Electronic Payment System (e-Payment) is an alternative payment method conducted via electronic or online mediums. People can use this system for online transactions to pay for products or services instead of using cash, cheques, or demand drafts, which are traditional and physical payment methods. An e-payment or a digital payment system provides a convenient and secure way to make payments via digital wallets, bank cards, and Internet banking.
Rapid technological advancement, digitalization, and widespread usage of mobile internet access are significantly responsible for the growth and development of digital payments. Additionally, the booming online shopping and e-commerce industry is significantly responsible for the rise of e-payment systems.
According to the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), there is an increase of 33% in digital payments year-on-year (YoY) in FY 2021-2022 in India. The total number of online transactions during this period was equal to ₹7,422 crore. This is a significant increase from the ₹5,554 crore transactions observed in FY 2020-2021
So, let us dig deeper to know what is an e-payment system, its advantages, and its types.
Electronic Payment Systems: An Overview and Classification
An electronic payment system is used for online cashless transactions with the help of various methods like UPI, debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and net banking. It facilitates hassle-free transfer of funds between two parties, like businesses and customers.
Customers can use e-payment systems for online shopping and in-store purchases. This alternative also makes Peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers, recharge mobiles, DTH, Wi-Fi, payments for loan EMIs, credit cards, utility bills, insurance premiums, SIPs, and more possible.
Similarly, businesses can use digital payment systems for employee payments, in-party transactions, customer refunds or cashback, bill settlements, and other financial operations.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) looks after the functioning of electronic payment systems in the country. It ensures their secure and efficient operation.
The various types of e-payment systems available are –
1. Online banking platforms and mobile applications offering net banking services like IMPS, RTGS, and NEFT.
2. UPI apps like GPay, PhonePe, and Paytm facilitate easy fund transfers.
3. Mobile apps that support bank transfers, debit/credit card payments, postpaid services, and BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) options.
4. E-wallet apps like Mobikwik, Paytm, Freecharge, etc., provide digital wallet services.
5. Payment gateways and processors enable payments through the options at merchant stores.
Advantages of E-Payment Systems
The advantages of e-payment systems are reduced transaction costs, low payment processing errors, and lower processing time. Let us understand in detail –
1. Secure Transactions – E-payments offer enhanced security compared to cash-based or paper-based methods, safeguarding against theft or misplacement. While digital solutions are not completely immune to security threats, e- payment systems implement solid measures to ensure secure transactions. These measures include card tokenization, SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and secure protocols, data encryption, two-factor authentication, and other advanced security features. By leveraging these security measures, e-payment systems protect sensitive financial information and reduce the risk of illegal access or fraud. This instills confidence in customers and businesses, fostering trust in the digital payment ecosystem.
In addition to the security measures taken by e-payment systems; customers and businesses must follow specific precautionary steps. These guidelines should be shared with customers to ensure safe online transactions.
a. Be careful with suspicious links – Avoid clicking on links in emails or advertisements from unknown sources. They can be an invitation for hackers to access sensitive data.
b. Do not share private information – Never share OTPs (One-Time Passwords), personal information, or passwords with anyone. Also, refrain from storing banking details on their mobile devices.
c. Avoid public networks – Using public Wi-Fi connections for transactions can invite theft and fraud. It is advisable to opt for secure and private networks.
2. Swift transactions – E-payment systems have revolutionized the speed of financial transactions with Payment gateway. Unlike mainstream payment methods like cheques or drafts, it enables instant funds settlement. With just a few quick taps, it transfers your money and reaches the recipient’s bank account or digital wallet. This eradicates the need for time-consuming manual processing. It reduces the waiting time for successful payments. Swift and secure transactions save valuable time for customers, whether it is settling bills or making purchases, with e-payments.
By adopting e-payment methods, businesses streamline operations and save valuable time for their teams, customers, and leadership. For example, some traditional processes like supplier payments or refunds are often time-consuming as they involve manual tasks and paperwork. Now, these processes can be automated with e-payments. Thus, we can say goodbye to long bank queues and waiting hours for transaction settlements.
