Powertranz Payment Gateway Integration for Drupal Commerce

Overview

We partnered with a client in Barbados to deliver a custom Powertranz payment gateway integration for Drupal 9+ Commerce. The goal was to provide a secure, bank-compliant online payment solution that supports Visa, Mastercard, and other major credit cards—without compromising on user experience or compliance requirements.

The Challenge

Businesses in the Caribbean face a unique hurdle when it comes to online payments:

• Global payment gateways often don’t integrate easily with local acquiring banks.

• Merchants must meet PCI DSS compliance standards while still providing customers with a smooth, trusted checkout process.

• Off-the-shelf Drupal modules did not support Powertranz, a Bermuda-based gateway serving Caribbean and Central American merchants.

Our client needed a custom solution that combined the flexibility of Drupal Commerce with the security and compliance of Powertranz, ensuring smooth transactions for both local and international customers.

The Solution

We designed and built the commerce_powertranz_custom module, a fully functional integration between Drupal Commerce and Powertranz.

Key features of the integration include:

• Secure Payment Flow – Customers are redirected to Powertranz’s PCI DSS Level 1-certified hosted payment page. Sensitive card data never touches the Drupal server.

• Mobile-Friendly Checkout – Optimized for Barbados’ growing base of smartphone users, ensuring frictionless payments on any device.

• Banking Alignment – Works with acquiring banks across Barbados and the wider Caribbean region.

• Real-Time Transaction Handling – Instant authorization and order updates inside Drupal Commerce.

• Built-In Testing Tools – Sandbox testing via PowertranzTestForm.php so site owners can confirm setup before going live.

• Extensible Framework – Supports future enhancements such as refunds, captures, and recurring billing.

Technical Highlights

• Gateway Engine: PowertranzGateway.php implements payment methods, authorization, and callbacks.

• Offsite Form: PowertranzOffsiteForm.php builds signed requests for secure redirects.

• Callback Handling: PowertranzController.php processes Powertranz responses, updating order status in real time.

• Testing Utility: PowertranzTestForm.php provides admin-side transaction testing.

• Drupal Commerce Integration: Hooks directly into Drupal Commerce’s OffsitePaymentGatewayInterface.

This modular structure ensures the gateway is lightweight, maintainable, and future-proof.

The Results

With the new integration in place, the client achieved:

• Secure acceptance of Visa and Mastercard online.

• Full compliance with PCI DSS requirements.

• Improved checkout trust, leading to higher conversion rates.

• A scalable foundation for future e-commerce growth.

Most importantly, the solution allows businesses in Barbados to confidently expand their digital presence while staying aligned with local banking regulations.

Why Caribbean New Media?

At Caribbean New Media, we specialize in bridging the gap between global technology platforms and Caribbean market realities. By combining Drupal expertise with deep knowledge of regional banking requirements, we create tailored solutions that help our clients compete online with confidence.

Get Started

Looking to integrate Powertranz payments into your Drupal Commerce site?
👉 Contact us to discuss how we can build a secure, scalable payment solution for your business.