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
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As the eCommerce market expands, so does the array of payment gateways available to merchants worldwide. Many are tempted by platforms advertising free or low-cost services, thinking they've secured a great deal. However, the reality of hidden costs of payment gateways often emerges only after transactions begin, potentially eroding profit margins.
Are you grappling with the complexities of global transactions? Consider Tazapay, your global payment gateway partner. With a network extending across 173 countries and a suite of fully digitised solutions for marketplaces and platforms, Tazapay helps you make the world your market.
To better understand this landscape, let’s explore the common costs and fees associated with payment gateways, particularly those involved in cross-border payments.
Platform fees are relatively straightforward—they represent the costs of using a payment platform. Most reputable payment gateways impose some type of fee. These fees can vary, typically appearing as a combination of a flat fee plus a percentage of the transaction, or as a simple percentage-based fee.
For example, some payment gateways may charge fees such as $0.30 plus 2.9% per transaction, or $0.11 plus 3.95%, depending on the payment method. In contrast, Tazapay offers a more streamlined approach, charging either 1.8% or 3% for non-card transactions. To illustrate the differences in cost structures, consider the expense of a $50 transaction versus a $1000 transaction:
Using a $0.30 + 2.9% fee structure, a $50 transaction incurs a cost of $1.75, while a $1000 transaction costs $29.50.
However with Tazapay’s fee, starting from 0.8%, the same transactions would cost just $0.40 and $8, respectively.
Comparing these fee structures highlights significant differences. Opting for a straightforward percentage fee, such as Tazapay’s, can be more cost-effective, particularly for larger transactions where flat fees add up. This comparison underscores the importance of understanding payment gateway fees and how they impact your costs, especially in a cross-border payment gateway context.
Understanding payment gateway costs is essential when considering the financial implications of various payment methods. These platforms may absorb fees, integrating them into overall platform fees, or pass them directly to consumers.
Bank transaction fees play a significant role in the costs associated with direct bank payment methods like local bank transfers and bank redirects. Typically, local bank transfers might incur a surcharge for cross-bank transactions, while in-bank transfers often avoid these fees. Bank redirects, similar in operation to local bank transfers, usually carry minimal processing fees, influenced by national e-commerce policies.
For example, Singapore's PayNow service was free of transaction fees from its launch in July 2017 until January 2021, under a full subsidy. However, a nominal fee of SGD0.22 was introduced in 2022 to cover gateway pricing models adjustments.1
Credit card processing fees are another critical aspect of payment gateway costs. Merchants may apply a surcharge for transactions using card networks like Mastercard or Visa. For instance, as of 2024, credit card processing fees for merchants range from 1.3% to 3.5%, depending on the card and transaction type.2
The cost of wire transfers, particularly for international payments, is a notable part of gateway costs. Domestic wire transfers generally incur lower fees and are processed faster compared to international transfers, highlighting the variability of bank surcharges across different institutions.3
When transactions span multiple geographic regions involving different currencies, international transaction fees and currency exchange costs, or FX costs, are inevitable. Payment gateways often manage these costs by adding a percentage-based fee over the market’s FX rate, or by setting their own buy and sell rates.
This adjustment allows payment gateways to cover the risks and operations involved in currency conversion, forming a significant portion of the payment gateway costs. Understanding these fees is crucial for businesses operating internationally, as they can impact the total cost of transactions significantly.
Setup fees are a common initial cost associated with various online payment methods, including payment links and payment APIs. These fees often reflect the technical expertise required for integration and the complexity of the setup, especially in sophisticated online marketplaces and platforms.
In Malaysia, the variability in gateway setup fees is evident, with the top ten online payment methods charging anywhere from zero to RM300 per year.4 This range illustrates the diverse pricing models that payment gateways employ based on the services and technology they provide.
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With a clear understanding of the various payment gateway costs, including transaction fees, setup fees, and FX costs, you are now equipped to make more informed decisions when selecting a payment gateway that offers the best value for your money.
As you consider your options, take a look at Tazapay. Tazapay offers competitive platform fees at just 0.8 - 2.5% for non-card payments and 3.8% + $0.50 for card transactions. Moreover, it provides some of the lowest FX rates in the market and even promises to match any better rates you might find. Making the right choice for your payment gateway could mean the difference in creating significant savings and efficiency for your business operations.
