Cash, credit cards, and checks have been the go-to payment methods for decades, but they’re no longer the only ones customers expect. People want faster, more flexible ways to pay, and they’re more likely to choose businesses that make the process easiest for them.
Whether you’re accepting payments at a storefront, in the field, or online, offering modern options can help you get paid quicker, improve the customer experience, and simplify your day-to-day operations.
What it is: A secure payment link sent directly by text message.
Why customers like it: It’s quick, convenient, and doesn’t require an app, account, or login. They can pay from anywhere, right on their phone.
Why it’s good for business: It speeds up collections, reduces back-and-forth, and works especially well for service-based businesses and healthcare providers who bill after the appointment.
What it is: Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, along with tap-to-pay cards and devices.
Why customers like it: It’s fast, secure, and built into their smartphones. Many people now prefer tapping a phone or smartwatch over pulling out a card.
Why it’s good for business: Contactless payments speed up checkout lines and create a smoother experience, which helps boost customer satisfaction and retention.
What it is: An installment payment option offered at checkout.
Why customers like it: BNPL makes larger purchases more affordable by splitting the cost into smaller, more manageable payments. It’s especially popular with younger shoppers and budget-conscious consumers.
Why it’s good for business: It increases conversions, lifts average order value, and removes price as a barrier without requiring the business to offer discounts or deals.
What it is: A scannable code that brings the customer to a hosted payment page.
Why customers like it: There’s no need to handle cards or cash. It’s fast, easy, and works well in settings where quick service matters.
Why it’s good for business: It’s an affordable way to offer contactless payments, especially for restaurants, pop-ups, and any business that needs a simple, touch-free checkout solution.
Customers expect options. The more flexible, seamless, and secure your payment experience is, the more likely they are to complete a purchase and return in the future. For your business, offering these newer payment methods means getting paid faster, reducing manual processes, and standing out in a crowded market.
At Propelr, we help businesses keep up with how customers want to pay without making things complicated on the backend. From text-to-2pay to tap-to-pay, we make it easy to modernize your payments and stay ahead.
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This post breaks down the difference between EMV chip transactions and NFC contactless payments, covering what each one protects against, how the EMV liability shift can put fraud losses on your business if your terminals are outdated, and what it means for your checkout experience either way.
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This post dissects everything that happens during a card transaction, step by step, starting with the moment a customer pays and ending when funds are deposited into the merchant's account. Along the way, it covers authorization, batching, settlement, and where interchange fees come into play.
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Ever wonder what actually happens when a customer swipes their card? Five key players work together behind the scenes: the issuing bank, the card brands, the processor, the payment gateway, and the sponsor bank. This breakdown covers who's who and what each one is responsible for.
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