DirectPayNet

Category: PAYMENT PROCESSING

  • Top 5 Best Payment Processors for Online Businesses

    Top 5 Best Payment Processors for Online Businesses

    Finding the right payment processor feels overwhelming when you’re staring at dozens of options. Each promises to be “the best,” but only one is really the best…right?

    The truth is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best payment processor for your business depends entirely on your unique needs, sales volume, and growth plans.

    Your business deserves a payment partner that grows with you, not one that penalizes you when sales dip or charges hidden fees when you scale up. Let’s break down what makes a merchant services provider truly great and explore the top options that can support your business journey.

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    What Makes a Payment Processor Right for Your Business

    Every business has different payment processing needs. A small coffee shop that processes mostly small, in-person transactions doesn’t need load balancing. An online coach that sells thousand-dollar packages needs higher approval ratings. A subscription service needs reliable recurring billing. A seasonal retailer experiences dramatic sales fluctuations.

    The right payment processor understands these differences. It offers pricing that makes sense for your transaction patterns, integrates seamlessly with your existing systems, and provides the features you actually need.

    Most importantly, it scales with your business without punishing you during slow periods or charging excessive fees during busy seasons.

    SCALE YOUR BUSINESS WITH DIRECTPAYNET

    Payment Processing Pricing Models

    Before diving into specific processors, you need to understand how they charge for their services. Three main pricing models dominate the industry, and each affects your bottom line differently.

    Interchange Plus Pricing

    Interchange plus pricing offers the most transparency in payment processing. This model breaks your costs into two clear components: the interchange fee (set by card networks like Visa and Mastercard) and the processor’s markup.

    For example, if a transaction has an interchange fee of 1.29% + 10¢ and your processor adds a 0.40% + 8¢ markup, you pay exactly 1.69% + 18¢ for that transaction. When card networks lower their rates, you automatically benefit from the reduction.

    This pricing model works best for businesses with consistent transaction volumes because it ensures you never overpay for processing. However, your costs fluctuate based on the types of cards your customers use, making monthly budgeting slightly more complex.

    Tiered Pricing

    Tiered pricing categorizes transactions into three buckets: qualified, mid-qualified, and non-qualified. Qualified transactions (typically swiped debit cards) get the lowest rates, while non-qualified transactions (business cards, rewards cards, or manually entered payments) face the highest fees.

    Payment processors love advertising their qualified rates because they look attractive. However, many businesses discover that most of their transactions fall into the more expensive tiers.

    This pricing model lacks transparency and often costs more than alternatives, especially for businesses that accept many premium cards or process payments online.

    Flat-Rate Pricing

    Flat-rate pricing charges the same percentage for every transaction, regardless of card type or processing method. Square charges 2.6% + 10¢ for most in-person transactions, while Stripe charges 2.9% + 30¢ for online payments.

    This model offers predictability and simplicity, making it perfect for new businesses or those with low transaction volumes. However, you might overpay for basic debit card transactions while subsidizing the cost of premium credit cards.

    STOP OVERPAYING FOR PAYMENT PROCESSING

    Top 5 Payment Processors for 2025

    1. DirectPayNet

    DirectPayNet specializes in high-risk merchant accounts and businesses that other processors often reject. We understand that many legitimate businesses face processing challenges due to industry classification, international sales, or higher chargeback rates.

    What sets DirectPayNet apart is our personalized approach to underwriting and risk management. We work with businesses to create solutions that support growth while managing risk effectively.

    Our team provides dedicated account management and helps businesses optimize their payment processing strategies.

    DirectPayNet offers competitive interchange plus pricing for qualified businesses and provides the stability that high-risk merchants need to scale confidently.

    2. Stripe

    Stripe revolutionized online payment processing with its developer-friendly platform and extensive feature set. It supports over 100 payment methods, handles multi-currency transactions, and offers tools for subscription billing and marketplace payments.

    Stripe’s flat-rate pricing (2.9% + 30¢ for online transactions) makes it ideal for startups and growing e-commerce businesses. Their platform includes built-in fraud protection, detailed analytics, and integrations with popular e-commerce platforms.

