Introduction
Open Banking and card processing settlements represent two significant pillars in the financial ecosystem. While card processing settlements have been the traditional method of transaction handling, Open Banking offers a fresh and potentially more efficient approach. In the context of gaming companies, these mechanisms can have a vast impact on the transaction process, customer experience, and business operations. Here, we dissect the features, benefits, and challenges of both approaches.
Open Banking: An Overview
Open Banking refers to a financial services model where banking data is shared between banks and third-party developers, with the authorization of the bank account holder, to develop new applications and services. This system leverages APIs to facilitate real-time data transmission and direct transactions.
Card Processing Settlements: An Overview
Card processing settlements refer to the process where card transactions are processed and settled through traditional card networks like Visa, MasterCard, etc. This involves several stakeholders, including cardholders, merchants (in this case, gaming companies), acquiring banks, and issuing banks.
Detailed Comparison
1. Transaction Speed
Open Banking:
Real-Time or Near Real-Time Transactions: Transactions can be processed almost instantly due to the API integration that facilitates direct transactions between bank accounts.
Reduced Settlement Times: As it bypasses traditional card networks, it potentially reduces the time taken for settlement of funds.
Card Processing Settlements:
Delayed Transactions: Transactions often have to pass through various intermediaries, which can cause delays.
Settlement Period: Typically, there's a settlement period of 1-3 days before the funds reach the merchant's account.
2. Fees and Costs
Open Banking:
Potential Cost Reduction: Open banking may offer lower transaction fees as it bypasses the card networks which usually charge a fee for each transaction.
Transparent Pricing: Open banking can potentially offer a more transparent pricing structure.
Card Processing Settlements:
Higher Fees: Merchants might encounter higher fees per transaction due to various intermediaries involved in the process.
Cross-Border Fees: There might be additional fees for cross-border transactions.
3. Security and Fraud Prevention
Open Banking:
Enhanced Security: Leveraging bank-level security protocols, open banking offers secure data transmission.
Customer Authorization: Transactions require explicit customer authorization, thus potentially reducing fraud.
Card Processing Settlements:
Established Security Protocols: Card networks have established security protocols to prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions.
Chargeback Protections: Merchants have access to protections against chargebacks and fraudulent transactions.
4. Integration and Flexibility
Open Banking:
API Integration: Allows for seamless integration with various systems, offering a more flexible and adaptable solution.
Customization: Enables the creation of customized payment solutions to enhance the user experience.
Card Processing Settlements:
Limited Customization: Integration and customization can be somewhat limited compared to open banking.
Legacy Systems: Often relies on older, established systems which might be less adaptable to changing business needs.
Conclusion
For gaming companies, the choice between open banking and card processing settlements should align with their business strategy, considering aspects such as transaction speed, fees, security, and integration capabilities. Open banking seems to offer a modern, efficient, and potentially cost-effective alternative to traditional card processing settlements, paving the way for an enhanced gaming experience with real-time transactions and improved security measures.
However, it’s also vital to consider the established trust and reliability that card processing networks offer. Before making a shift, gaming companies should conduct a comprehensive analysis to understand which system aligns better with their operational goals and customer expectations.