# Mastercard Gateway
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercard-gateway/documentation/index.md

## Overview {#overview}

The Mastercard Gateway is a payment gateway API that enables merchants, platforms, and payment partners to process online payments. It supports creating and managing payment transactions, handling payer authentication, and running related payment flows through a single integration. The API connects merchant systems with acquiring banks and securely routes payment requests across supported payment methods.

The API is designed for merchants that operate e-commerce and digital checkout experiences. It also supports Independent Software Vendors that embed payment functionality for multiple merchants. Payment service providers and acquirers use the API to integrate the Gateway into broader payment solutions. These users typically manage online payments, authentication flows, and transaction lifecycles within their applications.

The API supports use cases across industries such as retail and e-commerce, travel and hospitality, digital services and subscriptions, and marketplaces that require standardized payment processing.
Note: For more information, see the [Mastercard Gateway](https://developer.mastercard.com/product/mastercard-gateway/) product page.

## How it works {#how-it-works}

Diagram how_it_works
* **Payer**: The payer places an order through a merchant's website, application, or in-person channel.
* **Merchant**: The merchant initiates payment requests and manages transactions using the gateway API.
* **Gateway**: The Mastercard Gateway API acts as the interface between merchant systems and acquiring banks, routing payment requests securely across supported payment methods.
* **Acquirer**: The acquirer processes the transaction in coordination with the payment network to transfer funds from the payer's account to the merchant's account.
* Enable secure routing of payment requests between merchant systems and acquiring banks.
* Support standardized transaction processing across supported payment methods.
* Ease reliable movement of funds between payer and merchant accounts.

## Good to know {#good-to-know}

> * **Region Availability/Border Control**: Mastercard Gateway is available globally.

## Next steps {#next-steps}

Now that you understand the Mastercard Gateway, explore the [Concepts](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercard-gateway/documentation/concepts/index.md) section to learn core fundamentals, access the [Getting Started](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercard-gateway/documentation/getting-started/index.md) section to learn the configuration steps, use the [Build and Integrate](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercard-gateway/documentation/build/index.md) section to choose an integration type, and navigate the [API Reference](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercard-gateway/documentation/api-reference/index.md) for detailed endpoint definitions.