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An electronic or digital payment is the transfer of value from one account to another utilizing digital devices such as mobile phones, POS (Point of Sale) or computers and digital channels of communications such as mobile wireless data. To put it another way, digital payments are transactions that don’t require the actual exchange of money. Both the sender and the receiver must utilize technological means to transfer money.
Digitization is shifting the wallet share as analog methods continue to diminish in response to the pandemic. Alternatives like installment loans and cryptocurrencies will threaten the market share of the giants in their place, as will an increase in the use of cards and electronic transactions. Digital payment providers, processors, systems, and gateways can differentiate themselves by providing value-added services, which can generate new, diversified income streams.
What Is the Process of Digital Payments?
If a business or an individual is involved, it doesn’t matter which. A bank account, an online banking method, a device from which they can make the payment (either from their own bank account or through an intermediary such as an intermediary such as a bank or service provider), and medium of transmission are all required for digital payments to occur. The digital payments ecosystem has a number of intermediaries that work together to ensure that a transaction goes through smoothly.
The merchant (payee), the customer (payer), the bank, and the payment network are all involved in the end-to-end processing of a digital payment. These include local Kirana stores, shopping centers, retail outlets, and service providers that allow customers to pay for goods or services via digital means.
The issuer bank is the financial institution responsible for taking money from the payer. On the other hand, the acquirer bank, or the payee’s bank, is responsible for crediting the receipt with the amount of money. To conduct business online, you’ll need a bank account and an online banking account for each party.
Digital payments can be made in a variety of ways.
Some methods have been in use for more than a decade, while others have only recently become popular.
1: Banking Cards
Cards are preferred for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are their portability, security, and convenience. In both online and real-world transactions, this is the only form of digital payment that is widely accepted. Apps like Cred, Square, and others are springing up to manage card transactions.
2. Electronic payment systems
The use of an electronic payment system makes it possible for two parties to conduct financial transactions through the internet. Electronic payment systems are prompting stakeholders to review their strategy as the trend to online purchasing continues to accelerate.
3. Contactless payments
During the pandemic, due to health limitations and safety considerations, the adoption of contactless payment techniques (touch-free digital payment methods that use radio-frequency identification or near field communication) increased.
4: Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
It is possible to transfer money between any two parties via UPI, which combines multiple bank accounts into a single application. UPI is more standardized and well-defined than NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS. Just a few clicks are all it takes to initiate a bank transfer using UPI.
While you use UPI, you don’t have to enter your bank or card information when making a transaction.
5: Mobile Wallets
A mobile wallet is a type of wallet that allows you to carry cash in a digital form, as the name suggests. Customers often link their bank accounts or bank cards to the wallet in order to make safe digital payments. As an alternative, you can fund your Mobile Wallet with money and then use that balance to transfer money.
In recent years, a growing number of banks have introduced their own e-wallets. In addition, a number of well-known private companies have also entered the Mobile Wallet market.
Trends in electronic payments
As a result of advances in digital payment technology, machine learning and artificial intelligence are key components in enabling these types of digital payment systems to be offered to consumers. Machine learning can learn from the experiences of customers who use their cards, mobile wallets, or applications to make transactions in the future. With this enhanced user experience, you’ll be better able to spot and avoid scams.
Because of the widespread adoption of new technologies, consumers are digitizing their payments both in-store and online. There has never been a better time for mobile P2P service providers to start making money, since the industry has seen an increase in volume and is now in a better position to do so. Cross-border payments and real-time non-card payments are becoming more and more of a barometer for broader industry developments as they continue to rise in popularity.
What are the benefits of digital payments?
Financial equality is especially critical in a country, where inequalities can be diametrically opposed. Most governments’ push for a Cashless Economy and a Digitalization was motivated in part by the desire to broaden financial inclusion. Digital payments provide a number of advantages over traditional methods of payment.
Convenience and ease of use
One of the most major advantages of digital payment is that it provides a smooth client experience. Online payments are popular because of their convenience, quickness, and less reliance on currency. As a result of traditional payment methods like cash and cheques, there is a greater chance that a transaction would go awry or fail. At the press of a button, you can send and receive money from any location on Earth.
Progression of the economy
When customers see how easy, convenient, and secure internet payments are, they begin to use them more frequently. More and more consumers are comfortable making purchases online, investing digitally, and transferring money via electronic means. Economic growth is aided by an increase in the flow of money and the expansion of online commerce. As a result, new online businesses are springing up on a daily basis, and many of those businesses are turning a profit.
Safe And Effective Tracking
The chore of handling and dealing with cash is a time-consuming one. Carrying cash everywhere you go and keeping it secure is a headache on top of the danger of losing money. As a result of digital payments, anyone may keep their money safe and sound online. Thanks to UPI, netbanking, and mobile wallets, you can now send and receive money using only your smartphone. A customer’s finances can also be tracked through the regular updates, notifications, and statements provided by most digital payment channels.
Read More: Tips to Improve the Financial Management of a Business
