How do Payment Gateways Impact the User Experience

As businesses grow, they need to integrate a secure payment processing system. While some companies may still prefer to invoice customers to reduce card transaction fees, a report mentions that “£23.4 billion worth of late invoices are owed to firms across Britain.”

Late invoices can significantly impact the cash flow of the business. Accepting multiple payment methods not only improves the situation for business but also offers a positive customer experience.

A payment process that is quick, easy, and tailored to the local business environment enhances overall customer experience and loyalty. 

Recap: What is a payment gateway?

Payment through a payment gateway is one of the many options that brands can integrate into their online stores for easy payment processing.

Payment gateways are a key component in electronic payment processing systems and work as the front-end technology that captures the customer payment information.

It then sends it to the merchant-acquiring bank, where the transaction is processed. A payment gateway is one of the popular modes of online payment today that is used across industries. 

How do payment gateways impact customer experience? 

Making a payment and checking out is the last mile in a buyer’s journey, and the transaction experience with the payment gateway can deeply impact the customer experience.

Here are some instances of how payment gateway impacts the customer experience: 

1. Ease of use

Customers continuously seek convenience and ease of use, and a seamless online transaction experience can impact the overall customer experience positively. 

For example, a user-friendly payment gateway interface makes it easy for customers to make a quick payment and checkout from the online store. 

On the other hand, a cumbersome interface can be a big turnoff for an impatient customer. 

2. Reduce friction

The payment gateway also helps to reduce the friction between the customer and the business by facilitating a hassle-free shopping experience.

Be it credit cards, debit cards, or digital wallets — payment getaways can offer a seamless transaction, boost sales, and reduce cart abandonment rates, especially for e-commerce stores. 

How to set up a payment gateway for positive customer experiences? 

If you’re introducing payment gateways for your website, here are some tips to help you achieve a positive customer experience: 

1. User-friendly interface and checkout experience

The checkout process is the most crucial step in a buyer’s journey, and this should be made as seamless as possible.

That’s why a user-friendly payment gateway interface is important to impart customer satisfaction.

A poorly designed payment gateway interface can frustrate a customer, resulting in cart abandonment. 

2. Mobile responsiveness and accessibility

Customers today prefer to shop on the go. With easy access to smartphones, brands need to make the shopping experience convenient for on-the-go shoppers.

Thus, they need to ensure that the payment gateways work smoothly across various devices, including smartphones.

Remember, the ability to facilitate mobile payment is no longer a luxury but a must for brands to stay ahead of the competition. 

3. Security for trust

Payment gateways with robust security features, including encryption and fraud prevention measures, play a big role in gaining customers' trust.

Customers need to feel safe with their banking information, so brands that want to build a positive user experience must pay attention to safeguarding their payment gateways.

Creating trust is not just meant to keep the customer payment information safe but also to build customer loyalty, which translates to repeat sales.

4. Personalization

Tailoring the payment gateways based on customer profiles creates a more relevant transaction experience for the customer.

In an era when customers expect everything to be personalized, a tailored payment gateway for the customer will definitely help you earn some brownie points. 

5. Transaction speed

Customers today prefer a fast and smooth transaction experience. Payment gateways that offer swift and smooth transaction experiences are surely going to earn some praise from customers.

Remember, a fast transaction speed not only satisfies the impatient customer but also helps improve the overall brand perception.

Payment gateway best practices

If you want your customers to have a great user experience while using your payment gateway, here are some tips for you: 

Keep customer convenience in mind

Make it simple and easy for your customers. For example, if you’re in a subscription business, offer recurring payment options that help them renew their subscriptions easily. 

You may also consider integrating various payment methods like payment through credit cards, debit cards, UPI, net banking, COD, cheque, etc., for your website so that customers can choose the best-suited option for payment. 

Minimize risks

Ensure your payment gateways are capable of encrypting sensitive customer payment information like account numbers. It should also offer various verification procedures and secure card information.

Always use SSL-certified payment gateways along with a secure logo.

Clear communication

Always maintain clear and transparent communication with customers. Keep them updated about any failed transactions, payment status, and due payments so that customers feel assured. 

Maintaining clear communication helps to build trust, which improves sales. 

How to choose a payment gateway for a better user experience

There are several options to consider while picking a payment gateway. Here are some pointers for you to consider: 

Know the preferences of your customers

To positively impact the user experience, it's important to know what payment gateway your customers are already using.

If you choose payment gateways your customers are already familiar with, then you'll see better adoption, and you'll run into lower risks.

Check for integrations

Check for the API integrations of the payment gateway and if it will work with your existing technology. 

Choosing a solution that doesn't integrate with your technology will be of no use and will slow down the entire process.

Look for robust security

Security and fraud prevention are of utmost importance, so you need to be vigilant with the security system of the payment gateway. 

Look for PCI-compliant companies that uphold security provisions for electronic transactions. 

With PCI compliance, you can be assured that your customer's payment information will be protected and secured from theft. 

Consider the fees

Compare the costs of the payment gateways and how they will affect the security cost.

For example, if the payment gateway has a low fee but you have to invest in its security and fraud detection, the overall cost can increase. 

Check their market worth

Invest in a payment gateway that is trusted by customers.

Avoid payment gateways that don't have a strong security history to prevent customers from abandoning their carts or, even worse, cases of fraudulence. 

Choose payment gateways that have a respectable clientele list. 

Opt for flexibility

Flexibility is one of the key attributes to look for when choosing your payment gateway. 

Remember, each customer is different and has different preferences, so offer them a solution where they can quickly switch between credit cards, debit cards, UPI, Android, and Apple Pay, etc., and have a smooth transaction experience. 

Picking the right payment gateway for your business

Now that you’re ready to set up your first payment gateway, try PayBy — it seamlessly integrates with your existing system, and you can set it up easily. Licensed by The Central Bank of UAE, PayBy is trusted by some of the leading brands in UAE. 

PayBy can manage all end-to-end transactions via domestic and international credit cards and integrates with your website and apps easily. 

Get started today.