For a better understanding of a credit card transaction, the following is a step-by-step breakdown: from the customer making a purchase using ECmerchant to the merchant receiving an authorization on the payment request. This not only shows who is involved in this process, but it will highlight some considerations in choosing an Internet payment service and establishing a merchant credit card account.

Once the merchant account is in place with an acquiring financial institution the merchant will want to understand how money will be moved from the customers' accounts to the merchant account. The best way to appreciate how an Internet merchant gets paid is to follow a typical credit card transaction process. Fully automated from end-to-end, in most cases it takes just seconds to complete.

1. A customer visits a web site, using standard web browser software, and fills her ECmerchant shopping cart.

2. The customer and ECmerchant exchange details online regarding addresses, delivery and final price.

3. ECmerchant then displays the 'BUY' button to the customer, and a transaction is initiated.

4. The customer clicks the 'BUY' button, prompting ECmerchant to send and electronic invoice.

5. ECmerchant provides transaction details in a form or the shopper's browser automatically opens her online wallet, allowing her to select a payment instrument.

6. An encrypted charge payment message is sent to ECmerchant.

7. When the server software receives the payment message, it adds merchant identification information.

8. The payment request is encrypted and forwarded to gateway server hosted by an ECommerce payment service company.

9. The gateway server decrypts the message and authenticates customers' information and merchant validation.

10. A message is sent over secure, private financial networks to the merchant's bank or authorized processor requesting charge approval.

11. Once the request is processed, a positive or negative response is sent back to ECmerchant and on to the customer.

12. If the transaction is authorized, a digital receipt is delivered, and the transaction is complete and captured.