Sources
1 2020 E-commerce Payments Trends Report: Singapore Country Insights (jpmorgan.com)
2 Average Credit Card Processing Fees (fool.com)
3 Wire Transfer Definition (investopedia.com)
4 Top 10 Online Payment Methods in Malaysia for Ecommerce - ZCOM MY Blog
Europe is one of the largest E-Commerce markets in the world, with revenue projected to reach USD$632.70B in 2024 and a projected market volume of US$977.40bn by 2029 according to predicted annual growth rates.1 This region boasts dynamic digital markets, including Germany, which ranks as the 7th largest globally after China, US and UK.2 This impressive growth is driven by the flourishing digital economies, creating an environment ripe for robust digital payment infrastructures to prosper.
Local Payment Methods in Europe play a crucial role in this growth, and one of the standout systems is Sofort, a pan-European payment service provider. Sofort is integrated into international payment gateways, facilitating cross-border payments and supporting e-commerce businesses. By leveraging online payment solutions like Sofort, merchants can offer user-friendly payment options that cater to the diverse needs of European consumers, enhancing payment security and boosting online transactions.
Sofort is a payment service provider based in Germany that enables users to make payments using their own online banking details, with transactions processed in real-time.3 Operating in over 13 European countries, Sofort's extensive reach is powered by Klarna Kosma’s open banking PISP-based infrastructure.4 This infrastructure allows Sofort to facilitate seamless online transactions and secure online payments across different banks, making it a key player in the European payment methods landscape.
The payment process with Sofort is similar to that of Trustly, as it involves direct banking facilitated via PISPs. This method allows users from various banks to make payments effortlessly, supporting the growing need for alternative payment methods and user-friendly payment options in the region. By integrating Sofort into international payment gateways, businesses can enhance their cross-border payments capabilities and offer reliable online payment solutions to their customers.
The 2023 European E-commerce Report reveals that 78% of all European internet users have purchased goods and/or services this year, with the overwhelming majority of those users coming from Western Europe.5 This indicates a strong preference for local payment methods in Europe, such as Sofort, among consumers.
B2B e-commerce constitutes a significant portion of the European e-commerce market, holding a market share of approximately 63.1%. While B2B dominates, B2C e-commerce has also seen substantial growth, particularly during the pandemic, when over 87% of internet users in the region were e-shoppers in 2020. Although this number has slightly dipped to 85% this year, it still represents a robust market for online payment solutions.6 This trend underscores the importance of payment service providers like Sofort, which cater to the evolving needs of European consumers by facilitating secure online payments and enhancing online transactions.
The steady demand for user-friendly payment options and the growing preference for alternative payment methods suggest a positive outlook for Sofort’s business prospects in the region.
While many strides in technological improvement have led to significant advancements in the online payment gateway market, none are perfect. It is crucial to consider their benefits and drawbacks before making a decision. Here are the pros and cons of using Sofort:
Sofort, being a pan-European payment gateway, is already an international payment gateway in some respects. It is supported in 12 countries: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. This extensive connectivity enables cross-border payments and integration within international payment gateways across these major European markets.
However, this list, while comprehensive for the larger markets in each quadrant of the EU, does not cover all EU countries, nor does it include markets outside the EU. This limitation means that for transactions made outside Sofort’s supported countries, a third-party payment service provider is required as the international payment gateway to facilitate them.
This understanding of how Sofort fits within international payment gateways is crucial to optimise cross-border payments and cater to a diverse European customer base.
How Sofort Payments Work
Sofort payments normally involve the user accessing their bank account directly via Sofort and inputting their PIN and TAN to complete the checkout process. Once the user’s credentials are verified, the funds are simply transferred directly from the user’s bank account to the merchant’s account.
In the event of an international transaction outside of the EU, the buyer would first pay through the merchant’s third-party payment provider of choice, selecting Sofort as the payment method at checkout. The payment process proceeds normally until checkout is finalised. After this, the funds are transferred from the user’s bank account into the third-party payment provider’s local bank account. Subsequently, the funds are moved into the payment provider’s international accounts before being disbursed into the foreign seller’s bank account. This multi-step process ensures that secure online payments are maintained even in complex international transactions.
