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Choosing a mobile payments system
Going mobile makes for an elevated customer experience and one sure to drive higher conversions.
We know the way customers pay is always evolving, and businesses must evolve with it. With smartphones in nearly every pocket, mobile payments have become a vital part of the customer journey. Whether through an app, a mobile POS device, or Tap to Pay, the right system ensures speed, security, and convenience.
Choosing the right mobile payments system depends on your business model, integration needs, and customer expectations.
What are mobile payments?
Mobile payments allow customers to make purchases using a smartphone or tablet instead of traditional methods like cash or physical cards. These can take many forms: in-app transactions, mobile wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, and contactless Tap-to-Pay experiences.
Check out how we helped Joe & The Juice pivot to app-based purchases.
How do mobile payment systems work?
The various technologies powering mobile payments are simple, secure and widely adopted across the world.
Near field communication (NFC) technology
Transacting via mobile payment systems allows money to be transferred and payments made without the use of a physical card. NFC acts as the connection between two devices in close proximity to one another. The mobile device, using a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay™️ will connect with the store’s POS terminal, and complete the payment.
QR codes
Customer generated QR codes offer another means through which mobile payments can be received, with the merchant simply scanning the code to receive the funds.
Network tokens
Network tokens help store and process the shopper’s payment data. This is made possible with mobile payment tokenization, which lets you capture and reuse card details via an encrypted token - so you don’t have to worry about storing sensitive payment data.
What are the advantages of mobile payment systems?
Simply put, mobile means convenience, and convenience is key in today’s economy. The more convenient it is for customers to pay, the higher the satisfaction and subsequently, the higher your revenue will be.
Increased revenue
Customers uncomfortable with prolonged periods in stores will be more inclined to shop in environments they know are mobile-efficient, leading to higher sales for mobile leaders.
According to McKinsey, retailers with the highest offerings of touchless automation, both in-store and in warehouses, can expect a clear competitive advantage going forward.
Happy customers
For both a staffer and a customer, having a mobile terminal in hand means keeping the conversation going right to the end, an experience that’s frankly more fun for both parties. 46% of consumers agree that “skipping the line and paying directly with a sales assistant’s mobile payment terminal” would increase their likelihood of completing a purchase.
Loyalty
Additionally, you can connect your loyalty program to their payment card so customers can earn points without having to dig around in their wallets for additional cards or stamp booklets.
Choosing between Adyen’s mobile payment solutions
Adyen offers flexible options to help businesses accept mobile payments easily:
Mobile SDK
The mobile SDK integrates payments directly into your app, creating a seamless customer experience. Ideal for businesses that want full customization and control.
Adyen Payments App
The Adyen Payments App allows businesses to accept Tap-to-Pay without additional hardware. This is a quick and reliable way to start taking payments with minimal technical setup.
Tap to Pay
With Tap to Pay, merchants can turn Android devices into payment terminals. Customers simply tap their card or mobile wallet, and the transaction is processed instantly.
Mobile POS
For businesses that want more hardware-based setups, mobile POS devices with card readers are available. This solution provides the flexibility of mobile while supporting chip and PIN transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are mobile payments? Mobile payments are transactions completed through mobile devices, including in-app checkouts, Tap to Pay, and mobile wallet solutions.
Q2: Are mobile payments secure? Yes. They use tokenization, encryption, and biometric authentication for maximum protection.
Q3: Which Adyen solution is best for small businesses? The Adyen Payments App is ideal for businesses that want fast setup with minimal integration.
Q4: How does Tap to Pay work? Tap to Pay allows customers to tap their card or mobile wallet on an Android device to complete a payment.
Q5: Can I integrate mobile payments into my existing app? Yes, with the Adyen Mobile SDK, you can embed payment functionality directly into your app.
Q6: Do mobile payments work internationally? Yes. Adyen’s mobile payment solutions are designed for global scalability, supporting multiple currencies and regions.