Invisible Payments:

Customers expect a seamless payment experience. For some time, the two mainstay options have been going to the store or online shopping where payment is made via a checkout page. These lines are becoming more blurred than ever.

Increasingly, customers do not want to share their personal information to pay. They can send money through payment options like Zelle, or information can be scanned from eWallet or smart phone applications, making checkout sites pretty much disappear. APIs allow for a streamlined mobile experience, where it barely takes a moment to validate a purchase. Invisible payments are becoming the norm especially among millennials and Generation Z.

Everywhere Payments:

With the ease and efficiency of payments, more industries will implement faster, new and more frequent payments. For example, there is greater opportunity for intelligent tolls. Setting up large manual tollways is no larger necessary. More frequent readings on utility meters is also more automated. Ability exists to pay more often should the industry choose to change their billing practices.

Digital Generations:

Millennials and Gen Z-ers don’t see invisible payments as an option, but necessary part of life. Businesses need to think how to become fully digital in order to meet expectations. If a company does not think that is an option, the digital generation will find another to suit the convenience they crave. Although digital invoicing and policy updates are not new, many companies still mainly provide paper statements. This is not only inconvenient for the digital generation, but inefficient for businesses. Digital invoicing allows them to streamline A/R and A/P and reduce unnecessary float and costly uncollected funds.

Cross-border eCommerce

Only accepting domestic payments is becoming inhibiting for businesses. More than ever companies need to be able to convert currency quickly through digital payment channels. Companies that figure this out will have a competitive edge.

Fraud

With more digital activity, more fraud exists. Companies will need to become innovative and stay up to date on the latest security methods while accepting digital, including invisible payments. Artificial Intelligence is on the rise in this arena. Companies should educate themselves on how to protect their business and their clients as schemes become more complex and faster.
For more information on how to protect your business against payments fraud, please contact Mel M. Toy, CTP.