The realm of payments is undergoing rapid transformation. If you're a business proprietor, chances are you're familiar with integrated payments, non-integrated payments, ACH transfers, and other methods. In this guide, we'll explore embedded payments, a cutting-edge aspect of the evolving payments landscape. The global digital payment market is expected to reach a volume of around $14.78 trillion by 2027 showing a growth of 11.58% during the forecast period (2024 - 2027). This means that embedded payment is going to be the talk of the town and SaaS and non-financial companies will be updating their suites to meet the demand businesses have for sophisticated financial solutions.


What are embedded payments?

Embedded payments refer to financial transactions seamlessly integrated within a software application, platform, or website. This allows users to make payments without the need to leave or interrupt their primary digital activity. Embedded payments involve the incorporation of financial services directly into a product, platform, or process, providing users with a unified and seamless journey.In contrast to conventional payment methods that require users to be redirected to a third-party site for transaction completion, embedded payments seamlessly take place within the existing user interface, avoiding any noticeable transitions.

An embedded payment processor is software inherently integrated into the suite of products offered by a Software as a Service (SaaS) company, facilitating a smooth checkout workflow. There are many payment gateways in India providing comprehensive solutions for various aspects of the business, encompassing payment processing. Businesses employing the embedded model have control over every stage of the customer journey, guaranteeing a streamlined experience from order placement to the point of sale and through the checkout process.

How Do Embedded Payments Work?

While shopping, customers often overlook the intricacies of a transaction when making a purchase. Typically, attention is drawn only when issues arise, such as a sluggish card reader causing delays in processing payments, a payment decline despite no account issues, or waiting while the cashier troubleshoots terminal malfunctions.

  • During in-person transactions at the point of sale, customers utilize methods such as tapping, swiping, or inserting their cards. Alternatively, they may employ a digital wallet for payment. In the online realm, customers input their credit card details into an embedded payment form within the website.

  • In online transactions, the embedded payment provider securely transmits the data. Whether the transaction occurs online or in person, the provider confirms with the card's issuing bank the availability of funds for processing the transaction.

  • The customer's account is charged, and the funds are transferred to the merchant account. The sale is then automatically logged into your point-of-sale (POS) system.

Embedded Payment Processing

Payment processing involves more complexity than is commonly perceived, but embedded payments streamline the entire process, making it more straightforward.

Let's understand it in Steps:

1. Transaction Initiation

The process commences when a user opts to start a transaction, which could involve activities such as buying a product, subscribing to a service, or dividing a dinner bill among friends. Operating within the selected platform, be it an app, online marketplace, or digital service, the user chooses their intended action. Subsequently, this triggers a signal or request to the backend system of the platform to initiate the payment processing.

2. Secure Authentication

Following that, the platform must verify the user's identity, a crucial step to guarantee the security and integrity of the transaction. Advanced encryption and tokenization techniques are commonly utilized by most embedded payment systems. Instead of retaining sensitive card information, these systems utilize distinctive tokens that serve as representations of the card data. This approach ensures that the actual card details remain secure, even in the rare event of a breach.

3. Connecting With Payment Gateway

Upon successful authentication, the system establishes communication with a payment gateway. This gateway, functioning as a secure channel, ensures the safe and prompt exchange of transaction details. Its primary role is to facilitate the interaction between the platform and the card networks or banks, contributing to the validation and approval of the transaction.

4. Transaction Process

The best payment gateways in India immediately communicate with the user's bank or card network to confirm the availability of funds. The bank examines the transaction details, ensuring its legitimacy and the presence of adequate funds, before transmitting an approval back through the payment gateway.

5. Transaction Confirmation

Upon receiving approval from the bank, the payment gateway conveys this information to the backend of the platform. Subsequently, the user is promptly provided with a confirmation, often in real-time, signalling the success of the transaction. This entire process, encompassing multiple steps and entities, typically transpires within mere seconds, underscoring the efficiency of embedded payment systems.

6. Settlement and reconciliation

Behind the scenes, subsequent processes are initiated post-transaction. These encompass settlement, wherein funds move from the customer's bank to the merchant's bank account, and reconciliation, where businesses verify that their records align with bank statements and transaction logs. Contemporary embedded payment systems frequently automate these procedures, simplifying financial management for businesses and minimizing errors.

7. Continuous Monitoring and Feedback

Continuous monitoring is applied to embedded payment systems to uphold the utmost standards of security and efficiency. This encompasses transaction tracking, analyzing patterns for potentially fraudulent activities, and collecting user feedback to continually enhance the system. Although embedded payments may appear straightforward – just a click and it's done – behind this seemingly simple action lies a sophisticated and highly orchestrated network of systems and protocols.

Benefits of Embedded Payment

Embedded payments offer a myriad of benefits for businesses, streamlining transactions and enhancing user experiences. The seamless integration within platforms reduces friction in the payment process, fostering user satisfaction and trust. Furthermore, the inherent security features, automated post-transaction processes, and efficient fund settlement contribute to enhanced financial management. With their ability to remain virtually invisible, embedded payments empower businesses to provide a frictionless and secure payment environment, ultimately driving growth and success in the digital landscape. There are the following key advantages of embedded payments:

The comprehensive guide on understanding embedded payment has highlighted the intricate world of embedded payments, offering merchants a thorough understanding of the processes, benefits, and security measures associated with this innovative payment solution. The blog underscores the efficiency and security of embedded payment systems, illuminating the ability to streamline financial operations and enhance the overall user experience. As merchants navigate the evolving landscape of digital transactions, embracing the marvel of embedded payments is not just a convenience but a strategic advantage in fostering trust, efficiency, and success in the dynamic realm of e-commerce.

FAQ

  • Q1. What are embedded payments?

      Embedded payments refer to seamlessly integrated financial transactions within software applications or platforms, enabling users to make payments without disrupting their primary digital activities.

  • Q2. How do embedded payments benefit businesses?

      Embedded payments streamline transactions, reduce friction in the payment process, enhance user experiences, and provide efficient financial management through features like automated post-transaction processes and secure fund settlement.

  • Q3. What sets embedded payments apart?

      The unique advantage of embedded payments lies in their near-invisibility, integrating smoothly into platforms and creating a seamless user journey, fostering trust and success in the digital realm.

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