As more and more merchants and consumers turn to eCommerce and online shopping, the need for digital payment services naturally increases. Being up to speed with new methods of payment helps your business evolve to be competitive and profitable in today’s ever-growing marketplace. 

This is where good knowledge about digital payment solutions comes in handy. It’s an excellent benefit to any eCommerce store that wants to increase customer experience and draw more online consumers while boosting profit.   

If you’re running an eCommerce business, keeping up with all the latest digital payment trends, methods, and how to use them can be overwhelming. This guide will cover everything you need to know about using digital payment solutions, methods, and platforms in South Africa.

P.S.: Learn how to set up online payments next.  

What are digital payment services? | An in-depth look 

If you’re new to eCommerce, you’re probably wondering what digital payment services are. Also known as electronic payment services, it’s a way of accepting payments securely online through a payment gateway.   

Now, that is just the basic premise, but it involves different payment methods, aggregators, providers, and trends. We’ll cover these in more detail throughout this guide. 

Types of Digital Payment Methods in South Africa: 

Electronic payments encapsulate any method that allows two parties to transfer money as digital currency via digital payment technologies. Below are the types of digital payments you can distinguish: 

• Electronic payments systems: Bank transfers and EFTs. 
• Mobile payment applications: Netcash, PayPal, Paygate, Peach Payments, etc.   
• Digital wallets/e-wallets: Google Pay, Apple Pay, SnapScan, Zapper, etc. These digital wallets are gaining traction across South Africa, offering secure, contactless payment options.
• Digital cards: Credit, debit, and prepaid cards. 
• Contactless Payments: Using near-field communication, card-holders can tap their cards instead of swiping to make instant payments at physical stores and without entering a PIN.  
• Peer-to-peer digital payments: Payments that are made through payment gateways to link customers directly to a merchant’s bank account. P2P payments allow you to send money to someone’s account while still keeping their account details private. PayShap is a good example of this method, as you simply use a mobile number to send or receive money without needing to provide banking details via your mobile banking app.  
• Payment links: These work by sending your customers a unique link that takes them to a secure payment portal.  

Here’s a look at monetary payment methods that do not count as digital:  

• Point-of-sale transactions (like card machines at till points) 
• Cash transactions 

Customers are increasingly looking for convenient and secure ways to make payments online, and digital payments processing plays an integral role in this. Business owners aware of this demand are scrambling to integrate digital payments into their operations. Are you among them? 

What is a digital payment? 

So, what is a digital payment? These are payments made via digital or online means. When making online payments, no exchange of cash occurs.   

Digital payments are also referred to as electronic payments. The payer (person making the payment) transfers money from their payment account to the payee’s (the person receiving the transfer) account.  

For your customers to make payments online, you need a payment gateway. This technology facilitates secure online transactions, so your virtual cash register rings with each successful sale. 

Payment gateways 

Payment gateways allow you to seamlessly and securely process online transactions. Think of them as intermediaries that act as a bridge between your customers’ payment information and your merchant account. This piece of technology encrypts sensitive information, like credit card details your customers type in, to protect them from potential threats online.  

As you can imagine, your customers entering their credit (or debit card) information, like card numbers, expiry dates, and CVV (card verification value) numbers, is them trusting their sensitive financial information with you. Using a secure and reputable payment gateway will help encrypt their data and securely transmit it to their accounts for authorisation.  

When they approve the transaction, the funds will be transferred from their account to your merchant account. And there you have it; the transaction will be complete. 

Payment processors and payment processing explained 

Up till now, you’ve gotten a bit of an understanding of payment gateways and the important role they play in digital payments processing. You’ll uncover more information on payment processors and how payments processing works as you continue reading.  

What is a payment processor? 

A payment processor is a company that facilitates online transactions by acting as a mediator between both the customer’s and the business’s banks. It helps transfer funds securely and accurately. 

How the online payment process works 

When your customer clicks “checkout,” what follows is a series of events that ensure a smooth and secure online transaction. Below, you’ll find a simplified breakdown of the process. Online or web payment processing works in the following way:  

• Your customer clicks “checkout” to clear their cart: This is when they choose any of the available payment options, be it credit/debit card or Instant EFT. Then, they enter their payment details, which typically include their card number, cardholder name, card expiry date, and CVV (card verification value) number.

• The payment gateway authorises the transaction: After checking out and entering their payment details, the payment gateway acts as a secure intermediary. It encrypts the sensitive information your customer has entered and sends it to the payments processor.

• The payments processor verifies the information: Once the payments processor receives the customer information, it then verifies these details with the customer’s bank. This bank is also referred to as an “issuing bank,” which is the financial institution that issued the card to the customer.

• Success! Transaction approved: When the payments processor has successfully verified the customer’s information, the issuing bank approves the transaction and authorises the transfer of funds to the merchant’s account.

• Transfer of funds to the merchant’s account: The payments processor sends details of the authorisation to the merchant’s bank. Also known as the “acquiring bank,” it then transfers these authorised funds to the merchant’s account.

• The customer is notified of the transaction being successful: Finally, the merchant is notified of the transaction being successful and sends the customer a confirmation.  

Who is involved in electronic payment processing? 

As mentioned earlier, a payer makes the online payment to the payee. But these aren’t the only participants. Below, you’ll find the different parties involved in the process. 

Payer/Customer 

The payer is the customer. This is the person paying for the goods or services you sell. Let’s say you run a small accounting firm. An example would be a business paying you for accounting and payroll services. 

Payee/Business 

The payee is the business (i.e., your company) receiving funds from the customer in exchange for goods or services. Following the example above, your organisation (i.e., the small accounting firm) would be the payee. 

Payment gateway 

Payment gateways facilitate online transactions by transmitting payment information between the web portal and the bank. If you had an online store with Netcash Shop for your small business, it would have Netcash’s eCommerce payment gateway automatically installed, and this would process your customers’ transactions from your website to your merchant account.. 

Merchant accounts 

For your business to receive and collect online payments, you need a merchant account. This business bank account allows you to accept electronic payments from customers. Major banks like Standard Bank, First National Bank, ABSA, and Nedbank, to name a few, offer merchant accounts. Most payment gateways will also create a merchant account for you, and funds received from transactions via the gateway will all be securely deposited into this account. 

Security 

Online transactions involve a lot of sensitive financial information. Think CVV (card verification values) and card numbers, customer names, and residential addresses. As such, ensuring that digital payments are secure is paramount.  

The intermediaries that facilitate online payments, payment processors, play an important role in this regard. They help prevent fraudulent activities, securing customer data in the process. 

Online payment processing methods 

Different methods of online payments exist, but before you can offer these to your customers to make paying easier for them, it’s important to understand what they entail. The below will touch on them briefly and also explain their pros and cons. 

