A cashless payment system is a way of making transactions without the use of physical currency. This can be done through the use of credit or debit cards, mobile phone apps, digital wallets, or other electronic methods. Cashless payment systems offer many advantages over traditional methods, such as increased security and efficiency.
Table of Contents
How to use the Cashless payment system
What is Cashless Payment Method?
Cashless payment methods refer to ways of making transactions without the use of physical cash or currency. Instead, transactions are completed using electronic means such as credit or debit cards, mobile payments, digital wallets, bank transfers, and more. These methods are becoming increasingly popular as they offer convenience, security, and efficiency.
Credit and debit cards are the most widely accepted forms of cashless payment. They allow consumers to make purchases and withdraw cash by using a plastic card that is linked to their bank account. Mobile payments, such as those made through mobile banking apps and digital wallets, are also becoming more popular as they allow users to make transactions using their smartphones or other mobile devices.
Online payments, such as those made through e-commerce platforms and online banking, are another popular cashless payment method. They allow users to make payments and transfer money using the internet. Cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc, is another form of cashless payment that is decentralized, digital, and uses cryptography to secure and verify transactions.
In addition, there are newer forms of cashless payment such as contactless payments, QR code payments, UPI, NFC payments, and more. These methods offer even more convenience, ease of use and security.
Overall, cashless payment methods are becoming increasingly popular as they offer many benefits over traditional cash transactions. They are more secure, efficient, and convenient, and they provide merchants with more detailed information about their customers and their purchasing habits. For consumers, it’s convenient and can help you stay within your budget by avoiding impulse purchases with physical cash. For businesses, going cashless can reduce costs associated with handling paper money and coins, decrease shrinkage (theft), and speed up transactions.
In
Additionally, reliance on electronic systems could make us more vulnerable to cybercrime; if data is compromised, individuals and businesses could suffer financial losses.
What are Some Cashless Payment Methods?
As the world progresses, it’s becoming more and more common for people to use cashless payment methods. Whether you’re using your debit card, credit card, or even your smartphone, there are plenty of ways to pay without ever having to handling cash. Here are just a few of the most popular cashless payment methods:
Debit Cards
Debit cards are one of the most common cashless payment methods. If you have a checking account at a bank or credit union, chances are you have a debit card that can be used to make purchases both in-person and online. When you use your debit card to make a purchase, the funds are transferred immediately from your checking account to the merchant. This makes it a very convenient way to pay, since you don’t have to carry around any extra cash or checks.
Credit cards
Credit cards are another popular type of cashless payment. With a credit card, you can borrow money from a lending institution (usually a bank) up to a certain limit in order to make purchases. You’ll then need to repay that debt over time, with interest. Credit cards can be very useful if used responsibly, but they can also get people into financial trouble if they’re not careful. Smartphones are increasingly being used as a form of payment as well.
There are several different apps that allow you to store your credit or debit card information on your phone and use it to make tap-and-go payments at participating retailers. Apple Pay and Google Pay are two of the most popular options available right now. In addition, some smartphones also have NFC (near field communication) chips built in, which allows them to be used like contactless credit cards at retail locations that support this type of payment method.
Mobile banking:
Many banks in Bangladesh offer mobile banking services, which allow customers to make transactions, check balances, and pay bills using their mobile phones. Examples include bKash, Rocket, and SureCash. This can include using apps like Apple Pay or Google Wallet, or using SMS or QR codes to make payments.
class=”wp-block-heading”>Digital wallets:
Digital wallets are electronic versions of physical wallets that store information about the user’s credit and debit cards, as well as other types of payment methods. This information can then be used to make payments in-store or online. Digital wallets such as bKash Wallet, Rocket Wallet, SureCash Wallet, and Nagad Wallet allow users to store money electronically and make payments using their mobile phones.
QR code payments:
QR code payments are becoming increasingly popular in Bangladesh, as they allow users to make payments by scanning a QR code using their mobile phone. Examples include bKash QR, Rocket QR, and Bangla QR.
Point of Sale (POS) terminals:
POS terminals are electronic devices that allow merchants to accept card payments. They are becoming increasingly common in Bangladesh, particularly in supermarkets and department stores.
Online payments:
Online payments are becoming increasingly popular in Bangladesh, as more and more businesses are moving online. Online payments can be made using credit or debit cards, digital wallets, or bank transfers.
Bank transfers:
Bank transfers are a widely used cashless payment method that allow the transfer of funds between bank accounts. This can be done through various means such as online banking, phone banking, or in-person at a bank branch. With online banking, individuals can access their account information and make transactions, such as funds transfer, bill payments and more, from anywhere, at any time. Phone banking allows users to conduct transactions by calling their bank and providing the required information. In-person transactions can be made by visiting a bank branch and providing identification to the teller. Bank transfers are considered a secure method of payment as they are usually protected by security measures such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and more. Additionally, bank transfers can also be used for recurring payments or for sending money to other people.
Prepaid cards:
Prepaid cards are similar to credit or debit cards, but instead of drawing funds from a bank account, they are loaded with a fixed amount of money in advance, that can be used to make purchases or withdraw cash.
Cryptocurrency:
Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates independently of a central bank. It can be used as a form of cashless payment method, enabling peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries. Some examples of popular cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Transactions with cryptocurrency are recorded on a public ledger called blockchain, which ensures transparency and security. Cryptocurrency can be used to make purchases online and in some physical stores that accept it as a form of payment. However, it’s important to note that the acceptance and regulation of cryptocurrency as a form of payment varies by country, and it’s not widely accepted as a payment method in most places yet.
