Trying to get a hold of Authorize.net can feel like a chore, especially when you're dealing with frustrating issues like sudden account holds or confusing gateway fees, which users on the Better Business Bureau frequently mention. It seems like everyone is launching an online store these days, and the last thing you need is a payment problem blocking your sales. So, how do you get real help? You can reach them by phone, through their online support portal, or even try pinging them on social media like Twitter or Facebook. Before you dive in, it's always best to check their official site for any updates. Visit Authorize.net
Customer Support Channels
📞 Phone Support
Getting a real person is often the quickest path. Authorize.net actually offers 24/7 phone support, which is a huge plus compared to some other services.
| Department | Phone Number | Hours (Timezone) |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant Support | 1-877-447-3938 | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (PST) |
| Sales | 1-888-323-4289 | Mon-Fri, 6 AM to 5 PM (PST) |
📧 Email & Support Cases
Instead of a direct email, Authorize.net uses a support case system inside their Merchant Interface. It's better for tracking, but definitely not for speed.
| Purpose | How to Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General & Technical Support | Log in to the Merchant Interface and create a new Support Case. | Response can take 1-2 business days. Good for non-urgent issues where you need a paper trail. |
| Fraud Department | Use the Support Case system and select the appropriate category. | Be as detailed as possible and include transaction IDs. |
💬 Live Chat
Live chat is available, but you have to be logged in to get to it. It's often faster than submitting a case for technical questions.
- Where to access: Inside the Authorize.net Support Center after logging in.
- Steps to access: Log in to your Merchant Interface, navigate to the Support Center, and look for the 'Chat with an Expert' option.
- Types of problems it handles: Best for technical support, API questions, and clarifying account settings.
- Escalation: Yes, if the chat agent can't solve your problem, they can escalate it to a higher-tier support case.
Before You Call: What to Have Ready
Don't waste your own time. Before you even think about dialing, get your stuff together. Trust me, the support agent will thank you, and you'll get your problem solved way faster.
- Your Payment Gateway ID. This is their main identifier for your account. It's not your username, it's a specific ID number.
- The email address associated with the account. Simple, but they need it for verification.
- Specific Transaction IDs or Batch Numbers. If you're calling about a specific payment, have the transaction ID ready. Don't make them search for it.
- A clear, short summary of your problem. Know what you're going to say before they pick up. Rambling just confuses everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Authorize.net
David Jon-Goldstein
Senior Finance and Business Writer
David Jon-Goldstein leads on all topics finance and business content at Pine AI. Previously a Senior Finance Analyst, with over 15 years of experience in finance, and as a former CFA Charterholder, David specializes in breaking down complex investment vehicles, corporate spending, and SaaS financial models. His analysis, featured in leading finance papers, he has helped individuals and businesses navigate financial agreements and optimize their spending for maximum growth.