Credit/debit card 

Credit and debit card payments are the most widely used digital payment methods due to the convenience and security they offer merchants and customers alike. In addition, these help both parties avoid the hassle of carrying cash and the security risks of handling cash. 

Pros 

• Customers are most familiar with paying with a debit or credit card. 
• Credit and debit cards can offer protection against fraudulent transactions. 
• Helps businesses glean valuable customer insights. 
• Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across the world. 

Cons 

• More expensive to process online payments for credit and debit cards.  
• Also has a higher risk of chargebacks if customers dispute transactions. 

SA examples/brands 

Examples of this within the South African context include Mastercard and Visa. Statistics show that 51% of South African card holders had Visa cards in 2022. Mastercard trailed slightly behind at 47%. 

Scan-to-pay (QR) 

This type of online payment includes the use of QR (quick response) codes when making mobile payments. Customers can use their smartphones and scan to pay with a QR code. 

Pros 

• Scan-to-pay is simple and user-friendly.  
• Helps eliminate the need for customers to carry cards or cash. 
• Merchants also find them to be cost-effective. 
• Compatible with different mobile platforms. 
• Can reduce customers’ exposure to card skimming.

Cons  

• Compared to credit and debit cards, these aren’t as widely accepted.  
• Paying via QR codes may not be suitable for high-value transactions, such as paying for a house deposit or buying a car. 

SA examples/brands 

SnapScan, Masterpass, and Zapper are examples of the scan-to-pay payment service. Many retailers like Shoprite accept QR code payments. 

Tip: With Netcash, you can provide your customers with a single QR code which they can then use to choose almost any digital wallet app to pay with.  

Digital wallet 

Digital wallets, with certain banks and brands like Apple and Google, help securely store customers’ payment information, which they will then use for payment at a later stage. 

Pros 

• Feature enhanced security and offer convenience to users.  
• Digital wallets streamline the checkout process. 
• Allow for peer-to-peer transfers 
• Customers enjoy in-app purchases. 

Cons 

• Customers will have to set up and manage their digital wallets. 
• Not all merchants accept customers paying online in this way. 

SA examples/brands 

Digital wallets available to South Africans include Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay. Other wallets used in the country are Fitbit Pay and Garmin Pay. 

Contactless payments 

With a user’s credit or debit card information securely stored on their device (i.e., smartphone or smartwatch), contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay allow customers to pay transactions with their mobile device. All it takes is the wave of their phone, and that’s it. Payment made.
 

Another way customers can make contactless payments is simply holding their credit or debit card close to a speed point and paying. Also known as “tap and go,” contactless cards contain RFID (radio frequency identification) chips in them.  

SA examples/brands 

Banks that allow for contactless payments in South Africa include First National Bank, ABSA, and Standard Bank. It is estimated that contactless payments account for over 50% of digital transactions in the country. 

Buy now, pay later 

With buy now, pay later services (BNPL) such as PayJustNow, Payflex, Happy Pay, and more, customers have flexible options for online payments. These online payment services allow customers to pay for their purchases in instalments.   

Buy now, pay later allows customers to make payments spread over four weeks to three months (or even longer). What draws many customers to making online purchases this way is that they aren’t charged interest. 

SA examples/brands 

Buy now, pay later brands in South Africa include Payflex, PayJustNow, Happy Pay, and Float. Payflex allows customers to pay over six weeks in fortnightly instalments. With Float, customers can pay over 24 months.  

SA examples/brands 

Paying via Instant EFT has gained popularity as a swift and secure way to pay. Prime examples of Instant EFT services in South Africa include Ozow and banks’ own services via online banking.

Bank EFT 

Bank EFTs are also known as direct debits or direct deposits. This online payment method allows customers to authorise the deduction of recurring payments from their bank accounts. 

SA examples/brands 

Examples of South African companies and brands that offer bank EFTs include Standard Bank, ABSA, FNB, and more.

Secure and reliable digital payments processing with Netcash 

With the rise of eCommerce and online transactions, it is important to master digital payments. No longer a nicety (or necessity, for that matter), integrating online payment solutions with your offering is a strategic move for your business.  

Ready to make the move? Netcash is a reputable payment solutions provider with two decades of experience in the payments industry and can help you process digital payments with ease. Chat with Netcash to get started and discover how you can take your electronic payment process to the next level. 

How do online payments work?  

Every online payment involves the customer, the merchant, and the financial institutions of these two parties. Without payment gateways, online stores would have to sell their wares, then send the customer an invoice, wait for an EFT or cash payment, and then send off the products or complete the service.   

But there’s an easier way. Many online businesses have opted to involve payment processing partners such as Stripe, PayPal, Netcash, and Payfast.   

These third-party payment facilitators make things easier for you as a business owner and have many other benefits. For example, they enable customers to pay how they want –through bank cards, Instant EFTs, or digital wallets. It’s also instant payment, which creates less risk for businesses and more convenience for customers. 

Why should you set up and accept online payments on a website? 

From boosting customer trust, expanding globally, increasing security, and seamless transactions, here are some of the benefits of accepting digital payments:  

• Transfers happen quickly: Transfers between shoppers and merchants can occur within seconds, allowing efficient transactions. Otherwise, using more manual methods like EFTs can take more than 24 hours to clear.  
• It’s convenient: With a third-party processing partner, shoppers are less likely to leave your store because of long-winded steps just to buy a product.  
• It’s secure: Ordering online is safe thanks to end-to-end encryption between your business and customers. Payment processors also add security features, such as chargeback protection, fraud protection, setting limits, and flagging activity on your account.    
• Customers are happier: You can offer your customers various ways to pay for their purchases, increasing customer satisfaction.  
• Reach a wider audience: By providing online transaction services, people across South Africa and even the globe can purchase from your store.  
• Low transaction costs: With traditional payment setups, you’ll have to hire and pay front-desk employees to complete a transaction. Whereas with digital payments, transactions occur in an automated environment with low transaction costs.   
• Increase profits with Buy-Now-Pay-Later payment options: Opting to provide this payment method to customers could increase cart sizes. More and more shoppers prefer to pay smaller amounts over a certain period rather than one big amount.    

How to take online payments: The best way to receive money 

To set up an online payment system, one of the most secure and versatile methods is using a payment gateway. A payment gateway is one of the most secure and versatile ways to accept money online. For small businesses in South Africa, it’s much easier and more convenient to use third-party software rather than hiring an outside developer to create one for your website.   

This will save you money and time, especially as your business grows and transactions pile up. Also, many reputable payment gateways in South Africa are connected to influential companies and brands. You can offer a solid range of payment methods to help expand your audience and make it easier for customers to send you money.  

Pro Tip: Check out the top payment gateways in South Africa. 

Here are some common payment methods:   

1. Enable credit and debit card payments: Paying with debit or credit cards is still one of the most popular ways for consumers to complete online purchases. So, as a small business, you should ensure that your customers have this payment method as an option. You can use payment providers such as Payfast or Netcash Pay Now to facilitate these payments.

