Hello, I was attempting to purchase an SSL from Gogetssl, but unfortunately they do not accept credit card payments due to restrictions in my country. I am unable to add a deposit as an alternative. Can you recommend another SSL provider that accepts credit card payments and has a yearly cost under $5?
Additionally, we offer Let's Encrypt for free to our hosting customers as a certificate. However, I am curious if using a paid DV SSL would be necessary for an ecommerce site instead of Let's Encrypt. Would Let's Encrypt suffice?
In my opinion, the necessity of a paid DV SSL ultimately relies on the type of customer information you manage and handle on your server. In case you use an external payment processor such as Stripe or PayPal and do not store any payment card details on your servers, a free SSL from a reputable authority like Let's Encrypt should be sufficient for your needs.
Using Let's Encrypt certificates is suitable for ecommerce sites as they provide the same level of encryption as DV certificates. The only difference is how browsers display them due to branding/marketing. It's common for some malicious individuals to sell certificates by falsely claiming to provide additional features, but paid certificates are essentially a scam.
so, it's not necessary to opt for them unless you desire the extra marketing that comes with DV certificates.
The price for SSL certificates typically ranges from $7 to $15 per year. However, if you buy a certificate for several years at once (3-5), then you can count on a discount of 30 to 90%. I personally bought here - https://cheapsslsecurity.com/fastssl/dv-ssl-certificate.html
I note right away that I took it for 5 years and used just a credit card (it is not tied to PayPal). It cost me $21.95 (this is for five years, that is, $4.39 per year).
I know that the guys from https://www.ssls.com/ also accept cards. The price is $3.88/year if taken for five years.
SSL.com is a highly rated certification authority that offers a variety of digital certificates such as SSL/TLS server certificates, dоcument signing code signatures, and S/MIME email certificates. They offer features like 256-bit SHA 2 https AES encryption, free web site printing, round-the-clock support seven days a week, as well as free unlimited reissues during the validity period.
NameCheap provides a full range of SSL certificates to meet various requirements and budgets. Prices start from $5.99 per year for Standard Domain Verification Certificates (PositiveSSL), with premium certificates costing up to $120.78 per year.
GlobalSign, founded in 1996, is a popular SSL certification authority that provides cloud-based PKI solutions for businesses looking for secure connections, e-commerce transactions, and flawless content delivery.
Thawte is an affordable SSL certificate provider with a history of reliability. They offer a complete list of SSL products, including EV, OV, DV, SGC, Wildcard, and SAN SSL certificates. The cheapest server certificate costs $149 per year and includes various features like 256-bit encryption, with the option to add a wildcard for an extra fee.
There are several SSL providers that accept credit cards and offer affordable options for under $5 per year. One such provider is Namecheap, which often has promotions for their SSL certificates. Another option could be SSLs.com, as they usually have competitive pricing and accept credit card payments. Also, don't overlook Cloudflare, they provide a free universal SSL that is quite effective but may not cover all your specific needs.
Now, concerning your question about Let's Encrypt versus paid DV (Domain Validated) SSL for an ecommerce site, it really depend on a few factors. Let's Encrypt provides a valid SSL certificate that encrypts data between your server and your customers. It is perfectly fine for most websites, including ecommerce stores, as it uses modern encryption standards just like paid certificates do.
The main differences lie in customer support, warranty, and sometimes features like a site seal or extended validation. While Let's Encrypt is easy to set up and renew, if you're running a larger or more complex ecommerce site, a paid DV SSL might give you extra peace of mind with better support and added trust signals for your customers. Some customers may feel more secure seeing a paid SSL due to the perceived value.
If you're just starting or on a tight budget, Let's Encrypt can be sufficent for securing your ecommerce transactions. As your business grows, you could always consider upgrading to a paid solution if you find it necessary. Always ensure you have regular backups and good security practices in place, regardless of which SSL you choose.
I'd recommend GlobalSign, Comodo, or DigiCert, which accept credit card payments and offer yearly prices under $5. However, I must emphasize that the cost is not the only factor to consider when choosing an SSL provider.
Regarding your second question, Let's Encrypt is a great option for non-commercial websites, but for an ecommerce site, a paid DV SSL might be necessary. While Let's Encrypt provides a free SSL certificate, it has some limitations, such as:
Limited validation: Let's Encrypt only verifies the domain ownership, whereas paid SSL providers often offer more extensive validation, including business verification and extended validation.
Limited compatibility: Let's Encrypt certificates are not compatible with all browsers and servers, which can lead to compatibility issues.
Limited support: Let's Encrypt is a community-driven project, and while it has a strong community, the support might not be as comprehensive as paid SSL providers.
In contrast, paid SSL providers offer more comprehensive validation, better compatibility, and dedicated support, which can be crucial for an ecommerce site handling sensitive customer data.