There’s no shortage of payment apps available in the market.

Users have tons of options to choose from, starting right from low-cost options to apps laden with fancy features and functionality. It has become extremely easy for users to drop an app and the reasons are as tiny as an excessive number of permissions.

With the sea of options, user engagement and retention take a dip. That’s where gamification comes in.

In this post, we’re sharing how payment apps can use gamification to keep users engaged.

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Challenges in user engagement for payment apps

Here are the major reasons why payment applications are having a tough time with user engagement:

User disinterest

You do not want your users to use your app passively for a limited set of intervals and needs. Passive usage can result in slipping from the user’s mind and leading to them exploring other options in the future.

Make your app interesting, enhance its usability, and add more elements like tools, exclusive features, community support, deals and discounts, animations, and more to keep users coming back more frequently.

No unique value

While your payment app is making transactions easy, you need to do more to stand out. Instead of just tackling traditional payments, consider offering features like setting up recurring payments for utility bills, offering rewards per transaction, incentives for spending and gamified challenges to win more cashback.

Robotic not personalized

When interaction with an app feels robotic, customers are more likely to drop off. This includes  sending out irrelevant suggestions, messaging, notifications, and other in-app communication that is templated and generic.

A better and more liked approach to it is personalization. Receiving promotions and service offers that are according to their individual spending habits is a delight to customers and helps with user engagement.

Difficult user experience

A complicated application is a nightmare, and no amount of user instructions can fix it. There is no substitute for UX problems.

If it takes users 10 steps and a bunch of extra verifications to make a simple payment with an app, users will abandon it in a heartbeat. Apps should be easy to navigate, fast, secure, and seamless for users to make the most of every single feature.

Ensure your app’s UX is clean, simple, and needs fewer steps, eliminating any possible friction along the way.

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What is gamification in payment apps and why is it important

Gamification is using game-like elements outside of traditional gaming apps. These elements range from rewards such as point systems for payments to challenges such as leaderboards and milestones for financial betterment.

The end goal is to make a user’s experience more engaging. Here are some benefits of gamifying payment features:

• Transaction frequency - Adding incentives and challenges to financial transactions motivates users to make frequent transactions, for needs as well as wants.
• User engagement - When routine transactions become fun, user engagement improves drastically. It also encourages users to explore your app features and their use cases.
• Retention - Gamification in payments makes users return for rewards and achievements and continue to transact using your application.
• Competitive edge - Apps with gamified experiences, interesting challenges, and rewards often stand out from the crowd.
• Loyalty - Personalized offers and rewarding experience creates a personal connection with users, transforming users into brand advocates.

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Key gamification strategies that work for payment apps

Here are some gaming-inspired strategies that you can plug into your payments app:

Points and badge concepts

Here, users are incentivized with points for making transactions or referring friends. You can also choose to offer badges for completing financial tasks or using features like financial tools and checking out educational resources.

These badges entail cash back or points that users can then redeem for future purchases, extended access to premium features, gift coupons, or more.

Make your own concept stand out, but ensure it is easy, engaging, rewarding, and frictionless.

Milestones concept

You can adopt the level-based concept from gaming apps. The tier-based concept goes directly with the number of transactions made while the leaderboard concept goes with rewards earned. You can also add milestones for specific tasks and challenges like achieving savings goals.

Plan the leaderboard board strategically, such as designating top users' badges according to the number of transactions done. You can creatively gamify the number of referrals made, savings done, financial goals achieved, and other unique activities of the app.

Plan the entire process according to your app features and business goals.

Quizzes and tutorials

As a FinTech brand, you can introduce a fun twist to financial education with gamification and foster financial wellness among your users. You can also introduce tutorials to educate your customers about your app features and its benefits.

They can be used as a marketing tactic to help users navigate the process of availing discounts, and functionalities like auto payments for recurring expenses, and more which in turn increases application usage.

If you can keep your users excited and eager to explore your application, you will have secured repeat customers.

Offers and discounts

User engagement in FinTech apps is directly proportionate to the availability of offers and discounts. Cashbacks and discounts are a hit among users and the more offers they get, the more they will transact using your app.

Take a step ahead and offer tailored discounts and offers that are in line with user preferences and behaviors. Personalized offers that users can avail of will foster brand loyalty over some random coupons.

Social sharing rewards

Humans live in communities so coming up with community-themed engagement initiatives works wonders. For example, tasks users can do with their family and friends, earn badges, and share them on social platforms.

You can come up with initiatives like group savings goals that are designed to play among families or groups of friends. Such initiatives are bound to bring in users and drive engagement among existing ones.

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Behavioral psychology behind gamification in FinTech

Studies show gamification can lead to a 48% surge in customer engagement.

The first reason for this remains the same, gamification in FinTech apps makes financial chores exciting. Secondly, there’s a dopamine boost in users when payments are gamified like a game that stimulates users to keep playing.

When users reach a milestone, they experience a dopamine rush, a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction. This keeps them hooked till the next milestone, keeping them hungry for more.

Gamification also encourages a healthy sense of competition and the satisfaction of winning. Completion and collaboration are the motivating factors for engagement.

Achievements and the sense of winning calm our nerves and feed our need for validation and accomplishments, human traits we all experience.

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Conclusion

Gamification is no longer optional for payment apps looking to grab an early move advantage over their competitors. Gamification is the way ahead of the path of driving repeat sessions and building up a pipeline of loyal user base.

Platforms like Payby have implemented these strategies effectively, achieving the highest number of active users in the industry.

To learn more about keeping users engaged with innovative strategies, subscribe to our blog today!

The subscription-based business model has outgrown its traditional realm.

What was previously limited to the media and entertainment industry is now a multi-faceted business model having walked into the healthcare, eCommerce, automotive, and many other industries owing to how it facilitates a consistent revenue stream. 

In this post, we share the role of digital payments in subscriptions.

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The role of digital payments in recurring billing

With the rise in demand for seamless recurring billing, digital payments have come to our rescue. Here’s how digital payments support the subscription model:

Seamless transactions for subscriptions

The recurring billing process is in demand among customers and merchants for ease of expense management and as a consistent source of revenue generation.

However, the manual process is a chore and prone to errors. Digital payments can automate these transactions ensuring speed, accuracy, and ease of payments.

Subscription businesses and platforms can now easily integrate with payment gateways offering advanced functionalities like handling billing cycles. This integration is a win for businesses because it improves efficiency and provides a frictionless customer experience.

Reduced payment failures and churn

Advanced payment systems are needed to handle the nature of recurring payments which are otherwise subject to failed transactions in general.

Frequently failed transactions are a big blow to customer retention and revenue because they impact customer experience and confidence resulting in increased churn.

Advanced payment systems, with features like automatic card updaters and intelligent retry logic, reduce the risk of payment failures ensuring customers continue to enjoy uninterrupted services while businesses maintain consistent revenue streams.

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Advantages of automated billing

Subscription payment systems are not only a win for businesses but also a great option for customers. Here are some of the most common benefits to both parties:

For businesses:

• Improved cash flow: Because automated billing is not made on will and interest, it ensures payments are done on time. The auto debit feature helps reduce any possible delays and improves cash flow for an organization.
• Operational efficiency: When businesses do not have to intervene in the recurring payments process, they are left with a lot of time to focus on actual growth initiatives rather than administrative tasks.
• Forecasting: Digital payments for subscriptions streamlines income for the near future deciphering what revenue a business can expect over a period of time. These insights help make accurate financial forecasts and strategic decisions.

For Customers:

• Convenience: Recurring billing solutions spare customers the hassle of remembering due dates or manually processing payments. The payments are scheduled to be deducted automatically at fixed intervals. 
• Flexibility: Automated systems come with extreme levels of flexibility where customers are free to choose the payment schedules, payment obligations, and intervals that best fit their financial status.
• Uninterrupted service: Because the payments are made on time, there is no disruption to services offered. Customers can enjoy the benefits of reliable billing that ensures they don’t miss payments and lose services.

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Emerging trends in subscription payments

We have witnessed a fair share of disruption in subscription payments already, but there’s a lot more in store for the future. Let’s check them out:

1. AI-Driven insights and optimization

Artificial intelligence only makes the subscription payments model better. It provides advanced fraud detection and payment optimization capabilities that ensure no hiccups, breaches, or errors in the process.

AI-powered systems can analyze vast datasets in real time and identify fraudulent activities to enhance transaction security. Furthermore, businesses can use this intel to come up with personalized billing plans and tailor service offerings according to customer preferences and behaviors.

A report by McKinsey states companies that use AI-driven customer insights improve customer satisfaction by 10 to 20 percent and reduce early-life churn by as much as 30 percent.

2. Blockchain integration

Blockchain technology is popular for added security and transparency. Its integration with subscription payment systems ensures protected transactions that cannot be tampered with or overwritten and builds trust among customers.