2. Receive money through mobile payments: As a small business owner who wants to thrive in the digital space, accepting money through mobile payments is an absolute must.

3. Receive recurring payments through subscriptions: Offering a subscription plan to your customer is one of the most efficient and rewarding ways to receive payments on a regular basis. Customers will give you the authority to deduct funds from their bank accounts automatically at regular intervals for as long as they require your goods or services. This is highly convenient as it lowers the stress of tracking invoices and payments and eliminates most human errors simultaneously.
4. Utilise payment links: Payment or checkout links are clickable and shareable URLs or scannable QR codes that allow customers to complete an online purchase. These secure links connect to personalised payment forms. These enable eCommerce businesses to accept payments on websites, messaging tools, and social media apps.   

Here’s how you can accept payment via links:

1. Generate your payment link using your payment gateway.  
2. Enter the customer’s contact details to share the payment link via SMS, WhatsApp, Email, or a scannable QR code.
3. Start accepting payments in real-time.  

Some excellent examples of apps that enable mobile payments in South Africa include SnapScan, Zapper, PayPal, and Nedbank PocketPOS – these make it easier for customers to send you money. These card payment solutions are ideal for small businesses in South Africa looking to grow.  

How to set up payments on a website 

Now it’s time to get into the main aim of this guide: How to set up online payments. Before we dive in, it’s important to note that you need to have eCommerce enabled on your website. You can use the Netcash eCommerce Payment Gateway to get you started if you haven’t got it integrated into your site yet.   

Ensure Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance 

Your website and payment processing setup need to comply with PCI DSS guidelines to protect your customer’s financial and bank account data. All third-party payment processors (TPPPs) should be PCI DSS compliant, and it’s important to check this and other security measures before signing up. 

Perform test transactions 

Before accepting online payments, ensure that everything works smoothly by performing test transactions. This will reveal if your processing system is working effectively under various scenarios. These can include scenarios like refunds, declined transactions, and successful payments.  

Setting up online payments without a third-party system 

Setting up payments on a website without third-party involvement can be far more complex. To make things easier for you, have a look at some of the steps you can take:   

1. Choose the right payment service provider (PSP) and sign up: We cover this step in depth in the next section, but you want to choose one that aligns with your needs and goals.

2. Explore the developer resources provided by the PSP: Use the developer resources offered by your chosen PSP to help integrate their payment solution into your eCommerce website.

3. Secure your website: You can add SSL encryption to ensure safe and secure communication between your customers and PSP during online transactions. You’ll achieve this by obtaining an SSL certificate and configuring it with your website.

4. Choose an integration method: These can include API integration (connecting two or more applications or systems), shopping cart plugins, or hosted payment pages.

5. Maintaining compliance: Ensure your integration aligns with PCI DSS compliance regulations.

6. Test the integration and go live: Once you’ve successfully tested the integration, you can go live with your PSP and update your website to enable real transactions and start accepting payments.  
   

Adding payment capability to your website 

How to integrate a payment gateway into your website:   

1. Choose a payment gateway 
2. Set up and FICA your merchant account 
3. Obtain API keys (unique codes for authenticating payments) 
4. Integrate the payment gateway into your website  
5. Test the payment gateway 
6. Go live 

Top payment integration options in South Africa  

• Netcash Payment Gateway 
• Payfast 
• PayU 
• PayGate 
• Yoco 
• Ozow 
• PayPal 
• SnapScan 
• Payflex 

There are many online payment services for small businesses in South Africa, each offering varying features and payment methods. When comparing these providers, look at integration options, supported payment methods, and fee structures to determine the best fit.

How to test if your online payment system is working 

Here are four tests you can perform to see if your payment system works:  

• Functional test: Ensure your system is behaving as it should. You can test the accuracy of placing orders, whether the calculations for orders placed are correct, whether the tax estimates are accurate, etc.  
• Integration test: See if the payment integration is working correctly on your eCommerce platform. This will help you to check if funds are received in your account, verify the placement of orders, and test voided and refunded transactions. 
• Performance test: You can test the performance of your system by allowing multiple users to interact with your online store. They can place orders, transfer money in various ways, use discount codes, etc. This will also reveal if your payment system can handle multiple transactions and other activities.  
• Security test: You must ensure that your customer’s sensitive information is safe, so you should test your encryption and data security first. Use cryptanalysis software, penetration testing tools, and security audits to determine any system weaknesses, vulnerabilities, or errors.  

What documentation is required in South Africa – per business type? 

Before accepting online payments in South Africa, you must have certain documents in place to comply with general FICA (Financial Intelligence Centre Act) and PASA (Payment Association of South Africa) laws.   

This is required as FICA acts as a legal framework to identify and combat unlawful activities relating to financial crimes. These include fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, identity theft, and terrorist financing activities.  

Close corporations: 

• Registration documents  
• Verification of Authority to submit application  
• Copy of CIPC registration documents (CK1) 
• Copy of Members’ ID’s 
• Proof of business address 
• Proof of banking details 

Sole Proprietor: 

• Copy of the most recent SARS document confirming registration with SARS (Income Tax) in a personal capacity (any document except an IRP5) 
• Copy of the Sole Proprietor ID document 
• Proof of business address 
• Proof of banking details (in a personal capacity) 

PASA documentation requirements for system operator authorisation: 

• Proof of your business’s physical address 
• An appropriate documented business continuity plan. 
• A properly documented disaster recovery plan.  
• Reports of any changes to management, ownership, and nature of business.  

FICA compliance documentation for all businesses: 

• Founding document. 
• Proof of business address, such as a utility bill (not older than three months). 
• Identity documents. 
• Resolution.  

How fees are deducted 

Most third-party payment processors deduct a transaction fee from the gross payments made by your customers. When customers pay you through a payment gateway, the platform will either deduct their transaction fee before the money lands in your merchant account or deduct the fee from the total received into the account  

How to pay out earnings 

Funds will appear in your merchant account 24 hours after the customer has paid you. Then, you can move these funds into your business account by clicking the “withdraw” button. Payment processors have different fees for withdrawals. 

How to take payments online: Choosing the right payment gateway or service provider  

Another significant factor to consider when adding online payments to your website is choosing the right payment service provider that suits your business needs in the long run. Depending on these needs, you can look at a few qualities different providers offer.  

Will they allow your business to accept other currencies? 

If you want to branch out globally at some point in the future, consider a payment service provider that supports multiple currencies. You don’t have to stress about this too much if you plan to sell within South Africa only. It’s important to note that most regional payment gateways do not offer foreign currency conversion – you will always be charging and receiving Rand payments, for example, with South African payment gateway providers. 

Can you customise your checkout experience? 