    The downside? Stripe’s fees can add up for high-volume businesses, their focus on online payments means limited in-person processing options, and they are quick to freeze funds.

    3. Helcim

    Helcim stands out with its transparent, volume-based pricing that automatically reduces as your transaction volume grows. They offer interchange plus pricing with no monthly fees, making them attractive for businesses expecting rapid growth.

    Their platform supports both online and in-person payments, recurring billing, and ACH processing. Helcim’s quick approval process and excellent customer service make onboarding smooth, even for complex business models.

    However, Helcim’s benefits primarily favor higher transaction volumes, so very small businesses might not see significant savings.

    4. Square

    Square built its reputation by making payment processing accessible to small businesses. Their flat-rate pricing (2.6% + 10¢ for in-person transactions) eliminates surprises, and their free point-of-sale software includes inventory management, customer tracking, and sales analytics.

    Square works particularly well for retail businesses and restaurants that need integrated payment and business management tools. Their same-day funding option helps with cash flow, and their extensive hardware ecosystem supports various business types.

    The trade-off is higher processing costs for businesses with significant transaction volumes, as flat-rate pricing doesn’t offer the savings potential of interchange plus models.

    5. Stax

    Stax targets established businesses with their subscription-based pricing model. Instead of marking up interchange fees, they charge a flat monthly fee (starting at $99) plus the actual interchange costs.

    This approach can save high-volume businesses up to 40% on processing fees compared to traditional models. Stax also provides excellent customer support and doesn’t lock merchants into long-term contracts.

    The monthly fee makes Stax unsuitable for low-volume businesses, but for companies processing $8,000+ monthly, the savings can be substantial.

    APPLY FOR PROCESSING THAT SCALES WITH YOU

    Best Use for Payment Service Providers

    While dedicated merchant accounts often provide better rates and features, payment service providers like PayPal and Amazon Pay serve important roles as backup solutions. They offer quick setup, broad customer recognition, and can supplement your primary processing solution.

    PayPal, Stripe, and Square work well for businesses just starting out or those needing to accept payments from customers who prefer familiar brands. However, their higher fees and potential account limitations make them less suitable as primary processors for established businesses.

    These providers excel at providing payment options that increase customer confidence and can help reduce cart abandonment, especially for online businesses serving international customers.

    APPLY FOR YOUR PRIMARY MERCHANT ACCOUNT

    Choosing Your Payment Processing Partner

    The best payment processor supports your specific business model and scales with your growth. Consider your average transaction size, monthly volume, customer payment preferences, and integration needs when evaluating options.

    High-volume businesses typically benefit from interchange plus pricing, while new or seasonal businesses might prefer the predictability of flat-rate models. Companies in specialized industries should prioritize processors with relevant experience and risk management capabilities.

    Remember that switching payment processors later involves effort and potential downtime, so invest time in choosing the right partner from the start. Look for processors that offer transparent pricing, reliable customer support, and features that align with your business goals.

    Your payment processor should feel like a partner in your success, not just a vendor charging fees. The right choice will help you serve customers better, manage cash flow effectively, and scale confidently as your business grows.

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  • How Much Does Stripe Take from Payments? Too Much!

    How Much Does Stripe Take from Payments? Too Much!

    Every business on Earth has heard of Stripe, and many of those businesses use it (whether they know it or not). It’s one of the most popular payment processors in the world, trusted by startups and big brands alike for its fast setup and powerful features.

    But while Stripe makes it easy to accept payments, many business owners ask: How much does Stripe actually take from each payment?

    That’s a smart question because understanding payment processing fees can make a big difference to your bottom line.

    Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your payment setup, knowing how Stripe’s fees work will help you make smarter decisions for your business.

    LOWER YOUR PROCESSING FEES

    Stripe’s Standard Rates and Fees

    Stripe keeps its pricing simple with a flat-rate, pay-as-you-go model. Here’s what you can expect to pay for the most common types of transactions.

    Online Card Payments

    Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.30 per successful domestic online card transaction.

    For manually entered card payments (where you type in the card number instead of swiping or tapping), the fee increases to 3.4% + $0.30 per transaction.

    International cards add another 1.5% to the base rate, and currency conversion costs an additional 1%.

