Developing BigCommerce Custom Payment Gateway

Understanding BigCommerce Architecture

BigCommerce is a SaaS eCommerce platform, meaning merchants do not have direct access to core files like in Magento or WooCommerce.

Therefore, a custom payment gateway in BigCommerce doesn’t mean embedding your code directly into the checkout. Instead, you build an external integration using the BigCommerce APIs, Checkout SDK, and Payments API to create a tailored payment solution that meets your specific business needs, especially when working alongside broader bigcommerce checkout customization requirements.

• BigCommerce supports integrations through its Payments API for gateways that meet its compatibility and compliance requirements.
• To launch a fully integrated custom payment integration, you must work through the BigCommerce Partner Program for approval and certification.
• You can also create a private BigCommerce app (not published to the app store) that connects your store with your external payment service.

In the case of BigCommerce, developers can create a custom application using the dev tools account provided to every merchant who subscribes to BigCommerce, making it easier for businesses to hire bigcommerce developers when specialized integration work is required.

This allows developers to create their own BigCommerce apps, which are not published on the BigCommerce app store but can be implicitly used on any store, especially when projects require deeper flexibility through bigcommerce custom development.

This approach is different from other CMS solutions and requires developers to use the dev tools account to create custom payment gateways for BigCommerce.

Step-by-Step Overview: Building a BigCommerce Payment Gateway Solution

Step 1: Retrieve Order Data

Use the BigCommerce Orders API or Webhooks to capture order details after checkout completion.

• Recommended Method: Webhooks (e.g., store/order/created) provide real-time notifications when a new order is placed.
• Avoid using front-end tracking scripts on the “Thank You” page — Webhooks are more reliable and secure.

Step 2: Send Data to Your Payment Processor

Your private app or middleware can forward order details to your external payment processor using secure HTTPS calls. The processor typically provides credentials such as:

• Callback URL
• API Key / Plugin Key
• Action or Redirect URL

This setup allows your app to initiate the payment process and receive the transaction status (approved, declined, pending).

Step 3: Handle Payment Confirmation

When the payment processor returns a response, your middleware should:

• Update the payment status in BigCommerce via the Orders API.
• Log all transactions for audit and reconciliation.

If the processor takes longer to respond (for example, with e-check or ACH payments), set up a cron job or webhook listener to verify payment status periodically and update the order automatically.

Step 4: Maintain Compliance & Testing

Before going live:

• Ensure PCI-DSS compliance if handling sensitive payment data.
• Test thoroughly using BigCommerce’s sandbox environment and your payment provider’s test API.
• Obtain approval from BigCommerce if you plan to distribute the integration to other stores.

When to Consider a Custom Payment Gateway

A BigCommerce payment gateway that’s custom-built makes sense if:

• You need to support local or niche payment methods not covered by default gateways.
• You operate in a region with unique banking regulations.
• You require custom billing logic, such as deposits, milestones, or split payments.

However, for most merchants, BigCommerce’s 65+ built-in gateway options (PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.net, PayFabric, etc.) may be sufficient. 

But when your business demands a bespoke payment solution, developing a BigCommerce payment gateway integration gives you complete control over the transaction flow and customer experience.

Conclusion

Developing a BigCommerce custom payment gateway requires a solid understanding of the platform’s SaaS architecture and API-driven integration approach. Unlike traditional eCommerce platforms, BigCommerce demands that developers work through external integrations using Payments API, webhooks, and middleware solutions rather than direct code modifications. By following the four-step process outlined in this guide—retrieving order data, sending information to your payment processor, handling payment confirmation, and maintaining compliance—you can successfully build a custom payment solution tailored to your unique business requirements.

While BigCommerce offers 65+ built-in payment gateway options that serve most merchants well, businesses with specialized needs such as regional payment methods, custom billing logic, or unique compliance requirements will benefit significantly from a custom-built solution. The investment in developing a BigCommerce payment gateway integration provides complete control over transaction flows, enhanced customer experiences, and the flexibility to adapt to evolving business models.

If you’re facing challenges with your BigCommerce custom payment gateway setup or need expert guidance to ensure seamless integration, Folio3’s experienced development team can help. Contact Folio3 today to discuss your custom payment gateway requirements and get your solution built right the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does it cost to develop a custom payment gateway for BigCommerce?

The cost of developing a BigCommerce custom payment gateway varies significantly based on complexity and requirements. A basic custom payment integration typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, while more complex solutions with advanced features like split payments, recurring billing, or multi-currency support can cost $20,000 to $50,000 or more. Key cost factors include development hours (typically 100-300 hours for a complete solution), payment processor integration fees, PCI compliance certification costs, ongoing maintenance, and whether you’re building a private app or seeking BigCommerce Partner Program certification. If you’re using third-party developers or agencies, their rates will also impact the total investment.

2. Do I need BigCommerce approval to use a custom payment gateway on my store?

It depends on your use case. For a private custom payment gateway used exclusively on your own store, you do not need BigCommerce approval—you can build and deploy it using your BigCommerce dev tools account. However, if you plan to distribute your payment gateway to other BigCommerce merchants or list it in the BigCommerce App Marketplace, you must go through the BigCommerce Partner Program for approval and certification. This process involves meeting BigCommerce’s technical requirements, security standards, and compliance guidelines. Even for private integrations, you must ensure PCI-DSS compliance if your solution handles sensitive payment data.

3. What technical skills are required to build a BigCommerce custom payment gateway?

Developing a BigCommerce custom payment gateway requires a solid skill set including proficiency in REST API integration and working with BigCommerce’s Orders API and Payments API. You’ll need strong backend development skills in languages like Node.js, PHP, Python, or Ruby to build the middleware that connects BigCommerce with your payment processor. Understanding webhook implementation for real-time order notifications is essential, along with knowledge of secure HTTPS communication and API authentication methods. Additionally, familiarity with PCI-DSS compliance standards, OAuth 2.0 for app authentication, and experience with payment processor APIs is crucial. If you lack these skills in-house, partnering with a BigCommerce development agency is recommended.

4. How long does it take to develop and deploy a custom payment gateway on BigCommerce?

The timeline for developing a BigCommerce custom payment gateway typically ranges from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on complexity. A basic integration connecting BigCommerce to a single payment processor can take 4-6 weeks, including initial setup (1 week), core development and API integration (2-3 weeks), and testing and debugging (1-2 weeks). More complex solutions with custom billing logic, multiple payment methods, or advanced features may require 8-12 weeks or longer. Additional time is needed if pursuing BigCommerce Partner Program certification (2-4 weeks for review and approval) or implementing sophisticated compliance measures. Post-launch monitoring and optimization typically continue for another 2-4 weeks to ensure stability.

5. What’s the difference between using a custom payment gateway and BigCommerce’s built-in payment options?

BigCommerce’s built-in payment gateways (65+ options including PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net) offer plug-and-play integration, pre-built checkout experiences, automatic updates, and immediate deployment without development costs. They’re ideal for most merchants with standard payment needs. In contrast, a custom payment gateway requires significant development investment but provides complete control over the transaction flow, customer experience, and payment logic. Custom gateways are essential when you need to support regional or niche payment methods not available in BigCommerce’s marketplace, implement custom billing workflows like milestone payments or deposits, comply with specific regional banking regulations, or create unique checkout experiences tailored to your business model. The choice depends on whether your business requirements can be met by existing solutions or if your use case demands bespoke functionality.