# Initiate Payments

## Overview

The following sections provide a step-by-step guide for Main Account holders to **initiate payments** using Ryft API.

We highly recommend that you familiarise yourself with the concepts outlined in the [Payments Overview](/documentation/overview/payment_types) section before proceeding.

## Payment Session

Regardless of the type of payment to process, the first step in initiating a payment is the creation of a **Payment Session**. A Payment Session includes all the necessary information about the payment, such as the amount, currency, and payment method types to be used and can only be created by the **Main Account holder**.

Payment Sessions must be created using the [paymentSessionCreate](/documentation/api/reference/openapi#operation/paymentSessionCreate) endpoint. The API returns a payload containing various details. Among these, the most important field is the `clientSecret` value, which will be required to process the payment.

## Further Reading

Single Payment
Learn how to initiate a Single Payment, including creating a Payment Session and processing the payment using the embedded SDK or server-to-server integration.

Platform Fee
Discover how to initiate a Platform Fee payment, including designating a Sub-Account and optionally retaining a fee for the Main Account holder.

Split Payment
Explore how to initiate a Split Payment, including designating multiple Sub-Accounts and optionally retaining a fee for the Main Account holder.

Subscriptions
Understand how to manage and monitor subscription-based transactions, including details on subscription plans, statuses, and billing cycles.

Recurring Payments
Find out how to set up and manage recurring payments, including creating payment schedules and handling customer authorizations.

Unscheduled Payments
Gain insights into processing unscheduled payments, including handling one-time charges and managing customer payment methods.

MOTO Payments
Familiarise yourself with managing Mail Order and Telephone Order (MOTO) payments, including processing transactions without the physical presence of the card.

Additional Settings
Acquire knowledge about additional payment settings, including configuring payment options and customizing the payment experience.