Expanding your business internationally can present significant challenges, particularly when managing financial transactions in foreign markets. Australia, a thriving economy with substantial opportunities, is often at the top of the list for international businesses. However, complexities such as setting up local entities, managing cross-border payments, currency conversions, and compliance obligations often present major barriers. Tazapay's newly launched AUD Virtual Accounts simplify these challenges, providing seamless management of local Australian transactions without needing a physical presence.
Virtual accounts are digital bank accounts that enable businesses to receive and send payments in local currencies without needing traditional bank accounts or entities in the respective country. Named Virtual Accounts specifically assign a unique account identifier to each business, making the transaction experience clearer and more professional for your customers and suppliers. For international or cross-border businesses, this means transactions feel local, greatly enhancing customer trust and reducing transaction friction.
Tazapay’s AUD Virtual Accounts allow your business to transact directly in Australian Dollars, leveraging local payment systems for fast, secure payments. Supported local rails include:
Eliminate the lengthy and costly process of establishing a local business entity in Australia. Tazapay’s AUD Virtual Accounts allow instant operational readiness, reducing barriers to market entry and enabling rapid scaling.
By directly managing transactions in AUD, you significantly reduce FX-related expenses and shield your business from currency volatility. Holding balances in AUD ensures predictable budgeting and financial planning.
Disburse funds easily and promptly to local Australian suppliers and vendors directly from your AUD Virtual Account, simplifying your supply chain and enhancing operational efficiency.
Leverage real-time transaction capabilities through NPP or same-day payments via BECS, significantly improving cash flow management and operational agility.
Tazapay ensures that your payments comply with Australian regulatory standards. Enjoy hassle-free, secure, and fully compliant transactions without additional compliance overhead.
Access immediate transaction updates through an intuitive, user-friendly dashboard. Tazapay provides detailed, real-time transaction data, simplifying accounting and reducing administrative burdens.
Activating your AUD Virtual Account with Tazapay is simple:
AUD Virtual Accounts are part of Tazapay’s extensive offering, which includes Named Virtual Accounts in over 35 currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, and more. Leverage Tazapay’s global payments infrastructure to efficiently manage your international financial transactions.
Tazapay's AUD Virtual Accounts offer a comprehensive, scalable, and efficient solution to expand your business footprint in Australia. Minimize complexity, reduce costs, and unlock new opportunities.
Ready to experience seamless Australian payments and expand your global presence?
Thailand is embracing the dawn of digital payments after being cash-dependent for decades. In the last six years, the nation has made significant strides in rolling out financial technology, increasing the penetration of such services among its populace¹. According to 2022 statistics, approximately 77.8% of Thailand's population of 70.01 million are active internet users, showcasing a high degree of digital literacy².
A key driver in Thailand's digital transformation has been PromptPay, an interbank real-time payment system, developed as part of the National e-Payment Master Plan¹. PromptPay is not only a popular local payment method but is increasingly integrated into international payment gateways, facilitating cross-border transactions.
PromptPay is a cornerstone of Thailand's payment systems, operating as an interbank real-time, near-instant payment gateway that simplifies the way users receive and transfer funds. It links payments to a Citizen ID or mobile phone number, and is similar in functionality to India’s UPI and Singapore’s PayNow3.
Developed in cooperation with major Thai banks and Vocalink, a Mastercard company, PromptPay is instrumental in supporting the Thai government’s initiative to transition from a cash-reliant economy to a robust digital economy4.
Thailand led all countries in real-time payment transactions per capita in 2022, with the payment method accounting for 34% of all transactions5. The significant uptake of PromptPay is attributed to the widespread availability of mobile phones, which have been a major driver of digital adoption and PromptPay transactions. Since its implementation in 2017 to 2023, PromptPay transactions have surged annually from 88.07 million to over 19.9 billion, underscoring its central role in Thailand's digital economy and cross-border transactions6.
Despite these encouraging numbers, the real sentiment towards digital payments in Thailand remains complex. During the pandemic, digital payment methods saw a surge in use, but in 2022, a survey by the Bank of Thailand indicates a revert to cash for many7. Citing convenience and the absence of added fees, over 50% of respondents across all age groups expressed a preference for cash, with only 27% of the surveyed continuing with digital payment apps post-pandemic8.
As read in the previous section, Promptpay might not be the ultimate solution for digital payments. Nonetheless, it continues to grow in popularity as a local payment method in Thailand and as part of international payment gateways. Why is this so? We now explore its key advantages and limitations:
PromptPay is primarily a local payment system in Thailand, but the Thai government is expanding its reach internationally, with agreements already in place with Malaysia and Singapore. For cross-border transactions, PromptPay requires the use of a third-party payment provider, which serves as the international payment gateway.
1. Users first transfer funds to the payment provider's Thai bank account via PromptPay. This can be done by either scanning a QR code or entering the recipient's Citizen ID or phone number within the PromptPay app.
2. After the transaction, the PromptPay app confirms the successful transfer of funds with a notification.
3. The funds are then transferred to one of the payment provider’s international accounts. Finally, these funds are disbursed to the foreign seller's bank account.
When selecting a third-party payment provider for international transactions involving PromptPay, it’s crucial to choose one that offers a robust network of localised markets. This ensures that the service aligns with the specific needs and regulations of the target markets, enhancing the efficiency of cross-border payments.
As of 2024, PromptPay’s fee structure of local transactions within Thailand are as follows:
This fee model makes PromptPay an attractive option for everyday payments and small business transactions within the country.
When it comes to cross-border payments facilitated through a third-party payment provider, standard charges apply. These include FX costs, platform fees, and setup fees, which vary depending on the provider chosen. For more information, read our blog article on The Actual Costs in Using a Payment Gateway.
Selecting a reputable and secure international payment gateway is thus crucial to manage these costs effectively and ensure transaction security.
Understanding the nuances of PromptPay and its fee structure arms you with the knowledge to more effectively penetrate the Thai market. If you're exploring further solutions to enhance your business operations, consider Tazapay. Offering specialised payment solutions for a wide range of needs—from eCommerce platforms to exporters and importers—Tazapay tailors services to help your business thrive in international markets.
Contact us to find out more
Sources
Every day, digital payment gateways facilitate seamless online cross-border transactions. With the cross-border payments industry projected to reach $156 trillion USD by 2022, the integration and functionality of these systems are more crucial than ever. Although these transactions might seem like simple clicks to the average consumer, they are underpinned by robust infrastructures including API calls and always-on servers that cater to both B2B and B2C markets globally.Online cross-border transactions happen on the daily through a whole slew of digital payment gateways. They happen so frequently and so seamlessly that the cross-border payments industry is expected to reach $156 trillion USD in 2022¹.
As Indian merchants continue to expand their reach into international markets, understanding the mechanics of international transactions becomes vital. In the fiscal year (FY) 2023–24, India's export figures are forecasted to be US$776.68 billion1. Particularly, the largest market for these exporters, are the United States, representing a significant opportunity. The U.S. will account for 17.7% of India's exports in FY 2023-24, which has increased over the past 13 years by 7.6 percentage point2.
To capture the American market effectively, it's essential for platforms to offer diverse payment methods including card payments, digital wallets, and local bank transfers. In 2023, cards were the primary payment method in the U.S. digital commerce market, accepted by 99% of top online retailers, reflecting consumer preference and retailer confidence3.
Digital wallets are 2nd in popularity at 81% acceptance, driven by the ubiquity of credit and debit cards. Consumers can link their payments and top up their wallets using card networks such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. By integrating and supporting digital wallets, merchants can cater to the preferred payment methods of U.S. consumers.
In addition, other payment methods include bank redirect apps and local bank transfers using banks such as:
JPMorgan Chase
Bank of America
Citibank group
Wells Fargo
Goldman Sachs
Morgan Stanley, etc.
Once an American buyer completes a purchase, the payment gateway springs into action, processing payments through various methods. Whether it’s a direct card payment or a local bank transfer, each method utilises distinct payment rails. Notably, if the payment method is a local bank transfer, the funds are initially held in the payment provider’s local bank account before transferring to the seller’s bank account in India.
Sending payments across borders essentially involves transferring funds from an account in the origin country to one in the destination country. In this scenario, the origin is the United States and the destination is India.
For bank transfers, cross-border payments are typically conducted via SWIFT wire transfers. Beyond that, card networks have their own payment rails for transferring funds, although platform fees may vary depending on the payment method used.
Key cost factors to consider in cross-border payments include:
For more information, read our blog article on the actual costs of choosing a payment gateway.
It's important to note that some payment providers, like Tazapay, may offer lower platform fees through partnerships with local payment providers, thus reducing these costs. Understanding the intricacies of cross-border checkout and payment gateway rails from the USA to India can help merchants optimise their payment strategies and reduce transaction costs.