Currently, there are no fees for using some of Sofort’s payment services, including the app itself and certain BNPL options. However, as Sofort functions as a payment gateway, it employs various methods and rails to process transactions. Sofort’s transaction fees typically range from €0.10 + 1-2% to €0.25 + 3.29%.
When using Sofort as a payment method through a third-party payment service provider acting as an international payment gateway, additional costs such as setup fees, FX costs, and potential hidden costs may apply. These costs can impact the overall payment processing expenses, making it essential for businesses to consider them when planning their cross-border payments strategy.
Understanding Sofort’s fee structure is crucial for businesses aiming to optimise their online payment solutions and enhance their e-commerce payments strategy. By leveraging Sofort’s cost-effective transaction methods, businesses can offer user-friendly payment options to their customers while maintaining secure online payments.
To further improve your prospects in the European market, consider partnering with a robust and reliable third-party payment provider like Tazapay. We offer access to over 173 countries and are secured with 256-bit encryption, ensuring that every transaction is safe and secure. By integrating Tazapay as your international payment gateway, you can lower your transaction fees, enhance your payment processing capabilities and effectively manage cross-border payments.
Contact us to find out more
Sources
In recent years, Singapore has rapidly evolved into a digital-first economy, with the island nation at the forefront of adopting innovative financial technologies. The emergence of digital wallets has signaled a shift in consumer preferences, with predictions suggesting they might soon eclipse traditional card payments. Central to this digital revolution is PayNow, a system that has transformed the way transactions are conducted in Singapore, promising a seamless, efficient, and secure method of payment.
Developed under the auspices of the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS), PayNow is more than just a payment method; it's a cornerstone of Singapore's ambition to become a fully cashless society. This real-time payment platform enables users to send and receive money instantly using just a mobile number, NRIC/FIN, or UEN number, integrating seamlessly with the Singapore Quick Response Code (SGQR) for QR code payments. Supported by a consortium of major banks and financial institutions under the regulation of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), PayNow is a testament to Singapore's cohesive approach to financial innovation.
Updating the statistics with the latest information, PayNow's trajectory in Singapore showcases the nation's accelerated embrace of digital payments. In 2020, Singapore witnessed a dramatic surge in real-time transaction volumes, reaching 138.38 million, a 48% increase from 2019. The value of these transactions also saw a significant jump of 40%, escalating from US$110 billion in 2019 to US$154 billion. The growth trend is projected to continue, with real-time transactions expected to climb at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.2% to hit 392.94 million by 2025. This would elevate the total transaction value at a CAGR of 17.74%, underlining the increasing significance of digital payments in Singapore's financial landscape (Fintech Singapore).
The recent expansions into real-time cross-border payments further underline PayNow's evolving role in the financial ecosystem. 2023 marked a pivotal year as Singapore initiated real-time cross-border payment connections with neighboring countries. These developments, facilitated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), aim to enhance convenience for cross-border fund transfers and small-value payments. The introduction of cross-border QR code payment linkages with Malaysia and Singapore, along with the establishment of a cross-border linkage between Singapore’s PayNow and India’s UPI, highlights the city-state's commitment to fostering financial inclusion and bolstering the ASEAN economy through improved payment connectivity (Fintech Singapore).
While PayNow excels in facilitating local transactions, its integration with international payment systems like Tazapay represents a significant leap forward. This synergy allows Singaporean businesses and consumers to participate in the global marketplace more effectively, providing a streamlined process for cross-border transactions. Through platforms like Tazapay, users can easily transfer funds internationally, opening up new avenues for commerce and personal transactions alike.
Tazapay stands out by offering a simplified and secure method for leveraging PayNow in international transactions. By facilitating the transfer of funds to Tazapay's Singapore account via PayNow, and then on to the recipient's foreign account, it bridges the gap between local and global payment ecosystems. This process not only enhances the utility of PayNow but also offers businesses a competitive edge in the international market.
