# Multi-Party Payment Models
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercard-gateway/documentation/gateway-features/multi-party-payment-model/index.md

Multi-party payment models for a payment gateway are where more than two parties are involved in handling a payment. Instead of just a buyer and a seller, these models include extra participants like:

* [Marketplaces](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercard-gateway/documentation/gateway-features/multi-party-payment-model/visa-marketplace/index.md)
* [Aggregator](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercard-gateway/documentation/gateway-features/multi-party-payment-model/aggregator/index.md)

## Recommended paths {#recommended-paths}

Select the path that matches your role and integration requirements.

|                                 If you are a...                                  |                     Then focus on...                     |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
| **Enterprise merchant**, a large merchant integrating directly with Gateway APIs | Operates marketplace or platform transactions.           |
| **Payment service provider**, a PSP, aggregator, or payment facilitator          | Enables and manages marketplace models for merchants.    |
| **Software vendor**, an ISV embedding payment flows into platforms               | Builds platforms that require multi‑party payment flows. |
| **Acquirer**, a bank or acquiring institution that enables merchants             | Supports settlement and compliance.                      |

## API reference {#api-reference}

You can find Multi‑Party Payment Model integrations in the [Marketplaces](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercard-gateway/documentation/gateway-features/multi-party-payment-model/visa-marketplace/index.md) and [Aggregator](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercard-gateway/documentation/gateway-features/multi-party-payment-model/aggregator/index.md) sections.

For a complete list of supported APIs, see [API Reference](https://developer.mastercard.com/mastercard-gateway/documentation/api-reference/index.md).

## Versions {#versions}

These versions apply to Multi-Party Payment Models.

|       If you need...       |                                                                                           Then...                                                                                            |
|----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **To integrate to an API** | Multi‑Party Payment Models are supported across applicable Mastercard Gateway API versions, subject to merchant and acquirer enablement and compliance with scheme marketplace requirements. |

## FAQs {#faqs}

These questions address common topics about Multi-Party Payment Models.
A multi‑party payment model is used when a single customer payment involves multiple underlying parties. This typically applies to platforms or marketplaces that facilitate transactions between buyers and multiple sellers or retailers. Multi‑party payment models are intended for:

* Marketplaces
* Platforms
* Booking or aggregator businesses

<br />

These models apply when a platform processes payments on behalf of other parties rather than acting as a single merchant. Multi‑party payment models are implemented by:

* Configuring the merchant profile as a marketplace or platform
* Including the required marketplace or retailer indicators in transaction requests
* Ensuring that the acquirer supports marketplace or multi‑party processing

<br />

There is no dedicated API endpoint specifically for multi‑party payment models. Multi‑party payment models apply to standard transaction operations, including:

* AUTHORIZE
* PAY
* CAPTURE
* REFUND
* VERIFY

<br />

Support depends on the card scheme and acquirer rules applicable to the marketplace.