For merchants dealing with suppliers internationally, opting to receive payments in USD can be a strategic move to hedge against fluctuations in their local currency.This strategy can be implemented by opening a multi currency account in the merchant's own country. Such accounts enable merchants to hold USD, their local currency, and any other necessary currencies when conducting business across borders. A multi currency account not only provides flexibility in handling various currencies but also offers a buffer against the volatile nature of foreign exchange rates, thus stabilising financial operations.
By maintaining USD in a multi currency account, merchants can mitigate the risks associated with FX conversion costs and enhance their financial strategy in international trade. This approach ensures that they are well-positioned to manage global transactions efficiently and protect their financial interests against adverse movements in exchange rates.
The final step in the international payment process occurs when the merchant based in India receives their payment from the payment provider. Merchants who operate their own brand.com sites, integrate payment platforms, or utilise e-commerce tools like Shopify or WooCommerce can generally expect to receive their payouts by the next business day or within a week. This timeline depends on the buyer's chosen payment method and the merchant's payout request timing.
Conversely, merchants who sell through online marketplaces may experience a fixed payout schedule, often consolidated to a single day each month to economise the process for the platform. The specifics of this schedule are typically outlined in the e-commerce marketplace’s Terms & Conditions, which merchants agree to upon registration. Subsequently, these funds are compiled and transferred to the merchant’s local bank account in India.
Key Indian banks involved in these transactions often include:
HDFC Bank
State Bank of India
ICICI Bank
Yes Bank
Bank of Baroda
Bank of India
After receiving international payments, it is crucial for Indian merchants to secure an FIRC (Foreign Inward Remittance Certificate) or FIRA (Foreign Inward Remittance Advice) to demonstrate that there has been a foreign inward remittance into an Indian bank account. This step is vital for complying with the legislative requirements established by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to prevent money laundering and fraud within the country.
To obtain an FIRC or FIRA, the Indian exporter must request the document from an Authorised Dealer Category 1 (AD1) bank that has processed their cross-border payment. As of 30 Apr 2024, the list of AD1 banks are as per the following document by the RBI⁴. However, the RBI also provides a list of such banks on their website5, which can be consulted by merchants to ensure they engage with the appropriate financial institutions for their compliance needs.
Obtaining these certificates is a mandatory part of the documentation process for Indian exporters, serving as proof of the legitimacy and legality of their international transactions. This not only fulfils regulatory requirements but also helps in maintaining transparent and secure financial practices.
With an understanding of the nuances of cross-border payments from the USA to India, merchants can optimize their checkout processes to appeal to American consumers and ensure smooth financial transactions. For those seeking an efficient payment gateway, consider Tazapay, which offers extensive coverage and local payment options in over 70 major markets, helping you reduce cart abandonment and improve cost-efficiency.
By keeping these steps and features in mind, you can choose a payment provider that significantly reduces cart abandonment and offers substantial time and cost savings. For those seeking an efficient payment gateway, choose Tazapay. With coverage in over 173 countries and local payment options in more than 70 major markets, Tazapay enables you to provide a seamless checkout experience that meets the needs of customers globally.
Contact us for your payment solutions and ensure your business thrives in the competitive landscape of international e-commerce.
Source
1 India market’s 2024 forecasted export figures
2 India’s export reliance on the US (Business Standard)
3 2023 Digital payment trends in the US
4 List of RBI approved AD1 banks as of 30 April 2024
South Korea is a global leader in digital commerce, boasting one of the highest internet penetration rates and mobile adoption rates in the world.
However, succeeding in this digitally advanced economy demands more than just offering international card acceptance — it requires local adaptation, especially when it comes to payments.
Unlike Western markets where Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal dominate, Korean consumers strongly prefer domestic payment options.
More than 70% of online transactions in South Korea are processed through local digital wallets such as NaverPay, KakaoPay, and SamsungPay.
Recognizing this need for localization, Tazapay now enables merchants to offer Korea’s most trusted local payment methods — making entry into the Korean market simpler, faster, and operationally efficient.
International merchants can now accept payments through:
Through a single integration with Tazapay, businesses can offer these payment methods without needing to establish a local entity, open domestic bank accounts, or sign separate acquiring contracts.
South Korean consumers expect — and often require — familiar domestic payment methods at checkout.
Failure to offer recognizable options results in:
Conversely, merchants who localize their checkout experience by offering domestic wallets and local cards see:
The message is clear: adapting to local payment preferences isn't just operationally smart — it's commercially critical.
Tazapay’s platform architecture is built to remove traditional barriers to global expansion.
Through Tazapay, merchants can:
This Collect-Hold-Pay capability — unified under one platform — allows merchants to manage incoming funds and outgoing disbursements without multiple vendor relationships, reconciliations, or compliance overhead.
Simpler Onboarding:
Checkout Localization:
Optimized FX Management:
Improved Cash Flow:
Reduced Compliance Risk:
Operational Simplicity:
By centralizing these capabilities, merchants save on setup costs, legal complexity, and operational drag — accelerating their ability to capture market share in Korea.
South Korea continues to be a high-growth, digitally sophisticated market.
Mobile payments, domestic digital wallets, and local payment rails are the standard — not the exception — for Korean consumers.
International merchants who localize their payment strategies now will be better positioned to:
With Tazapay’s latest launch, expanding into South Korea has never been simpler.
One platform. One contract. Full access to Korea’s preferred payment options — without local entity setup or operational complexity.
👉 Start collecting Korean local payments today with Tazapay.
In the rapidly evolving digital economy of East Asia, understanding local payment methods is crucial for businesses aiming to penetrate these markets. With a significant portion of consumers favoring digital wallets and alternative payment solutions over traditional card systems, adapting to these preferences is essential for both local and international enterprises. This comprehensive guide delves into the most preferred payment methods across key East Asian countries, highlighting their penetration rates, ease of use, and strategic advantages for businesses.
Alipay, launched by Alibaba Group in 2004, has grown into one of the world's largest mobile payment platforms. It offers a comprehensive suite of financial services, including payments, money transfers, and wealth management. As of 2025, Alipay boasts over 1.2 billion users globally, with a significant concentration in China. Users can effortlessly link their bank accounts or cards to the app, facilitating seamless QR code-based transactions both online and offline. For international businesses, integrating Alipay as a payment option opens access to a vast consumer base accustomed to this platform, enhancing transaction convenience and customer trust. Notably, American Express has partnered with Alipay, allowing global cardholders to link their cards to the Alipay digital wallet, simplifying transactions for travelers and providing local businesses with greater opportunities to attract international customers.
Embedded within the ubiquitous WeChat app, WeChat Pay has seamlessly integrated social media with financial transactions. With over 1.3 billion monthly active users, WeChat Pay facilitates peer-to-peer transfers, bill payments, and in-store purchases through QR codes (source). Its integration into daily communication platforms makes it indispensable in Chinese consumers' lives. International businesses targeting Chinese customers can leverage WeChat Pay to offer a familiar and efficient payment method, thereby enhancing user experience and potentially increasing conversion rates.
UnionPay, established in 2002, is China's largest card payment organization, with cards accepted in over 180 countries. While digital wallets dominate urban areas, UnionPay remains prevalent, especially among older demographics and in regions where mobile payments are less ubiquitous. For businesses, supporting UnionPay ensures accessibility to a broader audience, including those who prefer traditional card payments. Additionally, UnionPay's collaboration with various international payment networks facilitates smoother cross-border transactions.
Introduced in 2018, PayPay has rapidly become one of Japan's leading mobile payment apps, boasting over 50 million users. It offers QR code-based payments, promotions, and a user-friendly interface, encouraging cash-reliant consumers to adopt digital payments. For international businesses, integrating PayPay can attract Japanese customers who prefer this method, especially in e-commerce and retail sectors. Its growing acceptance across various merchants signifies a shift towards cashless transactions in Japan.
Rakuten Pay, part of the Rakuten ecosystem, allows users to make payments using linked credit cards or Rakuten points. Its integration with Rakuten's e-commerce platform provides a seamless shopping experience. International businesses partnering with Rakuten Pay can tap into a loyal customer base familiar with Rakuten's services, enhancing brand visibility and trust. The platform's reward system, offering Rakuten points for transactions, incentivizes repeat purchases.
Originally designed for public transport payments, IC cards like Suica and PASMO are now widely accepted at convenience stores, restaurants, and vending machines across Japan. Merchants benefit from their simplicity—transactions are instant, reducing checkout times significantly. Retailers near transit hubs can capitalize on the popularity of IC cards by offering exclusive discounts or promotions for card users. Suica cards are also compatible with Apple Pay, enhancing their appeal among international tourists.