The cost-effectiveness of PayNow for local transactions is clear, with nominal fees and a structure that promotes accessibility. However, the dynamics shift when considering international transactions. The use of third-party platforms like Tazapay introduces additional costs, albeit often lower than traditional banking fees. For businesses looking to expand globally, understanding these financial nuances is crucial in selecting the most efficient payment methods.
As PayNow continues to evolve, its potential to shape Singapore's digital economy grows ever more significant. Its integration with international payment gateways heralds a new era of financial connectivity, enabling Singapore to further solidify its position as a global financial hub. The ongoing developments in digital payment technologies promise to enhance PayNow's offerings, ensuring that Singapore remains at the forefront of the digital payment revolution.
For businesses and individuals alike, the journey towards a cashless society is filled with opportunities. Embracing platforms like PayNow and Tazapay not only facilitates easier transactions but also opens up new horizons for global engagement. As we look to the future, the role of digital payment systems in driving economic growth and fostering global connections cannot be underestimated.
In conclusion, PayNow's journey from a local payment solution to a key player in international transactions encapsulates the essence of Singapore's digital transformation. Its continued adoption and integration with global payment systems underscore the importance of digital innovation in today's interconnected world. As we embrace these technologies, the prospects for seamless, secure, and efficient transactions are boundless, heralding a new chapter in the story of digital payments.
In the dynamic landscape of global commerce, the push towards digitalization is more pronounced than ever. Yet, amidst this digital revolution, cash retains its stronghold in several economies across the world. Bridging the gap between the digital and physical realms of commerce are voucher-based payments, a novel solution that caters to both the digital native and the cash-preferring customer.
The Mechanics Behind the Method
Voucher-based payments stand out as a beacon of innovation in the payment industry. At its core, this method involves a straightforward process: during an online checkout, the customer opts for a voucher-based payment method. In response, they receive a voucher — essentially a digital or printable code that specifies a payment amount. This code can then be taken to a physical location, such as a retail outlet, an ATM, or a convenience store, where the customer completes the transaction using cash.
Why Hybrid Payment Methods Are Gaining Traction
The advent of hybrid payment methods, with voucher-based payments at the forefront, represents a significant leap towards financial inclusivity and flexibility. These methods cater to a diverse audience, ensuring that those without access to traditional banking services or those wary of digital transactions can still participate in the e-commerce boom.
Easing Cross-Border Transactions
One of the most compelling advantages of voucher-based payments is their ability to streamline cross-border transactions. This system not only facilitates international commerce by accommodating local payment preferences but also circumvents the complexities associated with currency conversion and international banking regulations.
Success Stories from Around the Globe
The global appeal of voucher-based payments is evident in the success stories emerging from various countries. In Japan, where cash is a preferred payment method for a significant portion of the population, these payments bridge the gap to online shopping. Brazil's boleto bancario and Egypt's Fawry system highlight how voucher payments are pivotal in integrating digital payment solutions within markets traditionally dominated by cash transactions.
Voucher-based payments bring several advantages to the table:
Despite their benefits, voucher-based payments come with their own set of challenges:
Adopting voucher-based payment methods through platforms like Tazapay can significantly enhance a business's reach and operational efficiency. Tazapay's seamless API integration enables businesses to tap into new markets by offering flexible payment options that cater to a global audience.
For businesses aiming to break into international markets, understanding and integrating voucher-based payments can be a game-changer. This payment method not only meets the diverse needs of global consumers but also positions businesses as forward-thinking and customer-centric.
The evolution of payment methods is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of global commerce. Voucher-based payments emerge as a key player in this evolution, offering a bridge between the digital and physical worlds. By embracing these hybrid payment methods, businesses can unlock new opportunities in international markets, catering to a broader audience and driving global growth.
If you're looking to expand your business globally and cater to a wider array of payment preferences, consider the power of voucher-based payments. Contact Tazapay today to explore how we can help you navigate the complexities of international transactions and unlock new market potentials.
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The eCommerce scene in Indonesia is a lucrative and burgeoning market, evident with its current placement as the 10th largest eCommerce market in the world with a revenue of USD 52.9301 B this year, putting Italy in 9th place¹. The market is certainly a healthy one with a CAGR of 10.4% and has contributed 17% to the global eCommerce market growth rate¹.
