Advantages and types of Electronic Payment System
The Reserve Bank of India keeps introducing modern and convenient methods of fund transfers. Today, electronic payment systems have become extremely common in India, paving the path for a cashless economy. This article explains what is electronic payment system, its types, and key advantages.
Electronic Payment System (e-Payment) is a type of payment conducted via electronic or online mediums. Online payment systems eliminate the need for cash or cheque payments. It is a unique payment method that allows you to conduct online transactions via digital wallets, bank cards and internet banking systems. The funds are directly debited from your bank account.
Electronic payment systems connect customers, banks, and merchants digitally, making money transfers faster and more secure. Here’s how a typical transaction works:
Step 1 – Entering Payment Information
The customer enters payment details such as credit/debit card numbers, UPI ID, or digital wallet information. Accurate information is essential for smooth processing.
Step 2 – Payment Gateway & Validation
The payment gateway encrypts the details and verifies them with the bank. This ensures the account, such as a Savings Bank Account, has sufficient funds and that the payment method is valid.
Step 3 – Transaction Processing
After validation, the payment is processed through the banking network. Funds are transferred from the customer’s account to the merchant’s account, and both parties receive a confirmation of the transaction.
The RBI has introduced various cost-effective payment solutions as an alternative to cash transactions. The commonly used types of electronic payment systems include:
For bulk and repetitive payments like salary credit, interest payment, and dividend payments from companies, the RBI introduced the Electronic Clearing Service (ECS) credit scheme in the 1990s. This system allows payers to credit a specific amount directly into the payees' accounts on a particular date. ECS facilitates recurring payments to banks, mutual fund companies, service providers, utility companies, and more. The bank collects the payment from your account and passes it on to the relevant companies.
National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT), Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), and Immediate Payment Services (IMPS) are three modes of electronic fund transfers:
Clearing Corporations, such as the Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL), settle trades in money markets, foreign exchange markets, and government securities. Established by banks and other financial institutions, CCIL provides industry-wide clearing services across India.
These systems facilitate the purchase of goods and services using bank cards. They include internet and mobile banking facilities, third-party or bank digital and mobile wallets, and credit and debit cards. Pre-paid payment systems are commonly used for transactions on domestic and international e-commerce websites.
The features of an electronic payment system make digital transactions fast, secure, and convenient:
The benefits of electronic payment system use extend to both customers and merchants:
Electronic payment systems are widely used across different platforms and services. Common examples include:
These examples show how electronic payment systems make transactions faster, more secure, and accessible to everyone. With banks like DBS, you can enjoy these conveniences while also benefiting from high Savings Account Interest Rates.
E-payments have transformed the banking sector, enabling customers to complete transactions and access services without the need for cash. These systems offer speed, security, and reliability, making them the preferred method for financial transactions.
Open a Savings Account with DBS Bank, one of the Best Bank For Savings Account, to experience secure digital transactions along with competitive interest rates.
*Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. We recommend you get in touch with your income tax advisor or CA for expert advice.