KakaoPay, launched by Kakao Corporation, integrates seamlessly with KakaoTalk, South Korea's dominant messaging app. It offers services like money transfers, bill payments, and online purchases. With over 36 million users, KakaoPay's convenience and integration into daily communication make it a preferred payment method. International businesses can benefit by incorporating KakaoPay, appealing to tech-savvy consumers who value efficiency and integration. Its rapid adoption reflects South Korea's shift towards a cashless society.
Naver Pay, associated with Naver, South Korea's leading search engine, provides users with a simple payment solution for online shopping and services. By linking bank accounts or cards, users can make swift payments without repeatedly entering payment information. For businesses, integrating Naver Pay can enhance the checkout experience for customers, potentially reducing cart abandonment rates. Its association with Naver's extensive ecosystem offers additional marketing opportunities.
Toss started as a peer-to-peer money transfer service and has expanded into a comprehensive financial platform, including payments, investments, and insurance. With over 20 million users, Toss's user-centric design and broad service offerings make it a significant player in South Korea's fintech scene. Businesses can leverage Toss to offer diverse financial services, catering to consumers seeking integrated financial solutions.
Samsung Pay stands out with its compatibility with both NFC-enabled terminals and traditional magnetic stripe readers via MST technology. This versatility makes it a favorite among South Korean consumers and tourists alike. Merchants benefit from its broad acceptance and secure transaction protocols that minimize chargebacks. Retailers adopting Samsung Pay can cater to a diverse customer base without upgrading their POS systems extensively. Its widespread acceptance makes it an essential payment method for businesses serving South Korean consumers.
Initially launched as a transit card, Octopus has become a widely accepted payment method across Hong Kong, from retail stores to restaurants. Users can top up their cards via cash or digital means, making it an easy-to-use solution for both locals and tourists. Businesses accepting Octopus tap into a vast consumer base familiar with contactless payments.
A localized version of Alipay, AlipayHK serves Hong Kong residents with seamless mobile payments. With over 3 million users, it is commonly used for peer-to-peer transfers, bill payments, and online shopping. Businesses integrating AlipayHK can attract local customers accustomed to digital payments.
WeChat Pay HK offers similar functionality to WeChat Pay in mainland China, with support for local transactions in Hong Kong dollars. It allows businesses to cater to both Hong Kong residents and visiting mainland Chinese consumers who rely on WeChat Pay for everyday transactions.
JKoPay is Taiwan’s leading QR-code-based wallet, with strong adoption in retail and small businesses. JKoPay enables small businesses to go cashless by providing an easy-to-use platform for accepting digital payments. Its growing user base makes it a valuable payment option for businesses expanding into Taiwan.
Line Pay is Taiwan’s most used mobile wallet, embedded in the Line messaging app. With seamless integration into e-commerce platforms, businesses can drive higher conversion rates and customer retention.
Taiwan Pay, backed by the government, promotes financial inclusion and cashless transactions. Businesses accepting Taiwan Pay can cater to a broader audience, including the growing digital-native population.
For merchants eyeing East Asia's lucrative markets, adopting local payment methods is no longer optional—it’s essential for success in this diverse region where consumer preferences vary widely by country but consistently favor convenience and familiarity over global alternatives like credit cards.
By integrating these local payment solutions into their operations, businesses can not only enhance customer satisfaction but also unlock new revenue streams in one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets!
Local payment methods and e-wallets dominate Southeast Asia’s digital economy, far outpacing credit card adoption. Consumers across the region rely on QR payments, bank transfers, and mobile wallets for everyday transactions due to their convenience, security, and accessibility. For businesses, accepting these preferred payment options is crucial for expanding reach and driving growth. This guide breaks down the most widely used local payment methods in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, offering insights into how they shape the region’s fast-evolving payment landscape.
1. PayNow
PayNow is Singapore’s real-time bank transfer system that allows users to send money instantly using mobile numbers or UENs (Unique Entity Numbers). Widely adopted for both personal and business transactions, it has become a cornerstone of Singapore's cashless society. Users appreciate its simplicity—by linking their bank accounts to their mobile numbers and scanning an SGQR (a unified QR code) completes transactions instantly without additional fees. For international businesses, integrating PayNow can streamline transactions with Singaporean consumers and partners, facilitating smoother financial operations.
2. GrabPay
Integrated within the Grab super-app, GrabPay offers services ranging from ride-hailing to food delivery and in-store purchases. Its widespread acceptance and user-friendly interface have made it a popular choice among Singaporeans. Users can easily top up their GrabPay wallets and make payments by scanning QR codes, ensuring swift transactions. International businesses can tap into GrabPay's extensive user base by offering it as a payment option, thereby enhancing customer reach and satisfaction.
3.DBS PayLah!
DBS PayLah! is a mobile wallet service by DBS Bank, one of Singapore's leading financial institutions. It enables users to perform a variety of transactions, from bill payments to peer-to-peer transfers. The app's integration with Singapore's national QR code standard (SGQR) ensures compatibility with numerous merchants, enhancing its utility. For businesses, integrating DBS PayLah! can provide access to a broad customer base, particularly those who prefer using bank-affiliated payment solutions.
4. FavePay
FavePay is a mobile payment app that rewards users with instant cashback at participating merchants. Popular among deal-seekers in Singapore, it enhances the shopping experience with its rewards program. Users can make payments by scanning QR codes and enjoy immediate discounts, fostering customer loyalty. Businesses can benefit from increased patronage by partnering with FavePay and participating in its promotional campaigns.
1. PromptPay
PromptPay is Thailand's government-backed real-time payment system that links mobile numbers or national ID numbers to bank accounts, facilitating instant transfers. Widely used for both personal and business transactions, it supports e-commerce payments and utility bill settlements. Its interoperability with Singapore’s PayNow for cross-border transfers enhances its utility for international transactions. For businesses, integrating PromptPay can simplify payment processes and help reduce transaction costs.
2. ShopeePay
Integrated with Southeast Asia’s top e-commerce platform, ShopeePay enables QR payments for online and offline shopping. Recently, it became a payment option for Apple services in Thailand, enhancing its utility beyond e-commerce. ShopeePay’s widespread acceptance at partner merchants makes it a preferred choice for consumers and businesses seeking convenience.
3. WeChat Pay
WeChat Pay is popular among Chinese tourists in Thailand but has also gained traction among local users due to its seamless QR-based payment system at major retailers and restaurants. It facilitates cross-border payments in multiple currencies, making it ideal for international travelers. Businesses catering to tourists can benefit from accepting WeChat Pay, enhancing the payment experience for foreign customers.
4. TrueMoney Wallet
With 16.8% market share, TrueMoney offers low fees (acceptance fee of only 1% of the transaction value, compared to costlier cards transaction fees) and supports utility bills, gaming, and cross-border remittances to Cambodia and Myanmar. Its versatility makes it a staple for both personal and business transactions. For businesses, integrating TrueMoney Wallet can attract cost-conscious consumers seeking affordable payment options other than cards.
5. Rabbit LINE Pay
A collaboration between Rabbit, the BTS Skytrain's payment system, and LINE, a popular messaging app, Rabbit LINE Pay offers a seamless payment experience. Users can pay for public transportation, shop online, and make in-store purchases using the service. The integration with LINE's platform allows for peer-to-peer transfers and bill splitting among friends. Its rewards program incentivizes usage through points and cashback offers. The service's user-friendly interface and widespread merchant acceptance have contributed to its rapid growth.
1. QRIS (Quick Response Indonesian Standard)
QRIS is Indonesia’s unified QR code system that integrates multiple banks and e-wallets under one standard. It simplifies cashless transactions for consumers by allowing them to use their preferred wallet or banking app at any QRIS-enabled merchant. For businesses, QRIS reduces operational complexity by eliminating the need for multiple QR codes. Merchants benefit from its interoperability across 22.4 million merchants nationwide, while consumers enjoy seamless payments for everything from groceries to transportation.
2. OVO
OVO is a versatile e-wallet widely used for ride-hailing services (Grab), bill payments, and retail transactions. Its cashback rewards program attracts younger demographics, while merchants benefit from its extensive integration across platforms.
3. DOKU
Doku Wallet is a pioneer in Indonesia’s digital payments space, offering virtual accounts for online transactions. It caters to both consumers and merchants by providing flexible payment options like ATM transfers and mobile banking, making it ideal for e-commerce businesses targeting customers who prefer traditional banking methods.
4. LinkAja
LinkAja focuses on essential services like transportation tolls, utilities, and retail shopping while aligning with the national QRIS standard for interoperability. Businesses targeting middle-income consumers find LinkAja particularly useful due to its government backing.
