What Is a Hosted Payment Page?
A hosted payment page (HPP) is an external checkout page, provided by a third-party payment processor, where customers complete their purchase securely. Instead of handling sensitive card details on your own servers, the payment journey is redirected to this hosted page.
The benefit is two-fold: security is guaranteed by the payment provider, and your business avoids the heavy compliance burden that comes with storing and processing payment data.
Hosted payment pages are widely used in e-commerce, hospitality, events, and any sector where online payments must be quick, trustworthy, and consistent.
Why Branded Checkout Matters
Checkout is the critical moment in the buying journey. Customers have invested time selecting products or services, and the final step should reassure them, not raise doubts. A poorly designed or unbranded checkout page can break trust, leading to cart abandonment.
A bespoke hosted payment page allows you to:
Keep brand consistency from start to finish.
Build customer confidence with familiar colours, logos, and messaging.
Reduce abandonment by making the experience seamless.
Improve conversion rates with an interface optimised for mobile and desktop.
The difference between a generic redirect and a customised hosted page is measurable. Businesses that invest in a branded checkout typically see higher trust, fewer drop-offs, and more completed sales.
Benefits of a Hosted Payment Page
Enhanced Security
Payment providers that host these pages manage security protocols, encryption, and fraud prevention. Because the page never exposes your infrastructure to sensitive data, you remain PCI DSS compliant without the cost and risk of maintaining those systems yourself.
Simplified Integration
Hosted payment pages integrate quickly into most websites using APIs or plug-ins. Whether you run a bespoke site or use a platform like Magento, WooCommerce, or Shopify, integration is designed to be straightforward.
Versatility and Customisation
Modern HPPs aren’t “one size fits all.” They can be tailored to look and feel like your website, supporting multiple payment methods including debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Open Banking, and even recurring Direct Debit.
Reduced Compliance Burden
PCI DSS compliance is a costly, ongoing responsibility for merchants that manage payments in-house. With an HPP, the payment processor handles it. You focus on your customers, not audits.
Improved Conversion Rates
A fast, mobile-responsive hosted page reduces friction. Customers are less likely to abandon their purchase if they can pay quickly, securely, and without second-guessing the process.
Hosted Payment Page vs Hosted Order Page
The terms can sound similar.
A hosted order page handles order details, quantities, or shipping options before passing the customer to the payment stage.
A hosted payment page is specifically for capturing and processing payment securely.
Many businesses use both together, but the payment page is the critical piece for compliance and customer trust.
Direct Debit, Recurring Payments, and Hosted Pages
Hosted payment pages aren’t just for one-off card payments. They can also support:
Recurring card payments – subscriptions, memberships, or ongoing services.
Direct Debit mandates – letting customers authorise future bank transfers.
Card-on-file options – allowing secure storage for future charges.
By handling the set-up of recurring payments through a branded hosted page, businesses can onboard customers with confidence while avoiding compliance pitfalls.
Creating Your Own Payment Gateway vs Using a Hosted Page
Some businesses consider building a custom payment gateway to retain full control. While this offers flexibility, it also comes with serious challenges:
Ongoing PCI DSS compliance and security investment.
Responsibility for storing, encrypting, and protecting sensitive cardholder data.
Development and maintenance costs.
Risk of fraud, chargebacks, and regulatory breaches.
For most businesses, using a hosted payment page offers the right balance: you gain the benefits of security and compliance handled by experts, while still customising the page to reflect your brand.
SOTpay Hosted Payment Pages
SOTpay by Gala Technology offers hosted payment solutions designed for businesses that value both security and brand trust.
With SOTpay you can:
Provide a branded checkout that mirrors your website design.
Support multiple payment methods, including cards, wallets, Open Banking, and Direct Debit.
Stay fully PCI DSS compliant without the overhead.
Reduce fraud and chargebacks with secure authentication.
Offer recurring billing, instalments, or one-off payments in a consistent environment.
SOTpay’s hosted pages integrate easily and scale with your needs, whether you are a growing retailer, a service provider, or an enterprise with high transaction volumes.
Why Bespoke Checkout Drives Conversions
Industry research shows that checkout abandonment rates can be as high as 70% when the process feels untrustworthy or overly complicated. Customers are more likely to complete a purchase when:
The page feels secure and professional.
The branding matches the rest of the shopping journey.
Mobile responsiveness ensures quick payments on any device.
Multiple payment options are offered.
A hosted payment page that looks like part of your site provides reassurance. Instead of feeling redirected to a third party, the customer sees a continuation of your brand experience.
FAQs
What is a hosted payment page?
It’s a secure, third-party web page where customers complete their payment during checkout. The provider handles sensitive data, keeping businesses PCI compliant.
Why does branding matter on a hosted page?
A branded page builds trust and reduces cart abandonment. Customers are more likely to pay if the checkout matches the look and feel of your website.
Is a hosted payment page better than building my own gateway?
For most businesses, yes. Hosted pages reduce compliance costs, improve security, and integrate quickly, while still allowing customisation.
Can hosted payment pages handle recurring payments?
Yes. They can be used to set up recurring card charges, Direct Debit mandates, or card-on-file authorisations.
How does SOTpay support hosted pages?
SOTpay offers secure, branded hosted payment pages that support multiple payment types, reduce fraud, and integrate easily with your systems.
Checkout is where trust is won or lost. A poor experience costs you sales, while a secure, branded hosted payment page increases conversions and builds loyalty.
Book a free SOTpay demo today and see how our hosted payment solutions deliver the perfect balance of compliance, branding, and customer experience.
