Payment processors are instrumental in the increasing adoption of e-commerce in this digital age. Through these platforms, businesses are able to gain a competitive edge by adding an extra layer of security and providing a more seamless experience with diverse payment options.
But, what exactly is it that a payment processor does? A payment processor is a company that manages a merchant’s transactions from various channels such as credit and debit cards. It can be understood as a mediator between the merchant and the parties involved in the transaction, like a customer or the preferred financial institutions.
Payment processors are just as important for e-commerce transactions as they are for brick-and-mortar operations. Choosing the right payment processor can determine a business’ success in terms of revenue, customer satisfaction, and security.
The perks of having a payment processor
Among the many advantages of hiring a payment processor, the overall purpose is to authorize transactions by relaying information from a customer’s credit or debit card with the banks involved in the process, making sure the funds are available. This operation happens in a matter of seconds and makes sure that merchants get paid on time.
One of the main barriers preventing business owners and customers to switch to digital payments is concerns for security. However, online transactions are more secure than ever before, as payment processors comply with industry standards and best practices for combating fraud.
Taking on the role of a mediator, a payment processing company provides support to its clients by helping settle bill disputes that can occur in a transaction, leaving the merchants and customers satisfied.
While digital payments can broaden a business’ client base by having a larger reach, this also means that merchants must be able to provide diverse payment options to remain competitive. Ignoring this aspect of the business can create a major point of friction in the customer journey.
A few things to consider
Payment processors can vary considerably on factors that go beyond accepting debit and credit cards, which are all equally as important to a business’ success. A few things to consider are the currencies supported by the processor, which depends on the country and the issuing and acquiring banks involved. Ideally, business owners would choose the processor that saves them from costly service fees and unfavorable currency exchanges.
Just as currencies vary from country to country, so do the payment habits of every culture. For example, Openpay offers customers the option of cash payments, understanding its market and that Latin Americans like to pay with cash. The variety of payment options is another factor to take into account.
A payment processor that has a strong customer support department with a merchant centric approach is ideal for set up and maintenance ease. A payment processor should be convenient for the merchant as well as easy to use for its customers. Without a positive user experience, all of the resources put into other areas will go to waste, as the customer journey could be cut short if this aspect is overlooked.
And while ease of use is important, so is the ability to identify fraud. A payment processor that is built with security in mind will have the right tools to reduce harmful activity, protect user data, and make secure payments. In this regard, a company that keeps pace with changing technologies will also evolve with the business.
A merchant centric payment processor that can process online payments while implementing the best industry practices in terms of security, efficiency, customer satisfaction, and innovation is key for the widespread acceptance of digital payments.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)
