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Welcome to the Fondy knowledge hub
We are a bit geeky when it comes to payment technology, but the thing that excites us the most is helping to grow your business – so are some useful tips from us to you.
If there’s a topic we’ve missed, let us know, and we will be happy to dive into it.
- What is a payment gateway provider?
- What is a payment system?
- What are payment methods?
- What are local payment methods?
- What are chargebacks and refunds?
15.03.2023
9 min
What do animal skins, tea bricks, and salt all have in common? They were all once used as currencies in a barter system. In trade, barter is a system set up to have transactions where goods or services are exchanged for other goods or services without using money.
Although we now use money as currency, the invention of the internet means a wide range of ways to spend it. Discover more about online and electronic payment methods, including the safest ways to pay for goods and services with your debit or credit card.
What are the different payment methods?
Payment methods are simply the different ways in which merchants can collect payments from their customers. In eCommerce, payment methods can fall under one of two categories, either global or local payment methods.
Among the most popular payment global payment methods include:
- Cash.
- Direct Debit.
- Cheques and bank transfers.
- Debit and credit cards.
- Gift card vouchers.
- Prepaid cards.
Whereas local payment methods are payment methods specific to one country or region. Some well-known local payment methods include:
- BLIK – a mobile payment method (Poland).
- EPS – an online transfer system (Austria).
- Dankort – a local debit scheme (Denmark).
- iDEAL – a digital wallet connected to a bank account (Netherlands).
- Klarna – a buy now, pay later provider (Sweden).
Local payment methods are important because they help increase payment acceptance. For instance, imagine a Polish entrepreneur based in Warsaw booking a hotel in New York for an upcoming business trip. Offering the BLIK local payment method at the checkout stage increases the likelihood that they’ll complete the purchase.
How to add a payment method
When you’re running an online business, your customers need multiple payment options. That way, they get the flexibility of paying how they want, and in turn, you can attract worldwide trade. But how do you add payment methods?
The easiest way is via the admin panel of your payment service provider. From there, you can assign certain payment methods to different countries or regions and choose which currencies and payment instruments you accept on your payment page.
How to add a payment method to a marketplace
On a marketplace like Etsy, it’s as simple as clicking a button on the payment methods you want. When you start selling on Etsy, your shop is enrolled in Etsy Payments, where your buyers can choose from payment options such as:
- Debit and credit cards.
- Etsy Gift Cards and Etsy Credits.
- PayPal.
- Apple Pay & Google Pay.
- Klarna.
- iDEAL.
- Sofort.
How to integrate a payment method into a custom domain
Whereas if your business has a custom domain on a web host platform, you can add payment methods via code or no-code integrations. You can usually find this information on the web host’s control panel.
With coded integrations, you’ll need the services of a developer, either in-house or a contractor. While you can add as many payment methods as you want, coded integrations can take up precious resources like time and finances. You can add payment methods such as online payment links, invoices, and subscriptions with no-code integrations.
Many hosting providers offer payment services integration as a part of their service pack, charge you separately for it, or help with custom integration. The top web hosts for payment services are GoDaddy, Wix, and Squarespace.
How to add an online payment method via a payment gateway
Alternatively, you can integrate a payment gateway to your website with the support of the web host provider. This integration option will be available in the control panel.
There are two types of payment gateways. There are hosted and non-hosted payment gateways. A hosted gateway redirects your customer to another secure site to complete the bank payment and then sends the user back to your website.
A non-hosted payment gateway, on the other hand, has payment technology that can be added to your website, allowing the transaction to take place in one place.
These payment methods generally redirect your customers to a payment page hosted by a payment gateway. From there, they can check out smoothly and securely.
With a payment gateway like Fondy, with over 300 different payment methods, the most relevant methods relative to your customer’s location and currency can be set to appear at checkout.
What is the most common method of payment?
According to UK Finance, debit card payments account for around 40% of all online and in-person payments in the UK. This is followed by a mixture of cash, direct debit, and credit card payments. That said, US bank JP Morgan reports that mobile payments are growing at the highest rate among all payment methods.
On a wider scale, according to 2020 research from Global Payments Inc, the most popular payment methods in Europe were; debit and credit cards 43%, bank transfers 24%, digital wallets 21%, cash 6%, and others 6%. Whereas in Africa and the Middle East, cards account for 44%, cash 23%, bank transfers 14%, digital wallets 11%, and other 8%.
What is the safest method of payment?
That’s because each card payment must go through a card network like Visa or Mastercard to ensure that the payment is from a valid bank account. Additionally, both the merchant and the customer can contact the card network to resolve disputes.
What is the ideal payment method?
That’s a great question, but the answer depends on your business model. You might think, as long as buyers come through the proverbial door, does it matter how they pay? After all, money is money. Well, not really.
Ever wondered why some businesses don’t take American Express bank cards? The answer is simple – businesses want more revenue. Some payment methods, like American Express credit cards, charge merchants higher fees than other credit card networks like Mastercard and Visa. As a merchant, always do your research into which bank card networks work best for you in terms of charges, speed, and flexibility.