This technology is an aid even for global subscription-based businesses because it facilitates seamless payments and secure cross-border transactions without the need for intermediaries, thereby reducing transaction costs.

According to a recent report, 90 percent of finance leaders believe that the currencies underpinned by blockchain will greatly impact business in the next few years.

3. Flexible payment options

Alternative payment options like digital wallets, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services, and cryptocurrencies are now finding their way into subscriptions.

Digital wallets like PayPal and Apple Pay offer quick, convenient transactions, while BNPL solutions come with flexibility in managing payments. Cryptocurrencies are also gaining traction, particularly among tech-savvy consumers and in global markets where traditional banking systems may be less accessible.

Recent data shows that Alternative payment methods have proven to drive more revenue (5.0% renewal invoice decline rate) and help prevent fraud (0.9% of failed fraud transactions).

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Best practices for leveraging digital payments in subscriptions

Businesses looking to make the most of the subscription model and build subscription revenue growth must incorporate these best practices:

Choose the right payment gateway

The payment gateway you will select determines your capability of offering advanced digital and subscription payment options.

So, you must look for gateways that integrate seamlessly with your platform, support multiple currencies, offer multiple payment methods, have the latest features or functionality, and provide robust security features.

Choosing a reliable payment infrastructure like Payby can simplify this process, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to subscription needs, and resulting in a smooth customer experience.

Ensure compliance

To offer subscription-related payment options, businesses need to stay compliant with regulations like GDPR and PCI DSS that are set in place to safeguard customer data and maintain trust.

Non-compliance on the other hand will attract hefty fines and cause reputational damage.

Your choice of a payment service provider like Payby can help you stay compliant by meeting all regulatory requirements, reducing risks, and protecting customer information.

Offer diverse payment options

Make sure you offer a diverse range of payment options that include credit cards, digital wallets, and BNPL besides the traditional debit cards option.

This diversity makes it possible for you to cater to the varying preferences of a global customer base, without losing revenue in the process.

Plus, the level of flexibility enhances customer experience, reducing friction and improving retention. Payby can help businesses effortlessly integrate multiple payment methods that are built for convenience and satisfaction.

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Conclusion

The subscription-based business model with its unique capability coupled with automated billing benefits is here to stay.

Customers demand a seamless payment experience that places subscription payment systems at the top. Businesses must address and oblige to the shift in customer preferences to stay on top of the game and be competitive.

That’s where you need to choose a reliable payment partner like Payby. With tailored solutions designed to meet the unique challenges of subscription-based businesses, Payby can help you streamline processes, ensure compliance, and provide the best possible experience for your customers.

Get started with Payby today.

Frictionless payments are a win-win for both businesses and customers.

Now, we’re entering a new era of invisible payments—a frictionless experience taken to its peak. This evolution shifts from simply reducing steps in a transaction to payments happening without direct initiation.

While invisible payments are rapidly gaining traction and winning over customers for speed and convenience, they also raise questions about privacy, security, and trust.

In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about invisible payments—what they are, real-world examples, how they work, and the common challenges in adoption.

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What are invisible payments?

Invisible payments are transactions that aren’t initiated by the customer. There isn’t any trace of manual interaction between the customer and the payment interface which generally requires customers to click or tap, enter the payment details, and later validate them.

The process happens automatically at the end of a transaction and in the background without the active role of a consumer, with the assistance of payment methods like mobile wallets, biometric authentication, and connected devices.

Current use cases of invisible payments range from e-commerce, brick-and-mortar stores, and subscription services, done via mobile payments, contactless payments, and even voice-commanded payments.

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What are the benefits of invisible payments?

Here are some of the benefits of invisible payments:

Better convenience

The process is built to be frictionless and effortless. This means customers do not need any physical items like credit cards, debit cards, smartphones, etc to make a purchase. They can forget to carry their smartphones and payment details and still make a payment. Also, there are no manual entries of payment details or payments done by customers.

Speedy payments

Checkouts are faster for invisible payment transactions in retail, ride-sharing, and online shopping because they happen automatically in the background. The process is also devoid of manual confirmation of any kind.

Improved customer experience

Customers prefer no friction at the point of purchase. Merchants can create a smooth experience and incorporate automated tailored recommendations, discounts, or rewards to offer an unmatched experience. An effortless experience encourages customers to keep returning.

Accurate payments

Manual payments done by customers are more prone to errors, like entering in wrong payment details/amounts/dates, and so on. Automated payment systems on the other hand are designed to provide accuracy with little room for errors.

Enhanced security

This technology is safeguarded with security protocols like biometrics, encryption, and tokenization to protect transactions. They also come integrated with automatic fraud detection that detects and flags unusual activity and user behavior.

Future potential

This technology has the potential for disruptive innovations when coupled with mobile apps, IoT devices, and wearables. Such integrations will bring solutions that move beyond automated subscription services to make a consumer’s life better.

Operational efficiency

With quicker payout and no payment disputes, merchants can maintain a better relationship with their suppliers. Moreover, quicker payments and predictive transactions mean a better hand at inventory tracking and fewer cash-handling requirements.

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How do invisible payments in consumer transactions work?

The process of physically using a card at a point of sale or entering your card details on a payment terminal is swapped with a process that needs no customer action. This means a visible process is replaced with an invisible one, and here’s what it looks like:

1. User enrollment - Payment details such as credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet are securely stored within a platform or app using encryption or tokenization.
2. Payment authorization - The user authorizes the platform with the desired action like a prompt to a virtual assistant, tapping a contactless card, and so on, and provides consent to automated payments.
3. Payment initiation - Payments are triggered at the end of a transaction like when customers end a ride or walk out of a cashier-less store. Sensors, GPS, or other technologies detect that the service has been extended and initiate payment.
4. Payment processing - Payments are automatically processed with reference to any discounts or terms and conditions, via the opted payment method.
5. Notification - Customers are prompted at the end of the transaction via an SMS, email, or in-app. The status is updated and the receipt is sent to both parties.

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Examples of invisible payments

Subscription services are by far the most common and a prime reminder for us all. The auto-debit and auto-renewal nature of these payments are the best examples of invisible payments. However, there are many more advancements in this space that merchants must be aware of: 

Checkout-free stores

Amazon Go already offers a checkout-free experience without the need for a traditional checkout. Users can check into the app, simply walk into Amazon Go stores, collect the items they need, and leave.

The sensors and cameras track the items picked and bill them when the customers leave, triggering an invisible transaction as set up by customers. At the end of the transaction, a digital receipt is sent.

E-commerce and apps

Uber is the early adopter of invisible technology. The app automatically charges the customer at the end of a trip via the chosen method of payment.

Amazon has also launched an e-commerce pivot which is invisible payment’s close second. The one-click buy button allows the customers to purchase with a predefined address and payment method.

Biometric payments

This method uses a customer’s unique biometric features to initiate a transaction, which is a deviation from the traditional method of selecting a payment method after every transaction.

For example, customers can wave a hand and authenticate purchases via Amazon’s payment system - Amazon One. Some stores in China also have facial recognition-triggered automated payments at checkouts. Smile to Pay has been adopted by a lot of China’s convenience stores.

Connected cars

With this technology car owners and drivers can pay for fuel via a car’s touchscreen. Similarly, some airports have invisible parking where the number plates of vehicles are detected and automatically billed.

Here again, the car must be registered for invisible payments with a chosen mode of payment.

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Barriers to the adoption of invisible payments

Multiple industries have been quick to adopt invisible payments such as retail, transportation, and hospitality, but it hasn’t gotten stern traction.

Here are some reasons for slow adoption, and factors that merchants should be aware of if they wish to incorporate invisible payments in their ecosystem:

Multiple account creations

There are no universally accepted single sign-in options for invisible payments yet. So, merchants adopting this technology are building their processes in-house, each with their unique steps and processes.

For example - Amazon Go store users need the official app to shop at the store and then have to switch to another app if they wish to shop from another store.

The hassle of multiple account creations across multiple mediums is real. Customers using the traditional method to checkout from multiple stores using one card is a lot more convenient than downloading tons of apps and registering or authenticating each one.

Privacy issues

Just like contactless payments, customers are worried about the security of their sensitive payment data. Invisible payments store customer data to process automatic transactions and customers are worried about the misuse of their data or breaches.

Biometric data is another invisible payment security issue. Not all customers are comfortable sharing their personal data like biometrics and prefer to validate or initiate transactions via traditional methods like cards and pins or passwords.

Scaling-up

Bringing the invisible payments infrastructure is not ideal for all businesses, and many have resource limitations that hinder adoption. Plus, the technical infrastructure implementation is a huge challenge that businesses should be able to navigate.

For instance, a larger store with a diverse range of products needs more time, effort, and costs to adopt the invisible payment infrastructure compared to a smaller store with a limited set of products.

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Conclusion

The idea of an invisible payment infrastructure ultimately boils down to providing a frictionless experience to customers.