    In-Person Payments

    If you use Stripe Terminal for in-person payments, the fee drops to 2.7% + $0.05 per transaction.

    You’ll need to purchase a Stripe-compatible card reader, which starts at $59.

    ACH and Bank Transfers

    ACH direct debit transactions cost 0.8% per transaction, capped at $5.

    Wire transfers are $8 each, and checks are $5 per check processed.

    Other Fees to Know

    – Chargebacks: $15 per dispute.

    – Instant payouts: 1.5% of the payout amount, with a minimum fee of $0.50.

    – Failed deposits: $4 per failed direct deposit payment.

    – Stripe does not refund processing fees on refunded payments.

    No Monthly or Setup Fees

    You won’t pay any setup, monthly, or hidden fees for Stripe’s basic payment processing. Optional add-on features (like advanced billing, tax, or reporting tools) may carry separate monthly costs.

    Stripe’s flat-rate pricing makes it easy to predict your costs, but these rates apply to most businesses without negotiation.

    If you process high volumes or have a unique business model, you can contact Stripe for a custom plan. But for most, these are the standard rates you’ll see on every transaction.

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    Flat-Rate vs. Interchange Plus Pricing

    Choosing between flat-rate and interchange plus pricing is a big decision for any business. Each model has its own strengths and weaknesses, and understanding the difference can save you thousands in processing fees.

    Flat-Rate Pricing

    With flat-rate pricing, like Stripe’s standard model, you pay the same fee for every transaction no matter which card your customer uses or what the underlying interchange rate is.

    Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.30 for most online payments.

    This approach is simple, predictable, and easy to budget for. You always know what you’ll pay, which is great for small businesses or those just starting out.

    However, the tradeoff is that you may end up paying more overall. The flat rate bundles all possible costs, including the highest interchange fees, into one price, so you don’t benefit when a transaction’s true cost is lower.

    Interchange Plus Pricing

    Interchange plus pricing separates the actual cost of each transaction (the interchange fee set by card networks) from the processor’s markup. You pay the real interchange fee for each card plus a transparent, fixed markup from your processor.

    This model is highly transparent. You see exactly what you’re paying for each transaction, and you benefit from lower costs when customers use cards with low interchange rates (like basic debit cards).

    Interchange plus is often more cost-effective for businesses with higher sales volumes or those that process a mix of card types. Over time, the savings can be significant, especially if your average transaction size is large or you have many low-cost transactions.

    The downside is that your monthly fees can fluctuate, making budgeting a bit trickier. The statements are also more complex, so you’ll need to spend more time reviewing your processing costs. 

    Which Should You Choose?

    If you value simplicity and predictable costs, or if your business is just starting out, flat-rate pricing is a safe bet.

    If you process a high volume of payments, have larger transactions, or want to optimize your costs, interchange plus pricing will likely save you money in the long run.

    In short, flat-rate pricing is easy and predictable, but you might pay more for that convenience. Interchange plus is more transparent and potentially cheaper, but it requires more attention to detail and a willingness to manage some complexity.

    OPTIMIZE YOUR MERCHANT STATEMENT

    Stripe’s Tools and Features: Useful, But Often Underused

    Stripe offers a powerful suite of tools and features designed to help businesses go far beyond basic payment processing. From advanced billing automation to fraud protection, tax compliance, and global payment support, Stripe has built an ecosystem that can handle almost every aspect of getting paid online.

    But here’s the catch: most businesses don’t take full advantage of what Stripe can do, either because they don’t need all the extras, or they simply aren’t aware of them.

    What Does Stripe Offer?

    – Billing and Subscriptions: Stripe Billing lets you automate recurring payments, send invoices, and manage subscription logic. You can set up custom billing cycles, automate reminders, and even handle complex pricing models.

    – Fraud Protection: With Stripe Radar, you get machine-learning-powered fraud detection that improves as more businesses use Stripe. This network effect helps spot fraud quickly, protecting your revenue.

    – Tax and Compliance: Stripe Tax automatically calculates and collects the right amount of sales tax, VAT, or GST based on your customer’s location, and keeps your invoices compliant with local regulations.

