Electronic payment systems (EPS) are online services that allow users to perform financial transactions via the Internet. With their help, you can transfer money, pay for goods and services, and store funds in electronic wallets. The key advantages of EPS are its convenience and speed of transaction.
In the digital age, electronic payment systems have become integral to our lives. They enable millions worldwide to make purchases, pay for services, transfer money, and even save money. In this article, we'll explore the most popular EPS, their advantages and disadvantages, and how they work and differ from one another.
All payment systems can be roughly divided into several categories:
- International: PayPal, Skrill, and Payoneer — these systems operate globally and allow users to make payments worldwide.
- National: Yoo.Money, QIWI, and WebMoney are popular systems in Russia and the CIS, and they have many local partners. Traditional banks are also included in this category.
- Cryptocurrency: Coinbase, and Binance Pay — platforms that offer users the ability to store and transfer cryptocurrency.
- Digital Financial Environment, such as Edenex. This is not a payment system in the traditional sense, but a set of services that, like the ones mentioned above, enable payments and the storage of various types of money.
However, Edenex’s functionality is broader: it includes currency exchange, the ability to conclude and conduct transactions with companies and individuals using a guarantor, and the option to manage and control all your financial flows.
Each payment system has its advantages and disadvantages, as well as specific features that are important to know before choosing a particular system.
PayPal is one of the oldest and most well-known payment systems in the world. Founded in 1998, it became the first service to offer secure and convenient online payments.
Advantages:
- High level of security: All transactions are encrypted.
- Wide availability: PayPal is accepted in over 200 countries.
- Support for multiple currencies: Users can store and transfer money in various currencies.
Disadvantages:
- High fees: PayPal charges relatively high fees for international transfers.
- Restrictions in some countries: PayPal is unavailable or has limited functionality in certain regions.
WebMoney is one of the most popular payment systems in Russia and the CIS. It allows users to create wallets in various currencies and use them to pay for goods and services and transfer money.
Advantages:
- High level of security: The system uses two-factor authentication and special certificates to ensure security.
- Wide currency options: Users can create wallets in rubles, dollars, euros, and other currencies.
Disadvantages:
- Complexity: New users may find WebMoney's interface difficult to navigate.
- Transaction fees: The system charges fees for transfers and withdrawals.
YooMoney (formerly Yandex.Money) is another popular payment system in Russia. It offers users a convenient way to pay for goods and services online and transfer between wallets.
Advantages:
- Ease of use: The system's interface is simple and intuitive.
- Support for various payment methods: Users can fund their wallets via bank cards, terminals, and mobile operators.
Disadvantages:
- Limited functionality outside Russia: The system primarily focuses on the Russian market.
With the rise of cryptocurrencies, electronic payment systems that work with digital assets have emerged. They offer users not only the ability to store cryptocurrencies but also the option to use them for payments.
Advantages of Cryptocurrency EPS:
- Anonymity: Many cryptocurrency transactions do not require user identity disclosure.
- Borderless international transfers: Cryptocurrencies can be sent and received from anywhere in the world.
Disadvantages:
- Volatility: Cryptocurrency values can fluctuate significantly, increasing risks.
- Limited acceptance: Not all merchants and services accept cryptocurrencies.
A network of interconnected services, which includes currency exchange, financial asset management, financial logistics organization, and the execution of secure transactions with a guarantor.
Advantages:
- Security. Through enhanced verification and a guaranteed payment service.
- Unified account and customer support. Ease of use, simple switching between services.
- Versatility. Can be used as an individual or for business development.
Disadvantages:
- Novelty. This is a new type of financial system, and the process of refining and improving functionality is ongoing.
The process is generally consistent across different services. You need to create an account to get started with any electronic payment system. Registration includes identity verification. Next, link a bank card or top up your electronic wallet by other means. After that, you can make payments and transfers through the system's interface.