How E-Payments Unleash their Remarkable Advantages – A Captivating Scenario
CLiQ, a popular online retailer, battled difficulties in processing customer refunds. It took them somewhere between 5 to 20 days to complete this process. Due to extra manual steps involved, like collecting and processing customer account details for cash-on-delivery (COD) orders, the turnaround time (TAT) was extended even further. However, by embracing an e-payment system solution, they revolutionized their refund process.
This example highlights how e-payment systems can automate tedious manual tasks and free up valuable time for businesses to focus on other critical operational areas. By leveraging digital e-payment solutions, companies can enhance efficiency and deliver a seamless experience to their customers.
3. True transparency and trust – E-payment systems offer uncompromised transparency and visibility throughout the payment journey. Every transaction is recorded, providing a unique reference number and comprehensive details such as sender and recipient bank information, phone numbers, and timestamps.
This level of transparency empowers customers to monitor their transactions closely and promptly report any issues, like payment failures or fraudulent activities. E-payment systems also capture vital information like the time, date, and location of each payment. This aids in accurate record-keeping and dispute resolution.
For businesses, automated e-payment processing delivers valuable insights into customer preferences. Merchants can analyze preferred payment methods and identify peak order periods. Computerized systems provide better control over cash flows than manual processes prone to errors. The combination of process transparency, increased payment control, and reduced manual tasks facilitates the early detection of suspicious or fraudulent activities, bolstering security measures and ensuring a more secure financial environment.
4. Easy and convenient – Gone are the days of relying on banking hours to conduct transactions. E-payment systems free you from visiting a physical bank for financial transactions. Also, there are no restrictions on time or location with online payments. You can send or receive payments any time of the day from anywhere in the world.
E-payment systems are accessible to all. Thus, they have simplified online transactions. The ease and speed of digital payments empower businesses to enhance visibility and efficiency. Take inspiration from Ritu Kumar and offer your customers a seamless, global checkout experience, expanding your business’s reach and catering to a broader audience.
5. Diverse payment options – As mentioned above, digital payment systems offer various options, such as e-wallets, UPI, postpaid, card payments, and net banking with the integration of payment gateways. This abundant pool of choices provides customers with convenience and flexibility. They can choose the payment method that aligns with their preferences and comfort.
Having multiple payment choices can be super beneficial for businesses. Different customers have varying preferences. If their preferred payment method is unavailable, they may cancel their purchase. By incorporating multiple payment options, businesses can ensure hassle-free checkouts and minimize cart cancellations. Seamless transactions play a vital role in the success of an online store, and offering a range of payment methods enhances the overall customer experience.
6. Cost-Effective Transactions – Traditional paper-based methods are time-consuming and expensive. E-payment systems reduce the cost of paper cheques, cash handling, demand drafts, and postage.
In contrast, adopting a paperless approach to electronic payments proves to be cost-effective. Transaction charges or processing fees associated with electronic payment systems are relatively lower than traditional methods. Businesses can save money on each invoice by shifting to electronic payment methods in their accounts payable processes. Embracing electronic payments streamlines financial operations and reduces unnecessary expenses, contributing to overall cost savings for the company.
E-Payment Systems vs. Conventional Payment Methods: A Comparative Analysis
Let us learn the differences between E-Payment Systems and Traditional Payments Systems through the table given below –
E-payment systems Traditional payments systems
Digital marvels – Transactions go online Traditional tango – Cash, cheques, and more
Examples – UPI, net banking, wallets Examples – Cash, cheque, demand draft
Cost-cutting champions Costs that make you pause
Versatile options, payments galore Limited choices, tradition in store
Transparent Trails, transaction tales Shadows of uncertainty, lost trails
Takeaway
Electronic payment systems are crucial in promoting financial inclusion. They provide digital avenues for financial transactions, allowing individuals without traditional bank accounts to participate in the digital economy. Through mobile wallets and payment apps, people can send and receive money, make online purchases, and access various financial services, empowering those previously excluded from formal financial systems.