This makes Indonesia a prime choice market for any prospecting eCommerce business looking to venture into the international marketspace, especially with the highly competitive market they currently have². Therefore, what better way to localise in such an environment than with one of the most popular local payment methods they have today? Let’s take a look at Dana, and how it functions in an international payment gateway.
Dana is a digital wallet, or e-wallet, service that is popular in Indonesia and has been working together with Bank Indonesia to help advance the country’s aims of both integrating technology into their financial services, and building up the country’s digital economy³.
As a digital wallet, it allows users to make payments with either their saved cards, e-wallet funds, or dynamic QR codes.³
Indonesia’s digitalisation efforts have been successful thus far, based on the drastic increase in the country’s internet penetration rate from 69.8% in 2020 to 75.47% in 2022². This is evidently reflected in both the aforementioned high competitiveness in Indonesia’s eCommerce market, but also in Dana’s own rapid climb in popularity, reporting a jump from 93 million users in 2021 to over 135 million users in 2022–a 145% increase⁴.
However, due to the country’s vast landmass and numerous scattered islands, low banking and internet penetration remains an issue in those remote regions as difficulty in building the infrastructure to support digital payments is still high².
No payment gateway is perfect, and each has their own sets of benefits and drawbacks. Here are Dana’s pros and cons:
At the time of writing, Dana has yet to expand beyond Indonesia so any cross-border transactions involving it must use a third-party payment provider to act as the international payment provider. To do this, a user would need to use one such payment provider that offers Dana as a payment option upon checkout. From there, proceed to conduct the transaction as one normally would in a local transaction with Dana. Once the payment is made, the funds will be transferred from the third-party payment provider’s ID account to one of its international accounts before being disbursed to the foreign seller.
Presently, Dana provides each user with an allowance of 10 free withdrawals, charging an administration fee of IDR 4,500 per withdrawal after that³. Dana also charges administration fees of IDR 1,500 per top up, IDR 7,500 per train ticket purchased via the Dana app, and IDR 2,500 per bill payment³.
However, since Dana has yet to expand beyond local borders, any fees charged for cross-border transactions will be the usual costs that come with using third-party payment providers, such as setup fees, and FX costs.
Now that you know more about Dana, you can now think about localising into Indonesia with more confidence. However, it wouldn’t hurt for you to consider taking a look into robust payment gateways that offer a slew of localisation options like Tazapay to help increase your odds of success.
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Sources
The savvy e-Commerce merchant knows that when it comes to payment methods, they are spoiled for choice. Knowing how many to take on, and the suitability of each in any given market, is a crucial matter entirely that could spell the difference between success and mediocrity in the sphere of e-Commerce. Generally speaking, it is good business sense to have multiple localised payment methods on hand to both increase your odds of successfully integrating into the local market ecosystem and reducing the risk of chargeback fraud.
The overall B2B e-Commerce market is also projected to be continuing its healthy upward trend of growth where it has a reported global market value of 17.9 trillion USD in 2021– a roughly 120% increase from its previous 14.9 trillion USD in 2020, thus making at least 5 times larger than the global market size of the B2C e-Commerce market¹. This tremendous market size and growth is further compounded by the overall increase in digital shoppers worldwide, sitting at nearly four billion consumers in 2021².
This goes to show that the e-Commerce market sphere is not only thriving, but also intensely competitive as well as it is evident that the number of digital businesses and digital consumers will only keep increasing. Therefore, knowing which payment methods to choose from and how they function is key, and this includes knowing how to distinguish between synchronous and asynchronous payment methods.
Synchronous payments refer to payments that are processed in real-time or near-instantaneously. This usually means that payments made using synchronous payment methods are fast and convenient at the cost of high transaction fees and/or greater dispute resolution difficulty. Examples of synchronous payment methods include card payments, internet banking, real-time payments, and bank redirects.