    – Global Payment Methods: Stripe supports a wide range of payment methods—credit cards, bank transfers, digital wallets, and even local payment options—making it easy to sell to customers all over the world.

    – Custom Checkout and Reporting: Stripe Checkout provides a customizable, secure payment page, while tools like Stripe Sigma give you insights into your payment data for better decision-making.

    – Seamless Integrations: Stripe connects with popular accounting software and other business tools, automating everything from invoice syncing to expense tracking and reconciliation.

    Why Are These Features Underused?

    – Lack of Awareness: Many businesses sign up for Stripe just to accept payments and never explore the additional features available to them.

    – Simplicity Over Complexity: Small businesses and startups often don’t need advanced billing, tax, or reporting tools, so they stick to the basics.

    – Flat-Rate Pricing: Whether you use Stripe’s advanced features or not, you pay the same flat processing rate. This means businesses might end up paying for tools they don’t use, since the cost is baked into every transaction.

    The Bottom Line

    Stripe’s ecosystem is robust and can be a powerful tool for businesses that need automation, global reach, or advanced analytics. But if you only need simple payment processing, you’re likely paying for a toolbox you don’t fully open.

    For some, that’s worth the convenience. For others, it can mean higher costs without added value.

    An added danger of not fully understanding Stripe’s tool belt is expecting features to work automatically. As well, many business owners expect these features to be tailored to their needs. This mindset can rack up fees and destroy your business.

    ONLY PAY FOR THE FEATURES YOU NEED

    When Stripe Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)

    Stripe’s all-in-one platform is packed with features, but it’s not the perfect fit for every business. Let’s break down when Stripe is a smart choice-and when you might want to look elsewhere.

    When Stripe Makes Sense

    – You Need Fast, Easy Setup: Stripe lets you start accepting payments online or in person in minutes, with minimal paperwork and no need for a separate merchant account.

    – You Want Global Reach: Stripe supports over 135 currencies and 100+ payment methods, making it a good solution for businesses selling internationally or planning to expand into new markets.

    – You Value Simplicity: Stripe is a no-fuss payment service provider. You don’t need to fiddle around with features, tools, and functions (but you can).

    – You Want Transparent, Predictable Pricing: Stripe’s flat-rate model is easy to understand, with no hidden fees or monthly charges for basic accounts.

    When Stripe Might Not Be the Best Fit

    – You Process High Volumes or Have Slim Margins: Flat-rate pricing is simple, but it can be more expensive than interchange plus for businesses with high transaction volumes or lots of low-cost debit transactions. You might pay more in fees than necessary.

    – You Need More Control or Custom Pricing: Stripe’s standard rates are non-negotiable for most businesses. If you want to negotiate lower fees or need a dedicated merchant account, other processors may be a better fit.

    – You Don’t Need All the Extras: Many small businesses only use Stripe for basic payment processing, but still pay for a toolbox full of advanced features they don’t use. This can mean higher costs without added value.

    – You Rely Heavily on Customer Support: Stripe’s support is primarily online, and some users report delays in response times. If you need rapid, hands-on support, this could be a drawback.

    – You’re in a High-Risk Industry: Stripe may impose rolling reserves or hold funds for certain high-risk businesses, which can affect cash flow.

    TL;DR

    Stripe is a fantastic option for businesses that want a modern, flexible payment solution—especially if you’re selling online or want to launch quickly with minimal hassle.

    But if you’re a high-volume merchant, need custom pricing, or require hands-on support, it’s worth comparing other processors to ensure you’re not overpaying or missing out on features you truly need.

    Stripe shines as a secondary processor or for building transaction history, but it’s not always the best choice as your main payment engine.

    PAYMENT PROCESSING THAT SCALES WITH YOU

  • Best Cross-Border Payments Practices for Travel Businesses

    Best Cross-Border Payments Practices for Travel Businesses

    Travel connects people across the globe. But when it comes to accepting payments from international customers, things can get tricky fast.

    If you run a travel business-whether it’s a tour company, hotel, or booking platform-you’ve probably faced the headache of cross-border payments. Different currencies, surprise fees, and confusing checkout experiences can all get in the way of a smooth booking.

    Handling cross-border payments doesn’t have to be complicated, though. With the right payment gateway and a few smart strategies, you can make it easy for travelers from any country to book with confidence.