You’ll want to be able to customise your checkout page to match your brand to some extent. This will ensure a seamless checkout experience and foster trust, as customers might question your honesty if the payment page is entirely different from the rest of your site.  

Do they offer risk management tools and security? 

Any good payment service provider will offer strong verification, chargeback protection, and fraud detection, among other risk management tools. These are vital since so many security threats are associated with digital payment processing.  

Do they offer good customer support? 

Excellent customer support is vital for any business, whether brick-and-mortar or online. So, examine the quality of a PSPs customer support services. Are they responsive, helpful, and knowledgeable? They need to be able to provide a seamless payment experience for your customers; otherwise, you’ll risk losing a lot of support and loyalty.   

Can the PSP grow with your business? 

Scalability is an important factor to look for in a PSP. You need a provider that can grow with your business and keep up with its needs. Do they offer other payment services, for example, or integrate with ERP, eCommerce, accounting, and payroll software you may use? This will allow your business to have one provider for multiple business needs, reducing costs and onboarding requirements in the future.  

Want to offer more payment methods, such as BNPL or mobile wallets? The payment provider should be able to accommodate these methods and keep up with increased transaction volume.  

Can the PSP give you valuable insights?   

Consider whether a PSP can provide detailed reports and analytics to grant you more insights into customer behaviour, transactions, and overall performance. This allows you to establish what’s working and what’s not. For example, what payment method do your customers prefer, or how often do they abandon carts?  

These days, more moving parts are involved in running a successful online business than ever. If not approached correctly, some can become an unnecessary challenge for your business, especially when it comes to accepting online payments. That’s where this guide comes in. It unpacks the best payment gateways in South Africa, how they work, their features, and more.

While cash remains king in South Africa, digital payments are steadily gaining ground. With more customers seeking flexible payment methods, ScanToPay, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), digital wallets, and vouchers are all avenues that business owners should consider offering.

These methods are not only flexible but also highly secure and very user-friendly. A good payment gateway can offer your business all these benefits, but where do you begin?

Which one do you choose, and do you choose only one? Are there downsides to using them? There are a million questions around payment gateways, and if you’re asking them, you’re in the right place to find all the answers you need. This is your ultimate guide to payment gateways.

Understanding payment gateways and how they work

Before diving headfirst into the various payment gateways available in South Africa and, more importantly, which ones are worth your investment, you’ll need to understand the basics.

Here’s a quick rundown of the foundation of payment gateways.

Payment gateways and payment processors? What’s the difference?

By now, you’ve likely seen two terms referenced frequently: payment gateways and payment processors, but what distinguishes them? These are two distinct components of successful transactions, essentially working together but performing separate actions.

• Payment gateway: Collects customer information related to a purchase, secures that information, and sends it to the processor.
• Payment processor: Receives customer information and then uses it to contact the customer’s bank and the merchant account, debiting one and crediting the other.

What is a merchant account?

It might seem like a small aspect of successfully integrating a payment gateway into your eCommerce store, but there’s more to a merchant account than you may think. The first thing to know is that a payment gateway and a merchant account are not the same thing; you need both to accept online payments.

Consider a merchant account as a unique type of bank account that your business will use to accept credit or debit card payments from your customers.

Whenever your store receives compensation from customers, these funds are held in this account temporarily before being deposited into your business bank account.

Primary types of payment gateways

Generally, there are three types of payment gateways:

• On-site: Typically, large-scale businesses use on-site payments, which are handled on their own servers. The entire checkout experience and payment processing are conducted through an in-house system, making it easier to handle large amounts.
• On-site and off-site combined: Using this method, the front-end checkout occurs on your site, while payment processing takes place through the gateway’s back end. While this does offer increased security, it does take away some of your control over your customer’s journey.
• Redirect: A redirect payment gateway typically offers multiple payment methods through a third-party site. Customers are redirected to a secondary site to complete their purchase, which simplifies things for the merchant but adds an extra step to the customer’s journey.

Top South African payment gateway options

Now that you’re all clued up on payment gateways and how they work, let’s take a closer look at a few of the best payment gateways in South Africa, their benefits, key features, and more.

1. Netcash

Netcash gives eCommerce merchants a complete, reliable payment solution. With support for cards, EFT, debit orders, BNPL, and vouchers, you can serve a wide range of customers. Features like recurring billing and easy reconciliation make managing online sales simpler.

PCI DSS compliance and fraud protection keep transactions safe, while integrations with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce ensure a smooth setup for your online store.

Key takeaways:

• All-in-one solution for online businesses.
• Recurring billing is ideal for subscriptions.
• Secure, PCI-compliant payments.
• Easy integration with popular eCommerce platforms.

2. PayFast

PayFast helps online merchants accept payments fast, with options like cards, EFT, SnapScan, and Mobicred. Features such as split payments and recurring billing are well-suited for marketplaces and subscription models.

It’s PCI compliant with built-in fraud protection, giving peace of mind. With 80+ shopping cart integrations, it’s easy to plug into your existing eCommerce store.

Key takeaways:

• Wide variety of payment methods.
• Useful for marketplaces and subscriptions.
• Secure, fraud-protected transactions.
• Integrates with 80+ shopping carts.

3. Yoco

Yoco isn’t just about card machines. Their online payments help eCommerce stores process secure card transactions, generate payment links, and create invoices. Real-time analytics and instant payouts support cash flow.

Encryption and PCI DSS standards keep customer data safe. Easy integrations with eCommerce platforms and invoicing tools make it attractive for small to medium businesses.

Key takeaways:

• Great option for SMEs trading online.
• Payment links expand selling channels.
• Strong security standards.
• Integrates with eCommerce sites and apps.

4. Ozow

Ozow specialises in instant EFT, making it perfect for online businesses looking to avoid card fees and broaden access. Customers pay directly from their bank accounts with real-time confirmation. No card details are needed, improving trust and conversions.

Ozow is secure with encryption and two-factor authentication, and integrates easily with websites, apps, and online checkout pages.

Key takeaways:

• Card-free payments are ideal for a wider customer reach.
• Real-time payment confirmation.
• Strong authentication and encryption.
• Easy integration for online checkouts.

5. Zapper

Zapper makes eCommerce transactions quick with QR code payments. Customers scan a code, pay, and checkout without fuss. Loyalty tools, vouchers, and data insights help merchants engage shoppers.

PCI DSS compliance and encrypted payments secure the process. Online businesses can add Zapper to their checkout pages or POS systems for extra flexibility.

Key takeaways:

• QR code payments simplify checkout.
• Loyalty and vouchers boost customer engagement.
• Secure and PCI compliant.
• Flexible integrations for eCommerce and POS.

[Read Next: Introducing Zapper to enhance customer experience & drive loyalty.]

6. SnapScan

SnapScan offers QR code payments that fit both in-store and online commerce. Customers pay through the SnapScan app, making checkout frictionless. Merchants benefit from in-app loyalty, vouchers, and easy reporting.