Merchants can come up with innovative ways to incorporate invisible payments ensuring no friction or offer better payment options and experience.

For business owners experiencing resistance to adoption, offering a similar frictionless process and a better choice of payment methods can work like a charm. Listen to your customers' preferences and oblige.

But it shouldn’t have to be your responsibility. Partnering with payment solutions like Payby helps you focus on your core business, while we handle your payment needs and keep you ahead of the curve.

Payby offers secure omnichannel digital payment solutions. Our advanced fraud detection and prevention mechanism is built to keep you secure. We leverage AI-based fraud monitoring, 3D secure authentication, and transaction risk analysis and offer robust integrations with the best CMS platforms.

‍Get in touch with Payby today.

E-commerce businesses strategizing for long-term success and financial stature focus on Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) as one of the prime metrics.

CLV is the total revenue or business a company can expect from a customer for the entire time they remain a paying or loyal customer.

It isn’t just about how much money a company can make from a customer but also acts as the foundation that can shape the success or failure of a business.

Businesses aware of their CLV get the chance to understand customer behavior, optimize marketing strategies, and foster loyalty.

The higher the CLV of a business, the higher its revenue and customer loyalty, and it sheds a positive light on product-market fit.

While there are several strategies to boost customer engagement and retention, this post discusses how digital payments help improve CLV in the long run.

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How do digital payments enhance CLV?

There’s so much digital payments can do beyond processing transactions. They can be a powerful tool for businesses that know how to use it. They are equipped with the capability to impact customer experience, loyalty, and ultimately customer lifetime value. Let's see how:

1. Enhanced Convenience for Customers

With all the options available in the market, convenience is the top priority of customers. One friction point can make or break the customer-business relationship and digital payments often elevate convenience.

Customers can seamlessly pay for a product in their preferred method - credit cards, mobile wallets, or even one-click payment options. Each of these methods is quick, easy, and effortless, elevating customer experience.

As a business owner, you must take all necessary steps to offer your customers an unmatched digital payment experience with fewer steps. By ensuring there are no unnecessary steps involved in the payment process, you will reduce friction, and encourage your customer to keep purchasing from you.

2. Accelerated Checkout Processes

Imagine having to manually enter every detail or dealing with a lagging payment interface. Both of them are a big ‘no’ in the books of user experience.

Fewer steps to complete a transaction alone wouldn’t satisfy a customer. An amazing payment process does not just end with reducing the checkout steps, every step in the process has to be efficient.

This means, less manual work, reduced wait time, a cleaner and simpler interface, and speedy checkouts. Merchants must improve the efficiency of the checkout process for successful transactions and encourage repeat purchases that directly contribute to CLV.

3. Boosting Customer Retention Rates

Businesses have to stand out of the crowd to be able to retain customers, so an unmatched digital experience is non-negotiable.

Quick, secure, and hassle-free experience from the beginning to the end of the checkout experience creates an unmatched overall experience and binds customers to the brands. Such a relationship is rooted in trust and fosters loyalty, keeping your brand at the top of customer’s minds, and encouraging them to return for future needs.

Business owners can come up with unique e-commerce payment strategies to increase customer retention rates.

4. Leveraging Data for Personalized Offers

Digital payments rely on data transfers and capture valuable insights and findings about customers. Business owners can use these unique findings to strategize their product offerings and customize products according to the choices and preferences of their customers.

Customized products that are in line with customers’ unique needs and interests can never disappoint customers but rather lead to unplanned purchases. The result is increased spending and retention.

Merchants can take a step ahead and craft personalized offers, promotions, and loyalty rewards and increase CLV with digital payments.

5. Building Loyalty Through Rewards and Incentives

If you want to create a stand-out experience, you may integrate payments with loyalty programs. When you reward your customers with points, discounts, or other benefits for making a purchase, you give them another reason to make more purchases in the future.

Loyalty programs in payments incentivize repeat purchases, keep your customers engaged, and turn them into brand advocates for life.

6. Driving Recurring Revenue with Subscriptions

Another way of creating personalized payment experiences is to use digital payment solutions to implement seamless subscription models.

Subscription models are designed for recurring billing which ensures predictable revenue streams for your business. It also strengthens your brand’s relationship with customers by constantly being at the forefront of their routine.

7. Reducing Transaction Costs and Fees

Traditional payment methods like wire transfers and other legal credit card systems have a higher price tag for transaction costs and fees.

Digital payments in comparison to the traditional methods bear lower transaction costs and are super cheap. Your business can use the saved costs to come up with strategies to enhance customer experience like better loyalty programs or exclusive discounts, which result in higher CLV.

8. Simplifying Return and Refund Processes

Another component of trust is an easy return and refund process. Digital payments play a huge role in the return and refund process by automating refunds to ramp up the process.

You have to offer your customers the simplest refund process they have ever come across and you can leverage digital payments to make the refund process a breeze for your customers. Such a positive experience increases the likelihood of future purchases.

9. Expanding Sales Through Cross-Selling and Upselling

Digital payments-backed data insights are a superpower for your business, not just to create a personalized experience but because they offer the means to enable upselling.

If you have visibility on your customer’s purchasing habits and patterns, you can use them to make further recommendations and create demand. Recommending complementary products or premium upgrades during the checkout process is a great strategy to increase the average order value and encourage customers to check out more products.

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Conclusion

CLV or customer lifetime value has a direct impact on a business’s revenue and profitability.

Research by Harvard Business Review shows that increasing customer retention rates by 5% increases profits by 25% to 95%. It is always better to find ways that retain customers than try to acquire new ones. CLV validates that customers are making repeat purchases, upselling, and are our brand advocates.

Digital payments experience is one of the proven ways, tools, and strategies that businesses can use to increase their CLV score. If you can make the most of the digital payment options available in the market and bring them to your ecosystem, you will create a seamless, personalized, and rewarding shopping experience that drives customer loyalty and long-term growth.

We also recommend choosing a payment solution provider that integrates well with both online and offline commerce tools your business makes use of. This will help you run integrated functions that can help fuel other strategies to boost CLV.

At Payby, we are equipped with the means to execute your CLV boosting strategies right from streamlined checkout experience to unique subscription models and loyalty programs.

We incorporate and upgrade our products and solutions to the latest innovations and advancements to be able to provide a payment experience that is second to none.

Boost your CLV and achieve sustainable e-commerce success with Payby. Get in touch with Payby today.

Wearable devices have changed how we monitor our health and are now set to transform payments.

What started as calculator watches back in the 1970s, ushered in the digital era of fitness trackers in the early 2000s and ultimately smartwatches in the 2010s.

Consumer demand for convenience, personalized experience, and security has increased the popularity and adoption of wearable technology and is slowly advancing toward digital payments.

In this post, we’ll explore the impact wearable technology will have on our digital payment habits and what’s in store for the future.

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What is wearable payment technology?

Wearable payment technology allows customers to make contactless payments with devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, rings, wristbands, keychains, and so on, that can be worn.

Like contactless debit and credit cards, wearable devices are enabled with near-field technology (NFC) or radio frequency identification (RFID) that facilitates contactless one-tap payment with a flick of your wrist.

Customers can use these wearable devices to purchase products and services without the need to carry physical items like debit/credit cards and smartphones. Because the technology is built to work with one single contactless tap, it is speedier and more efficient compared to a card-initiated payment.

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How does wearable payment technology work? 

Customers need to link their wearable devices to their digital wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, which store their bank account or debit/credit card information. It can be done via a smartphone or an app.

Wearable technology relies on secure tokenization that allows for the safe transmission of sensitive payment data into the wearable device, which can then be used to make payments.

The first step is to activate the payment facility on the device via phone or an app. Customers can then turn their devices on to the payments interface and process payments by bringing their wrists near the payment terminal.

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What are the benefits of wearable payments?

While convenience is the top benefit of making contactless payments with wearable devices, there are a lot more benefits in store for customers and businesses offering them. Here are some of them:

1. Ease of use

Customers do not need to carry extra items like a card or a mobile phone to make payments. This eliminates the hassle of extra steps like pulling a card out of a wallet or phone out of pocket. Users can make payments just with the device they have worn. Plus, The process in itself is rather quick and seamless, with no friction.

2. Contactless payments

NFC technology is built to process payments from the range of a few centimeters without having to touch any interface of a Point Of Sale (CPOS) terminal. This is desirable for customers who prefer hygiene and safety which has been a priority since the onset of COVID.

Also, digital wallets are a popular method of payment and their integration with easy-to-use wearable technology will drive the adoption of contactless payments. Businesses that facilitate wearable payments will benefit from it.

3. Personalized experience

A lot of data goes into the process of integrating wearable technology into digital payments. Wearable devices collect data from users to process the transactions, data like user behavior.

Businesses can obtain unique findings about users and come up with customized offers and products for their users and benefit from them.

