Direct API
What is Direct API Integration?
Direct API Integration allows your system to communicate directly with Mastercard’s payment gateway through secure REST APIs. Instead of redirecting customers to an external page, your site or application collects payment data and sends it to the gateway for processing. This method provides maximum flexibility, full control over the checkout flow, and a fully customised user experience.
How It Works
With Direct API, developers call Mastercard’s payment gateway APIs from your server or backend when processing payments. Your system securely submits payment details (card data, amount, currency, etc.) and receives real‑time authorization responses. This allows you to manage the entire payment flow including transaction authorization, refunds, settlement and more via API calls.
Key Benefits
Full Customisation
Control every aspect of the checkout experience, from UI to transaction flow — perfect for branded, seamless integrations.
Advanced Features
Supports complex payment logic like subscriptions, periodic billing, multi‑currency pricing and recurring orders.
Seamless UX
Customers remain on your website or app throughout the checkout process, improving conversions.
Integration Flexibility
Works with backend architectures in any language — REST JSON APIs support developers directly.
PCI Compliance Considerations
Because your servers handle sensitive card data during Direct API integration, your business must adhere to the highest level of **PCI DSS compliance**. This includes secure data encryption, storage controls, vulnerability scanning, and strict server hardening practices to protect customer payment information.
Developer Tools & Integration Resources
Mastercard provides extensive documentation, API references and sample code for developers to implement Direct API integration. These tools help you authenticate, process payments, handle refunds, and manage transaction life cycles using Mastercard’s payment gateway APIs.