How to improve checkout conversion rates in your online store
January 9, 2026With more people buying on their phones each year, South Africa’s online shopping industry continues to grow. In light of that, WooCommerce is a top choice for businesses because it’s flexible and easy to manage. But the payment methods you offer can either lead to a sale or turn into an abandoned cart.
According to Media Update, 23% of shoppers cite a complex checkout process as a cause of cart abandonment, 6% blame limited payment options, and 4% say it’s due to failed card payments. That’s why offering an effective mix of online payment methods is now essential.
This guide covers the best payment options for WooCommerce, key eCommerce trends to look out for and practical ways to optimise your checkout experience for more sales.
Ready to streamline your WooCommerce payments? Chat to one of our Payments Advisors.
Best online payment methods in South Africa for WooCommerce
Now that you’re all done integrating your WooCommerce payment gateway of choice, it’s time to pick the best methods of payment to offer your customers. This isn’t a difficult exercise, but it is an extremely important one. Here’s a quick overview of the top online payment methods in SA.
1. Card payments
Card payments are one of the most trusted ways to pay online in South Africa. Customers can use Visa or Mastercard cards issued by local banks. Every transaction must be PCI-DSS compliant and go through an extra security layer, 3D Secure, which helps prevent payment fraud.
2. Instant EFTs
Instant EFT lets customers pay directly from their bank account via online banking and mobile apps. When a customer wants to pay, a third-party payment provider, such as Ozow, facilitates an immediate bank-to-bank transfer between your Netcash account and their bank account.
3. QR code payments
QR code payments are rapidly growing in South Africa because customers love speed. Shoppers can use their bank app or digital wallet, scan a QR code, and confirm. No typing. No risk of card data breaches. Popular apps include SnapScan, Zapper, and major banking apps.
4. Payment Links
This method allows you to send customers a payment link via email, SMS, or WhatsApp. They can pay using any method you offer, including QR code, even if they are not on your website. Sending payment requests works well for one-time transactions and recurring billing, such as for subscription services. It’s also ideal for sales made over the phone and on social media.
5. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)
Buy Now, Pay Later is taking the South African eCommerce industry by storm. It helps customers split payments into often interest-free instalments. Its popularity is high among budget-conscious and younger shoppers, who cannot afford to make large, once-off purchases.
BNPL is also popular among merchants as the service provider assumes the risk of non-payment. However, there are some indirect threats. BNPL transaction fees are higher than traditional methods, and looming regulatory changes are worth keeping an eye on.
Benefits of using Netcash for WooCommerce payments
Nectash is an all-in-one solution for businesses looking to boost their eCommerce sales. It works smoothly with WooCommerce and eliminates the need for many plugins or providers.
1. Multiple payment options
You can offer cards, Instant EFT, QR payments, and Payment Links with one plugin. Customers choose the method that suits them during checkout, which often increases the number of successful payments. Accepting online payments through a credit facility, such as Buy Now, Pay Later, also allows larger purchases from budget-friendly buyers, boosting your store’s revenue.
2. Seamless integration
Netcash’s Payment Gateway WooCommerce plugin installs in minutes. You simply connect your Netcash account and enable your customers’ preferred payment methods. There is no complex setup or detailed technical work. The checkout experience fits naturally into WooCommerce.
3. Enhanced security
Every card transaction uses 3D Secure. Bank-to-bank payments use verified authentication, or an AVS (Account Verification Service) . Netcash also applies advanced fraud monitoring to help protect your store, and all transactions are PCI-DSS and POPIA compliant.
4. Simplified reconciliation
Netcash offers one settlement stream and one consolidated report. This removes the confusion of matching multiple payment providers. You can see every successful and failed transaction in one place. This is one of the top benefits of integrating your software with the Netcash API.
5. Supports subscription and recurring payments
If you run a subscription business, Netcash supports recurring payments on WooCommerce. It helps you manage memberships, repeat orders, and retainer services without manual billing.
Ready to accept online payments through popular methods? Get started with Netcash.
Best practices to optimise your WooCommerce checkout
Now that you’re all set to accept WooCommerce payments via Netcash, here are some best practices to ensure a smooth checkout, larger basket sizes, and improved customer trust.
- Show all accepted payment method logos at checkout.
- Use a clean, mobile-friendly checkout layout.
- Reduce form fields as much as possible.
- Enable guest checkout so customers do not need to create an account.
- Keep your WooCommerce and Netcash plugin updated.
- Test your checkout flow regularly on both desktop and mobile.
- Use fast hosting so your checkout loads without delay.
- Make sure your site is secure with an SSL certificate.
Emerging South African eCommerce payment trends
South African shoppers are changing how they buy online, and if you don’t update your processes, you will fall behind. Here are some key trends and eCommerce statistics to watch.
- Mobile-first design: Most online purchases now happen on mobile phones. Your WooCommerce checkout must load fast and be touch-friendly.
- A seamless payment experience boosts conversions: Customers want payment methods that go through instantly. This includes Instant EFT, QR code, and card payments with fast and secure authentication.
- AI-driven personalisation vs human touch: Shoppers enjoy personalised product suggestions. But they still want human support when they have payment questions or concerns. Chatbots work, but nothing beats being able to email or call a staffer.
- Cybersecurity remains a top concern: Customers expect secure platforms, verified gateways, with visible security features and trust signals such as “PCI-DSS compliant” and “3D Secure”. They want strong authentication, but without complicated steps.
- Social commerce and influencer marketing are on the rise: Many customers find products on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Using Payment Links and Scan-to-Pay services helps you turn these interactions into instant sales.
- Facilitating cross-border payments: As a major economic hub on the African continent, many shoppers (especially in Southern Africa) are willing to buy from SA. Providers that support global cards and stable settlement are becoming essential.
Boost conversions and increase shopping baskets today! Contact Netcash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to accept WooCommerce payments with Netcash?
If you want a simple way to accept every major South African payment method on WooCommerce, Netcash is the top choice. You install one plugin, and get access to multiple payment options. Plus, you give customers a fast, secure checkout that supports real growth.
Want to process top payment methods and boost conversions.
Contact Netcash today!
Author:
Bennie Bester
Solutions Architect
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Bennie Bester is a Solutions Architect at Netcash, specialising in designing and implementing innovative payment and integration solutions. With a passion for technology and efficiency, Bennie focuses on creating seamless systems that empower businesses to simplify payments, improve processes, and scale with confidence.