Asynchronous payments refer to payments that are processed with some length of time between the moment of transaction and the resolution of the transaction. The time it can take for an asynchronous payment to process a transaction can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, depending on the payment rail used. That said, asynchronous payment methods also have strong brand trust behind them and are typically more secure and readily available than most synchronous alternatives. These asynchronous payment methods include local bank transfers, mobile money, voucher payments, and wire transfers.
Most synchronous payments are powered by a robust digital payments infrastructure to help facilitate the protocols and uniformity needed across banks to make synchronous payments possible, such as Singapore’s inter-bank payment system with PayNow, or Sofort’s utilisation of Klarna Kosma’s PISP-based infrastructure in Europe.
Generally speaking, a synchronous payment in a payment gateway would go as follows:
Asynchronous payments are usually synonymous with more conventional payment methods and/or hybrid payment methods that intend to reach out to the unbanked population of a given market, such as voucher-based payments in Latin America. While they may take more time to process, their security cannot be understated.
This is how asynchronous payments are processed in a payment gateway:
Now that you know more about the difference between synchronous and asynchronous payment methods, you can make smarter decisions the next time you opt for a payment method to adopt into your e-Commerce business. Though, with Tazapay, you can skip the ruminating phase altogether and enjoy access into more than 80 localised markets at your fingertips with just a single click. Don’t delay, try Tazapay today!
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In the dynamic realm of cross-border eCommerce, seamless payment experiences are the cornerstone of successful international sales. Despite the growing diversity of global payment preferences, credit cards remain a universal staple.
Yet, international retailers face a unique challenge: optimizing card authorization rates to minimize checkout abandonment and maximize global customer satisfaction. This article delves into strategies for boosting card authorization rates, a crucial element for thriving in the competitive landscape of cross-border eCommerce.
Card authorization rates play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth completion of cross-border transactions. Defined as the percentage of transactions approved during the authorization phase, these rates are critical for maintaining a frictionless payment experience for customers worldwide.
High authorization rates signify a seamless checkout process, essential for building trust and loyalty among international shoppers.
Low authorization rates can significantly impede cross-border sales, leading to lost revenue and customer dissatisfaction on a global scale. The impact of failed payments is magnified in international eCommerce, where trust and reliability are paramount.
Understanding the hidden costs of these failed transactions, particularly in the context of selling high-value goods across borders, is crucial for any eCommerce platform aiming for international success.
The complexity of cross-border payments introduces unique challenges affecting authorization rates:
Improving card authorization rates for cross-border eCommerce requires understanding and addressing the specific needs of an international clientele:
In the intricate dance of cross-border eCommerce, where each step from browsing to payment transcends borders, the choice of a payment provider becomes pivotal. The right partner, like Tazapay, doesn't just facilitate transactions; it elevates them, ensuring high authorization rates that are crucial for international success. Here's how:
Strategic Global Partnerships: Tazapay's vast network of issuer and network partnerships shines brightest in the realm of cross-border transactions. These strategic alliances ensure that payments are not only secure but also highly likely to be authorized, regardless of geographical and financial boundaries.
Localised Payment Solutions: Understanding and navigating the payment preferences of different regions can be daunting. Tazapay simplifies this, offering localized payment solutions that resonate with customers worldwide, significantly boosting authorization rates for international sales.
Advanced Fraud Detection Tailored for Global Commerce: The balance between preventing fraud and approving legitimate transactions is particularly challenging in cross-border eCommerce. Tazapay employs sophisticated fraud detection mechanisms that are fine-tuned for the global stage, minimizing unnecessary declines while protecting your revenues.
Compliance and Adaptability Across Borders: As global data laws and payment regulations evolve, staying compliant is key to maintaining high authorization rates. Tazapay's proactive approach ensures your payment processes remain on the right side of regulations, adapting swiftly to changes that could impact international transaction success.
By partnering with Tazapay for your cross-border eCommerce needs, you tap into a world where payment processes are not just transactions but strategic tools for global market expansion. Tazapay's emphasis on high authorization rates through strategic issuer and network partnerships offers businesses a clear path to international growth and customer satisfaction.
Optimizing card authorization rates is a vital strategy for enhancing the cross-border eCommerce experience. By addressing the unique challenges of international payments and partnering with a provider like Tazapay, businesses can unlock new levels of success in the global market.