Regulated by South African banking standards, transactions are safe. Integration options include eCommerce sites, mobile apps, and POS systems, supporting omni-channel businesses.

Key takeaways:

• Quick, app-based QR payments.
• Loyalty and voucher tools are built in.
• Secure and banking-standard compliant.
• Works across online and physical channels.

7. Mobicred

Mobicred is a revolving credit facility that enables eCommerce customers to “shop now, pay later.” This helps merchants increase basket size and boost conversions. Features include instant credit checks, flexible repayment terms, and customer account dashboards.

Security comes through regulated credit checks and authentication. Many local online stores already integrate Mobicred, making adoption straightforward.

Key takeaways:

• Encourages higher cart values.
• Flexible repayment boosts sales.
• Secure with regulated checks.
• Widely accepted by South African online merchants.

8. Payflex

Payflex is a BNPL gateway that lets shoppers split payments into four interest-free instalments. eCommerce merchants benefit from improved conversions and reduced abandoned carts. Customers get instant approvals and an easy repayment plan.

Transactions are secured with PCI compliance and fraud checks. Payflex integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, making it easy for online sellers to manage their payments.

Key takeaways:

• Boosts conversions with BNPL.
• Customer-friendly instalment plans.
• Secure and fraud-checked.
• Strong integrations with eCommerce platforms.

9. PayJustNow

PayJustNow also focuses on BNPL, offering three equal, interest-free instalments. For eCommerce businesses, this attracts budget-conscious shoppers and increases sales. Features like real-time approvals keep the checkout smooth.

Transactions are encrypted and banking-grade secure. With plug-ins for popular platforms, PayJustNow is easy to integrate into an online store’s checkout.

Key takeaways:

• The BNPL option increases sales.
• Real-time approvals speed checkout.
• Encrypted and secure transactions.
• Easy eCommerce integration.

[Read Next: How BNPL can boost your business.]

10. Peach Payments

Peach Payments supports a wide range of methods, including cards, EFT, BNPL, and mobile wallets, making it ideal for diverse online stores. Features like recurring billing, fraud detection, and advanced analytics help merchants scale.

It’s PCI compliant and uses 3D Secure. With strong integrations into Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and custom APIs, it suits businesses of all sizes.

Key takeaways:

• Wide variety of payment options.
• Useful for scaling and analytics.
• Secure with 3D Secure and PCI compliance.
• Works with all major eCommerce platforms.

11. PayGenius

PayGenius is designed for South African businesses needing flexible online payment solutions. It supports cards, EFT, and vouchers, helping merchants reach different customers. Features include subscription billing and detailed reporting to manage online revenue.

PCI compliance and secure encryption protect transactions. It integrates with eCommerce platforms and mobile apps, offering a versatile solution.

Key takeaways:

• Supports cards, EFT, and vouchers.
• Subscription billing fits recurring sales.
• Secure and PCI compliant.
• Works across websites and apps.

12. Stitch Express

Stitch Express provides a modern gateway tailored for online merchants. It supports local and international cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Capitec Pay, and BNPL (“Happy Pay”). Features include instant approvals, flexible payout options, and analytics dashboards.

PCI DSS Level 1 and 3D Secure ensure security. Merchants can integrate Stitch Express with Shopify, WooCommerce, Webflow, and Squarespace.

Key takeaways:

• Supports a wide range of payment methods, including BNPL.
• Flexible payout options: standard or instant.
• PCI DSS and 3D Secure protect transactions.
• Integrates with major eCommerce platforms.

Does it offer your small business payment options, such as automatic recurring payments? 

If your business accepts recurring payments, like subscriptions, you’ll want to look out for a system that will save your customers’ payment details, automatically allowing you to charge them on a routine basis.  

While many gateways do have this feature, you’ll be required to have an online merchant account in nearly every case.

Does the payment gateway offer hosted or non-hosted payments? 

Making your customer’s payment journey as seamless and quick as possible means you’ll need to consider using hosted or non-hosted payment pages.   

While both have benefits and disadvantages, do your research to see which ones work more successfully with your chosen payment gateway. 

Benefits of using the best payment gateways for small businesses

Using online payment gateways for your business offers several benefits that you should be aware of before choosing which one to use. These include the following:

• Customer convenience: Offering the best payment system for small businesses provides your customers with an unmatched level of comfort, allowing payments to be made around the clock and from any location.
• Improved purchase speeds: A payment gateway removes many barriers between choosing an item and making payment for it, increasing the likelihood of customers completing a purchase.
• Access to broader markets: As it’s easier to set up an online version of your brick-and-mortar storefront when using a payment gateway, your business can reach more comprehensive, more global markets.
• A user-friendly experience: Payment gateways are designed by experts in the field, ensuring a secure payment solution and providing your customers with a more enjoyable user experience.
• Increased transaction speeds: An online payment gateway can store customer details. This means they won’t have to manually input their details every time, making the shopping experience faster and simpler.
• Enhanced security: Your online payment gateway features numerous built-in security measures, such as encryption, 3D Secure, and PCI DSS compliance, providing you with peace of mind and ensuring compliance with relevant security standards.

Payment gateway limitations

It’s impossible to have the good without the bad, and when it comes to payment gateways, some limitations can be considered drawbacks. However, instead of a make-or-break situation, understanding and accepting these limitations is part of the game.

Here are the most significant limitations to be aware of:

• A gateway rarely accepts all types of cards or payments. As much as companies want to advertise the universality of their gateways, they seldom highlight which payments or cards they don’t accept. If you have a specific payment method you would like to offer, please ask before signing up.
• International customers may sometimes only have one payment option. You’ll need to be 100% certain that your payment gateway can work with various stores and payment platforms, especially if you’re considering international payments.
• There is always the possibility of security flaws. With the evolution of the digital world, security concerns are unavoidable. And while a high-quality payment gateway should be secure, data breaches, mobile payment issues, and malware threats can happen.

What is payment gateway stacking, and is it worth it?

Payment gateway stacking works by employing more than one eCommerce gateway platform, maximising the number of options your customers have for their purchases.

If you’re ready to level up your payment gateway game, then your business should definitely look at stacking payment gateways. This is an effective tool to use in an effort to eliminate the effects of any gateway limitations, and it’s a simple process to boot.

Here are some of the most prominent benefits of payment gateway stacking:

• Higher conversion rates: Giving customers more payment choices reduces abandoned carts. If one gateway fails, another option is available.
• Lower transaction costs: You can route payments through the gateway with the best fees for that method.
• Better reliability: If one provider experiences downtime, transactions can still be processed via another gateway.
• Broader payment acceptance: Different gateways excel at various methods (cards, EFT, QR, BNPL), so stacking allows you to cover a wider range of customer preferences.
• Scalability for growth: As your business expands, multiple gateways ensure you can handle higher volumes without bottlenecks.
• Reduced fraud risk: Some gateways offer stronger fraud prevention tools for specific methods, providing you with layered protection.
• Improved customer trust: Offering familiar local payment methods through multiple gateways makes your store more credible and trustworthy.