    LOWER YOUR CROSS-BORDER FEES

    The Ins and Outs Cross-Border Payments

    Cross-border payments happen when your travel business accepts money from customers in another country. This is common in the travel industry, where your guests might book from anywhere in the world.

    Whether someone is reserving a hotel room from Paris or booking a tour from Tokyo, you need to be ready to handle their payment smoothly.

    But accepting international payments isn’t as simple as taking money from someone down the street. You have to deal with different currencies, exchange rates, and sometimes extra fees from banks or card networks. If you’re not careful, these challenges can lead to confusion for your customers and unexpected costs for your business.

    Here’s what makes cross-border payments unique:

    • Multiple Currencies: Your customers want to pay in their own currency, but your business might operate in another. This means you have to convert between currencies, which can affect the final price.
    • International Fees: Banks and card networks often charge extra fees for processing payments from other countries. These can add up quickly if you’re not prepared.
    • Exchange Rates: Currency values change all the time. The rate at the moment of purchase can impact how much you or your customer actually pay.
    • Regulations: Different countries have their own rules for payments, taxes, and security. You need to make sure you’re following the right guidelines to avoid trouble.

    These are the basics of cross-border payments and the first step toward optimizing your travel business.

    ACTIVATE CROSS-BORDER PAYMENTS AT CHECKOUT

    The Role of Payment Gateways

    Payment gateways are the secret sauce behind smooth, secure online transactions-especially when it comes to cross-border payments. Think of them as digital cashiers that handle the entire payment process, from the moment a traveler enters their card details to the final confirmation of the booking.

    How Payment Gateways Process International Transactions

    When a customer from another country books with you, your payment gateway steps in to:

    • Collect payment details securely from your website or app.
    • Convert currencies if your customer pays in a different currency than your business uses.
    • Communicate with banks and card networks across borders to get the payment approved.
    • Protect against fraud by checking for suspicious activity and following security standards.

    A good payment gateway makes all this happen in just a few seconds, so your customer enjoys a fast and hassle-free checkout.

    Key Features Travel Businesses Should Look For

    Not all payment gateways are created equal. Here’s what you should look for:

    • Multi-currency support: Let your customers pay in their own currency for a familiar experience.
    • Transparent fees: Know exactly what you’ll be charged for international transactions.
    • Strong security: Look for gateways that are PCI DSS compliant and offer advanced fraud protection.
    • Easy integration: The gateway should work smoothly with your booking system, website, or app.

    Intro to Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)

    One standout feature for cross-border payments is dynamic currency conversion (DCC). DCC lets your international customers see prices and pay in their home currency, right at checkout. This adds convenience and transparency, helping travelers feel more comfortable booking with you.

    CONNECT WITH A MORE POWERFUL GATEWAY

    Dynamic Currency Conversion Makes Payments Easy

    Dynamic currency conversion, or DCC, is a life saver for travel businesses. With DCC, you give travelers the option to see prices and pay in their own currency at checkout—no mental math or surprises later on their bank statement.

    What Is DCC?

    DCC is a feature built into many payment gateways that detects the cardholder’s country and automatically offers them the choice to pay in their home currency.

    Instead of guessing how much a hotel room in euros will cost in yen or dollars, your customer sees the exact amount in a currency they understand.

    How DCC Works in the Payment Gateway

    Here’s how the process usually goes:

    1. Customer enters payment details: The gateway recognizes the card’s country of origin.
    2. Currency choice appears: The customer can choose to pay in your business’s currency or their own.
    3. Real-time conversion: The gateway shows the converted amount, using up-to-date exchange rates.
    4. Transparent checkout: The customer confirms their choice and completes the booking.

    This all happens in seconds, making the payment process smooth and reassuring.

    Pros

    • For travelers: No surprises on their card statement, and they know exactly what they’re paying.
    • For businesses: Fewer abandoned bookings, happier customers, and sometimes a share of the conversion fee.

    Cons

    • For travelers: The exchange rate might be slightly higher than what their bank offers.
    • For businesses: You need to be clear about any extra fees or rate markups to avoid customer frustration.

