The exponential rise in mobile commerce means your business has a plethora of mobile payment gateways to select from. This decision can determine the overall user experience, impacting not only customer loyalty but also sales. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose wisely. Read on for an insightful guide where I will discuss the essential criteria to consider and describe popular providers.
What is a mobile payment gateway?
At its core, a mobile payment gateway is a tool that securely processes payments made via mobile devices. Think of it as a digital bridge connecting your mobile store to your bank. When a customer makes a payment, the gateway encrypts the transaction details, ensuring they're securely transmitted to the bank, and then returns the transaction status (approved or declined) to the merchant, i.e. your business.
What are the 6 criteria to consider when choosing a mobile payment gateway?
There are many mobile payment gateways available, but not all of them are the same. Here is a list of characteristics you should take into account:
1. Market
First, it's crucial to understand your audience. Each eCommerce market is unique, with its own set of favoured payment methods. For instance, while PayPal is widely recognized in Germany, debit cards are the most popular option in the United Kingdom.
But it’s not just about geographic location. Age, tech-savviness, and even the gender of your audience can influence payment preferences. Younger audiences might lean towards digital wallets, while older demographics may still prefer traditional card payments.
2. Security
Your customers trust you with their financial details, and it’s paramount to maintain that trust. A survey by the Baymar Institute found that 18% of U.S. consumers abandoned their cart because they didn’t trust the site with their credit card information. That’s almost one-fifth of card abandonments…
To prevent fraud and give customers confidence in the checkout process, ensure the gateway is PCI DSS compliant. Other vital security features include SSL certificates, tokenization, fraud detection, and encryption. A security breach can not only lead to financial losses but can ruin your brand’s reputation.
3. Cost
While it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest option, it might provide services that don’t meet the needs of your business. Conversely, a more expensive gateway might have higher fees, but it could offer additional features, better security, and excellent customer support.
Also remember to read the fine print, as some payment gateways might have hidden charges, monthly fees, or penalties for not reaching a minimum number of transactions. By thoroughly assessing all associated costs, you can avoid unpleasant financial surprises down the road.
4. Payment options and currency support
As I mentioned in the market section, your payment gateway should mirror the diversity of your audience. It should not only cater to different payment methods but also support multiple currencies if you’re targeting foreign markets.
Data by Shopify revealed that 92% of consumers favour making purchases on websites that display prices in their local currency. This not only streamlines operations but also enhances user experience, boosting sales in the process.
5. Features
While the primary function of a payment gateway is to facilitate transactions, the additional features it offers can have a profound impact on both the customer experience and business operations.
Elements such as one-click checkout, saved payment details, and instant payment notifications can enhance the user experience. A smooth and feature-rich payment process reduces friction and can help decrease cart abandonment rates.
Other common features include:
Real-time analytics to monitor sales trends
Integrated invoicing systems
Recurring billing for subscription-based models
Multi-language support for global businesses
Of course, your business might not need all of them.
6. Scalability and customisation
It's critical to plan ahead when integrating a mobile payment gateway, especially if you’re a growing business. Make sure your solution of choice has sufficient customization options. Some examples are:
Branding and design: You can modify the appearance of the payment interface to align with your branding. This can include logo placement, colour schemes, fonts, and button designs.
Custom checkout fields: Depending on your business’s nature, you might want to add, remove, or modify the fields during the checkout process, such as special instructions or loyalty program details.
Payment methods: Gateways typically support a wide range of payment methods, but you might want to select which ones you accept, such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, or bank transfers.
Localised experiences: This allows for localization based on geography. It can include support for multiple languages, local currencies, and even region-specific payment methods.
What are popular mobile payment gateways?
When you’re clear about your priorities and needs, compare the available options to see which payment gateway provider would suit your business best. Here are five well-known providers:
Stripe
This payment gateway caters to both startups and established businesses. Known for its developer-friendly tools, Stripe allows businesses to accept online and in-app payments.
It includes features, such as subscription billing, one-click checkout, and a customizable payments platform. Moreover, it supports multiple currencies and payment methods, making it suitable for international e-commerce businesses.
PayPal
One of the most recognized names in the online payment world offers a wide range of solutions, from simple “Buy Now” buttons for small businesses to more complex payment solutions for larger enterprises.
It provides features such as invoicing, subscription billing, and an easy checkout experience even for users without a PayPal account. Its widespread acceptance and recognition make it a favourite for many businesses.
Square
Initially known for its mobile credit card reader, Square has evolved into a multifaceted financial solution provider for businesses of all sizes. Besides mobile payments, Square offers a full point-of-sale system, online payment processing, and other business management tools. Its integrated ecosystem caters to e-commerce businesses, providing them with a seamless payment experience.
Braintree
This subsidiary of PayPal is a full-stack payment platform known for its flexibility and emphasis on seamless integration. It supports a wide array of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and more.
Developers often favour Braintree due to its robust set of APIs and SDKs, which allow for a highly customizable payment experience. Braintree caters to both online and mobile transactions, making it versatile for various business models.
Adyen
Adyen is a global payment company that provides an end-to-end infrastructure for connecting directly to Visa, Mastercard, and other payment methods globally. Its platform is geared towards businesses looking for an international reach, with support for multiple currencies and local payment methods from various countries. Adyen’s solutions emphasise unified commerce, ensuring a consistent payment experience across all sales channels.
Getnet
Getnet is a part of PagoNxt and Santander Bank and offers global payment solutions. It supports various payment options, e. g. PayPal, Sofort, and Alipay, making it a great choice for eCommerce businesses operating worldwide. Moreover, Getnet puts great importance on security and customer experience, which, as I already mentioned in this article, are two critical areas. Its merchant portal makes it easy for business owners to view and manage payments.
Conclusion
The digital landscape has witnessed a meteoric rise in mobile commerce, making the integration of an efficient mobile payment gateway more significant than ever. By understanding the unique market dynamics, prioritising security, and weighing other criteria we discussed, you can make an informed decision.
If you are looking for a partner who will create the best mobile experience possible for your customers, my experienced team is ready to help. Get in touch so we can discuss your needs.