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Every e-commerce website wishes to become the champion of the digital world by offering the best electronic payment systems to its customers. Electronic payment systems have altogether transformed how we make payments today, from completing every transaction face-to-face at the shop to now moving money with just a few taps. With electronic payments in the picture, you can skip worrying about losing physical cash. Simply scan the QR code and make the payment using the balance in your e-wallet, with no tension of feeding your card details every time. This shift has made everyday transactions faster and simpler, thereby opening doors for businesses to reach customers not just across the city but across the nation, too.
What is an Electronic Payment?
Electronic payment simply means any transaction conducted via the internet, without the use of physical cash. There are multiple electronic payment methods: debit card, credit card, UPI, e-wallets, net banking, buy now pay later, and mobile banking. For example, if you make a purchase on any e-commerce site like Zomato, Flipkart, or Myntra and pay your bill online through any of the above-mentioned payment methods, it means you have executed an electronic payment.
What is an Electronic Payment System?
An electronic payment system is a digital mechanism for exchanging funds digitally, making it a convenient and speedy way to transfer payments. Electronic payment systems replace the traditional way of spending money, offering more security and quick fund transfer to anyone sitting away in another city or country. With electronic payment, security measures like encryption and authentication ensure that every transaction is secure and reliable.
E-payment systems are used by both individuals and companies to pay for internet purchases, bills, in-store transactions, and bank transfers. Additionally, EPS is used for all investment activities, including loan credits, insurance premiums, mutual fund payments, EMI payments, and more.
How Does an Electronic Payment System Work?
An electronic payment system works by facilitating a transfer from one account to the other without the use of physical cash. The merchant’s bank and the customer’s bank, with the help of a payment gateway, actively coordinate to process and complete the transaction smoothly.
Below are concise and clear steps explaining how an electronic payment system works in real time:
- Initiating a Payment
The customer selects the type of purchase they want to make, initiates the transaction, and moves towards the checkout page. Once the checkout page has popped up, the customer is given an option to choose their preferred mode of payment from options like debit/credit card, UPI ID, e-wallet, etc. Once accurate information is entered, a digital action is triggered to proceed with the payment. From this step, the electronic payment cycle begins.
- Payment Gateway Activates
Once the payment has been processed from the customer’s end, the payment gateway partner becomes active and starts to securely collect the bank details and verifies the same with the bank for validation. Once the customer’s bank verifies a sufficient balance in the account, it validates that the transfer can be securely made to the merchant’s bank account. A payment gateway guarantees secure and private electronic transactions by encrypting user data and using two-step verification, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected from start to finish.
- Transaction Successfully Processed
Once the payment is validated by payment partners, the transaction is processed, and the amount is successfully transferred from the customer’s bank account to the merchant’s account. Once transferred, the amount may be reflected in the merchant’s account on the same day or on T+1 or T+2, depending on the payment gateway. With this, the electronic payment process is completed.
Types of Electronic Payment Systems
Since the government has taken the initiative to promote people to go digital, several sectors have evolved to support this transformation. The payment sector has come up with payment systems that are helping millions of people online to make transactions. With each passing year, the use of electronic payment systems is increasing, thereby reducing the need for physical cash. Below are some commonly used electronic payment systems:
1. Credit and Debit Cards
Credit and debit cards are provided by banks to their account holders and are among the oldest and most trusted forms of digital payment. They have been widely accepted for years and continue to be relied on by millions of people. These cards offer the convenience of digital transactions while still providing the familiarity of traditional, physical payment methods. Customers simply enter their secure card details or tap their card on the POS machine to complete the payment. The difference between fund transfer of debit and credit is, with debit card, the funds are automatically and instantly deducted from your bank account and credited to the merchant’s bank. While with a credit card, the bank allows you to make payments on credit and settle the outstanding amount later when the bill is generated.
2. Internet Banking (Net Banking)
After debit and credit cards, the next mode of payment widely accepted by people is Internet banking. With internet banking access, the account holder can pay bills, such as electricity or water, within a few seconds. With internet banking, transferring money or making a purchase online can be done without visiting any branch or store. Every authorised and reliable bank uses advanced verification methods, like OTPs and two-factor authentication, to ensure your every transaction is secure.
3. Mobile Wallets
Mobile wallets, or e-wallets, are a method of payment that can be availed digitally using an electronic payment app such as Google Pay, Bhim UPI (government-funded), Paytm, PhonePe, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay. E-wallets simplify your everyday expenses, like fuel payments, groceries, and paying at local malls. You can make your quick payment by scanning and entering the amount and selecting the mode of e-wallet, and the payment is instantly deducted and received by the merchant’s bank. Mobile wallets are digital wallets that replace the burden of carrying heavy physical cash.
4. UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
A unified payment interface (UPI) has truly transformed India into a global leader in electronic payment systems. UPI has the ability to operate 24×7, with instant payments and literally zero transfer charges, all happening in real time. With UPI payments, you do not have to worry about entering card details along with the IFSC code and multiple OTPs; all you have to do is set your secure UPI PIN, and that’s it. The first time you open a UPI app, all it needs is your phone number and a few basic details. Log in, enter your phone number, and link your bank account, and voila! Now make payments on the go, anytime, anywhere, by just entering the amount and the UPI PIN.
