By David Maisey, CEO of MultiPay Global Solutions
Payment methods are constantly evolving. Where cash was king, now cards rule the roost. However, nothing is permeant and while unlikely to happen soon, even the days of credit and debit cards are numbered. For retailers, this constantly shifting sand of new payment methods can be difficult to navigate and know where to focus time and resources. Get it wrong and it can be an expensive mistake to fix, both financially and with consumer trust.
To help retailers stay on top of the five biggest trends in payments right now, it’s worth taking a bit of time to look at them each in more detail.
- Real-time payments (RTPs)
RTPs are a form of payment where transactions are initiated and settled instantly. While other forms of faster payments have previously existed, they didn’t allow for instant settlements. For consumers, RTPs mean purchases are made quicker, reducing the time spent waiting for authentication, freeing them to go about their day. Retailers also benefit, as having transactions settled instantly helps aid cashflows that are crucial to business survival.
The importance of RTPs cannot be understated. Data from ACI found that payment gateways processed around 70.3 million RTPs globally in 2020, which is a 41% rise from 2019. As both consumers and businesses realise the benefits they offer, expect RTP adoption to accelerate.
- Embedded payments and BNPL
In the simplest terms, an embedded payment is a payment processing functionality integrated directly into an application used by a retailer. Being built directly into an app allows payments to be collected via a retailer’s own software, removing the need for third-party sites and systems to be used for the competition of a transaction. In turn, this helps reduce processing fees, allowing retailers to keep more of the transactional value.
For consumers and the customer experience (CX) this is huge. Embedded payments make it possible for retailers to offer instalment payment plans including buy now pay later (BNPL). By offering BNPL payment options at checkout, retailers can instantly improve their CX especially around the purchase of big-ticket items, as customers can gain access to them much sooner. Right now, BNPL is going through an unprecedented boom. Research projects that by 2030 its market cap will be worth over $3 trillion, up from its current size of $90 billion. Retailers who fail to keep pace with consumer demand and fail to offer BNPL options will find customers are very quickly looking elsewhere.
- Alternative payment methods (APMs)
APMs are a set of payments that don’t require the use of cash or a credit or debit card. Instead, the most common alternative method for completing a transaction is via the use of QR codes and mobile phones. Simply scan a QR code from a mobile device at checkout and a transaction is complete, with payment taken from a linked account. By removing credit and debit cards from transactions, retailers can enjoy reduced processing fees, creating huge savings that can then either be passed on to customers or reinvested back into the business.
For consumers, APMs offer an improved payment experience as transactions can be completed quickly, and loyalty programmes can be built directly into the payment process. On top of this, retailers can use APMs to facilitate transactions via cryptocurrencies, expanding their use and further enhancing CX.
- Biometrics
Biometrics have existed for several years as a form of payment authentication but has seen increased usage thanks to the rise of mobile devices using it to unlock and authorise payments. Providing a faster and more convenient authentication method than PINs, biometrics have increased CX and helped combat fraud too.
Expect the move to biometrics to gather pace over the next few years with it being used more for in-store payments via POS systems. In addition, the often-promoted arrival of till-less stores will further drive adoption as biometrics are a key technology to their success.
- Fraud protection
The final trend retailers need to be aware of is fraud protection. Just as payments evolve, fraud protection systems do too as they keep pace with criminals. However, while needing to keep retailers and customers safe, fraud protection systems must also avoid damaging CX.
To achieve this, expect to see new fraud detection and protection system evolve that make the process of checking transactions quicker, easier, and less intrusive. Businesses such like Luxochain are already doing just this, using blockchain technology to authenticate luxury items.
Keeping pace with the latest payment trends is an ongoing battle for retailers. What was a new trend today, may not be tomorrow. However, for retailers focused on growing their business in 2022 and beyond, following the five latest trends, and selecting a payment partner that offers speed, flexibility, and a couture customer service will enable them to navigate their way to success.
