do i need an ssl certificate to accept payments?

Actually, you don't need SSL Certificate for you to accept payments, you can still accept payments through your form without having the SSL Certificate Seal. Commonly, the seal is used so that submitters of forms will feel secure when filling up or submitting your forms.

Here's a guide on how you can set up your order form:

Setting-Up-Your-First-Order-Form

I hope this answers your question, if you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know and we will be glad to help you.

Thank you.