Payment solutions provide hardware and software to accept customer payments online, via mobile, or in-person. They include registers, terminals, credit card readers and scanners, and inventory control systems.
Modern PSPs prioritize data visibility and offer granular payments insights. However, many organizations still lack access to their complete payments data.
Digital-only banks
Digital-only banks offer customers a convenient way to manage their finances and complete transactions without having to visit a physical branch. They typically provide online banking services, which include bill payment and account transfers. They also have an app that allows customers to access their accounts from anywhere. These features allow consumers to save time and money while still maintaining a strong relationship with their bank.
The concept of digital-only banks was developed in response to heightened consumer demand for more efficient ways to execute financial transactions outside of traditional banking offices. These banks do not have any physical branches or face-to-face tellers and operate fully online (Fathima, 2020).
Digital-only banks are often referred to as neobanks, and are designed to appeal to tech-savvy consumers. According to Insider Intelligence, the largest segment of US consumers who use a digital-only bank is 35-to-44-year-olds. Digital-only banks also tend to have lower fees than traditional brick and mortar banks.
Point-of-sale systems
Point-of-sale systems are software and hardware that make it easier for you to serve your customers. These systems can be used at a payment counter, online shopping checkout page, or self-payment kiosks. Some POS systems are cloud-based, while others are on-premise and require you to have a server installed in your premises. A POS system is a good choice for small businesses because it lets you track inventory, process payments, and manage customer information.
Most POS systems offer support resources and step-by-step guides to help you get started. They can also help you update customer data, including contact information and accumulated loyalty points. These features save you time and money by making it easier to keep your operations running smoothly. They can also increase your profit margin by reducing transaction costs. Look for a provider that offers premium onboarding and support. For example, Lightspeed is a one-stop commerce platform that offers point-of-sale, ecommerce, and inventory management.
Integrated payments solutions
Integrated payments solutions integrate point-of-sale systems with payment processors to enable customers to pay for goods and services in one convenient location. This allows businesses to increase efficiency and reduce data breaches by ensuring that transactions are recorded in real time. This means that sales, accounts and inventory data are updated instantly.
A streamlined integrated payments solution can help small businesses improve their customer experience and profitability. For example, it can reduce the checkout process by eliminating manual tasks and reducing transaction times. Moreover, it can eliminate redundant data entry and reduce the risk of human error.
Integrated payment solutions can also streamline accounting processes by integrating with business software. This can reduce the time it takes to settle payments, which in turn can improve cash flow. Moreover, it can reduce the amount of data that is stored on-site, preventing security threats. A unified system can also help businesses comply with industry regulations and standards.
Payment gateways
Payment gateways are a key piece of technology that allows customers to pay for products and services. They securely read and transfer a customer’s payment information to the seller’s bank account in a matter of seconds. These solutions can be used for both online and in-person transactions. They can accept credit cards, debit cards, eChecks, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and PayPal.
A payment gateway is a middleman that connects the merchant to their acquiring bank and the card network or issuing bank. After the acquiring bank verifies that the customer’s card is valid and has sufficient funds, it authorizes the transaction and transfers the money to the merchant’s bank account.
In addition to offering a fast and intuitive checkout experience, a good payment gateway will support a variety of different payment methods. This will enable your customers to shop more easily and build loyalty. It will also help you to gather data that can be used for personalized promotions and analytics.