Glossary
Online Payment
An online payment is a financial transaction that occurs over the internet, enabling the exchange of money for goods, services, or information. This type of payment is commonly conducted through websites, mobile applications, and even social media platforms. Online payments facilitate transactions without the physical exchange of cash or checks and can be made using various methods, including credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets.
When a consumer makes an online payment, they typically enter their payment details on a secure page provided by the merchant or through an integrated payment gateway. This information is encrypted to protect it from unauthorized access. The payment gateway processes the transaction, communicating with the payer's bank or credit card issuer to verify the funds and authorize the payment. Upon successful verification, the funds are transferred from the payer’s account to the merchant’s account.
Key features of online payments include:
Online payments are central to e-commerce and have expanded to include subscriptions, bill payments, and peer-to-peer transactions. As technology and security measures continue to evolve, online payments are becoming increasingly popular, providing a seamless, secure, and efficient way for individuals and businesses to conduct transactions globally.