4. Enhanced security

Smartwatch payments do not just work by bringing them close to the payment terminal. There is an extra biometric security for wearables like facial recognition or fingerprint required to confirm a payment.

Also, wearable devices encrypt the payment data transferred from the phone/app to ensure the data is secure and cannot be read by other parties. Such enhanced security minimizes the risk of identity theft and other payment-related frauds.

5. Valuable benefits and rewards

Merchants have a chance to attract more users with new benefits linked with wearable payments.

For example, you can incentivize people to make wearable payments with early access to new products or services and attract more engagement. You can also reward people for meeting their activity goals and come up with gamified programs for higher user engagement.

6. Early-mover advantage

Customers are always on the lookout for new and emerging trends, technologies, features, and devices. Businesses that adopt the latest technologies and trends, like wearable payments, can gain a competitive early-mover advantage by appealing to customers eager to try innovations.

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Examples of wearable payments

Wearable payments are not just limited to smartwatches, which is why the technology is set to change the face of digital payments in the future. Here are other examples of wearable devices integrated with payment capability:

Devices with user interface

Smartwatches and fitness trackers fall in this category as they come with a touchscreen and audio-visual output, offering an amazing user interface. There are tons of smart features in such devices with multiple use cases. Integrating payments into those devices brings out the essence of convenience.

Devices without a user interface

The next frontier of wearable technology has no user interface such as rings, bracelets, jackets, keychains, etc. They are smart devices capable of processing payments and do not work like a typical device, i.e. they are non-interactive but can process NFC-enabled payments.

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Impact of wearable payments on consumer habits

The increased adoption of wearable devices and wearable payments will lead to a shift in consumer habits that can ultimately be a boon for your business. Here are the expected changes to help your business benefit from it:

Increased Frequency of Small Transactions

Wearable payments are designed for quick transactions which will ramp up low-cost purchases like everyday essentials, recharges, memberships, and more. You can come up with low-cost offerings or subscriptions that can be purchased via wearable devices feasibly and increase sales.

Increased Impulse Purchases

Because wearable payments are easy, accessible, and quick, customers are likely to make unplanned purchases. Your business can benefit from offering such non-friction payment methods to encourage more sales.

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What are the risks of adopting wearable payments?

You must be wary of the risks wearable payments may come with to safeguard your business.

• Technical - Just like any other technical device, a wearable device is prone to glitches and errors. This can lead to failed payments or chargebacks.
• Security - Without stringent security measures and protocols in place, you and your customer’s sensitive data can be at risk. Ensure adherence to all security protocols for maximum safety.
• Theft - Loss or theft of wearable devices activated for payments can trigger unauthorized transactions that your business and payment gateways should be able to detect and prevent.
• Early stage - The IoT and wearable payments infrastructure is still in its early stage and requires a lot of approvals to drive adoption globally.

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Security measures required to enable wearable payments

Here’s a list of the security measures your business needs to safeguard against payment fraud:

• Tokenization - Tokenization can help replace sensitive card data with encrypted tokens that cannot be read or used by fraudsters.
• Biometric Authentication - Biometric methods like fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice identification are unique to each individual and act like an extra layer of protection that cannot be replicated.
• Near Field Communication (NFC) Security - NFC technology works only when the wearable devices are in permissible proximity to the payment terminal.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) - Wearable devices clubbed with an extra layer of verification like a pin or a prompt can maximize security.
• Remote Lock and Disable Features - Remote control via a phone can disable a wearable device in case of theft or glitches.
• Secure Element (SE) - Secure elements like tamper-proof hardware components can store and process payment data securely.
• Encryption of Payment Data - Encrypting payment data is a must for secure communication between devices and payment terminals.
• One-Time Use Codes (Dynamic CVVs) - Single-use authentication codes are an extra security layer for wearable payments.
• Transaction Limits - Adding a cap for wearable payments helps mitigate risks and unauthorized transactions.

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Where is the wearable payments industry headed?

Let’s discover some emerging trends in the future of digital payments:

1. Surge in health apps/services - Wearables are linked with health and fitness use cases, which will increase integration and demand in services such as gym memberships, medical treatments, or wellness subscriptions. Automation is the next step.
2. Increased use cases - Wearable payments will become a major part of our lives integrating with everyday transactions like retail, toll payments, public transport, and so on.
3. Environment consciousness - With heavy demand and availability of a variety of wearable devices customers will have a preference for devices made of sustainable materials.
4. Digital assets adoption - Wearable devices will in the future also support cross-border payments as well as the purchase of cryptocurrency and digital assets.
5. Gamification - While merchants will try to maximize loyalty program offerings, technology companies will come up with interactive features like gesture payments, augmented reality, and more.

Better and expanded integration of wearable devices with technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will connect and facilitate interaction with smart appliances, and vehicles alongside retail.

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Conclusion

Wearable technology is growing in popularity and the convenience and efficiency it offers will bring rapid adoption. Businesses willing to stay ahead should adopt a payment solution compatible with wearable technology.

Payby can help you keep up with customer demand with its smart, secure, and adaptable payment solutions.

Get started with Payby today.

Users across the world are now recognizing the potential of crypto payments more than ever before.

Security, slashed transaction costs, borderless nature, heightened security, and innovation, are some of the benefits that have driven over 560 million people to own crypto worldwide.

In this blog, we explore why crypto-enabled payment gateways are becoming popular amongst businesses too.

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What are crypto payment gateways?

Crypto payment gateways allow purchasing goods and services using crypto as a method of payment. They authorize the transfer of these digital assets by acting as the intermediary and facilitating their conversion to fiat money or safekeeping (as desired by the business).

There are multiple benefits associated with businesses partnering with crypto payment gateways. Businesses get access to a completely new set of audiences who prefer using their digital currencies to transact. This opens up a new avenue for profit and creates a unique business reputation in technological innovation.

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Advantages of crypto-enabled payment gateways for customers

Here are the benefits of crypto-payments for customers:

1. Heightened security and protection

Blockchain technology of crypto is decentralized and encrypted. These properties offer transactions that no one can override or get control of, making them highly secure with lower chances of frauds.

2. Better financial control

Crypto offers owners with undisturbed access to their funds. Traditionally, multiple factors like account bans cut users' access to funds, while in crypto-enabled payments, users have complete ownership and autonomy over their assets.

3. Seamless global reach

Payment gateways have made it possible for users to transact or buy goods and services with no geographical boundaries. It includes sending remittances across countries with absolutely no interference from any financial institutions.

4. Instant payments and settlements

Payment processing and settlement of a transaction may take some time, especially if it is a cross-border transaction. Crypto payments on the other hand are processed instantly, giving customers the benefit of faster settlements and a better shopping experience.

5. Access to financial inclusion

Crypto demands no bank account to be able to transact. Just with access to the internet, it offers low-cost transactions and equips the underbanked and the unbanked population with financial tools.

6. Added rewards and incentive opportunities

Crypto payment gateways have found ways to reward users for transactions with digital assets. They offer tokens, yield farming opportunities, and reward programs that add to the value of their digital assets ownership and financial well-being.

7. Enhanced privacy

The decentralized nature of crypto offers supreme privacy and anonymity. Customers can make purchases without providing their personal data which can be misused when breached.

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Advantages of crypto payments gateways for businesses

Now here are the benefits of crypto for businesses:

1. Slashed costs

Merchants do not have to pay a sum of money as huge as a normal transaction fee while dealing with crypto payments. It helps merchants retain more sales per transaction, ultimately resulting in greater revenue.

2. Global reach

Cross-border transactions attract regulatory restrictions across currency conversions and terms that are not a concern with crypto. This gives businesses the chance to sell anywhere and to anyone without geographical restrictions.

3. Chargeback management

Crypto payments come with security, so there’s little room for disputes to arise, which ultimately leads to chargebacks. Plus, transactions in crypto are irreversible, further reducing the chances of chargebacks to occur. Not having to deal with chargebacks helps merchants save on management costs, time, effort, and resources.

4. Marketing edge

There aren’t a lot of merchants accepting crypto payments for their products or services. Choosing to walk this path gives merchants a unique market value and tech-first selling proposition that can help build their brand’s affinity and ramp up sales.

5. Customer retention

Crypto payment gateways have also incorporated tokenized loyalty programs for their partner’s customers. Such branded tokens offer discounts, merchandise, or other offers as set by businesses, who can use this feature to attract and retain more customers.

6. Automation prowess

Cryptocurrency development requires the deployment of smart contracts which offer automation capabilities. Smart contracts help automate business areas like contract execution, payment settlements, and supply chain management. And, automation helps with efficiency, errors, disputes, and mundane work.

7. Instant settlements

Crypto payments are processed faster which not only is a benefit for customers but helps merchants with better cash flow management. Merchants can use better access to cash for reinvestment, bill payments, or innovation capabilities.

8. More revenue

Micropayments and microtransactions are possible with crypto as payment. Being able to accept such payments with low fees attached to them opens up new revenue streams for merchants.

