Payment methods at ServerNet

Why is choosing the right payment method half the battle in service management?

When you purchase a cloud service or hosting, the first thing you encounter after signing up is the payment page. Choosing the right payment method not only affects how quickly your service is activated, but it also plays a decisive role when a transaction fails or you need a refund. In this article, using simple language and concrete examples, we will review all the payment methods at ServerNet, the automatic transaction verification process, and what you should do after a failed payment.

Active Payment Gateways at ServerNet

To make things easier for both Iranian and international users, ServerNet has activated several payment routes. Each of these routes is designed for specific situations, and knowing them helps you choose the fastest and most secure option.

Payment with Shetab Cards (Direct Bank Gateway)

The most common method is paying online with bank cards that are members of the Shetab network. In this method, after selecting your service and clicking the "Pay" button, you are redirected to the bank's secure page. The steps are as follows:

1. Enter your card number, CVV2, and expiry date.
2. Enter the dynamic OTP (One-Time Password) sent to your mobile via SMS.
3. After confirmation, you are redirected back to the ServerNet website, and the transaction receipt is displayed.

Important note: Always check the URL of the payment page. The bank gateway address always starts with https:// and usually includes the official bank domain or a reputable PSP. If the payment page opens on an unknown domain, cancel the transaction and report the issue to support.

Payment with International Cards (Visa / Mastercard)

For users who are outside Iran or do not have a Shetab card, ServerNet provides the option to pay with international cards. This method is typically done through intermediary currency gateways, and the exchange rate is calculated based on the daily rate. Please note that for this method, your card must have online purchase capability (3D Secure) enabled.

Internal Wallet (Account Credit)

If you regularly use ServerNet services, we recommend charging an amount as credit in your account wallet. The advantage of this method is that for automatic service renewals, the amount is first deducted from your wallet balance, and if insufficient, the system then uses the bank gateway. This prevents service interruptions due to forgotten renewals.

Automatic Payment Verification; When is the Service Activated?

After a successful transaction, the ServerNet system automatically checks the payment status. This process usually takes less than 30 seconds. If everything is correct, your service is activated immediately, and a confirmation email is sent to your registered address.

The Transaction Verification Cycle at ServerNet

1. The user completes the payment at the bank gateway.
2. The bank sends the result to the ServerNet server (Callback).
3. The system verifies the transaction's authenticity using the bank reference number (RefID).
4. If it matches, the service is activated, and the receipt is saved in the user panel.
5. A confirmation email is sent.

In some rare cases, the transaction might be successful on the bank's side, but the confirmation message might not reach the ServerNet server (e.g., due to an internet outage). In this case, the system automatically queries the transaction status from the bank after 10 to 15 minutes and activates the service. So, if you've paid and the service isn't active, wait 15 minutes and then refresh the page.

Failed Transactions; Most Common Errors and Solutions

Nothing is more frustrating than having money deducted from your account but the service not being activated. Fortunately, most of these issues have simple causes and can be resolved with a few steps.

"Payment Failed" Error but Money Deducted from Account

This usually happens due to a communication failure between the bank and the ServerNet server. In this situation:

1. Check the transaction status in your user panel under "Invoices" or "Transactions".
2. If the transaction appears in the list but its status is "Pending Verification", wait up to 30 minutes.
3. If the status hasn't changed after 30 minutes, submit a support ticket and include the bank reference number (RefID) and the exact amount.

Note: Never make another payment without submitting a ticket. In most cases, the funds are automatically returned to your bank account within 24 to 72 hours, but following up with support speeds up the process.

"Card Information Mismatch" Error

This error is usually due to entering the CVV2 or expiry date incorrectly. Note that CVV2 is a 3 or 4-digit number printed on the back of the card, and the expiry date must be entered in the month/year format. If your card doesn't have a dynamic OTP (second password), you'll need to activate it through your bank's app or an ATM.

Problem Returning to the Site After Payment

Sometimes, after a successful payment, the page doesn't redirect back to ServerNet and stays on a "Redirecting..." message. This issue is often caused by blocked cookies or using a VPN with an unstable IP. Solutions:

• Clear your browser cookies for the ServerNet domain.
• Use incognito mode.
• If you're connected via a VPN, turn it off and try again.

In this case, the transaction is usually successful, and the service is activated after the automatic verification. Just log into your panel after a few minutes.

Tracking Transactions and Getting a Valid Receipt

For tax or accounting purposes, you'll need a valid receipt. ServerNet provides the ability to download official invoices and transaction receipts in the user panel under "Invoices". Each receipt includes the following:

• ServerNet internal transaction number
• Bank reference number (RefID)
• Amount in Toman and foreign currency (if paid in foreign currency)
• Exact date and time of payment
• Service description and billing period

If you've lost a receipt, you can search for the transaction in the same section and print it again. If you need a refund (e.g., canceling a service within the grace period), submit your request via a ticket and mention the transaction number. Refunds are typically processed using the same payment method; meaning if you paid with a Shetab card, the funds are returned to that same card.

Summary and Final Recommendations

Choosing the right payment method and understanding the verification process will save you from a lot of confusion. Here's a summary of key points:

• For fast and reliable payments, use a Shetab card with a dynamic OTP.
• If you are a user outside Iran, choose the foreign currency payment option.
• For recurring services, charge your internal wallet to ensure automatic renewal without interruption.
• After each payment, check the receipt in your panel, and if the service isn't activated, wait up to 15 minutes.
• If money is deducted but not verified, submit a support ticket with the RefID and avoid making another payment.

As a provider of cloud infrastructure services, ServerNet strives to keep the payment process as transparent and hassle-free as possible. By following the tips above, you can focus on setting up and managing your service with peace of mind, rather than worrying about settlements.