Remove checkout barriers

Consumers and commercial clients alike have grown used to the seamless convenience of completing transactions with a single swipe, click or flash of their phones. Friction at the point-of-sale translates to abandoned carts and lower conversion rates.

Payment APIs are key for frictionless check-out by providing instant access to sophisticated payment services. Taking it a step further, APIs also make it possible for merchants to add other data services during check-out, such as closing gaps in contact information, identify the best shipping options and avoid declines or errors that detract from the customer experience. In the background, merchants can leverage yet another set of APIs for authentication and fraud purposes, invisible to the consumer.

Drive customer loyalty

The same experience that helps a customer through the checkout process is also critical for getting them to return. Rich payment APIs drive customer loyalty through the ease of use at the point of purchase. Why? Consumers will choose the merchant that they trust from past transactions, particularly if they can complete a purchase without having to re-enter payment and personal information.

Glean better insights

Customers want more personalized and relevant offers and suggestions—but that requires data. APIs make it easier for merchants to retain consumer data and learn more about the customer preferences. With a more complete picture of customers, merchants are able to better anticipate their needs, make targeted recommendations, and ultimately improve incremental sales and loyalty.

Support in-app purchases

More consumers—particularly younger demographics—are embracing in-app purchases, and that trend has gained momentum as a result of social distancing measures. In April, In-app purchase revenue jumped 22% during a two-week period, as U.S. consumers increased their mobile usage while being stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a study by marketing analytics firm AppsFlyer.

APIs are the building blocks of in-app purchases. They work behind the scenes to make transactions seamless, from inventory selection and fulfilment to payment and shipping.

Improve cash flow

Managing cash flow requires looking at receivables and payables, accessing liquidity and making accurate forecasts. Cash management APIs improve every facet of the treasury operations.

Streamline compliance

Payment APIs reduce financial regulatory compliance liability for merchants in myriad ways. APIs are driven by a sets of rules that can be configured and updated to meet any compliance requirements. With the right APIs, companies can limit risk, protect customer data, and in the process, and safeguard their reputations.

At the end of the day, building value isn’t just about the right marketing, merchandising and customer experience: It’s about putting together all of these pieces—and in a way that instills trust in the marketplace. APIs are a critical part of that equation.