5. Dana
Dana is a secure e-wallet offering features like bill payments, fund transfers, and QR code scanning for transactions. Its user-friendly interface makes it popular among consumers seeking convenience in day-to-day payments.
6. GoPay
Originating from Gojek, Indonesia's multi-service platform, GoPay has become one of the country's leading digital wallets. Users can pay for services like transportation, food delivery, and online shopping. The wallet's integration with Gojek's ecosystem offers users a seamless payment experience. GoPay's peer-to-peer transfer feature allows users to send money to friends and family effortlessly. Its partnership with various financial institutions has expanded its services to include insurance and investment products.
1. FPX (Financial Process Exchange)
FPX is Malaysia's national real-time retail payments platform, facilitating secure online bank transfers. It's widely used for high-value transactions and is favored by both consumers and businesses due to its reliability and low fees. FPX's integration with major e-commerce platforms and its oversight by Bank Negara Malaysia make it a trusted payment method for online purchases, bill payments, and fund transfers.
2. Touch 'n Go eWallet:
Initially developed for toll payments on Malaysia's highways, Touch 'n Go eWallet has evolved into a versatile digital payment solution that caters to a wide range of consumer needs. It now supports retail shopping, bill payments, and even cross-border QR transactions in Singapore. The platform integrates seamlessly with merchants, allowing businesses to accept payments via QR codes and streamline checkout processes. Consumers benefit from its user-friendly interface, cashback rewards, and promotions, which incentivize frequent usage. Its ability to handle both online and offline transactions makes it ideal for everyday expenses, from groceries to entertainment.
3. Boost:
Boost is a gamified digital payment platform that has rapidly gained popularity among younger Malaysians. It offers cashback rewards, digital vouchers, and exclusive promotions for transactions across various sectors such as retail shopping, bill payments, and food delivery. Boost’s unique “Shake” feature adds an element of fun by allowing users to earn instant rewards after every transaction. The platform is particularly appealing to small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs due to its low-cost setup and ability to attract tech-savvy customers.
4. MAE by Maybank:
MAE (Maybank Anytime Everyone) is an innovative lifestyle app offered by Maybank that combines traditional banking services with modern financial tools. Beyond its function as a digital wallet for payments and transfers, MAE includes features like budgeting tools, savings goals, expense tracking, and even a virtual debit card for online shopping. These features make MAE particularly appealing to consumers who want greater control over their finances while enjoying the convenience of cashless payments. For businesses, MAE provides seamless integration with Maybank’s merchant services, enabling them to accept payments from one of Malaysia’s largest banking customer bases.
1. Momo Wallet
Momo leads Vietnam's e-wallet market with over 31 million users. It offers a comprehensive suite of services including bill payments, money transfers, and even investment options. Momo's popularity stems from its user-friendly interface and extensive merchant network. For businesses, integrating with Momo provides access to a large, engaged user base and can significantly boost sales, especially in sectors like food delivery and e-commerce.
2. VNPT EPAY
VNPT EPAY, backed by Vietnam's telecom giant VNPT Group, operates an extensive network of over 2,100 transaction points nationwide. It specializes in utility bill payments, mobile top-ups, and retail transactions. VNPT EPAY's wide reach makes it particularly valuable for businesses targeting consumers in both urban and rural areas. The platform's integration with various service providers simplifies bill payments for millions of Vietnamese households.
3. ZaloPay
ZaloPay leverages its integration with Zalo, Vietnam's most popular messaging app, to provide seamless payment services. Users can easily send money, pay bills, and make purchases without leaving the Zalo ecosystem. This integration makes ZaloPay particularly attractive for social commerce and peer-to-peer transactions. Businesses can benefit from ZaloPay's social features to enhance customer engagement and drive sales.
1. QR Ph
QR Ph is the Philippines' national QR code standard, designed to promote interoperability among various payment service providers. It allows users to make payments using any participating e-wallet or banking app by scanning a single QR code. For businesses, adopting QR Ph simplifies payment acceptance and reduces the need for multiple QR codes at the point of sale. This standardization is expected to accelerate the adoption of cashless payments across the country.
2.GrabPay
GrabPay has become integral to the Philippines' digital payment landscape, offering a seamless experience for Grab's ride-hailing and food delivery services. It has expanded to include bill payments, online shopping, and even investments. GrabPay's loyalty program, which offers points for every transaction, has been a key driver of user adoption. For merchants, GrabPay provides access to Grab's large user base and detailed analytics to help optimize their businesses.
3.ShopeePay
ShopeePay has leveraged Shopee's e-commerce dominance to become a major player in the Philippines' digital payment space. It offers cashback rewards, discounts, and seamless checkout experiences on the Shopee platform. ShopeePay has also expanded to offline merchants, particularly in partnership with convenience stores like 7-Eleven. This omnichannel approach makes ShopeePay an attractive option for businesses looking to reach customers both online and offline.
4.Maya (formerly PayMaya)
Maya has evolved from a simple e-wallet into a comprehensive financial services platform. It offers features like a savings account, cryptocurrency trading, and micro-investments alongside traditional payment services. Maya's all-in-one approach appeals to tech-savvy Filipinos looking for a unified financial solution. For businesses, Maya provides robust payment APIs and plugins for easy integration into various e-commerce platforms.
Southeast Asia's diverse and rapidly evolving payment landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses. Understanding and integrating local payment methods is crucial for success. As this guide has highlighted, each country boasts a unique blend of digital wallets, real-time payment systems, and traditional methods, all shaping consumer preferences and business operations.
By partnering with Tazapay, businesses gain a significant advantage in navigating this complex landscape. Tazapay's localized payment rails enable you to offer popular methods like PayNow, FPX, and QRIS without needing local entities, streamlining cross-border transactions and reducing operational overhead. With multi-currency support, high conversion rates, and advanced fraud management, Tazapay empowers businesses to tap into Southeast Asia's growing digital economy with confidence.
India stands at the forefront of the digital revolution, marking itself as one of the fastest-growing digital economies worldwide. With over 117 billion digital payment transactions recorded in 2023, and an average of 380 million transactions per day by December 2023, the country's trajectory towards digital integration is unmistakable. Central to this digital transformation is the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), embodying India's rapid embrace of digitalization to simplify financial transactions across the board.
UPI stands as a beacon of innovation in real-time payment systems, facilitating inter-bank peer-to-peer (P2P) and peer-to-merchant transactions through a seamless two-click factor authentication process. Governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), UPI's framework enables transactions via a smartphone application, heralding a new era of banking and financial services. Its resemblance to Singapore's PayNow underscores a global shift towards government-led digital payment solutions, fostering an ecosystem where transactions are not just secure but also universally accessible.
In 2023, UPI transactions have seen remarkable growth, with the total transactions processed by UPI standing at 117.6 billion for the year. Specifically, for December 2023, UPI payments in India reached 12.02 billion transactions, with payments worth Rs 18.23 lakh crore being processed in just that month. This represents a 54% year-on-year growth in terms of volume and a 42% growth in transaction value annually (Economic Times) The adoption of UPI spans across diverse demographics, with its popularity not confined to urban centers but also penetrating rural areas, demonstrating the platform's wide acceptance and adaptability.
The international operations of UPI have notably expanded beyond its initial reach. As of the latest updates in 2024, UPI's global footprint has extended to several new countries, making it a more versatile option for international payments. Specifically, France has recently adopted UPI, joining other countries like Bhutan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the United Kingdom in embracing this system. These expansions underscore UPI's growing acceptance and its potential as a global payment gateway.
This broadened adoption facilitates cross-border transactions, allowing users in these countries to leverage UPI for seamless and secure payments. The collaboration with various international partners and payment providers highlights UPI's versatility and its capability to streamline payment processes across different markets. This development is part of the National Payments Corporation of India's (NPCI) ongoing efforts to extend UPI's reach, reflecting the platform's potential to influence the global digital payment ecosystem significantly.
For regions yet to establish direct UPI connectivity, international transactions are streamlined through third-party payment providers, acting as bridges between UPI and global markets. Here’s how the process unfolds:
Initiating Payment: Users initiate transactions by transferring funds to the payment provider's bank account in India via UPI. This is typically done by scanning a QR code or barcode within the UPI app, representing the transaction amount.
Global Fund Transfer: Subsequently, these funds are transitioned into one of the payment provider’s international accounts. The final step sees the funds disbursed to the recipient's bank account abroad, completing the international transaction.
This model exemplifies UPI's adaptability and its growing acceptance as a versatile solution for international payments, providing a seamless, secure, and efficient transfer mechanism across different geographies.