5. Electronic Fund Transfer Systems (NEFT/RTGS/IMPS)
This is one of the simplest modes of transfer; just select the type of transfer you wish to make, enter the amount, and proceed. NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS* are banking transfer systems available in mobile banking apps and online banking. These have been designed to transfer funds from one bank to another, using proper bank and account holder details. Let us understand the meaning of each mode.
- NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) is used for scheduled or deferred transfers.
- RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) is for high-value transfer, where money moves from one bank to another in real time, instantly.
- IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) enables real-time transfers, 24×7, including on nights and holidays.
*Note: The only time the above-mentioned methods can delay your payments is when your bank is undergoing scheduled maintenance. This usually happens at midnight to minimise disruption and ensure customers do not face inconvenience during regular banking hours.
Features of an Electronic Payment System
An electronic payment system is defined by its ability to transfer funds in a secure and convenient manner. It should ensure every digital transfer offers security and efficiency. Here is the list of the key features of the electronic payment system.
- Speed with real-time processing
With the electronic payment system, the payments are processed within seconds, which once took hours or days to get transferred to the receiver’s account. This is best for businesses that function on fast checkouts and for customers who expect to get payment confirmation to reach them instantly.
- Security & Fraud Detection
Encryption, two-factor authentication, tokenisation, OTP verification through phone number and email ID, and PCI-DSS compliance help protect sensitive customer financial information. The Cashfree payment system is robust enough to protect the sensitive data of the account holders, like card details and bank account details.
- Integration into business websites
When going live with your online business, the payment integration on your website is critical. With payment integration, you can make payments without worrying about any malware or fraudulent activities. Simply choose the electronic payment system and directly link your bank account, and seamlessly make payments. Most electronic payment modes can be integrated with e-commerce websites, apps, or management software. With reliable and secure integration, the manual work and cart abandonment are reduced, leading to more successful checkouts.
- Reports and Analysis
Every transaction made by the customers can be viewed by the merchant on the dashboard provided by the payment partner. With the help of this, you can easily keep a digital record of logs, invoices, and receipts for easy reconciliation. Additionally, with the help of deep analysis, you can track your profit margins, assist in maintaining accounts, file taxes, and reduce disputes that can cause damage to your business.
Advantages of Electronic Payment Systems
Electronic payment systems offer benefits beyond mere fund transfer. They support financial growth, enhance customer experience, and help businesses scale. Some significant advantages include:
1. Time saving and improved efficiency
The electronic payment system has saved significant time and improved efficiency, moving from long queues, cheque writing, and repeated cash counting to online processing within seconds. All of this would be possible only with a reliable payment gateway integrated into the electronic payment systems. This has likely led to higher customer productivity and greater profits for merchants, reducing delays and manual processing.
2. Enhances Customer satisfaction
Customers appreciate the speed, flexibility, and convenience of sending funds instantly from the comfort of their homes. If your payment partner is trustworthy and secure, it ensures that customers feel confident making payments. The ability to pay via QR code, UPI, or mobile wallets creates a seamless experience that encourages returning customers and brand loyalty.
3. Builds credibility and minimises risk
Since these systems use encryption, two-factor authentication, enable software known for fraud detection, and ensure secure authorisation, customers feel more confident in uploading their financial information. Any new or old online business would benefit more if they were able to provide their customers with an environment where they feel their financial details are secure, thereby reducing cart abandonment.
4. Motivates to expand business
Online payments enable businesses to expand globally and overcome geographic barriers. A business originating in one city can now sell its items to customers nationwide or go global. International currencies, UPI connections, and payment gateways enable firms to expand outside a physical location.
5. Affordable Transactions
Most electronic payment systems do not charge customers for payments, especially UPI or e-wallets. So, the customer can conveniently make as many transactions as they wish to.
6. Advocates a cash-free payment mode
Digital transactions create cleaner financial records, which help avoid hidden cash-based dealings. This supports transparency, reduces tax complications, and contributes to a more accountable economic environment.
FAQs about Electronic Payment System
- Are transactions made through the electronic payment system secure?
Yes, electronic payment systems are secure, as their priority is to provide their users with an encrypted server, following two-factor authentication and regular security and software updates.
- How do I choose the best payment option for my business?
Consider factors like how much traffic and transaction volume you are expecting, what payment types would be best for your customers, how much onboarding fee you would be able to bear, and the compatibility of the electronic system on customers’ mobiles.
- Why are people inclined towards electronic payment systems?
It allows customers to make transactions 24×7, with no extra charges. Electronic payment systems offer cashless payments along with security and the ability to check their digital transaction history, allowing better financial tracking for both customers and merchants.
- Are electronic payments safe for processing international transactions?
Yes, using electronic payments for international transactions is a common behaviour in India. Make sure to choose a payment gateway that supports international payments, and every payment is secure and regulated. Be aware of any charges that may be incurred for foreign transactions.
- What are the types of electronic payment systems in India?
Some widely used electronic payment systems are credit and debit cards, mobile banking or internet banking, ACH transfers, UPI payment mode, and buy now pay later.
