In a world that goes mobile every second, having an application that lets you proceed with payments with only a couple of clicks is certainly a great idea. The apps that accept payments appear in different fields. They include not only booking and reservation services, but also taxi apps, coffee applications, dating apps and social networks that feature a mechanism of processing online payments. At the same time, developers should consider growing sales resulted from online shopping via portable devices. That growth does not seem to slow down.

This article has nothing in common with in-app purchases or any other monetization model. We are going to review some of the most useful and efficient methods to implement and integrate award-winning mobile payment systems in spite of the platform. You will also find out if there any way to avoid 30% of commissions established by Apple and Google. In other words, let us review some of the best payment solutions to be integrated in your mobile application in spite of the platform letting users purchase physical goods as well as services.

Direct credit card integration

A wide range of different payment gateways is available for integration. Your app can use API to process any transaction completed by a debit or credit card. You may think this is the best and the easiest method. However, it is not as simple as it may seem at first sight, as it comes with a set of obstacles. Every time you decide to integrate gateway API, you take the full responsibility for personal data security. In other words, you will be guilty of the slightest fraud that may take place, as it goes through your app directly.

Another obstacle that you may face is the inability to implement an authenticated tokenization process, which appears to be obligatory whenever you process transactions with the help of the mobile application. In some cases, gateway API provides necessary tokens to execute transaction within a secure authenticated environment. If it does not, you will have to deal with it by yourself.

Do not give up in case you start facing the first difficulties on your way to success. You can opt for some other methods that will let you stay within the PCI compliance. If you do not want to make too much effort, the best bet is to opt for native mobile libraries provide by Braintree and Stripe. Those libraries can be used in order to receive tokens as an encrypted data. Those libraries are available for all major mobile platforms including iOS and Android. Of course, they are not free and charge $0.30 in addition to 2.9% from the transaction.

Ways to stay in PCI compliance

If you are planning to build an app that is going to let users proceed with online transactions and purchases, meeting PCI standards is the first thing you need to consider. The above-mentioned Stripe and Braintree have PCI certificates of the first class as the most reliable service providers.

If you also want to get certified by PCI, you need to have enough patience, strength and stamina. The entire process is very time-consuming and may last for months and years. It may appear to be nothing but a pain in the neck. The best bet is to integrate Braintree or Stripe and benefit from secure vault for all types of data during the transmission.

Who’s the best: braintree or stripe

After becoming eBay subsidiary, PayPal decided to spend a couple of bucks and absorb Braintree. It spent $800 million for the purchase with only one goal – to become the same level of recognition and popularity as Stripe. While being the main rival in the niche, Stripe has proved to be extremely efficient and secure. It actually hit the headlines in the world of mobile applications and conquered the market at short notice. Moreover, there were some rumors about Braintree’s big customers that left PayPal for Stripe. Both managed to establish an efficient collaboration with some of the big online names like Facebook. Moreover, Braintree managed to hook up some other major players in the mobile market such as Uber and Airbnb.

Both have some great features in addition to a flawless reputation when it comes to secure and safe transactions. However, what are the main benefits when it comes to integration? Let’s have a closer look:

Braintree integration – the system is developing vastly. It regularly comes with new modifications and updates. It changes in order to meet the expectations of a growing number of online shoppers. Developers have not been left without attention. The system has recently introduced its Braintree v.zero SDK that enables an easy and fast integration with your mobile application. Developers will appreciate this new SDK where they can customize the system in accordance with the platforms well as change the look of the “Pay” button. Such features mean that you will never have to deal with sole PayPal integration. Another great news was the announcement of One Touch™. The system is already operating on iOS platform and is also available for Android devices in beta version. This solution is believed to solve the problem of inconvenience between online payment via smartphones or through the desktop site. At the same time, the system will no longer require username or password saving users’ time and letting them proceed with the payment with only one touch. On the other hand, they will have to install both Venmo and PayPal app in order to use the system. After you install them on your smartphone, all you need is to log in and start making purchases and payments with only one touch. US-based merchants already have a chance to benefit from the tool;

 

Stripe Integration – Introduced in 2011, Stripe immediately took the audience by storm. The payment system appeared to be extremely developer and user-friendly. The main mission of the system was to provide safe and secure transactions. The goals are the same now. However, developers may benefit from a number of programming languages to choose from. They are handy for both backend as well as easy deployment. Stripe comes with maximum functionality letting developers keep control over UI features, while merchant will certainly appreciate the opportunity to accept over 139 currencies as payments. Despite the fact, Stripe is considered to be the easiest solution for integrated payment systems, it delivers a 100% control over the payment process. Companies are able to keep an eye on its every aspect. Stripe is perfect for both developers and online shoppers. On the one hand, it never causes the slightest difficulties when it comes to the development process. On the other hand, it process all transactions safely and quickly.

We should also look into the future when comparing two systems as well as their potential from business perspective. Stripe will soon provide an expanded API after the Collision Bothers will receive additional investments. We should never forget Stripe Connect letting users complete transactions using the app.

Both systems have proved to be great when it comes to card-present transactions as well although there are still some slight differences between two competitors. On the other hand, we have the example of Square featuring its award-winning function that lets customers complete the payment at a point-of-sale. PayPal can boast with the same feature. POC is a great opting whenever it comes to some small stores and local marketplaces. On the other hand, Stripe is often compared with Square as a good example of advanced and innovative approach to the entire field of mobile app payments. Both systems cost billions of dollars and seem to shape the entire payment industry.

Payment systems available in Europe

For European developers, benefiting from all Stripe and Braintree advantages will be a challenge. However, they can opt for some European payment services that may also appear rather fancy and efficient.

For example, Swedish developers may select from a long list of payment companies that offer some great advantages. Some of them include:

  • iZetta;
  • Klarna;
  • Mondido.

The German mobile market is also full of big names related to the online payment industry. They include:

  • Paymill;
  • PayEleven.

Although the variety of payment systems is rather wide, developers should take into account some crucial differences when it comes to processing payments. The US market is different from European. For this reason, if your target audience is mainly located in Europe, you will need to think of some ways to deal with international transactions. Also do not forget about taxes and other possible commissions. For instance, the latest stats show the people in Germany are the most passive credit card users if compared with any other European country. Every market features its own particularities and tendencies you need to follow in order to have a success.

Our article proves that mobile app payment integration is rather simple. Of course, it may come with some slight difficulties and obstacles. On the other hand, developers can benefit from a wide selection of different companies and systems offering their advanced, secure and safe solutions. Feel free to contact us in case of any questions.