Given the diverse landscape of third-party payment providers facilitating UPI transactions internationally, businesses and individuals are advised to select partners offering comprehensive support for a wide range of localized markets. This ensures not only the broad usability of UPI across various international platforms but also enhances the efficiency and security of cross-border payments.
With ongoing discussions to further expand UPI's reach to additional countries, the future of international digital payments looks promising, positioning UPI at the forefront of the global digital economy's evolution.
Seamless Payment Experience: UPI's integration with numerous payment apps and digital wallets, alongside its vast network of banks, provides a hassle-free transaction process.
Instant Transactions: The real-time processing capability of UPI ensures transactions are completed within seconds.
Security and Ease of Use: Enhanced with two-factor authentication and a unique UPI ID, the platform guarantees a secure yet straightforward payment experience.
Dependence on Internet Connectivity: The efficacy of UPI is contingent on reliable internet access, limiting its use in connectivity-challenged regions.
Security Concerns: Despite robust security measures, users must remain vigilant against potential phishing and fraud attempts due to the PIN-based authentication system.
Expanding into India's digital market requires a keen understanding of the country's tax and compliance landscape, especially for SaaS companies and digital eCommerce merchants leveraging UPI for transactions. Critical to this expansion is navigating the intricate documentation requirements, including obtaining a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) and making a No Permanent Establishment (PE) Declaration, among others. These steps are vital for leveraging tax benefits under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) and ensuring smooth operation within the legal framework.
Furthermore, the implementation of GST on digital services and the significance of the Equalisation Levy on foreign e-commerce transactions underscore the evolving tax regime in India. These measures aim to ensure a level playing field between domestic and international players in the digital economy. As such, international businesses must stay abreast of these regulations to optimize their tax liabilities and maintain compliance. Download our eBook to understand this in detail
For businesses looking to streamline this process, leveraging platforms like Tazapay can provide significant advantages. Tazapay simplifies the complexities of tax collection, compliance, and remittance, enabling businesses to focus on growth and market penetration rather than administrative burdens.
As the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) continues to evolve, its influence is set to extend beyond the Indian market, marking a significant shift in the global digital payment ecosystem. UPI’s initiatives aimed at expanding its international reach and enhancing its features for global usability are pivotal. In this landscape of growth and innovation, UPI is well-positioned to facilitate seamless and secure online payments on a worldwide scale, embodying India's ambitious vision for a digitally empowered global economy.
In this evolving scenario, Tazapay stands out as a crucial player, offering an innovative solution that integrates UPI alongside other local payment options across 80+ locations with just one integration. This strategic collaboration enables businesses to leverage UPI’s simplicity and security while also accessing a broad spectrum of payment methods globally, ensuring they can meet the diverse preferences of customers worldwide. Tazapay's one-stop payment solution signifies a leap towards creating a more inclusive and accessible digital payment infrastructure, making it easier for businesses to engage in cross-border commerce without the hassle of managing multiple payment integrations or local entities.
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The user experience (UX) of any online business is crucial to its success. A smooth and seamless UX can significantly influence profit margins by reducing cart abandonment rates. As businesses scale, enhancing the UX becomes essential, with a primary focus on upgrading their payment gateways. Initially, a fledgling online business might suffice with a simple payment link due to its straightforwardness and rapid payment processing—key features for those new to eCommerce or starting their digital transition. However, as the business grows, there's a need to adopt more sophisticated solutions like integrated payment gateways or payment APIs.
The shift may seem daunting, especially for new online businesses accustomed to plug-and-play payment apps. Integrated payment gateways often require some technical skill to implement due to their role as intermediary software that facilitates quick, automated payment processes. Fortunately, for those opting for simplicity, hosted checkout APIs present a less intimidating alternative. Hosted by a third-party provider, these APIs integrate effortlessly with existing checkout systems, sparing businesses the complexity of developing their own payment systems from scratch. This approach not only saves time but also demands minimal effort from the merchant for integration, as most services are managed by the third-party provider.
Understanding online checkouts and the workings of hosted payment APIs is vital for any growing online business, preparing them for future expansion and success in the competitive digital marketplace.
The concept of online checkout in an eCommerce store is straightforward: it's the designated 'area' where buyers finalize their purchase of goods or services. This typically involves a dedicated checkout page that presents a variety of payment methods. Despite the diverse nature of eCommerce businesses, catering to both B2C and B2B sectors, the fundamental user experience at checkout remains consistent and generally unfolds as follows:
These core aspects of the online checkout experience are largely uniform across eCommerce stores worldwide. The selection of payment methods available often plays a crucial role in securing a successful sale. This importance stems from user's payment preferences and the tendency to stick with familiar payment methods. For instance, some customers prefer card payments for their ubiquity and convenience, while others might opt for bank redirects due to the direct link with local banks. Offering multiple, especially localized, payment methods can significantly enhance customer retention and satisfaction by catering to these preferences.
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Transactions in eCommerce typically involve two key parties: the seller offering the product/service and the buyer acquiring it. The commonality between them, besides the exchange of legal tender and products, is the necessity for information verification. This includes verifying a seller’s legitimacy for the buyer and a buyer’s identity for the seller. Given the inherent remoteness and anonymity of cyberspace, acquiring detailed information becomes crucial for any successful eCommerce transaction.
As a seller utilizing a hosted payment API, setting up your data on your chosen payment gateway’s database requires just a few commands or calls as outlined in the API documentation provided. For new buyers, you can employ the API call function that creates a new user profile in the payment gateway’s database. For returning customers, a ‘get user’ call function allows you to retrieve the existing buyer details from the database. Additionally, buyer data can be seamlessly saved into the database as they input their information during the first checkout step using the same ‘create user’ API call.
This streamlined process not only ensures secure online transactions but also enhances the online checkout experience, making it smoother and more efficient for both sellers and buyers in the eCommerce environment.
Once both your data (as the seller) and the customer’s data (as the buyer) have been prepared, the next step is to create the underlying transaction for checkout. The process of setting up this transaction can vary depending on your payment provider, so it's crucial to be well-acquainted with your provider's specific terminology and procedures. For initiating checkout, you'll need to understand the terms related to creating a transaction unit versus processing payments. For instance, Tazapay refers to their transaction units as "escrow," so you would initiate a transaction by creating escrow.
Following this setup, you can proceed to integrate your inventory data into the payment gateway. This ensures that the total cart amount is accurately recorded and logged. Such integration not only streamlines the transaction process but also enhances the online checkout experience, ensuring that all details are correctly aligned with the hosted checkout API.
By this stage, the buyer is at the final step of the checkout process, as outlined earlier. While the process may seem complex, it's important to note that most tasks are managed automatically by the API’s protocols, requiring minimal, if any, input from the seller in real time. This ensures a painless, smooth UX).
Once the buyer clicks the purchase button, this should trigger an API call to create a payment page. The specifics of these calls and their functionality vary from payment provider to payment provider. For example, with Tazapay, this function is called ‘create payment,’ as their unit for generating a payment page is termed ‘payment’. Regardless of the nomenclature, the newly-generated payment page is where the buyer completes their transaction using any of the payment methods offered by the payment gateway.
Depending on the payment gateway, you may also have the flexibility to enable or disable payment methods to optimize profitability. If all goes well, the buyer completes their payment, and you, the seller, can proceed with fulfilling the order—shipping the purchased items to the buyer’s address promptly.
Now that you are familiar with the workings of a hosted checkout API, you can approach the selection of a payment gateway with greater confidence, ready to scale and expand your business. Tazapay’s wide range of local and global payment methods, easy API integration, and digital solutions, is poised to help grow your business efficiently.
This approach not only secures the transaction but also optimizes the efficiency and accuracy of the eCommerce payment integration, providing a seamless and reliable service for both sellers and buyers in the digital marketplace.
Contact us to integrate today!
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In the rapidly evolving world of eCommerce, understanding the intricacies of eCommerce payment gateways is crucial for merchants aiming to excel. With a plethora of options available, distinguishing between hosted payment gateways and native payment gateways becomes essential for informed decision-making. This blog delves into the key differences between hosted and native gateways and their unique impacts and benefits.
Hosted payment gateways usher customers to the payment service provider's (PSP) platform to finalize their online payment methods. This off-site processing model ensures robust transaction security and compliance, relieving merchants from the complexities of handling sensitive financial information. The true appeal of hosted gateways lies in their ease of integration and user-friendly payment solutions, making them an ideal choice for businesses seeking a hassle-free setup.
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Native payment gateways keep the entire checkout process on the merchant's domain, affording unparalleled control over the transaction journey. This model favors merchants eager to craft a bespoke customer experience, offering detailed insights into buyer behavior that can refine future marketing strategies.
