateway
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In the Payment Gateways section, look for the gateway you want to use (e.g. Stripe, eWay, Windcave, Afterpay, PayPal).
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Click “Setup New Account” for that gateway or see our payment gateway guides.
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Follow the on-screen instructions. This usually means:
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Providing identity / business verification documents
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Entering banking or account information
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Choosing settings (currency, payment methods accepted, etc.)
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Wait for approval. Some gateways require review; this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks depending on the gateway and local requirements.
Step 4: Activate the new gateway and deactivate the old (if switching)
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Once your new payment gateway is approved, go back to Manage Store → Payment Gateways.
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Toggle the new gateway on (go live).
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Toggle the old gateway off (if you are replacing it) so customers aren’t offered a deprecated option.
Step 5: Test the new gateway
Always test before relying on it for real sales:
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Create a test product (could be a low-price one).
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Go through the checkout process as if you were a customer, using a payment method supported by the new gateway.
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Ensure funds are captured, confirmation emails are sent, and everything works end-to-end.
Important notes and tips
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Documentation & requirements: Some gateways have extra legal or identity document requirements. Be prepared (business registration, bank statements, etc.).
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Time for setup: Approval periods vary. Don’t leave switching at the last minute (e.g. close to a big launch or sale).
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Currency compatibility: If you sell in multiple currencies or your customers pay in a different currency, check if the gateway handles currency conversion or has fees for that.
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Fees and contract terms: Gateway-specific fees (transaction fee, monthly, setup, etc.) can vary a lot. Make sure you understand the total cost.
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Backup plan: If one gateway is having issues, having at least one other option helps ensure you don’t lose sales.
FAQs
Q: Can I keep my old payment gateway active while I test a new one?
A: Yes — Rocketspark allows you to have multiple payment gateways enabled at once. You can leave your old one active while testing the new one. Once you’re confident the new gateway works as expected, you can disable the old one.
Q: Will changing payment gateways affect existing orders or customers who are in the middle of checkout?
A: No, existing orders already placed should proceed as normal under whichever gateway they used. However, customers who start a checkout while you're switching gateways could run into issues — it’s best to do switches during a low-traffic time and notify your customers if necessary.
Q: Are payment gateway settings the same across all countries?
A: Not necessarily. Some gateways have different requirements, fees, or supported payment methods depending on country. Always check the specific gateway’s documentation for your country.
Q: What do I do if my new payment gateway isn’t approved yet but I need to accept payments immediately?
A: You can continue using your current gateway while waiting for approval. Also, consider enabling alternate methods like PayPal or bank deposit (if offered) temporarily so customers can still pay.
Q: Can I offer multiple payment gateways so customers choose at checkout which one to use?
A: Yes — if you have more than one gateway active, customers should see available options at checkout (depending on your store setup). Be clear which options are available to avoid confusion.
Q: Do I need to update any legal or policy text when I switch gateways?
A: Usually yes. Because each gateway involves different terms, fees, and handling of customer data, it’s good practice to update your Terms & Conditions / Refund Policy / Privacy Policy to reflect which gateways are used, any extra fees, how refunds are processed, etc.