Customers who do not use or have a credit card appreciate the option of using alternative payment methods when shopping, such as SnapScan, Zapper, prepaid vouchers, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or direct EFT.

Ultimately, it’s your job to accommodate your customers, and using gateway stacking is an excellent way of doing so.

Payment trends to watch in South Africa (2026/2027)

The way South Africans pay is changing fast, and the next couple of years will see that pace accelerate. Cash is on the decline, while digital, instant, and flexible payment methods are becoming the norm.

Digital wallets and contactless payments, such as tap-to-pay and QR codes, will continue to grow as consumers seek quick and convenient ways to pay.

PayShap will play a central role, with features such as Request to Pay and Pay by Proxy making real-time bank transfers more practical for both businesses and customers.

We’ll also see more omnichannel payment options, with retailers offering seamless experiences across online, app, and in-store purchases. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) will continue to attract younger shoppers and boost sales, while instant EFT solutions give customers a fast, card-free way to pay online.

Finally, as more South African businesses trade globally, demand for simpler cross-border payment platforms will rise.

Frequently asked questions

 Which is the cheapest online payment gateway in South Africa?

The cheap payment gateway option depends on your transaction volumes and business model. Providers like PayFast and Stitch Express offer competitive pricing with low entry barriers, while Netcash provides transparent, flat-rate fees that are cost-effective for scaling businesses. Always compare set-up fees, monthly charges, and per-transaction rates to find the best fit.

What are the regulatory requirements for payment gateways in South Africa?

Payment gateways must comply with the Payments Association of South Africa (PASA) and operate within the framework of the National Payment System Act. They are also required to follow PCI DSS standards to ensure cardholder data is protected. Merchants must partner with licensed, compliant, and trusted gateways that are approved by South African banks.

How can I effectively compare payment gateways?

Look at transaction fees, settlement times, integration options, and customer support. Consider whether the gateway supports multiple payment methods, such as cards, EFTs, digital wallets, and PayShap. Suitability often depends on whether you run an eCommerce store, subscription service, or brick-and-mortar business.

What is a 2D payment gateway, and is it a secure option?

A 2D payment gateway enables payments using just card details, eliminating the need for two-factor authentication (such as OTPs). While faster, it’s more vulnerable to fraud compared to 3D Secure gateways, which add an extra verification layer.

For South African merchants, selecting a 3D Secure-compliant gateway is highly recommended to minimize fraud and comply with regulatory requirements.

Can your chosen payment gateway integrate with existing technology?

It’s vital that before you decide on a payment gateway, you consider how smoothly its API (Application Programming Interface) will integrate into the current technology platforms you use.

If you choose wrong, you’ll be stuck with a gateway that complicates and slows down your payment process. Find a payment gateway that is customisable and can easily be integrated.

Are international payments possible through the payment gateway?

If you accept international payments or plan to at some stage, ensure that your chosen payment gateway offers international and/or multi-currency payments. Additionally, ensure that it provides an interface with multiple languages.

Most South African payment gateways can accept 3D secure debit and credit cards from almost anywhere in the world, and will settle your account in Rands from the foreign currency.

Aside from the above, check if any additional fees are tied to accepting multi-currency payments from other countries and whether you’ll need a merchant account in a specific country.

Does it offer your small business payment options, such as automatic recurring payments?

Suppose your business accepts recurring payments, such as subscriptions. In that case, you’ll want to look for a system that saves your customers’ payment details, automatically allowing you to charge them on a routine basis. While many gateways do have this feature, you’ll be required to have an online merchant account in nearly every case.

Does the payment gateway offer hosted or non-hosted payments?

Making your customers’ payment journey as seamless and quick as possible means you’ll need to consider using hosted or non-hosted payment pages. While both have benefits and disadvantages, conduct thorough research to determine which ones work more effectively with your chosen payment gateway.

What are the payment gateway fees?

Pinpointing the exact cost of running any business is a daunting challenge, and your bottom line will sometimes hang on the thinnest of hinges. Compare the fees various payment gateways charge to get the best value for money.

Cutting unnecessary costs by opting for a lower-cost payment gateway allows you to allocate more resources to additional security measures and fraud detection.

How much can you spend on a payment gateway?

After evaluating which payment gateways offer the best value, remember to closely monitor your budget and the gateway’s fee structure. Some costs are hidden, and you must focus on the total operating expenses. This includes set-up costs, transaction costs, and admin fees.

These apply to both the gateway itself and your merchant account. If you only take a relatively low payment volume, you should avoid monthly fees and high setup costs.

How secure are their encryptions?

Another crucial consideration when choosing your payment gateway is ensuring that its encryption systems are secure. You should aim to settle on a gateway that works with PCI-compliant companies and adheres to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Double-check that the gateway maintains PCI compliance, as these standards are there to protect customer data and payment information.

Is the payment gateway’s reputation good or bad?

This is a cosmetic consideration, but you’ll have to choose a payment gateway that your customers and other businesses trust. If a payment gateway has a less-than-favourable security history leading to cart abandonment, it’s best to stay away.

In this case, it’s best to stick to larger, more popular payment gateways such as Netcash, Payfast, Peach Payments, and other reputable providers. Brand recognition works to your benefit here and will highlight your commitment to customer security.

Does the payment gateway come with a solid support system?

Being exposed to an enjoyable customer experience is a crucial part of any buyer’s journey, and if it’s not pleasant, it can have disastrous consequences. Ensure that your chosen payment gateway provides support when you need it and in a manner that is convenient for you.

Consider factors such as the range of support, responsiveness, the location of customer support, working hours, and whether you will incur additional fees for assistance.

How flexible is your merchant account?

Considering the diverse range of shoppers and the numerous payment options available to small businesses, maintaining flexibility is a top priority. This is especially true when choosing a payment gateway.

This flexibility extends to various payment methods, including credit cards such as Mastercard or Visa, as well as mobile payment platforms on Android and iOS. Being able to switch between them can make item purchases easier, as modern-day customers value their time above all

Closing thoughts on SA payment gateways

Payment gateways are the backbone of South Africa’s growing digital economy. They do more than process payments. They build trust, protect sensitive data, and keep your business running smoothly. Choosing the right gateway is not just a technical decision; it’s a strategic one that can shape your customer experience and bottom line.

With this guide, you now have the insights to make an informed choice. The next step is simple: sign up with Netcash Payment Gateway. From fast, secure transactions to seamless integration, we’ll handle the payments while you focus on growing your business.