NFC payments:
Near Field Communication (NFC) payments allow users to make payments by holding their mobile device or card close to a contactless reader. This technology is similar to contactless payments and is becoming more popular in Bangladesh.
UPI:
Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is a system that enables instant money transfer between any two bank accounts by using a virtual address. This service is provided by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Such service named Binimoy is available in Bangladesh through various mobile banking apps and digital wallets.
Internet banking: Many banks in Bangladesh offer internet banking services, which allow customers to access their account information and make transactions online. This includes services like account balance check, fund transfer, and bill payment.
Virtual cards:
Virtual cards are digital versions of credit or debit cards that can be used to make online payments. This service is offered by various banks in Bangladesh and can be used to make payments on e-commerce platforms and other websites.
Token-based payments:
Token-based payments are a type of cashless payment system that uses a token (a unique code) to represent a transaction. This can be used to make payments at vending machines, parking meters, and other self-service terminals.
Gift Cards
Gift cards are a popular cashless payment method that allows customers to purchase a card with a specific monetary value, which can then be used to make purchases at a particular store or chain. Gift cards can be physical cards or digital codes, and can be used in-store or online. Gift cards are a great option for those who want to give a gift without having to choose a specific item, they also allow customers to make purchases without having to carry cash. Gift cards can be used to make purchases of goods and services or can be used to make payments on mobile applications or online sites. Gift cards can also be used as a form of reward or incentive program for employees or customers.
class=”wp-block-heading”>Demand Draft
A demand draft, also known as a bank draft, is a type of cashless payment method that allows an individual or business to make a payment by instructing their bank to transfer funds from their account to the payee’s account. A demand draft is a written order from the drawer (the person making the payment) to the drawee (the bank) to pay a certain sum of money to the payee. The payee can then cash the demand draft at their own bank or deposit it into their account. Demand drafts are considered a guaranteed form of payment, as the funds are guaranteed by the drawee bank and the payee can be certain that the payment will be made as long as the demand draft is valid. Demand drafts are commonly used for large transactions such as real estate purchases or business payments.
Cheque
A cheque is a written order to a financial institution directing it to pay a specific amount of money to a payee. Cheques can be used as a cashless payment method in which the payer writes a cheque in favor of the payee and the payee can present the cheque to a financial institution to receive the payment. This method of payment is considered as cashless because it does not involve the exchange of physical cash. Cheques are widely used for business transactions, personal payments, and bill payments. They are considered to be a safe and secure form of payment as they are subject to strict regulations and can be tracked. However, cheques can take days to clear and there is a risk of cheque fraud.
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) is a protocol used by mobile network operators to communicate with the mobile phone of a subscriber to provide various services. It is also used as a cashless payment method in some countries, including in Africa. USSD is a quick and easy way to transfer money, pay bills, and make other transactions using just a mobile phone. It requires no internet connection and can be used on any mobile phone, even those that are not smartphones. The process is usually very simple, involving the use of shortcodes that can be dialed on a mobile phone to initiate a transaction. This method is particularly useful in areas where internet connectivity is limited, but is also widely used in other regions.
How Do I Set Up a Cashless Payment?
There are a few things you need to do in order to set up a cashless payment system. First, you’ll need to sign up for a merchant account with a credit card processor. You can do this through your bank or by finding an independent credit card processor online.
Once you have a merchant account, you’ll be able to accept credit and debit cards as payments. Next, you’ll need to choose what type of cashless payment system you want to use. There are two main types: point-of-sale (POS) systems and electronic wallets.
POS systems are physical devices that allow customers to swipe their cards and make payments. Wallets are digital versions of POS systems that store customers’ card information electronically. You can choose to use one or both types of cashless payment systems depending on your business needs.
Once you’ve chosen your system, you’ll need to set it up with your merchant account information. This will usually involve downloading software or entering information into an online portal provided by your credit card processor. After everything is set up, you should test the system out before going live with it so that you can be sure it’s working correctly.
Credit: insidesmallbusiness.com.au
Cashless Payment Advantages And Disadvantages
When it comes to cashless payments, there are pros and cons to consider. On the one hand, going cashless can offer numerous advantages. For example, it can help to reduce crime as there is no cash on hand for thieves to steal.
Additionally, it can make transactions quicker and more convenient as you don’t have to fumble around with change or bills.
On the other hand, there are also some disadvantages associated with going cashless. For instance, if you lose your debit or credit card, you may be out of luck until you can get a new one issued.
Additionally, not everyone has access to a bank account or credit/debit card which could exclude them from participating in certain transactions. Lastly, if the power goes out or there is an issue with the electronic system, you may not be able to make any purchases at all until the problem is resolved.
So what’s the bottom line?
When it comes to whether or not going cashless is right for you, it depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. If convenience and security are your top priorities, then opting for cashless payments may be the way to go. However, if you prefer having cold hard cash on hand just in case, then sticking with traditional methods may be best.
Conclusion
A cashless payment system is a way of making payments without using physical cash. This can be done through various means such as credit cards, debit cards, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. There are many benefits to using a cashless system, including convenience, security, and efficiency.
Leave a Reply