Digital Payments
& Services Glossary Digital Payments
& Services Glossary

AI includes machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and predictive analytics.

AI is used to automate processes, personalize user experiences, detect fraud, and optimize performance.

It improves efficiency, scalability, and decision-making through data-driven automation.

Alternative Payment Methods include non-card payment options such as digital wallets, bank transfers, mobile money, carrier billing, and local payment schemes used in specific countries or regions.

Unlike credit or debit cards, Alternative Payment Methods often rely on bank accounts, mobile devices, or telecom operators, offering different user experiences, authorization flows, and settlement models.

Yes, but their adoption varies by region, with certain methods being dominant in specific countries.

It defines how requests and responses are structured, allowing applications to interact without direct access to each other’s internal systems.

Common types include REST APIs, SOAP APIs, and GraphQL APIs, depending on the technical and business needs.

Public APIs are available to external users or partners, while private APIs are used internally within an organization.

ARPU is calculated by dividing total revenue by the number of active users during the same period.

It helps businesses evaluate monetization performance and understand the value generated by each user.

ARPU is widely used in telecom, digital services, subscription-based businesses, and online platforms.

Bundles increase perceived value, encourage higher spending, and simplify purchasing decisions.

Digital services, subscriptions, content, and complementary products are commonly bundled.

They provide convenience and often cost savings compared to purchasing items separately.

They are commonly used in mobile money ecosystems, financial inclusion services, and markets with limited access to traditional banking.

Cash in adds funds to a digital account, while cash out allows users to withdraw funds from a digital account as cash.

They bridge the gap between cash-based economies and digital payment systems, enabling broader access to financial services.

It is calculated by dividing the number of completed actions by the total number of users, then multiplying by 100.

Actions can include purchases, sign-ups, subscriptions, downloads, or any other defined business goal.

It helps evaluate the effectiveness of marketing, user experience, and sales performance.

They include international transfers, online payments to foreign merchants, and global B2B or B2C transactions.

They often involve multiple currencies, regulatory requirements, and intermediary financial institutions.

They are widely used in e-commerce, digital services, remittances, and international trade.

It is commonly measured through surveys, ratings, reviews, and metrics such as CSAT or Net Promoter Score (NPS).

High customer satisfaction drives loyalty, retention, and positive word of mouth.

Key factors include product quality, customer support, ease of use, pricing, and overall customer experience.

DCB is commonly used for digital content, subscriptions, in-app purchases, and online services.

Users confirm a payment on their mobile device, and the amount is billed by their mobile operator.

It enables easy payments without cards or bank accounts, improving accessibility and conversion rates, especially on mobile.

They include B2C, B2B, C2C sales, digital goods, physical products, and subscription-based services.

Payments are processed through online payment gateways using cards, eWallets, bank transfers, and alternative payment methods.

It enables global reach, 24/7 availability, and scalable growth through digital sales channels.

It can include platforms, partners, users, payment systems, APIs, and third-party services.

They enable collaboration, scalability, and innovation by connecting multiple stakeholders.

They support growth, flexibility, and long-term competitiveness through interconnected services and partnerships.

eMoney is stored in digital wallets or accounts and can be used for online, mobile, or in-store payments.

eMoney is typically issued by regulated institutions and pegged to a fiat currency, unlike cryptocurrencies which are decentralized and volatile.

It is widely used in digital wallets, mobile money services, prepaid accounts, and online payment platforms.

An eWallet can store eMoney, payment cards, bank account details, and sometimes loyalty or identification information.

Users authorize transactions through an app or online interface, often using biometric or PIN authentication.

No. eWallets vary by region, with some being global solutions and others designed for local markets.

MNOs own and manage the mobile network infrastructure, while MVNOs rely on MNO networks to provide services.

Both provide mobile services such as voice, SMS, and data, and may also support digital services like mobile payments or billing.

MVNOs allow for more market competition by targeting specific customer segments, pricing models, or niche services without building network infrastructure.