Busy customers and business owners alike need solutions that simplify operations—especially when it comes to managing payments. And if you run a business, you’re in need of a convenient and efficient way to collect payments from your customers.

You may need to collect recurring payments as part of your business model, such as insurance premiums or recurring billing for SaaS (software as a service). Either way, you need an effective debit order solution that makes your life easier.

Employing a robust debit order collection system can significantly enhance your business’s financial operations. You’ll be more able to maintain your business’s financial health and stability (more on that later). When you choose the right company to handle your debit order collection and management, you’ll breathe more sighs of relief than frustration. After all, wouldn’t you be relieved to streamline your monthly recurring billing?

Let’s uncover everything involved in making your payment collection a breeze as a business owner with a debit order collection facility!

Before getting into the nitty gritty, you’ll first need to understand what debit order collections are.

Debit order collection involves your business being authorised by your customer to collect and agreed upon amount of money from their bank account on a specified date (e.g., collecting Rx from a customer on the 25th of every month for their gym membership).

Netcash believes in making running your business easier. With its complete Debit Order Collection system, you’ll be able to save time and avoid hassles when collecting recurring payments from your customers.

Here’s how effective debit order collection works:

• Mandates: the power of authorisation: Your debit order collection journey starts off with you obtaining a mandate from your customers. An electronic mandate allows your customers to give you permission to securely and conveniently collect payments from their accounts. They’ll give you their contact details, which usually include their primary cellphone number, secondary number, and email address. They’ll also share their bank account details from which you’ll receive payment.
• Use of banks or third-party processors like Netcash: After your customer has given you the authority to collect funds from their account, you’ll then use a bank or a reputable debit order company such as Netcash. This will help you deduct the correct amount from your customer’s bank account on the date agreed upon in the mandate.
• You or your customer can cancel the debit order: The cancellation of a debit order isn’t restricted to one party. That said, if you or your customer do cancel, it doesn’t mean the terms of sale or service provided are cancelled too. So unless the agreement has been cancelled, ensure you deliver the goods or service to your customer in line with it.

As a business owner, you can go beyond collecting payments with debit order collection and build a strong financial foundation for your business. You’ll find some important reasons for debit order collection below:

• Improved cash flow management: You can help your business maintain a healthy cash flow by making use of an effective debit order collection facility. Instead of manually collecting recurring payments from customers by having them pay via bank EFT, for example, you can automate the process instead. This makes it easier for your customers to pay you and leaves you with a steady stream of funds pouring into your business’s account. With this financial stability, you’ll be able to pay business expenses like purchasing inventory for sale or paying salaries, invest in growing your business, and weather unforeseen challenges.
• Enjoy saving costs: As mentioned earlier, manually collecting payments from your customers can be a tedious process. It requires a lot of time, energy, and resources from both your business and your customers. You want to avoid this administrative burden by implementing effective debit order collection.
• Have increased accuracy and security: Much like other business processes, like invoicing, you can experience payment discrepancies when manually recording payments made by your customers. By using an effective debit order collection system, you minimise errors and ensure that records of your transactions are accurate.
• Customer satisfaction due to met expectations: Your customers expect a convenient and seamless experience when doing business with you. Meet their expectations by offering them a hassle-free way to pay you, which fosters customer loyalty and satisfaction as a result.
• Mitigating payment risks: As a business owner, you’re not just trying to seize opportunities but minimise risks and threats as well. Late payments and payment failure can pose a threat to your business’s cash flow. Using an effective debit order system can help you automate payments and ensure your customers pay you on time.
• Data insights for informed decision-making: Data is the new oil, and an effective debit order collection system can offer you incredible insights that can unlock value in your business. You’ll have a much better understanding of your customers’ payment behaviour and, as a result, make informed decisions to drive business growth.

Before you rush into choosing a debit order company, here’s what you should consider:

• Reliability and security: You want to ensure sensitive customer information is protected. Much like selecting an eCommerce gateway, it’s important to do your research beforehand. Find a company that has been in the business for many years and has worked with customers in your industry. It’s also important to establish if your preferred debit order company complies with the standards and regulations set forth by the Payments Association of South Africa (PASA). PASA is the body that regulates the participation of participants in the payment system.
• Integration and compatibility: Netcash partners with various software vendors to help make it easier for businesses like yours to integrate our debit order collection management software with your existing ones. Whether it’s your payment gateway or accounting software, you’ll enjoy smooth integration and avoid disruptions to your business operations.
• Reporting and analytics: It goes without saying that you need the right information at the right time to ensure the proper financial management of your business. With Netcash’s extensive reporting, you can make informed business decisions.
• Competitive pricing: You’re in business to make a profit, and one thing that eats away at your business profits is high costs. So, you want to make sure you understand your business’s financial position and choose a debit order company that fits your company’s budget. That said, it’s important not to cut corners; choose a debit order company that offers you value for money.

While there are definitely loads of benefits to using debit order collections in your business, there are a few challenges that might pop up along the way.

Here are some of the common challenges associated with this convenient payment collection method:

Before you set up a debit order for a customer, you have to make sure you have their consent first. Now, this might be the tricky part: some of them may be a bit hesitant to give it to you. This is because people generally prefer to have control of their spending, and some may feel that a debit order limits this.

Tip: Yes, this can be a challenge. To overcome this, consider making it easier for your customers to agree to setting up a debit order. Encourage them to sign up for one when they first use your service or when changes are made to the contract (e.g., new prices). This makes the process a lot smoother and more convenient for your customers.

While debit orders are less susceptible to fraud than credit card or debit card payments, they’re not entirely free of risk. Scammers are always on the prowl, but you can minimise their efforts by giving your customers a secure platform to process payments and offering DebiCheck debit orders.

Tip: It’s important to keep things secure when setting up those debit orders. Besides using secure, trustworthy platforms, don’t forget to ask your customers for proof of identity, like their ID and proof of residence. This simple step is crucial in protecting your business and its customers from fraudsters who might try to set up a debit order in someone else’s name. Safety first, right?

With a lot of administrative tasks to handle, it can be a bit of a juggling act to manage debit order collections. We’re talking about everything from reconciling payments to keeping those customer records up to date.

Tip: Use a debit order company like Netcash, and minimise all the work involved with debit order collections. Using comprehensive collection facilities makes collections a breeze.

Things don’t always work out smoothly. It’s possible that your customer’s bank might be having some technical issues, which could cause hiccups with the debit order system for your small business and you not receiving payment.

Tip: It helps to keep in mind that if a debit order isn’t successful, it’s not always your customer’s fault. Ring the customer and ask for clarification, or speak to their bank to find out if something’s wrong.

Netcash’s insightful reporting gives you the information you need as to codes returned from the bank – this helps to know whether the failure was due to insufficient funds, dispute, blocked, etc. It helps you as a business in managing that account going forward. If you find out that your customer had insufficient funds, you can separate via Pay Now Payment Request via SMS or email. Alternatively, you could offer a different debit date when their account has the most funds.