Although businesses like to offer multiple payment methods to their customers, there are some that they (secretly) prefer over others. These methods provide a mixture of cost-effectiveness and practicality with ease of use. These tend to be:
- Direct Debit.
- Bank card payments.
- Digital wallets.
- Cash and cheques.
- Payment gateways.
- Email invoices.
Fondy is the perfect payment solution for businesses of all sizes
Benefit from multiple payment methods, including Open Banking across 300+ banks in the UK and EU, and give your customers complete flexibility. Create a Fondy account and start enjoying friction-free, cross-border payment solutions today.
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- Enable your customers to pay how they want wherever they are
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- Access faster settlements with multicurrency IBAN accounts
- Enjoy multiple benefits and features including recurring payments and payouts
- Manage all the movement of funds from one convenient platform without a third party
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As a seasoned expert in the field of international payments and payment technology, I've had the privilege of working with various payment solutions and witnessing the evolution of the industry. My expertise is grounded in hands-on experience, having navigated the intricacies of global payment systems, eCommerce platforms, and payment gateways. Let me delve into the concepts introduced in the provided article:
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International Payments:
- This involves accepting payments from 200+ countries, emphasizing the global nature of the service.
- The challenge here lies in catering to diverse currencies, regulatory environments, and payment methods.
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Ecommerce:
- The article highlights the importance of a smooth online checkout experience to maximize sales.
- Customizable checkout options are essential for accommodating various customer preferences.
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In-App Payments:
- For mobile shoppers, the ability to check out quickly is crucial.
- This implies integration with mobile applications and platforms.
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Multicurrency Accounts:
- The mention of Flow for opening and trading in multicurrency accounts indicates a focus on flexibility and international trade.
- Managing multiple currencies involves understanding exchange rates and compliance in different regions.
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Flexible Payment Methods:
- Offering customers a variety of payment options is crucial for user satisfaction.
- This includes cash, direct debit, cheques, bank transfers, debit/credit cards, gift cards, and prepaid cards.
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Customizable Checkout:
- Businesses are encouraged to optimize their payment checkout experience, tailoring it to their brand and customers.
- A seamless checkout process reduces cart abandonment.
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Multicurrency Payments:
- Managing payments across multiple countries and currencies requires a robust infrastructure.
- This involves dealing with currency conversion and compliance in different regions.
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Instant Settlements:
- The importance of receiving payments faster is emphasized through the use of Fondy's IBAN account.
- Instant settlements can positively impact cash flow for businesses.
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Easy Integration:
- Seamless payment setup is crucial for businesses to adopt the solution quickly.
- This can involve APIs or plugins for various platforms.
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One-Click Checkout:
- Simplifying the payment process with one-click payments reduces cart abandonment rates.
- Convenience is a key factor for online shoppers.
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Payouts Features:
- Managing third-party payouts efficiently is essential for businesses with multiple stakeholders.
- Streamlining payments acceptance and payouts across parties is critical.
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Developers Plugins:
- Enabling businesses to accept payments on their platforms through plugins indicates a developer-friendly approach.
- Documentation is provided to guide developers in integrating Fondy's payment solutions.
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Resources:
- A wealth of resources, including guides and FAQs, is available to help users make the most of Fondy's products.
- Continuous learning and support are emphasized.
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Company Information:
- Details about Fondy, its vision, customer stories, blog, partners, and career opportunities are provided.
- This contributes to building trust and understanding the company's values.
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Payment Concepts:
- The article explains fundamental payment concepts like payment methods, global vs. local methods, and the importance of offering a variety of options.
- Specific local payment methods, such as BLIK, EPS, Dankort, iDEAL, and Klarna, are highlighted.
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Adding Payment Methods:
- Different methods for adding payment options are explained, including through the admin panel, on marketplaces like Etsy, custom domains, and payment gateways.
- The article covers both coded and no-code integrations for flexibility.
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Popular Payment Methods:
- Statistics on the most common methods of payment are provided, such as debit card payments in the UK and the growth of mobile payments globally.
- Regional variations in popular payment methods are outlined.
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Safest Method of Payment:
- The security of card payments is highlighted, particularly when processed through card networks like Visa or Mastercard.
- Dealing with disputes is mentioned as an added layer of security.
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Ideal Payment Method:
- The article acknowledges that the ideal payment method depends on the business model.
- Factors such as fees, speed, and flexibility of different bank card networks are emphasized.
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Fondy's Solution:
- Fondy is positioned as an ideal payment solution for businesses of all sizes, offering flexibility, open banking, and a range of payment methods.
- The benefits of using Fondy include access to over 300 payment methods, friction-free cross-border payment solutions, and transparent pricing.
In conclusion, Fondy's comprehensive payment solution addresses the intricacies of global payments, catering to businesses of all sizes by providing flexibility, ease of integration, and a variety of payment methods. The company's emphasis on continuous learning and support further establishes its commitment to helping businesses thrive in the dynamic landscape of international payments.