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The decision between hosted and native payment solutions ultimately depends on your business's unique needs and capabilities. Both gateway types offer distinct advantages and challenges, making it crucial to weigh them in the context of your operational priorities and customer experience with payment gateways. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right payment gateway for your business, ensuring you select the solution that best fits your transaction security, user experience, and eCommerce success goals.
Tazapay sets itself apart by offering both hosted and native payment gateways, providing unmatched flexibility across 173 markets and enabling 80+ local payment options. This extensive reach, coupled with a seamless onboarding process that eliminates the need for local entities, ensures merchants can easily expand globally without the usual complexities. With Tazapay, integration is just the beginning of a streamlined journey towards international eCommerce success.
Tazapay empowers merchants to exceed the evolving expectations of a diverse customer base. Whether you’re looking to optimize the checkout experience or expand your market reach, we offer the tools and support to achieve your business objectives with efficiency and ease, reinforcing the benefits of user-friendly payment solutions.
Contact us to learn more about our solutions and how you can onboard with us today.
Security is a cornerstone of any successful eCommerce operation. Among the most effective tools in the arsenal against fraud and chargebacks is 3D Secure (3DS) technology. If you've made a card payment online, it's likely you've encountered 3DS—even if you weren't aware of it. Let's delve into how 3DS works and its role in minimizing chargebacks.
3DS is a robust authentication protocol designed specifically for card payments. It hinges on a three-domain model encompassing the Acquirer Domain (merchant’s bank), the Issuer Domain (cardholder’s bank), and the Interoperability Domain (technology facilitating 3DS communication). This protocol is vital for both payment authentication and additional security checks, offering several ways to authenticate:
The essence of 3DS is its requirement for consumers to authenticate their transactions, significantly reducing unauthorized payments and, consequently, chargebacks.
While 2DS offers a simplified, two-domain model for authentication, 3DS presents a more comprehensive approach, including an additional security domain. The primary difference lies in the depth of security and the consumer's interaction with the authentication process, with 3DS requiring an OTP or similar verification method.
The choice between 2DS and 3DS impacts not just security but the overall customer experience. While both aim to secure transactions, 3DS stands out for its ability to prevent various forms of fraud, including 'friendly fraud'—where chargebacks are filed without legitimate grounds. Implementing 3DS can significantly enhance your efforts to mitigate such risks.
However, the effectiveness and preference for 3DS can vary globally. For instance, while some markets like the U.S. may still lean towards 2DS for its simplicity, others, like Singapore, have widely adopted 3DS, appreciating the added security layer of OTP verification. Knowing your target market's preferences is crucial to implementing the most effective payment security strategy.
Familiarity with 3DS and its application in a payment gateway can greatly benefit your eCommerce business by reducing chargebacks and enhancing transaction security. For those seeking a secure, robust payment gateway solution, Tazapay offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect your online transactions. Accredited by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and equipped with PCI DSS certification, Tazapay ensures your business transactions are secure and trustworthy.
The digital era has opened a world of opportunities for businesses to go global. Yet, the unique digital evolution of each region and country has profoundly influenced consumer preferences in online payments. This diversity has given rise to local payment methods, designed specifically to align with the distinct consumer behaviors across the globe. Understanding what these local payment methods entail and the reasons behind their emergence is crucial for businesses looking to thrive in the international market.
As we embark on the journey to understand the intricacies of local payment options, it's essential to first navigate through the diverse payment landscape that cross-border payments encompass. These payment methods form the backbone of international commerce, facilitating seamless transactions across borders. Let's delve into the key payment options that businesses and consumers commonly utilize in a cross-border context:
Credit Cards: Universally accepted, credit cards stand as a cornerstone in cross-border transactions, offering convenience and security for buyers and sellers alike.
Wire Transfer: For direct bank-to-bank transactions, wire transfers offer a reliable method for transferring funds internationally, albeit often with higher fees and longer processing times.
Local Bank Transfer: Bridging the gap between traditional and digital, local bank transfers provide a method for customers to pay through their local banking systems, enhancing convenience without the need for international banking facilities.
Local Payment Options: Catering specifically to regional preferences and financial infrastructures, local payment options (or alternative payment methods) offer tailored solutions that resonate with the local consumer behavior, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in the global marketplace.
Local payment methods, distinct from the conventional international payments like credit cards and bank transfers, cater to regional preferences and needs. Known variably as alternative payment methods (APMs), their development is influenced by a myriad of factors including existing infrastructures, consumer behavior, and government policies. The contrast between the Philippines and Ghana illustrates this diversity perfectly; while the Philippines has embraced eWallets for their unbanked population, Ghana leans towards Mobile Money services provided by telecom companies, showcasing the tailored evolution of payment solutions across different landscapes.
Incorporating local payment options into your cross-border payment gateway is not just a nod to customer diversity—it's a strategic move that propels your business forward. This approach does more than just acknowledge the varied preferences of your global customer base; it actively engages with them, offering solutions that are attuned to their specific needs and circumstances. Here are the key benefits of integrating local payment methods into your international payment infrastructure:
Enhanced Customer Experience: By offering payment options that customers are familiar with and trust, you significantly improve the user experience. This familiarity reduces friction at checkout, increasing the likelihood of completing a purchase.
Increased Market Penetration: Local payment methods open doors to new markets, especially in regions with a high preference for non-traditional payment solutions. This inclusivity allows you to reach a broader audience, tapping into previously inaccessible customer segments.
Higher Transaction Success Rates: Local payment options often boast higher success rates for transactions, owing to their compatibility with the regional banking infrastructure and regulatory environment. This leads to fewer failed transactions and a smoother payment process.
Competitive Advantage: Offering a diverse set of payment options can set you apart from competitors, making your platform the preferred choice for customers seeking convenience and flexibility in their payment methods.
Regulatory Compliance: By integrating local payment methods, you align with local regulations and financial practices, minimizing legal and operational risks associated with international transactions.
Reduced Costs: Local payments can be more cost-effective for both merchants and consumers, avoiding the high fees associated with international card payments and currency conversions.
As the digital economy continues to connect markets worldwide, the strategic incorporation of local payment options into your payment gateway is essential. It not only respects and caters to the preferences of a global customer base but also capitalizes on the unique opportunities presented by the varied financial landscapes across regions. Embrace the diversity of payment preferences to unlock a world of possibilities for your cross-border business.
Embracing local payment methods comes with its costs, a fundamental truth in the realm of international business. To ensure a smooth integration of these payment solutions onto your platform, it's crucial to evaluate the financial implications:
Setup Fees: Assess whether an initial investment is required to access the service.
Platform Fees: Understand the service's cost structure—whether it operates on a flat rate, transaction percentage, or a combination of both.
Payout Options: Consider the currency in which the provider will settle payments to your business account, and whether it aligns with your financial preferences or needs.
FX Rates: Analyze the exchange rates offered for conversions, especially if payouts are in a different currency than your primary business operations.
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these expenses is key to selecting a payment gateway that aligns with your business objectives and budgetary constraints.
In navigating these costs, Tazapay emerges as a pivotal partner for businesses looking to expand their global footprint. Offering competitive pricing and seamless integration, Tazapay enables access to local payment options in over 80 countries, simplifying the process without the need for establishing local entities. This advantage allows businesses to rapidly adapt to market demands and consumer preferences, ensuring a cost-effective and efficient payment solution tailored to the needs of international commerce.
The landscape of local payment methods is as diverse as the regions they serve. Each area has cultivated solutions that resonate with its unique market dynamics:
This regional overview underscores the importance of choosing payment methods that align with the local consumer behavior and technological infrastructure.
Integrating local payment methods into your cross-border payment strategy is imperative for businesses targeting international markets. By offering payment options that cater to regional preferences, you can enhance customer experience, expand market reach, and improve conversion rates. With the support of partners like Tazapay, navigating the complexities of global payments becomes more manageable, allowing your business to thrive in the competitive landscape of international e-commerce.
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It is a given that all online B2B businesses strive for a seamless checkout experience, crucial for cementing a reputation of impeccable service and reliability. But when it comes to payment solutions, the choice between Payment Links vs Payment APIs often arises. What exactly are these options, and which is best suited to meet your specific business needs? Dive deeper as we explore these online payment integration solutions to determine the best payment API for B2B businesses or if payment links offer the efficiency and security your business requires.
There’s often confusion surrounding the term ‘payment link’ due to varying terminologies used by different payment providers, including phrases like ‘pay by link’ or ‘pay button’. Essentially, payment links are URLs or buttons clicked by users to transfer funds specific to a transaction—typically for purchasing a product or service, distinct from standard options like a “Buy Now” or “Donate” button.
