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Payment Service Providers (PSP)- Definition, It’s Working and Benefits

PSP, also known as Merchant Service Providers, are independent firms that assist business owners in accepting various online payment options, including cash cards, credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and online banking.


How does a Payment Service Provider work?

The example below will help you understand everything about Payment Service Provider – from its initial to completion stage.

  • When a customer enters his credit card information and selects “pay,” a transaction request is sent to the payment gateway you have registered with.
  • The PSP then confirms the customer’s card information and determines whether sufficient funds are in the customer’s card account to cover the payment. A payment processor helps the PSP complete this job.
  • Once the customer’s card information has been validated and it has been confirmed that there are sufficient funds in the account, the PSP initiates a transfer of funds from the customer’s bank to the merchant account you have linked to your business.
  • The PSP sends a transaction notification to inform you and the customer that the payment has been successfully processed.

The PSP will cancel the transaction and issue a status message advising you and your customer of the unsuccessful payment if the transaction is refused for reasons such as incorrect card information or insufficient funds.

A PSP ensures that money is successfully transferred from your customer’s account to yours securely. Nevertheless, PSPs give business owners advantages beyond just making payments more manageable. Joining a PSP has many benefits, including accepting different payment methods in foreign currencies and transaction reporting.

What are the advantages of using a PSP?

There are numerous advantages of using a Payment Service Provider (PSP):

Offering multiple payment methods

PSPs make it easy for your customers to pay you. They support different payment methods, such as online banking and credit cards, which help customers and make it easier to keep track of your money and customers.

Process transactions securely

When customers make a transaction request, the PSP controls all of their information. This information is heavily encrypted using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption so that only the customer can view their banking or financial information. This gives customers a better sense of security and encourages them to go through with the payment.

Scam prevention

PSPs are designed only to initiate funds transfers once the customer’s card details have been verified. If insufficient funds are in the customer’s account, the transaction will be terminated to protect your business from fraudulent transactions.

Accept multiple monetary systems

PSPs offer compatibility for numerous currencies in addition to various payment methods. This enables quick and secure payments from clients all over the world. If you want to take your business outside your own country, you must consider this. However, doing so requires that the PSP partners with a payment processor that can handle the necessary currencies.

Obtain payments-related monthly reports easily

Most PSPs provide options for monthly reporting on payments and transactions made to your company.

Effortless option of adding new payment options

PSPs make it simple to integrate new payment options. By staying updated with the advanced payment options, you can ensure that your clients will find it easy and convenient to buy your goods or services.

PSPs keep up with the most recent payment options and often provide you with access to them automatically.

Establishing accounts with acquiring banks

Setting up a merchant account with an acquiring bank for your company is necessary before you can take card payments.

PSPs can assist with this application procedure and shorten the typical waiting period you will experience when obtaining a merchant account.

PSPs may already have accounts with the acquiring banks, so the process is effortless and completed quickly.

Centralise transactions quickly

For each of your payment options, PSPs offer comprehensive transaction reports. This makes the verification of transactions much more straightforward for businesses.


FAQs about PSP

What is an example of a payment service provider?

When a business accepts online payment methods, a payment service provider (PSP) refers to a third-party company that offers payment services to those enterprises. PSPs include services like Amazon Pay, PayPal, Stripe, and Square.

What are PSP and PSO?

PSO - a company that runs an authorised payment system, and PSP - consists of banks and non-banks that offer payment services or participate in payment transactions.

Is the bank a payment service provider?

Yes, following the scope of their respective permits, banks and electronic money institutions are authorised to perform the role of the payment service provider.

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