    By using DCC wisely, you make international payments easier for your customers and boost trust in your travel business.

    ACTIVATE DCC IN YOUR GATEWAY

    Best Practices for Handling Cross-Border Payments

    Handling cross-border payments doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following a few best practices, you can streamline your payment process, reduce costs, and create a better experience for your international travelers.

    Offer Local Payment Methods

    Travelers want to pay using methods they trust and use at home. Accepting local payment options, like Alipay, WeChat Pay, or local credit cards, can boost your conversion rates and make your business more appealing to a global audience.

    Consider where your travelers are coming from and enable the most popular payment methods for those regions.

    Leverage the Right Technology

    Modern payment gateways with multi-currency support and real-time data make cross-border transactions faster and more transparent.

    Choose a gateway that integrates easily with your booking system and provides instant currency conversions, clear fee breakdowns, and robust reporting tools. This helps you manage payments efficiently and gives travelers confidence at checkout.

    Be Transparent About Fees and Exchange Rates

    No one likes hidden charges. Clearly display all fees and exchange rates before your customer completes their booking.

    This transparency builds trust and reduces the risk of disputes or abandoned carts. If you offer dynamic currency conversion, always show the exact rate and any additional fees upfront.

    Pay and Accept Payments in Local Currencies

    Whenever possible, let your customers pay in their own currency and pay suppliers in theirs. This minimizes conversion fees and can even help you negotiate better terms with partners.

    It also simplifies the payment process for everyone involved.

    Validate Payment Data and Monitor for Fraud

    smooth cross-border transactions requires accurate payment information.

    Double-check customer and supplier details to avoid costly delays or failed payments. Implement strong fraud prevention tools and monitor transactions for suspicious activity, especially with international bookings.

    Stay Compliant with Local Regulations

    Cross-border payments are subject to different rules in every country. Make sure your payment gateway complies with local regulations, including anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements.

    This keeps your business safe and avoids legal headaches down the road.

    Keep Checkout Simple and Mobile-Friendly

    Travelers often book on the go. A streamlined, mobile-friendly checkout process reduces friction and increases completed bookings.

    Make sure your payment forms are easy to use, fast, and available in multiple languages and currencies.

    By following these best practices, you’ll make cross-border payments smoother for your travel business and your customers-no matter where in the world they’re booking from.

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  • Mastercard Agent Pay, AI Is Changing the Way We Pay

    Mastercard Agent Pay, AI Is Changing the Way We Pay

    Mastercard just made a move that will likely change the way we shop and pay forever (at least on their network).

    The company announced Agent Pay, a new technology that lets trusted AI agents make secure payments on your behalf.

    Imagine telling your digital assistant to buy your groceries, book your next vacation, or pay your bills—and it just gets done.

    As artificial intelligence becomes a bigger part of our daily lives, Mastercard is making sure these AI helpers can handle payments as smoothly as they handle everything else. Agent Pay is designed to work behind the scenes, making transactions faster, smarter, and more secure.

    NEGOTIATE YOUR PROCESSING RATES

    What Is Agent Pay?

    Agent Pay is Mastercard’s new technology that lets trusted AI agents make secure payments for you.

    Think of it as giving your digital assistant the power to complete purchases, pay bills, or handle subscriptions without you having to lift a finger.

    This is part of a bigger trend called “agentic commerce.”

    In agentic commerce, AI doesn’t just help customers and businesses find what they need, it takes action. Instead of suggesting a product and waiting for customers to click “buy,” the AI agent can actually make the purchase, arrange delivery, and even handle returns if needed.

    It’s a shift from AI working with you to AI working for you.

    With Agent Pay, Mastercard is making sure these AI agents can handle payments safely and smoothly. You decide what the agent can do, and Mastercard’s technology keeps your information secure at every step.

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    How Does Agent Pay Work?

    Agent Pay empowers AI agents to handle the entire purchasing process for your business. From sourcing products and recommending suppliers to making secure payments-all based on your preferences and business rules.

    These AI agents can operate across both consumer and B2B scenarios. They can help source materials, negotiate payment terms, manage logistics, and even execute cross-border transactions, all within a single conversational interface.