Despite the simplicity of payment links, providers may offer variations:
Payment links seem straightforward to implement and use, but are they the right fit for your online B2B business? Let's explore the advantages and potential drawbacks.
Given their straightforward nature, payment links are particularly advantageous for businesses in the early stages of digital transformation. For instance, freelancers with portfolio sites or businesses that have yet to fully integrate an online checkout system could see significant benefits. Payment links provide a simple yet effective solution for these scenarios.
Moreover, businesses that have not completely digitised their customer interactions or brokers who facilitate transactions between two parties will find payment links invaluable. They are not only easy to implement but also ensure that transactions are completed swiftly and efficiently.
Suitable Business Examples for Payment Links:
The 'API' in 'payment API' stands for Application Programming Interface. Simplified, it acts as the intermediary that allows different software applications to communicate by sending and retrieving data to and from a server. If the software shares a data library, the API can link these systems together, displaying the necessary results to end-users.
APIs generally come in two different variants: hosted and native. An API that is mainly integrated into the website is generally deemed to be ‘native’ whereas one that mostly directs customers to third party services is ‘hosted’.
Much like their counterpart, both forms of Payment APIs possess their pros and cons.
A robust payment API offers diverse configurations to accommodate different levels of integration based on your website’s design, ensuring that whether your online B2B business is small or large, you can tailor the checkout experience to fit your needs.
Payment APIs are particularly beneficial for platforms that require integrated online checkout systems, as these APIs are designed to work seamlessly with such setups. Marketplaces that need flexibility in adjusting fees, such as processing commission deductions in transactions, also find great value in payment APIs. These include:
While setting up payment APIs can seem daunting, understanding how to leverage their capabilities can significantly enhance your operations. The best fit for your online B2B business depends on your unique needs and the complexity of your payment processes.
It's evident that payment links are well-suited for businesses still transitioning to digital platforms or those requiring simple, reliable transaction processes. On the other hand, payment APIs are recommended for businesses with established online checkout systems, marketplaces needing flexible fee adjustments, and SaaS platforms managing recurring payments. These APIs simplify the payment process, ensuring a smooth transactional experience.
Considering an upgrade to your B2B payment solutions? Tazapay offers both hosted and native API solutions tailored to meet your escrow needs. Our APIs are designed for easy integration and transparency in transactions.
Contact us today to explore how our payment solutions can benefit your business
What can anyone presently venturing into India’s B2B e-commerce market expect? Based on a 2019 report by management consulting firm RedSeer, India’s B2B e-commerce market is expected to outgrow B2C e-commerce with a compound annual growth rate (or CAGR) of 80%. By 2025, it is expected to reach USD60 billion.1
With B2B markets thriving (thanks in part to COVID-19 which disrupted the traditional supply chains), these are exciting times to evaluate B2B payment gateways that can support your online business’s plan for expansion into the region.
Tazapay is an international payment platform that provides checkout, escrow, and treasury services at low platform fees and the best FX rates. Contact us to find out how we can help you:
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According to a news article in Business Wire, the Indian Payment Gateway Market is expected to register a CAGR of 15% over the forecast period 2020 to 2025.2
As more payment gateways start to provide innovative features and competitive platform prices, there’s no better time to enter India’s e-commerce landscape while looking for a payment platform to partner with.
With increasing internet penetration and awareness about the ease of online transactions, consumers are changing their preferences to making payments online. Thus, the current top payment methods in India for online e-commerce transactions are as such:
As for the trends to look for in the upcoming years, these are the insights we’ve gathered from our research:
The online payment habits of Indian consumers mirror those of the Singaporean consumer closely. These are the top 3 payment methods in India's online landscape at present:
Accounting for 32% of all payments digitally in India for the year of 2020 according to Statista, cards are the predominant payment method at present.3
While commercial cards differ from regular credit and debit cards in that the accounts tied to them are businesses instead of individuals, these cards are gradually gaining traction in B2B payments especially where timely automated payouts are needed. These include the likes of salary payouts and employee claims.4
However, adoption of commercial cards among B2B companies tends to lag due to high platform fees associated with them. With that said, the popularity of cards in online transactions still means that having this as a payment option is key to a smooth B2B checkout. On top of that, card operators are adopting solutions that will address these issues as discussed in the next section.
In India’s domestic market, HDFC Bank’s takes the lion’s share in credit card penetration at 23.61%, followed by SBI Card at 19.17% and ICICI Bank at 17.57% in 2021.5 For debit cards, RuPay is the leading card issuer at 60% of the market share as of late 2020.6
For a nation that saw an increase of 47 million internet users from 2020 to 2021, it’s no surprise that digital wallets, or e-wallets, are gaining traction as the 2nd most popular payment method for online transactions in India.
Forming 26% of all online transactions in 2020 according to Statista, digital wallets are rising in adoption in conjunction with rising smartphone penetration. Even though over two-thirds of the Indian population doesn’t own a smartphone, it is one of the fastest growing smartphone markets in the world.
Since most e-wallets have a mobile app associated with it, this would also mean that digital wallets would eventually gain the lion’s share of online transactions.
The most predominant player in the digital wallet space is the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), to enable real-time transfers between bank accounts as opposed to collecting and holding money in a separate digital account.
Bank transfers are less popular to pay for online transactions among India consumers, accounting for 18% of online transactions in 2020, only 1% above paying via cash according to Statista.
Bank transfer is also expected to decline in share by 2023 according to JP Morgan’s report to just 17% from their 2019 share of 19%.7 However, should Indian banks start to adopt digital means of conducting bank transfers in conjunction with the government’s encouragement of digital payments, bank transfers may still stand as a viable payment method in the online e-commerce space.
Offer these local payment methods and more across 56 major markets when you connect your online platform with Tazapay. Find out how:
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According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions will see increased usage in a post-COVID economy, especially the 'phygital' world which combines the physical and digital space.
Since its launch in 2016, UPI has grown exponentially at a CAGR of 414%, clocking an all time high of 1,800 million transactions in September 2020.9 This adoption was also compounded by the fact that the government had mandated a zero Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for all domestic UPI transactions, though this subsidy has since been removed in the 1st of January 2020.
On top of that, UPI 2.0 was launched in 2018 with the aim of expanding UPI with more use cases. For instance, invoice verification, linking of overdraft accounts, additional security through signed intent and QR codes are some of the features introduced in this update.9 These new features can be a game changer in terms of UPI payment adoption and growth in India and your business would be remiss if UPI was not integrated as a payment method in your B2B checkout.
Thus, if your payment platform is able to integrate with UPI and keep up with UPI’s payment features, your online B2B platform stands to gain in having a more seamless payment experience.
Many sources have forecasted that card payments will be overtaken by digital wallets, especially since UPI are offering more features that eases the digital payment process. For instance, JP Morgan predicts that cards will be overtaken by digital wallets as the preferred payment method in 2023, where digital wallets will take up 38% of market share while cards would hold 32% of the market share.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should neglect cards as a payment method either. Global card operators like Visa and Mastercard are planning to integrate with near-field communication (NFC) technology in order to encourage card adoption so that they don’t lose their slice of the pie.10
NFCs are a proximity-based wireless communication standard, and data is transmitted from a tag to an NFC reader via inductive coupling similar to radio frequency identification (RFID). With the latest smartphones having introduced NFC chips into their devices, cards can still be used as a checkout payment method via mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Users only need to bring their smartphone close to the POS terminal in order to make their payments if they’re shopping physically, while the mobile app can be used to make online payments after a one time authorization. Hence, the transition from having to present a physical card to a smartphone is a seamless one.
Through this highly adopted technology, card operators can then allow merchants to accept digital payments when buyers pay through their smartphones. For example, Mastercard has formed a partnership with Axis Bank Ltd (who ranks 4th in terms of credit card market share in India as of 2021) and Worldline, a payment service provider, to launch its Soft Point of System (POS) payment solution in an effort to allow small merchants to accept card payments via NFC technology.
With this in mind, it is unlikely that cards will be replaced by digital wallets anytime soon. If your payment platform has cards enabled as a payment method, then you won’t lose out to clients who prefer to pay for their goods and services using cards.
With the shift towards online transactions for all forms of payment, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is clamping down on fraudulent payments in order to reduce lost value to unscrupulous actors.
In India, the highest value lost to fraudulent transactions is from counterfeit cards, and cards stolen and lost. The new regulations in place mean banks have to provide an option to set daily limits to card spending for cash withdrawals, POS payments, and online payments. Customers also have the option to block international transactions, which on one hand, will help to reduce fraudulent transactions, but on the other hand, presents potential frictions for international businesses expanding into the Indian market.
