There are A LOT of different payment methods out there. For example, in the Baltic states, the most popular payment option is a bank payment link. In Poland, the BLIK payment app is the most used payment option. Globally though, card payments are still one of the top payment methods in ecommerce. Let’s dive in and see why card payments have gained the trust of millions (if not billions) of online consumers.
I guess it all started in the nineties when online shopping took off. Credit and debit cards were already widely used all over the world so therefore it was easy to start using this mainstream physical payment option in the online world, too. Fun fact: the first ever transaction in an online store was made with a credit card (to buy a CD). According to The Global Payments Report, card payments are still one of the top payment methods in online shopping globally and here are some of the factors that maintain its popularity.
Global reach
Card payments are used all around the world, so essentially merchants can cater to customers from around the world with just one payment option in their online store. Most card payments are processed through major payment networks like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, and they have wide acceptance across countries and currencies. This means you can expand your online business beyond borders without having to integrate with all the local payment options.
Security
Because of its wide usage, there has been a lot of thought put into the security of moving money via card payments. Card networks and payment gateways employ various encryption technologies to protect sensitive card information, such as card numbers and CVV codes, from being intercepted by malicious actors. Additionally, card payments often come with fraud detection tools, such as address verification systems (AVS) and card verification value (CVV) checks, which help prevent unauthorised transactions.
Seamless integration
Since card payments are one of the top payment methods in online shopping globally, it has ready-made integrations to almost all ecommerce platforms and payment gateways. Some ecommerce platforms offer built-in integrations with major card payment providers, allowing merchants to quickly set up card payments on their online store. Montonio also has integrations for WooCommerce, Magento, PrestaShop and other platforms to start accepting card payments without having to invest in complex payment infrastructure.
Convenience
Card payments are rather easy to use for online shoppers. Customers can simply enter their card information during the checkout process, and the transaction is completed within seconds. Many web browsers can store credit card information so customers don’t have to even fill them in manually. Easy, right?
Recurring payments
If you sell subscription-based services or products, you need recurring payments. And most recurring payments are done with card payments. So if you plan on charging customers regularly, card payments are your best friend.
Card payments are the preferred method for recurring payments because they offer a secure and reliable way to automate the payment process. When a customer signs up for a subscription or membership, they can provide their card details, and the payment system will automatically charge their card at the specified intervals.
Mobile payments
Card payments have also fueled the rise of mobile payments in ecommerce. With the increasing use of smartphones for online shopping, mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay have gained popularity, allowing customers to make card payments through their mobile devices. Mobile payments offer a convenient and secure way to complete transactions on the go, further driving the adoption of card payments in ecommerce. Even though digital wallets and account-to-account payments are growing in popularity, card payments have always been a fundamental payment solution in ecommerce. It’s also probably the easiest way to start your international online store. Ready to add card payments to your online store? Check out the Montonio payment solution.