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How do crypto payment gateways work?

Here’s how payment gateways enable crypto payments:

Step 1 - Customers come across and select the payment method of crypto and their desired currency on the checkout page.

Step 2 -  If the merchant wants, the gateway facilitates the conversion of cryptocurrency to fiat money according to the ongoing exchange rate.

Step 3 - The gateway now confirms and generates a payment address to link it to the transaction. The cryptocurrency amount must be transferred from the customer’s wallet to this business’s address.

Step 4 - Upon receiving the payment address details, customers now transfer the amount, which is then broadcast to the appropriate blockchain network.

Step 5 - Now comes the consensus process where the transaction is verified throughout the blockchain network.

Step 6 - After the confirmation of the transaction from the blockchain network, the merchants are notified.

Step 7 - If the merchant wants to retain ownership of the cryptocurrency received, it is transferred to their crypto wallet. Otherwise, it is exchanged for fiat money according to the ongoing currency exchange rate.

Step 8 - Finally, the customer is notified about the confirmation and transfer via an email or on-screen notification.

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Top crypto payment gateways

While payment gateways like Payby offer most payment modes, here are some other options:

1. Coinbase Commerce

A Coinbase product, this crypto payment gateway allows merchants to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin as payment methods. It supports many crypto-enabled benefits like instant settlements, customizable checkout options, and detailed analytics.

Speculations are that this gateway is a great option only for merchants getting started. Its 1% transaction cost is a major loss of revenue for a large transaction volume. There’s also a compliance issue with Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations which limits its global network. Other demerits include manual refund request management for merchants.

2. BitPay

BitPay is a popular gateway option for merchants because it supports accepting Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash payments through online and in-person channels. Features that make BitPay one of the top choices include, quicker settlements, automatic fiat conversion, multiple currencies support, a user-friendly interface, robust security measures, and more.

Regarding the demerits to be wary of, BitPay has no free plans which might be heavy on your business’s wallet, and it has a waitlist for businesses looking to get a new business account which can delay their crypto-enabled payments adoption.

3. PayPal

PayPal has established itself in online payments and has moved to crypto-enabled payments now. It offers the best of both the worlds of fiat and digital currencies-enabled transactions, in one place. Some of its attractive features include crypto price alerts and a streamlined crypto transaction process.

Among the drawbacks include better compatibility for personal accounts as opposed to business requirements, geographical restrictions, a limited number of cryptocurrencies, and a lack of e-commerce integrations.

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Popular cryptocurrencies used for payments

Here’s a detailed look at popular cryptocurrencies widely used for payments:

• Ethereum - It facilitates decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contract-driven payments that process transactions faster. Ethereum is known for its contribution to enabling DeFi and NFTs.
• Litecoin - If you are looking for a faster, more affordable digital currency as compared to Bitcoin, Litecoin will appeal to you. Litecoin crypto transactions are faster because their block time is 2.5 minutes. Additionally, it has low fees.
• Bitcoin cash - As an initiative to complement Bitcoin, BCH has a bigger block size, is faster, cheaper, and is a great option for daily transactions.
• Ripple (XRP) - XRP’s best use case is for low-cost cross-border payments. Its RippleNet network offers settlements in real-time and hence is the choice for brands looking for better international payment systems.
• Binance coin (BNB) - Built initially as a utility token, BNB has grown to incorporate multiple features. It facilitates transaction fee discounts and merchant payments and is popular across the Binance ecosystem and other platforms​.

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How can businesses adapt to crypto-enabled gateways?

Incorporating a crypto payment gateway into your ecosystem and being able to accept crypto payments might get tricky. Here’s how to make the transitions smooth:

1. Assess Demand and Compatibility

Study your customer base closely to evaluate if they are ready for and need crypto-enabled payment gateways. Study the market trends to assess if there’s demand and if your business ecosystem can integrate with the new payment method.

2. Choose a Crypto Payment Processor

Your choice of a crypto payment processor like Payby affects integration, adoption, and customer experience. Do your homework to assess which processor can facilitate this smooth transition yet add value to your business.

3. Set Up a Cryptocurrency Wallet

Your business needs a cryptocurrency wallet to receive and store digital currencies earned from transactions. There are multiple types of wallets like hot wallets for immediate access and cold storage for more secure long-term storage. Make the right call.

4. Integrate the Payment Gateway into Your Website or POS System

You need your crypto payment processor to integrate into your existing payment systems, be it website or point-of-sale (POS) systems. Processors like Payby assist well with both online and in-store purchases.

5. Set Up Automated Fiat Conversion (If Necessary)

To avoid volatility risks of conversions, some merchants prefer automated and instant conversion of digital assets to fiat money. This is a choice and depends on the merchant entirely.

6. Define Payment Policies and Update Terms

Ensure your business terms and conditions as well we payment policies reflect how you plan to deal with crypto-enabled payments and make the documents public. Include factors like refund procedures, transaction fees, and more.

7. Implement Security Measures

Deploy strong security measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and encryption, to protect both customer data and business assets. Keep monitoring wallet security and transactions always.

8. Train Staff on Crypto Payments

It is critical for your employees to know the nuances, do’s, and don’ts of crypto payments. Train them on how to process crypto payments and troubleshoot any issues.

9. Test and Monitor User Experience

Test the newly integrated system before launching it to the public. Make sure there are no issues that can affect user experience. Also, ensure to keep doing routine checks post-launch.

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Conclusion

The market is changing and so are the customer’s needs and demands.

You need to access and incorporate the latest payment methods into your ecosystem to not lose customers of any sort, and Payby can help you get there.

Get started with Payby today.

The world has been quick to adopt seamless digital payments, and scammers are quicker to find vulnerabilities and flaws they can exploit.

According to Deloitte, synthetic identity fraud is expected to generate losses of at least US$23 billion by 2030. We need more reliable security measures like biometric authentication that can withstand the pace of innovation in the digital payments space.

Fingerprints sound like a synonym for biometrics, but they are no longer sufficient. This blog highlights multiple other biometric authentication methods and why we need them.

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Rise of biometrics in digital payments 

Security measures like passwords, PINs, and patterns no longer provide effective security for digital payments because they are vulnerable to attacks such as phishing, brute force, and social engineering.

With greater reliability on electronic devices come extremely sensitive data inputs which can cause significant damage during security breaches. MFA (multi-factor authentication) patterns inclusive of a biometric layer offering higher personalization are the way to go.

That combined with customer’s growing need for user-friendly and stronger security systems is driving the adoption of biometric authentication that uses unique physical or behavioral characteristics like fingerprints, facial recognition, voice patterns, and more.

Another factor that makes biometrics highly incorporable is no additional hardware or equipment requirements. The technology has been making slow but major improvements offering improved accuracy and security.

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Advantages of biometric systems in digital payments

Here’s why emerging biometrics in digital payments is the way forward:

• Improved security - Biometrics such as facial recognition, voice patterns, iris scanning, and so on are unique to each individual and very difficult to replicate, providing an effective security step against fraud.
• Convenience - Biometrics-enabled payments reduce friction because customers do not need a physical card or the need to remember passwords or PINs. 
• Speed - Biometrics now offers enhanced accuracy offering speedy processing and verification of transactions.
• Contactless - Customers do not need physical devices of any sort to process payments or verify them as biometrics like facial recognition payments are contactless.
• Personalized - This technology comes with valuable insights on customers which businesses can use to offer more personalized customer experiences and products.
• Inclusivity - Biometrics can cater to people who struggle with remembering passwords or other disabilities, making payments more inclusive.
• Customer satisfaction - Personalized and high-security experiences lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

In the future, this technology will have more good things in store for the payments industry that’s a mix of convenience and security.

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Emerging biometric methods for digital payments

From behavioral biometrics to decentralized storage, there’s been massive innovation in biometrics. Check out the emerging biometric methods:

1. Multimodal Biometrics

This method does not use one but multiple biometric types like fingerprints, facial recognition, and voice verification together. This multi-step authentication improves accuracy, security threshold, and reduces the chances of errors. According to recent studies, multimodal biometrics offer 99% improved accuracy and security.

2. Behavioral Biometrics

Behavioral biometrics is a result of user behavior customers exhibit. It can range from aspects like typing speed or rhythm, swipe gestures or touchscreen movement, signature analysis, and more. It can even detect and record the way a customer holds their phone for authentication. Human behavior is again unique and because it is also invisible, it is difficult to replicate. Behavioral biometrics is projected to reach $3.92 billion by 2025.

3. Passive Authentication During Usage

Authentication does not necessarily have to be at fixed touchpoints like log-in or checkout. Passive authentication scans a user's behavior across the entire time of usage to pick any unusual user behavior and flag them immediately. This method works great because it does not tamper with user experience and offers real-time monitoring.

