The human race has used the money to complete financial transactions for thousands of years BCE. However, the ancient payment methods were certainly different from contemporary methods nowadays.
People no longer rely on bartering to exchange goods and services, nor do they have to carry traditional physical manifestations of money to purchase items. Everything has changed with the advent of the Internet and technological advancements, leading to new payment methods.
The rise of online gambling and other industries like e-commerce, streaming services, and ride-sharing has revolutionized how people make financial transactions. Gone are the days when people had to insert coins into slot machines in Vegas. Today, players can enjoy a vast range of online casino games, with the option of using crypto as a payment method, all from their homes. Moreover, with virtual rooms available, players can join the fun with others worldwide. The way people interact with money has undergone a significant transformation.
The rise of e-commerce has enabled consumers to purchase goods online, with online payment methods such as PayPal and cryptocurrencies replacing traditional payment methods. Additionally, the development of the gig economy has made it possible for individuals to make money from home by offering their skills and services online, with platforms like Fiverr and Upwork facilitating these transactions.
This article overviews the evolution of online payment methods from paper notes to crypto, introducing different popular payment methods of this time with their benefits and drawbacks.
The Era of Paper Notes and Checks
People have used paper notes and checks as a means of exchange for centuries. They were the standard payment method to complete transactions and pay retailers in most countries.
However, how paper notes have been used and valued has also developed. These changes were mostly associated with economic issues such as inflation and depression. As such, some countries started to back their currencies with government authorities after they were backed with gold.
At all events, people started to decline the use of paper notes and bank checks in our modern era. The transformation into the digital world required easy and effective payment methods rather than traditional ones, which created several challenges such as:
- Limited in-store purchases
- Taking a longer time to transfer money
- Being less convenient for purchasers
- Eliminating e-commerce activity
These challenges called for new electronic payment methods that quickly emerged and gained popularity among users as online shopping has become the norm with evolving E-commerce trends.
The Rise of Credit Cards and Online Banking
Credit Cards have been a popular, portable, and easy means of payment for a long time, and people continued to carry them until online banking options dominated. It was much more convenient for credit card holders to make payments with their cards rather than carrying cash all the time.
Credit cards, much like the name suggests, allow cardholders to spend from a sum of money given to them on credit, depending on the limit they opt for upon agreement. Then, the cardholders must pay a monthly invoice for their spending by the end of each month.
However, when online payments emerged, cards made it easy for users to make online payments by linking their account information to their smart devices. Therefore, payment with credit cards remained a convenient option for users even with the rise of contactless and cashless payment options.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Credit Card Payments
A credit card payment option offers several advantages for users, including:
- Reliability and convenience
- Fast transaction completion procedures
- Providing limited overdrafts
On the other hand, the major drawback of this payment method is exposing its users to the risk of running up big debit card debts if they fail to control the volume of their purchases.
The Growth of Online Banking in Response to Online Payments
Online banking emerged due to the new trends in payment methods and people’s shift to online payments. It has thrived in the digital transformation era, especially during the pandemic and enforced quarantine.
By definition, online banking allows people to use different banking services on the Internet, such as money transfers, withdrawals, and payments, while charging less fees for each financial transaction. Online banking simplifies transaction processes and enhances payment options, making them faster and easier.
The Emergence of Alternative Payment Methods
Alternative payment methods (APMs) provide various options for making online payments most conveniently. The world’s transformation into online e-commerce intensified the competition in the online payment market, leading to the emergence of several alternative payment methods.
Here are some examples of APMs and their definitions:
- E-wallets: These are digital wallets that allow users to make payments in-store. Users can create electronic wallets using the service provider’s app or platform, and they then fill out their card information to set up their e-wallets.
- Direct debit: This allows users to make direct payments, and withdrawals are immediately deducted from their bank account.
- Prepaid cards: Users of prepaid cards preload them with a specific amount of money, from which they can make online payments. One of the perks of using prepaid cards is not being required to have a bank account.
The Advent of Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies secured by cryptography that are making an impact on the business world. They are stored and traded using special apps or software. Cryptocurrencies are operated by decentralized authorities without government intervention, which sets them apart from other payment methods.
Advantages of Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies have different types, and each is made for special uses. However, using crypto for online payments give users many advantages:
- Decentralization and security: Cryptocurrencies are considered a safer payment method since no third parties interfere in operating them. Transactions are encrypted and secured by blockchain systems to protect users’ information.
- Global reach: anyone can trade with cryptocurrencies from anywhere in the world and anytime. They only must have a smartphone and a stable internet connection.
- Lower transaction fees: Cryptocurrencies are a cheaper payment method based on decentralized networks with no intermediary intervention.
Conclusion
New trading and payment methods have emerged with new technologies and advancements. The different online payment methods make completing transactions easier, more convenient, and faster.
Disclaimer: Gambling involves an element of financial risk and may be addictive. Please play responsibly and at your own risk. This post contains material that may or may not be legal in your country. Please play subject to applicable law.