    At the heart of Agent Pay is Mastercard’s Agentic Tokens, a next-generation extension of the company’s proven tokenization technology.

    Tokenization replaces sensitive payment details with unique digital tokens, ensuring that every transaction initiated by an AI agent is both secure and transparent. This technology, already trusted in mobile and online payments, now protects agent-driven transactions. It gives businesses peace of mind when delegating payment authority to AI.

    Agent Pay in Practice

    Imagine you’re planning a company event. Your AI agent can chat with you to understand your needs, curate a list of recommended vendors, suggest the most cost-effective payment method, and finalize the purchase-all in one seamless conversation.

    For a small textile enterprise, the agent could source materials from international suppliers, optimize payment terms, manage shipping logistics, and pay using a virtual corporate card token, without ever leaving the chat interface.

    Every AI agent must be registered and verified before it can make payments, and each transaction is authenticated and tracked using Mastercard’s security tools. You set the permissions and controls, ensuring that the agent acts strictly within your business guidelines.

    AUTOMATE YOUR MASTERCARD SALES

    Key Benefits for Everyone

    Agent Pay brings a wave of advantages to the entire payments ecosystem, but merchants stand to gain the most from this innovative technology.

    Here’s how Agent Pay delivers value across the board.

    For Merchants

    Faster, Frictionless Checkout:

    Agent Pay enables AI agents to complete transactions instantly, reducing cart abandonment and speeding up the checkout process. Customers can go from discovery to purchase in a single conversation, making shopping smoother and increasing conversion rates.

    Seamless Integration:

    Mastercard designed Agent Pay to work with existing payment systems, so merchants can adopt this technology without major overhauls. Integration with major platforms means merchants can start accepting agent-initiated payments quickly and efficiently.

    Enhanced Security:

    Every transaction uses Mastercard’s Agentic Tokens, which replace sensitive payment data with secure digital tokens. This reduces the risk of data breaches and fraud, giving both merchants and their customers greater peace of mind.

    Greater Transparency:

    Merchants gain full visibility into agent-initiated transactions. This helps with order tracking, reconciliation, and dispute resolution, making financial operations more efficient and reliable.

    Access to New Customer Segments:

    As AI agents become more common, merchants can tap into a growing base of tech-savvy shoppers who prefer to let their digital assistants handle purchases. This opens the door to new sales opportunities and customer loyalty.

    For Consumers

    Personalized Shopping:

    AI agents shop based on individual preferences, making recommendations and purchases that truly fit each customer’s needs.

    Control and Security:

    Consumers set the rules for what their AI agents can buy, and every transaction is protected by Mastercard’s security technology.

    For Businesses

    Streamlined Operations:

    AI agents can manage sourcing, payment terms, and logistics, freeing up time and resources for business owners.

    Improved Cash Flow:

    Faster, automated payments mean businesses get paid sooner and can manage their finances more effectively.

    Agent Pay is more than just a new way to pay. It’s a smarter, safer, and more efficient solution that empowers merchants to thrive in the age of AI-driven commerce.

    POWER UP YOUR PAYMENT PROCESS

    What Does This Mean for the Future?

    As AI agents become smarter and more capable, they’ll handle more of the purchasing process, from discovery to delivery. This makes commerce faster, easier, and more personalized than ever before.

    For merchants, this means the shopping journey will become increasingly seamless. Customers will expect to complete transactions in the same conversation where they discover products, ask questions, and receive recommendations.

    Merchants who embrace agentic payments will be better positioned to capture these sales, reduce friction, and build loyalty with a new generation of AI-powered shoppers.

    The technology also sets a new standard for security and transparency. With Agentic Tokens and robust authentication, merchants and customers can trust that every transaction is protected. This trust will be essential as more financial decisions are delegated to AI agents.

    Looking ahead, Agent Pay could transform not just retail, but also B2B commerce, supply chain management, and even financial services. Businesses will be able to automate complex transactions, optimize cash flow, and focus on growth, while consumers enjoy unprecedented convenience and control.

    Mastercard’s move is just the beginning. As more companies invest in agentic commerce, we can expect a wave of innovation that will reshape payments. The future is conversational, intelligent, and secure—and it’s arriving faster than you might think.

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