4. Advanced Eye Recognition for Security

Just like fingerprints, each one of us has unique eye structures. The latest eye recognition technology takes it a step ahead of traditional iris scanning, to include retinal scans and eye movement analysis. Because the chances of this authentication method failing is 0.1%, it is an ideal biometric method for high-security environments like payments.

5. 3D Facial Recognition

The most recent advancement in facial recognition is 3D which uses depth perception to map facial features more accurately. This enhances apt facial recognition and leaves little chance of spoofing. The 3D facial recognition market is expected to touch a revenue of $15.84 billion globally by 2030.

6. Voice Biometrics with AI-Based Liveness Detection

Voice biometrics have grown beyond recognizing voices that can be mimicked. This technology now analyzes a user’s vocal patterns to detect and recognize minute changes that are very difficult to mimic. It also offers AI-based liveness detection that can pick traces of recorded voice vs a live person.

7. Contactless Vein Mapping

Fingerprints are on the outer surface and have a slight possibility of reproduction. Veins on the other hand are hidden, making them extremely difficult to replicate, which means they offer heightened security. Palm vein mapping recognition scans the unique vein patterns of a user’s palm to authenticate transactions. Above all, this method is contactless and offers safe and hygienic authentication.

8. Fingerprint Sensors on Cards

This method offers an in-built fingerprint sensor on payment cards like credit and debit cards. This technology matches the fingerprint of the cardholder to that of the fingerprint stored on cards to authenticate a transaction. It requires no additional step like inputting a PIN. This method is gaining traction and slowly making its way to becoming the top choice of customers.

9. Decentralized Storage and Verification

With privacy concerns around biometric data storage on the rise, blockchain is being explored to store and use biometric data securely. The primary intent is to reduce the risks of centralization by distributing storage and repositories that are difficult to track and access. Because this method has great potential to reduce cybersecurity threats, it is being widely considered in multiple industries.

10. Federated Learning and Homomorphic Encryption

This method is a blend of data privacy and security in biometric systems. The aim of federated learning is to process data in a device without the need to transfer sensitive data to the cloud. On the other hand, homomorphic encryption reads and processes encrypted data directly without decrypting it first.

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Common emerging biometrics adoption challenges businesses can face 

You also need to be aware of the challenges facing your business if you want to successfully adopt the emerging biometrics in digital payments. Here are common adoption challenges you can come across:

• Data security concerns - Biometrics are sensitive and extremely personal data which when breached can do irreversible damage because the unique biometric features cannot be reset.
• Implementation costs - Since most of the methods are fairly new and the technology and infrastructure required are limited, it can get really expensive to be able to integrate it into your ecosystem. There are initial as well as ongoing costs for maintenance tied to this technology.
• User resistance - Not everyone is comfortable or agrees with sharing their sensitive biometrics data. There is a high degree of resistance that stems from privacy concerns and religious sentiments.
• Technical reliability - Accuracy in biometric authentication is always dependent on factors like camera quality, lighting, no changes in physical appearance, and more. If not up to the mark, there is a high probability of false positives that damage user experience.
• Integrations - Biometric authentication, though not requiring additional hardware, needs integration prowess. Businesses that operate on legacy systems need heavy system upgrades or a complete revamp, which can get expensive.
• Compliance - Dealing with sensitive data like biometrics attracts regulatory compliance like GDPR. It is a challenge to keep up with the ever-changing regulations and the complexities to ensure compliance, failure of which attracts penalties.

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Conclusion

Now that you know the benefits and challenges of emerging biometrics in digital payments, it boils down to the payment provider you choose to partner with.

Your choice of providers directly affects the safety, security, and accessibility of your business and its customers. You need a payment provider that can offer the best of the latest advancements in the payment technology space because. They can handle all the nuances there are to implementing biometric authentication and plug it into your ecosystem for you to just hit the play button.

Payby offers advanced fraud detection and prevention mechanisms integrated into the payment gateway to keep you secure. Our AI-based fraud monitoring, 3D secure authentication, and transaction risk analysis model ensure safe processing.

Get started with Payby today.

Customer preferences have shifted from having ownership to gaining experience or instant access. 

This is why the subscription economy has witnessed a surge of 435% in the last decade. People are turning to a range of subscription services like streaming, software, meal kits, groceries, security, smart services and so much more because they are convenient, flexible, offer better choices, and help with cost-saving. 

Though the recurring payments model helps customers keep up with trends, they are more prone to security breaches and fraud as compared to a one-time payment.

This blog briefs you on the security dangers facing recurring payments and how your business can develop a safety shield against them.

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What is subscription fraud?

Subscription fraud is when fraudsters target subscription-based services with a malicious intention to either gain free access to paid services or steal sensitive customers' data to attempt scams.

Because subscription services save customers’ payment data for recurring automated charges, subscription services are more prone to fraud.

Some examples of subscription fraud are - free trial abuse, account takeover, identity theft, payment fraud, fake account creation, friendly fraud, and more.

*rise of subscriptions statistics

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What is the impact of fraud on subscription businesses?

Fraud has a direct impact on a range of business aspects when affected. Here are some examples - 

• Revenue loss - Fake accounts, extended free trials, stolen payment methods and more do not bring in any revenue for businesses.
• Higher operating costs - Fraud management requires a substantial investment in manpower, capital, and resources which spike up operating costs.
• Increased customer churn - Affected customers lose trust and opt out of services in search of a better and safer alternative.
• Damage to brand trust - Security breaches are bad news for brand reputation as existing customers start losing trust and potential users become skeptical.
• Payment processing issues - Frauds end up in chargebacks which come with penalties from payment processors and higher costs.
• Regulatory and legal risks - Frequent fraud attacks get businesses on the regulator’s high-risk radar attracting multiple regulatory and legal risks.

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The most common types of subscription fraud

Being aware of the commonly attempted subscription billing fraud can help you come up with strategies to combat it. Find 7 types of subscription fraud below:

1. Payment fraud

Fraudsters create fake accounts with promos or use stolen card data to access services and resell the availed services at discounted prices. Not only do they access services without paying for them, but they also make extra money from the resale. This is a revenue loss for businesses and results in additional expenses when card owners become aware and file for chargebacks.

2. Account takeover

ATO attacks are when scammers try to break into customer accounts with weak security or steal credentials. When they manage to get access to some user accounts, they purchase extra subscriptions to resell merchandise and pocket the earnings or steal sensitive payment data like stored payment methods.

3. Friendly fraud

Chargebacks and disputes are available for customers to claim wrongful charges. However, customers may sometimes misuse them knowingly or unknowingly and attempt friendly fraud. One such instance of friendly fraud is when customers subscribe for free subscriptions and forget about it. They file for chargeback saying they never signed up in the first place. 

4. Extended free trials

This method is not just limited to fraudsters but also applies to opportunistic customers who want to avail of the services beyond the permissible free trials. They abuse promo offers that include free trials, first-free offers, and more. Customers try to enjoy free services for extended periods, while fraudsters try to resell the merchandise or services to make profits.

5. Account sharing

Customers often share passwords among friends and families, most commonly for streaming services. They may try to abuse this feature if businesses allow sharing passwords leading to loss of revenue. Otherwise, the business might come across as expensive or rigid, leading to a higher churn rate and ultimately business loss. Additionally, sharing passwords also increases the risk of identity and payment data theft. 

6. Chargebacks

The subscription model of setting up and forgetting a purchase was built to make the process frictionless. But, there are multiple other nuances to this process, like forgetting to cancel a subscription or not being aware of new pricing structures. Any automatic unexpected debit leads to customers filing for chargebacks. Dealing with chargebacks is tough and expensive.

7. Third-party partnership fraud

Businesses that grow without geographical boundaries often tie up with local delivery partnerships to improve their delivery reach or experience. These third-party delivery services have weak security systems and become the primary target for fraudsters. Sometimes, genuine delivery orders from overseas are also flagged as suspicious by fraud teams, tampering with genuine customer purchase experience.

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Strategies to reduce subscription fraud risk

There’s no doubt subscription fraud can cause significant damage to your business. The good news is that you can save your business with fraud detection for subscription services. Here are some fraud detection strategies:

1. Maintain transparency

Jot down your terms of service and cost of subscription mindfully and make them public. Send all your customers the terms, billing timelines, and costs associated. You can add additional features like - the option to opt out of services at the end of a free trial or an extra layer of confirmation for a renewal.

Being transparent does not just help you reduce chargebacks, disputes, and financial stress, but also enhances customer experience and satisfaction. 

2. Adhere to genuine subscription practices

Companies that are just starting out may use aggressive marketing tactics to deceive users into subscribing to their services or automatically converting free users to paid plans. Some common practices also include making it difficult for customers to cancel an availed subscription. 

All of these are unethical at most and should be clearly avoided because they tamper with your business reputation and attract chargebacks. 

3. Tighten new account creation security

Free subscriptions and promos for new accounts are great marketing tactics to attract new clients. However, there must be certain limitations and security protocols in place for it like putting a limit to account creation from an IP address or emails. 

