What is an e-Wallet?

An e-Wallet, sometimes called a digital wallet, is a secure place that contains one or more currency purses. Your shoppers can fund an eWallet in several different ways. Once funded, shoppers can use e-Wallets online to buy goods or services.

A shopper must register with the provider, and may have to complete a full KYC (Know Your Customer) process before they're allowed to use an eWallet. Some payment service providers have the concept of a verified and unverified eWallet account for users who have completed KYC and those who haven't. Verified shoppers normally have a higher spending limit.

If you are using Slurp Central, we are proud to inform you that eWallet is applicable and can be used in your outlets. eWallet applications such as Boost!, GrabPay, FoodPanda, Visa, MasterCard and various other payment methods can be used for our POS system.

The payment process of an eWallet is significantly different to that of card payments; during the payment process the shopper is authenticated, he/she then has access to the full features and functions of the eWallet account. This account may include currency conversions, top-ups, and access to other payment service providers. 

Shoppers may also have the option to create an unverified eWallet account during the payments process. There is a risk here that some shoppers may get lost, so we strongly recommend that you, the merchant, think carefully about your shopper base before you launch an eWallet service.

For setting up an E-wallet account, the user needs to install the software on his/her device, and enter the relevant information required. After shopping online, the E-wallet automatically fills in the user’s information on the payment form. To activate the E-wallet, the user needs to enter his password. Once the online payment is made, the consumer is not required to fill the order form on any other website as the information gets stored in the database and is updated automatically.

Shoppers' data/information is normally encrypted and stored securely. Usernames/passwords and email/mobile phone verification are sometimes used when systems create an eWallet account. Photo IDs and proof of address are normally produced and stored for reference during the KYC procedure. 

Some payment service providers use transaction limits and velocity checks to monitor the transaction in a shoppers eWallet account. Due their feature rich content, APMs and particularly eWallets are open to fraud in different way from Credit/Debit Cards and MUST NOT be sold as Cards.

A QR Code is a two-dimensional barcode that is readable by smartphones. It allows to encode over 4000 characters in a two dimensional barcode. QR Codes may be used to display text to the user, to open a URL, save a contact to the address book or to compose text messages.

One way of making mobile payments in-store is by using QR codes. All you need is a mobile phone with a camera, and a mobile app that can scan, store, and share QR codes.

Here are the three main payment types you can make using QR codes, and how they work:

1. Paying retailers with QR scanners.

At the check-out, the cashier will enter the amount to pay. You will then open your QR scanning app and display your unique QR code to the retailer. The retailer will scan the QR code to identify you and deduct the money from your mobile wallet, using a compatible mobile payment app.

2. Paying retailers without QR scanners.

In this scenario, the retailer will display a QR code and you will scan it using the QR scanning app on your mobile device. The app will identify the retailer. Then you can enter the payable amount and complete the payment. One example of this in action is the system used by US department store, Kohl’s. Kohl’s Charge cardholders can now make payments via their mobile app by scanning a QR code at the check-out.

There are many benefits of using QR codes to make payments:

1. No special equipment needed.

One of the challenges of mobile payments is finding a solution that works with different devices. QR codes help overcome this challenge, as all you need to scan a QR code is a camera on your mobile phone.

2. Quick and easy to use.

You don’t need to enter the details of the person you are paying, just scanning the QR code will identify them instantly.

3. More convenience.

You can make payments using QR codes from any location with only a few taps on the mobile device.

4. Increased safety.

Storing your payment details in your mobile phone and carrying it around is much safer than bringing your entire wallet full of cash and credit cards everywhere you go. The chances of theft and fraudulent purchases using your payment details are much less with QR codes.