Mobile money services include person-to-person transfers, bill payments, merchant payments, and cash in / cash out.

Mobile money is typically operated by telecom providers and does not require a bank account, unlike mobile banking.

It is widely used in regions with low banking penetration, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

They include payments, savings, credit, insurance, and money transfer services accessible to underserved populations.

It supports economic participation, reduces inequality, and enables individuals and businesses to manage money securely and efficiently.

Digital payments reduce reliance on cash and banking infrastructure, making financial services more accessible through mobile phones and digital platforms.

Common elements include points, rewards, badges, levels, challenges, and leaderboards.

It is widely used in marketing, mobile apps, education, fitness, and digital services.

Gamification helps improve user engagement, retention, and overall user experience.

They often include game discovery, subscriptions, in-game purchases, user accounts, and payment integration.

Gaming hubs are used by players, publishers, and operators to access, distribute, and manage games efficiently.

They simplify access to content, improve user engagement, and enable monetization through unified platforms.

It involves adapting products, content, or payment methods to local regulations, cultures, and consumer preferences while maintaining a global framework.

It helps businesses scale internationally while remaining relevant and compliant in each local market.

Glocal strategies include supporting local payment methods, currencies, languages, and regulatory requirements within a global platform.

They can include cards, eWallets, mobile money, bank transfers, cash, and alternative payment methods.

Digital merchant payments are processed through payment platforms, gateways, or APIs that authorize and settle transactions.

They are used in retail, e-commerce, digital services, and subscription-based business models.

They are often used for digital content, in-app features, pay-per-use services, and online tipping.

Their low value requires cost-efficient payment methods to keep transaction fees proportionate.

Methods such as Direct Carrier Billing, eWallets, and mobile money are commonly used for micropayments.

They include payments via mobile apps, eWallets, mobile money, NFC-based payments, and carrier billing.

Users authorize payments on their mobile device, often using biometrics, PINs, or one-time authentication.

They offer convenience, speed, and accessibility, especially for digital and on-the-go purchases.

Common models include subscriptions, advertising, in-app purchases, pay-per-use, and transaction fees.

They integrate payment solutions, pricing strategies, and value-added services to convert usage into revenue.

It enables sustainable growth by turning user engagement and usage into measurable financial returns.

They include retail purchases, online shopping, bill payments, subscriptions, and service payments.

P2B payments can be made using cards, eWallets, mobile money, bank transfers, or alternative payment methods.

P2B involves payments from individuals to merchants, while P2P refers to transfers between individuals.

They are used for sending money to friends or family, sharing expenses, and informal payments.

P2P payments are typically made through mobile apps, eWallets, or mobile money services.

P2P involves transfers between individuals, while P2B refers to payments made to businesses.

It simplifies payment processing by consolidating different payment flows, providers, and geographies into one system.

A payment hub can support cards, Alternative Payment Methods, mobile payments, bank transfers, and local payment solutions.

It reduces integration complexity, improves scalability, and enables faster expansion into new markets.

RCS supports images, videos, carousels, buttons, read receipts, and real-time interactions.

Businesses use RCS for customer engagement, marketing campaigns, transactional messages, and interactive customer support.

RCS availability depends on device compatibility, operating systems, and mobile operator support.

ROI is calculated by dividing the net profit of an investment by its cost, usually expressed as a percentage.

It helps assess the effectiveness of investments and supports data-driven decision-making.

ROI is widely used in marketing, finance, product development, and business strategy to measure performance

They commonly include payments, e-commerce, messaging, transportation, financial services, and third-party mini-apps.

Unlike single-purpose apps, Super Apps offer an integrated ecosystem of services within one user interface.

They provide convenience, reduce app switching, and address a wide range of daily user needs in one platform.

Common channels include digital advertising, app stores, social media, content marketing, and partnerships.

It is measured using metrics such as cost per acquisition (CPA), conversion rate, and lifetime value (LTV).

It drives growth by expanding the user base and increasing market reach.