No protocols in place may lead to promo abuse, loss of revenue, or security breaches. Also, it would help to add additional security layers for account creation to provide access only to genuine customers. 

4. Improve identity verification

Verifying customer identity is extremely important to stop any fraudulent attempts and ensure recurring payment security. Some great ways to identify and verify who is accessing your services include answering a security question personalized to every user, adding two-factor authentication, and a step for biometric verification.

Fraudsters cannot easily get past these identity verification methods, sparing you a lot of hassle.

5. Leave no vulnerabilities

One major vulnerability to fraud in subscription services is weak passwords. Accounts with weak or most common passwords are easily exposed to ATO fraud. So, it is a nice practice to ensure strong password creation which generally is a combination of alphanumerics with special characters.

Find and prioritize any other factors that can lead to vulnerability in your business. Strategize tactics and implement them effectively to ensure no vulnerability slips past your watch. 

6. Strategize account sharing option

Offering an account-sharing option is a revenue loss for businesses. But, banning account sharing makes it difficult to get new users and sign-ups. So, strategizing the right mix according to your business model will help you with revenue management and fraud prevention.

Limited account-sharing capabilities help businesses like streaming services while banning and putting account-sharing limitations for products like merchandise and learning courses is the right call.

7. Utilize tools where you can

There are multiple tools that offer services like fraud detection, fraud prevention, chargeback management, chargeback prevention, customer communications, and more. They are all equally beneficial in bettering your subscription service-related operational processes and challenges. 

Use them according to your needs and maximize their benefits to make it easy for your employees and customers to stay away from subscription fraud.

8. Enhance customer experience

The conventional method is to find all the opportunities for fraud detection for subscription services. A lesser-known approach is to focus on your customers and listen to their ordeals. A tactic as simple as keeping multiple communication channels open and accessible will prompt your customers to reach out to you first rather than their banks. 

9. Invest in top-notch technology

With all the business and competitive challenges, it can get difficult to also stay on top of the latest fraud prevention advancements and ongoing scams. However, technology like machine learning in fraud detection can do it for you. Invest in such technologies to stay secure.

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Best practices to secure recurring payments

Here are a bunch of best practices for businesses to protect themselves from payment fraud:

• Payment provider - A good payment provider like Payby offers safe and secure recurring payments, smart POS, the latest payment options, robust fraud detection and prevention, and so much more.
• Tokenization - Tokenization replaces payment data that includes credit card details, with a token, offering added security.
• PCI-DSS Compliance - Adhering to compliance guidelines is mandatory and payment providers like Payby follow procedures that ensure compliance.
• 3D Secure (3DS) Authentication - 3DS requires identity verification before every transaction for safe processing.
• AI and Machine Learning - These tools can read through fraudulent behaviors, flag or detect them, and also help prevent fraud.
• Address Verification Service (AVS) - It checks through and verifies the billing address as provided by customers and the one registered with the card issuer to verify identity.
• Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) - This method requires customers to provide two or more verification factors before making a payment, offering heightened security.
• Update security policies - Always audit and update your security policies according to changes or updates, and restrict access to sensitive data. 
• Customer education - Maintain transparency in your business practices and educate your customers on measures they can take to protect their payment data.
• Customer communication - Enable email and SMS notifications for transactions so customers are informed and can duly subscribe or unsubscribe.

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Conclusion

Effective fraud prevention for subscription services helps secure recurring payments, brand trust, customer satisfaction, and your business revenue. 

Above all, your choice of payment provider matters a lot. They have the ability to make or break your recurring payment experience and security. 

Prominent payment gateways like Payby are designed carefully to meet the security needs of your business and customers with a host of online and offline products, helping you maximize business gains.

Get started with Payby today.

Be it eCommerce or the financial services industry, fast, secure, and frictionless payment options are a must for customers.

According to Statista, the total transaction value of digital payments is expected to grow at the rate of 9.52% (CAGR 2024-2028), resulting in a projected revenue of US$16.59tn by 2028.

It is about time SMEs catch up if they want to retain and win new customers in the cashless world we now live in. Having access to the right set of tools and prioritizing customers’ demands can help SMEs bring their A-game. But, the biggest challenge facing SMEs is high costs.

This blog reveals 5 hacks for SMEs to level up and adopt digital payments, all the while being cost-efficient.

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Why must SMEs adopt digital payment solutions?

Traditional payment infrastructures are not adept at handling the rampant market fluctuations or gearing for a cashless economy and customer demands. Not to forget about the operational inefficiencies and costs underlining software updates, upfront charges, and maintenance.

SMEs seldom operate on high budgets that can afford system failures, market fluctuations, operational costs, security breaches, and so on. Having a payment system that nails down the foundations of modern payment functions and is easy to optimize for, will help SMEs stand the test of time.

The adoption of digital payment solutions can help SMEs get there. Here are the top 5 SME tech adoption hacks to bring modern digital solutions to your ecosystem without the burden of heavy costs.

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How can SMEs adopt digital payments?

Here are some hacks we’ve found fast-scaling SMEs’ use:

Hack 1 - Find the digital payment tool tailored to your business needs

Tons of digital payment options are available in the market, but not all of them are for you. Do not search for the option that offers the best of everything, instead, scout for the one that best fits your unique business and customer needs.

Why?

Small and medium businesses need affordable and flexible options that come with features like low transaction fees and minimal setup to best complement tight profit margins. Other SME requirements include seamless integration, scalable solutions, and multi-currency yet localized support.

Not all solutions house these needs, making it critical to be picky.

Key factors to consider:

• Payment options - your business needs a solution that offers the latest as well as the standard payment methods. Credit and debit cards, digital wallets like PayPal or Google Pay, and bank transfers are a must. But, also look for the latest methods like cryptocurrency if your business needs it.
• Customer experience - your payment solution’s checkout experience affects your cart abandonment rate. A frictionless process with minimal steps and features like one-click payments helps bridge the gap and improve customer experience.
• Integrations - your ideal digital payment solution would offer integrations with your existing tech stack, be it an eCommerce platform, point-of-sale system (POS), accounting software, or inventory management systems.
• Security - compliance with industry standards like PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is critical. Go for the payment solutions that are compliant and offer added security and fraud prevention.
• Flexibility - rigid systems like traditional payment methods would only barricade your business success. You need an option that would adapt to the latest innovations or demands and allow you to scale efficiently.
• Localization - cross-border transactions backed by hyper-localized payment options is another important factor to consider.

Bonus features:

• Added Value Features like built-in invoicing, detailed analytics dashboards, or loyalty program integrations
• Payment solutions optimized for mobile
• 24/7 customer support team

Payby is equipped with all the above features and so much more, meticulously tailored to the SME digital adoption needs.

Hack 2 - Cut down manual processes with automated flows

Some things are best left for humans to handle, but a lot of other repetitive tasks like invoicing, payment reminders, and reconciliations can be automated. Automation for small businesses is a boon to efficiency and a hack to human error that could benefit your business.

Make the most of this innovation by deploying it in areas like customer interactions, payment processing, invoicing, and more.

Key benefits of automation:

• No recurring chores - cutting down on recurring tasks can help save hefty business hours which can otherwise be used towards strategic activities that lead to business growth. Higher accuracy and productivity levels are added perks.
• Better hold on cash flows - automation flows can save you from missing out on payments and outstanding invoices, ensuring better cash management. Features like reminders, tracking & analysis facilitate the management.
• Top-notch assistance - automation can enhance the payment experience for customers by adding personal touch points like payment confirmations, instant receipts, real-time status updates, and more.

Bonus benefits:

• Fewer human errors
• Higher possibilities to scale

Payby allows integration capability with leading accounting tools, playing a key role in the automation of major tasks like invoicing, reconciliation, and payment tracking.

Pro tip - We offer additional third-party integrations to help you automate multiple other functions beyond digital payments like inventory management, payroll, and expense tracking.

Hack 3 - Use payment security to win customer trust

SMEs are more vulnerable to online security threats than their enterprise counterparts because they lack a tight security system to protect themselves. But your small business cannot afford those loopholes.

Securing your payment system shouldn’t be heavy on your business wallet. Choosing the right partner clubbed with taking security measures yourself will save you a major chunk of your expenses and loss from any security breaches.

Key steps to extended payment security:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - MFA is a strong security system that verifies a transactor’s identity via multiple steps like pin and OTP verification. That extra step of verification keeps a huge fraction of fraudsters on hold.
• Tokenization and Encryption - tokenization works by replacing a card’s number with a unique token. Encryption ensures all sensitive data entered is altered and encoded to ensure no data can be read or used by fraudsters.
• PCI-DSS Compliance - The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) dictates how sensitive and personal data should be treated. Compliance with these security standards is mandatory, and non-compliance attracts legal penalties.

