Merchant Guides

Pay As You Go

PAYG Card Payment Facilities

PAYG Card Payment Facilities

Companies that provide PAYG (Pay As You Go) card payment facilities represent a modern and flexible approach to payment processing, differing significantly from the traditional models that involve long-term contracts and dedicated merchant accounts. These entities are commonly known as “Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) providers” or “Payment Facilitators (PayFacs).”

mPOS providers have revolutionized the way payments are processed, especially for small businesses, freelancers, and mobile vendors. They offer a system where a smartphone or tablet can be transformed into a card payment terminal through the use of a portable card reader and an accompanying app. This mobility allows for payments to be processed anywhere, providing a huge advantage for businesses that operate on the go or in various locations. The PAYG model used by mPOS providers is particularly appealing to smaller businesses due to its low upfront costs and flexible contract terms, allowing for a pay-per-transaction model that scales with the business’s needs.

On the other hand, Payment Facilitators or PayFacs take on a more inclusive role in the payments ecosystem. They provide a platform where businesses can process payments without having to set up a traditional merchant account with a bank. This model simplifies the payment processing setup, allowing businesses to start accepting payments quickly and with minimal hassle. PayFacs manage the underwriting process, adhere to compliance requirements, and handle the complexities of payment processing on behalf of their clients. They offer a streamlined, aggregated merchant account which can be shared by multiple businesses, making it easier and more cost-effective for small to medium-sized businesses to accept card payments.

PAYG Card Machine Payments

Both mPOS providers and PayFacs are significant in that they lower the barrier to entry for businesses looking to accept card payments. By offering PAYG options, they cater to a market segment that traditional banks and merchant account providers may overlook. This approach not only benefits small and emerging businesses but also contributes to the overall growth of electronic payments, encouraging a move away from cash transactions.

In summary, mPOS providers and Payment Facilitators play a crucial role in the modern payment processing landscape. Their focus on mobility, ease of use, and flexible payment options makes them ideal for a wide range of businesses, promoting financial inclusivity and innovation in the way payments are accepted and processed.

These terms describe the nature of the services they offer:

  1. Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) Providers: These companies offer flexible, mobile solutions for processing card payments. mPOS systems are often app-based and use portable card readers that connect to smartphones or tablets. They are ideal for small businesses, pop-up stores, or vendors who require mobility and simplicity in their payment processing solutions. mPOS providers usually offer PAYG pricing models, charging per transaction rather than requiring monthly fees or long-term contracts.
  2. Payment Facilitators (PayFacs): Payment facilitators provide a simplified onboarding process for merchants to accept card payments. They aggregate multiple merchant accounts into a single master merchant account. This approach allows individual merchants to accept card payments without having to set up a full merchant account with an acquiring bank. PayFacs are known for offering straightforward, PAYG fee structures, appealing to small businesses or those with low transaction volumes.

Both mPOS providers and PayFacs typically offer easy sign-up processes, straightforward fee structures with no long-term contracts, and user-friendly technology, making them popular choices for small or mobile businesses, freelancers, and individuals. Companies like Square, PayPal Here, and Stripe are examples of such service providers.