Netcash can help you take your debit order collection efforts to the next level with a unique offering. By choosing the Netcash debit order collection service, your business will be able to overcome the challenges it faces when collecting payments from your customers.

Experience enhanced efficiency, minimised fraud risks, and increased customer satisfaction with our specialised debit order collection facilities. Let’s have a look at these benefits:

• Reliable and secure platform: Netcash has a reliable and secure platform that’ll help you process payments without the nasty headache of dealing with fraud and payment failures.
• Streamline your reconciliation process: Netcash will make your reconciliation process a lot easier by reducing the administrative burden that eats up your precious time and energy.
• Enjoy same-day account debits: With a premium same-day debit order service, Netcash will help you receive money in your business account on a working day following the action date. You’ll also have access to Netcash’s two-day service, where you receive the money on the same day as the action date. Just remember to submit the batch two full working days before the action date.
• Enjoy automated payments collection: We’ll help you automatically collect payments from your customers according to the date on their debit order mandate.
• Benefit from increased efficiency: Automate your business’s collection process with Netcash’s debit order collection service and save time and money.
• Take advantage of reconciliation: We’ll provide you with reports that’ll help you keep track of your customers’ debit orders.
• Enjoy fraud prevention benefits: Compared to other payment methods like credit or debit card payments, you may be surprised to find out that debit orders are less susceptible to fraud. As a leading payment processor, Netcash is PCI Level 1 Compliant, which means Netcash adheres to the most stringent data security standards in the payment card industry.
• Improve your customers’ satisfaction: Every business owner worth their salt knows the value of keeping their customers happy. Netcash can help give them a convenient and reliable way to pay you for your services.

Need some help? Here are a few tips to help your business be more effective at collecting debit orders from customers:

• Avoid debit order disputes by getting consent from your customers beforehand. Also, save your mandates electronically or upload them to your Netcash system.
• Take the time to regularly track and monitor your debit order collections.
• Make sure relevant personnel know exactly how to set up a debit order.
• Touch base with customers who’ve missed payments.
• Figure out why your customers failed to make payments and try to mitigate this.

Debit order collections aren’t as complicated as they may seem, and they can transform how you collect payments from customers. You can get paid faster and enjoy consistent cash flow in your business.

Simplify your payment processes with Netcash’s advanced debit order collection solutions, designed to make your financial management stress-free. Streamline your collections and focus on scaling your business with Netcash.

Keen on learning more? Check out our DebiCheck service next.

Netcash has partnered with Payflex, South Africa’s leading Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) service provider, opening up a world of options for merchants already active with Netcash to offer even more value to their customers by seamlessly integrating an additional payment gateway.

Payflex, the country’s largest and only independent BNPL service provider, offers customers a flexible payment option, allowing them to buy more and more frequently without feeling the pinch of an upfront payment or heavy interest on credit cards.

Payflex is a payment solution available for online purchases, providing shoppers with a spending plan, where the merchant is paid the full value of the purchase upfront, but the customer has 6 weeks to pay – at 0% interest. Payflex gives shoppers the ultimate in payment flexibility by allowing them to buy now and pay in four instalments at 0% interest, which means more sales, higher average order values and an increase in return shoppers for merchants. Payflex takes all the risk and handles all the customer support, and the merchant takes the reward.

Payflex’s payment solution has been designed to facilitate eCommerce payments seamlessly, and is fully integrated with Netcash, enabling shoppers to use the Payflex facility easily. Customers simply select Payflex as their payment method at checkout, create a Payflex account and enter personal information including their name, ID number, email address, password and card details. Customers then place their order and make their first payment and the merchant receives the full purchase amount into their Netcash account.

To integrate Payflex through your Netcash profile, merchants only need an active Netcash account. Simply activate “Pay Now” as a service and register for Payflex to enable it on “Pay Now” as one of your payment options. You can register easily through your Netcash account, by signing in and navigating to Account Profile> NetConnector> PayNow and select ‘Register’ next to the Payflex option.

Shoppers love Payflex because they can shop at thousands of leading online stores, pay over 6 weeks and their purchase is interest free! They also have the added benefit of exclusive discounts and promotions through Payflex, and only if they default on their payments will they be charged a penalty fee by Payflex. For merchants, you will pay a set fee per transaction to Netcash.

Join the revolution and add Payflex to your payment gateway portfolio!

An advanced debit order service is now available to Netcash customers – DebiCheck Debit orders, a system that protects both parties involved in the transaction.

DebiCheck is a secure debit order system requiring the bank account holder to give specific electronic permission (via their bank) once-off at the start of a new contract, prior to any debit order being processed. DebiCheck replaces both AEDO (Authenticated Early Debit Order) and NAEDO (Non-Authenticated Early Debit Order) transactions.

You can debit a bank account confidently as specific consent is received via the account holders bank and the likelihood of transactions being disputed is drastically reduced. Bank account holders have the comfort of knowing that the debit order can only be processed within the terms as agreed by them.

DebiCheck does not replace Same-day and Dated debit orders but can be used as an alternative.

With DebiCheck debit orders, bank account holders will need to confirm debit orders electronically and on a once-off basis. The intention is for customers to confirm the details of the debit order with their bank before it is processed to their account. |Standard debit orders do not require electronic confirmation and rely solely on a signed or voice recorded mandate.

Reduced dispute rate

Significantly reduce debit order disputes with DebiCheck’s initial authentication of mandates, making unauthorised disputes much less likely.

Eliminate consumer abuse

Clients returning debit orders to boost their cashflow will be drastically reduced.

Tracking

Should funds not be available when the debit order is presented, banks will keep checking the account for available funds for the tracking period specified which will improve your collection rate.

Netcash clients have 3 options for submitting authentications:

• Capture/ upload Electronic Mandates that include requests for authentication or
• Capture DebiCheck authentication details manually in your Netcash account or
• Upload DebiCheck authentication requests

Netcash

• Submits authentication requests to account holder’s bank
• Confirms authentication results
• Automatically updates Masterfile with debit order detail

Account holders’ bank

• Authenticates DebiCheck request by various electronic channels available to the account holder. Methods may include banking Apps, USSD, ATM or branch.
• Communicates results to Netcash

Account holder

• Receives authentication request
• Verifies amount, date, and terms of the debit order
• Accepts or declines the request

Settlement 

• Successful collections will be credited to your Netcash account once payment is received from the account holder’s bank
• Bank accounts can be tracked for up to 10 days
• After the tracking period has expired, unsuccessful transactions with zero values will be processed to the Netcash account for ease of reconciliation

Optimise your payment collections with DebiCheck’s electronic authentication process, ensuring higher success rates and minimal disputes. Get started with Netcash today!