Bonus steps:

• Keep up with periodic security audits and revamps
• Adopt best security practices and train your employees to enforce them
• Have a backup plan for breaches or cyberattacks

Payment solution providers like Payby offer cybersecurity for SMEs by acting as your shield against payment security threats and implementing rigorous protocols to safeguard transactions.

Hack 4 - Map out a journey to digital literacy for your employees

Tools and processes alone do not guarantee digital transformation for SMEs. Your workforce should be equipped to take it ahead and make the most of the digital features.

Digital literacy among your employees will ensure they can operate, troubleshoot, and contribute to the benefits of new payment systems.

Key strategies to maximize digital literacy:

• Training sessions - your employees must know how to use the new system, from processing transactions to troubleshooting for issues, the dos and don’ts of usage, and more to avoid making mistakes or misuse. It will help you save costs from errors and improve productivity.
• Knowledge base - a readily available knowledge base that comprises resources, FAQs, guides, video tutorials, and more can help clear out any minor hiccups in SME digital adoption.
• Cybersecurity training - train your employees on threats like phishing scams, safeguarding customer data, and preventing breaches to increase awareness of the possible threats facing them.

Bonus tip: Stay updated on every new feature launch and software update and conduct training or peer-to-peer learning opportunities for successful adoption.

Payby supports workforce digital literacy for our partners by offering a dedicated knowledge base, and a rich collection of guides and blogs to keep you and your employees aware of the latest happenings.

Hack 5 - Carefully strategize your digital shift to stretch your budget

Tons of tools will not transform your small business. It will only be an additional expense. Doing your research to make strategic cost-efficient decisions and optimizing your budget will help you in the long run.

Key strategies for optimization:

• Invest smartly - an overly complex solution with tons of features and options will only complicate the entire digital transformation experience for you and your employees. Invest according to your need, and add features when you scale.
• Incentive programs - governments have multiple grants and incentives in place for SME digital adoption. Do your homework and avail what you can to minimize your financial burden.
• Save on tools - do not opt for multiple tools, rather find tools with multiple functionalities to cut down on your subscription charges.

Bonus tip: keep an eye on all your software subscriptions now and then to find and eliminate overspending.

Payby offers standard and customized plans that are affordable yet cater to all your business needs without compromising on any aspect.

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Conclusion

SMEs have to embrace digitization and modern digital payment solutions if they want to stay competitive and on top of the game. Using efficient hacks can transform them into digital natives and put them on the path to prosperity.

Payby’s products are carefully built for SMEs and optimized per their needs. We take it a step further and provide you with all the assistance to scale up in the future, catering to your needs at multiple stages of growth.

Get started with Payby today.

Payment technology has evolved significantly, from cards to biometrics, and now, voice-activated payments are emerging as the next big breakthrough.

We’re already familiar with the advancements brought by voice-based digital assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, and now, this technology is gaining traction in the world of finance. Leading financial brands have begun implementing voice-activated services for tasks such as card activation, fund transfers, bill payments, and more.

This promising development signals a future where payments are increasingly powered by voice technology. In this blog, we’ll explore the direction the payments industry is heading, the progress made so far, and the challenges along the way.

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What are voice-activated payments?

Voice-activated payments aka voice payments are done via voice-based instructions through a digital assistant-embedded electronic device such as a smartphone, smart speaker, a car, etc. It uses AI and natural language processing (NLP) to recognize the voice of the account holder and follow payment instructions.

Though in the early stage, this technology has the potential to be one of the major contactless payment methods in the future.

The increasing utilization of voice assistants is shaping the adoption of voice payments. The surge in demand for contactless payments, popularity of voice assistants, and mobile commerce are steering the growth of voice-activated payments.

As per research, the global voice payments industry is expected to reach USD 7.51 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.08%, from what was worth USD 6.92 billion in 2023.

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How does voice technology in payments work?

Voice payment is the most convenient mode of digital payment where customers do not even have to visit an app to make a payment. Customers can speak to their voice assistant, commanding it to make a payment on their behalf. The process relies on AI, ML, and NLP where voice commands are converted into digital commands to process the payment.

The process varies depending on the voice assistant your customers will use. But, here’s the general process of setting up and making voice-based payments.

1. Linking an account - the first step is to link up their voice assistant to their preferred payment method.
2. Using a prompt - your users will now have to say a prompt and direct their voice assistant to make a financial translation of choice.
3. Processing - the digital assistant will interpret the prompt and use the linked payment method to securely process the transaction.
4. Confirmation - this step ensures security in voice payments where customers have to confirm the payment via a follow-up voice command, password, or fingerprint.
5. Proof - your users will now receive a confirmation message that mentions all the transaction details.

Currently, voice recognition payments are available in select participating stores, online payments, donations, and bill payments.

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What are the benefits of voice-activated payments?

Here are all the reasons why people are considering making the shift to voice payments and why this technology is set to reach heights:

Accessibility

Voice payment facilitates hands-free operation, offering a high degree of accessibility. Customers can make payments while engaged in other activities like playing a sport.

Secondly, people having a hard time with digital devices or traditional banking methods can seamlessly use this method to make payments. It makes digital banking and financial services more accessible to the masses.

Effortless

Transactors do not have to enter card numbers, account numbers, and more for every new transaction or platform. The process of remembering passwords or navigating through a platform is eliminated here. They can seamlessly command their voice assistant to use the linked payment methods to process the payment, making the process a breeze.

Security

Voice payments do not process a prompt by anyone. It uses voice biometrics to recognize a voice, which is unique to every individual and processes the transaction. The technology picks unique traces of timbre, pitch, and more to recognize a voice that cannot be mimicked. It acts like another layer of security that is otherwise lost in the process of entering passwords, which can be done by anyone.

Speedy

Speed is another great benefit of using voice-activated payments. The hassle of manual entries of payment details in the payment process is replaced by swift voice commands. A one-time setup with a voice assistant gives customers a head start for a lifetime.

In-trend

We are all chasing the latest tech and customers want to have an early piece of the pie. This is another great advancement in technology that a lot of people are excited to try. And, the early adopters in the financial industry will have the edge.

Inclusive

Voice payments are inclusive because they help specially-abled people make payments independently. For example, visually challenged or people suffering from neurological disorders can make payments without supervision.

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What are the challenges in voice payments?

Here are the reasons why this technology has been slow in picking up the pace of adoption:

Security

There is a fair share of critics who are unsure of the safety and security of this payment method. Because the process of this technology is not as tangible as the other payment methods, and because any mishaps can lead to loss of money, a lot of people are hesitant.

One wrong command, misinterpretation of command, or an unintended command may lead to the transfer of funds to unknown sources that can be difficult to retrieve.

Privacy

There’s another privacy concern facing this technology. Not all customers are happy with voice assistants listening to all of their conversations. They believe information from their private conversations can be stored for future use by digital devices which is a potential threat to privacy.

Accents

Voice assistants are not accurate in understanding and responding to all non-native accents, thereby acting as a big barrier in voice payments. It makes accessibility a challenge for certain communities and not everyone will be able to use this method seamlessly.

Reliability

There have been promising advancements in this technology with questionable reliability. Voice recognition technology is young, making it vulnerable to misinterpretations. Frequent misunderstandings are reported in this technology that lead to incorrect transactions or failures. This technology has a long way to go in terms of accuracy followed by reliability.

User educations

There’s a lack of awareness about this technology where people are not informed about the technicalities of this payment method. The benefits and risks involved are equally uncommon knowledge. There has to be more awareness about safety usage, its critical features, and more, to increase adoption.

Integrations

Voice payments are not yet a standard method of payments and only select platforms offer this method. The inconsistency in the availability of this technology across different platforms might lead to its rejection.

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The future of voice technology in payments

We have witnessed the popularity of contactless payments and voice assistants. Voice recognition payments sit at the intersection of these two powerful inventions, making it a revolutionary payment alternative of the future.

With enhanced AI and IoT integration voice payments will witness better traction in the future. Widestream availability across platforms globally, better security, as well as voice recognition backed by user education and preference for convenience, will position voice technology as a mainstream payment method in the future.

Retailers looking to increase their customer bases will grab this technology as an opportunity and provide voiced-activated payment options in their ecosystem. For customers, a hands-free and frictionless payment system will offer better satisfaction and ultimately drive adoption.

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Conclusion

The common objective of voice-activated payments is to introduce convenience, a contactless experience, and less friction in the payments process. But, there’s a lot of advancements, upgrades, and work to do for this technology to reach heights.

Demand for convenience is paramount and merchants have to take steps and initiatives to introduce it to customers. You can do so by offering secure alternative cashless payment solutions that are created to reduce friction.

Payment solutions like Payby are designed to reliably handle end-to-end payments, making it simpler for businesses and consumers to complete and record transactions. We offer multiple payment modes and in-app payment solutions, among many other features to help you set up the most robust digital payments infrastructure for your business.

Get started with Payby to experience the difference.