To prevent any blockages from happening, it helps to be communicative to your customers about your financial details so that they don’t accidentally block transactions tied to your business. For platforms that have low-touch interactions with their customers like online marketplaces and SaaS platforms, it helps to have a virtual account associated with your name so that your buyers know that the transaction is coming from your entity instead of your payment provider’s entity to avoid confusion as well.
Not only that, check if your payment platform is up to date and localised with India’s payment legislations to ensure that your transactions are processed smoothly and not potentially flagged as a false positive. In turn, this may also mean working with the payment provider closely to provide the necessary documentation for their KYB/KYC processes in order to ensure smooth payment operations.
The dynamic payments landscape in India is something that may intimidate any online business trying to enter the region. By partnering with a payment platform that is on top of the changes in the payments ecosystem, you’ll be able to take the burden of keeping up to date with the payments landscape off your shoulders so that you can focus on what your business does best.
Tazapay is able to do all this and more, with localised payment methods to ensure that you capture potential clients who are sticky in their purchasing habits. We’re also able to replicate this payment localisation across 56+ countries, covering over 173 markets worldwide.
Speak with us today to find out more about our payment solutions.
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CB Insights today named Tazapay to its sixth-annual Fintech 100 ranking (previously the Fintech 250) - showcasing the 100 most promising private fintech companies of 2023.
"Representing 24 different countries across the globe, this year's Fintech 100 is shaping the future of real-time payments, spend management automation, embedded finance, and more," said Chris Bendtsen, Lead Fintech Analyst, CB Insights. Together, they are not only increasing the pace of innovation, but launching new products and features to revolutionize the industry as a whole. I cannot wait to see what this cohort accomplishes next."
"Being recognized in the CB Insights' Fintech 100 list is an affirmation of our vision to revolutionize cross-border payments. We're committed to creating solutions that not only simplify transactions but also instill trust in global commerce. This acknowledgement fuels our determination to push boundaries further," remarked Rahul Shinghal, CEO of Tazapay
Utilizing the CB Insights platform, the research team selected these 100 winners from a pool of over 19,000 private companies, including applicants and nominees. They were chosen based on factors including - equity funding, investor profiles, business relationships, R&D activity, news sentiment analysis, competitive landscape, proprietary Mosaic scores, and Yardstiq transcripts - and criteria such as tech novelty and market potential. The research team also reviewed thousands of Analyst Briefings submitted by applicants.
In a rapidly globalizing e-commerce landscape, Tazapay emerges as a crucial enabler. Its platform provides seamless and secure payment solutions, empowering businesses to confidently operate on a global scale. Tazapay has bridged the gap for cross-border merchants and enterprises, facilitating payment collections from 173+ global markets. Furthermore, the introduction of local payment options such as local bank transfers, QR codes, e-wallets, vouchers, etc. enables businesses to tap into diverse customer segments within these markets, further widening and deepening their reach. Demonstrating commitment to growth and compliance, Tazapay secured a license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and successfully closed its Series A funding in 2023
Quick facts on the 2023 Fintech 100:
About CB Insights
CB Insights builds software that enables the world's best companies to discover, understand, and make technology decisions with confidence. By marrying data, expert insights, and work management tools, clients manage their end-to-end technology decision-making process on CB Insights. To learn more, please visit www.cbinsights.com.
About Tazapay
Tazapay is reshaping the cross-border e-commerce landscape by offering secure, transparent, and efficient payment solutions tailored for global commerce. Catering to industries such as travel, gaming, ed-tech, SaaS, and e-commerce, we're committed to fostering trust and facilitating smooth global transactions. As the e-commerce domain continues to expand, Tazapay remains dedicated to being the payment solution partner of choice for businesses around the globe. Learn more at www.tazapay.com
SINGAPORE, August 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Following the in-principle approval earlier this year, Tazapay Pte. Ltd. (“Tazapay”) a leading fintech company specialising in cross-border payments, is delighted to announce the attainment of a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The approval from MAS further underpins Tazapay's commitment to robust regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
Singapore, known as a hub for international trade and commerce, offers the perfect vantage point for Tazapay to expand its reach and impact across Asia and beyond. The MPI licence allows Tazapay to extend its full suite of services, spanning account issuance, merchant acquisition, cross-border and domestic money transfers, and e-money issuance, to its growing client base.
Rahul Shinghal, CEO of Tazapay, shares his excitement, "Receiving this licence from MAS is a remarkable milestone in our journey. It not only signifies our commitment to delivering the highest standards of regulatory compliance but also paves the way for us to provide even more innovative and mission-critical cross-border payment solutions. As a Singapore-born and headquartered company, we view this achievement with immense pride and gratitude."
Even amidst a challenging tech winter, Tazapay continues to demonstrate resilience and an unwavering commitment to growth. The MPI licence acts as a catalyst for a host of forthcoming initiatives dedicated to augmenting the quality, security and user-friendliness of Tazapay's services. Coupled with the successful closing of our series A funding of USD 16.9 Million, Tazapay is better positioned than ever to transform the way cross-border e-commerce merchants operate especially in sectors such as travel, education technology, fashion & apparel, gifting and gaming.
With this milestone, Tazapay is ready to redefine cross-border transactions, offering a seamless and secure payment experience to businesses in the vibrant e-commerce space. The journey continues, and Tazapay remains dedicated to its mission of making global payments as smooth and frictionless as possible.
Tazapay is a Singapore-based fintech company, designed to redefine the cross-border payment experience. Since its inception in 2021 by industry veterans, Tazapay has raised a successful $16.9 million Series A funding round, with significant investment from prestigious institutions such as Sequoia and the PayPal Alumni Fund. The platform allows businesses to transact with ease in 173+ countries, offering an array of card and local payment options. Its unified interface simplifies the onboarding process, allowing businesses to partner with just one entity, thereby streamlining their payment process. Tazapay continues to drive global business growth by offering a trusted and accessible platform for cross-border e-commerce transactions.
London, 28th February 2023: Tazapay, a Singapore-based cross-border payments provider, has partnered with leading global real-time payments gateway Volt to add open banking to its growing stack of payment offerings, as it accelerates its international growth plans across the UK and Europe.
The partnership will enable Tazapay’s customers to roll out and increase their cross-border sales, especially for APAC and MENA-based merchants looking to expand and increase sales in the UK and Europe.
Volt’s real-time reconciliation capabilities enable businesses to track payments from initiation to receipt, unlocking full visibility of the payment value chain via its data-driven insights and analytics. Over 70% of all payments processed via Volt’s gateway receive instant confirmation of settlement, a significant feature for cross-border merchants and businesses. Tazapay will also leverage Volt’s fraud prevention solution to identify and block any suspicious payments by monitoring transactions via a flexible scoring system.
Tazapay currently supports over 2,000 merchants across 30+ markets. It provides a full-stack payment solution that includes local payment methods as well as cards globally, with buyer and seller protection. The company has a global network of more than 170 markets for its card coverage, and 85 markets for its local payments collection coverage.
This strategic partnership with Volt, a leading player in open banking and real-time payments, unlocks growth for Tazapay in the UK and Europe and will be further continued by enabling open banking payments in Brazil later this year. Volt processes transactions securely between accounts held at over 5,000 banks in the UK, Europe and Brazil, covering over 680 million accounts.
The partnership marks another significant milestone for Tazapay, which has recently completed a $16.9m Series A fundraising round led by Sequoia Capital Southeast Asia, and has received in-principle approval for a major payment institution (MPI) licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Open banking continues to gain tremendous momentum in payments worldwide. The value of open banking-powered payments reached almost $4bn in 2021 and, by 2027, is expected to exceed $330bn. Over 60 countries currently have or are considering launching open banking frameworks, and Volt is building the global infrastructure to connect all the domestic systems worldwide via one single point of integration (API).
“With the advent of open banking and maturing of real-time payment networks like the PayNow service in Singapore and UPI in India, there is an increase in expectations from businesses and end consumers for payments to be done in real time. Tazapay is building the payments and compliance infrastructure for cross-border commerce and services, and we continue to focus our attention on growth plans. We are thrilled to be partnering with a like-minded company like Volt, who will support us in enabling seamless, real-time cross-border payments for our customers,” says Rahul Shinghal, CEO and Co-founder at Tazapay.
“This partnership demonstrates the global acceleration of real-time payments across many sectors – a complement to the acceleration of online business processes and an obvious fit for businesses now operating in a digital-first economy. We are excited to join forces with Tazapay and support them in their ambitions to offer cross-border instant payments, as well as data-driven analytics for better decision-making, supported by our proprietary solution Connect,” says Matt Komorowski, Chief Revenue Officer at Volt.
