5 Ways to Accept Mobile Payments for International Businesses

Reach new markets and achieve higher conversion rates.

Mobile payment acceptance is essential for businesses seeking global reach and improved conversion. These solutions improve checkout experiences, expand customer reach and reduce processing costs.

International businesses face challenges due to varied payment preferences across regions—QR-based payments like PayNow are widely used in Singapore, while contactless cards remain common in Europe.

This article outlines key mobile payment methods and strategies to help simplify international payment operations.

1. Use QR Code-Based Payments to Accept Mobile Payments (Where Relevant)

QR code payments have gained widespread adoption in Asia-Pacific and Latin American markets. This contactless method allows businesses to accept mobile payments without costly hardware, using only smartphones or tablets.

How QR Code Payments Work

Customers scan a QR code with their smartphone camera to initiate a transaction. Static QR codes remain fixed and can be reused, while dynamic QR codes generate unique codes per transaction, improving security and tracking.

Benefits of QR Code Payments

QR code payments require minimal equipment and integrate quickly with existing systems, whether physical checkout points or online stores. They are especially popular in Brazil, Mexico and China where consumers regularly use QR codes for payments.

Implementation Guidance

• Select a payment provider supporting QR transactions.
• Choose between static or dynamic QR codes based on your security and tracking needs.
• For physical retail: display QR codes at checkout or on receipts and train staff to assist customers.
• For online businesses: incorporate QR code generation into the checkout process and make the display clear on all devices.

Warning: Be Aware of QR Code Fraud

While QR code payments offer significant convenience, businesses must be vigilant against the risks of QR code fraud. Criminals may replace legitimate QR codes with fraudulent ones designed to steal users’ payment information or identity. Ensure all QR codes are securely displayed and regularly monitored.

For more information on how to spot and prevent QR code fraud, read our blog: QR Code Fraud and Quishing.

Regional Adoption

QR code payments dominate in Asia and Latin America but remain less common in North America and Europe, where contactless cards and NFC wallets prevail.

Technical Requirements

Implementing QR code payments requires a compatible payment gateway smartphones with cameras for scanning and internet connectivity. The low technical barriers make this method especially suited for small businesses and emerging markets.

2. Accept Tap-to-Pay via NFC-Enabled Devices

NFC technology powers contactless payments, widely used in Europe and North America through Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Tap-to-pay offers the following benefits:

• Faster checkouts than chip-and-PIN or cash
• Reduced physical contact during payment
• Greater convenience for customers
• Smoother transactions that encourage repeat business

To use tap-to-pay, your business requires:

• NFC-enabled payment terminals or mobile POS devices
• A payment processor compatible with major mobile wallets
• Staff training to manage contactless payments and resolve issues

NFC payments protect card data through tokenisation, generating unique one-time codes per transaction to reduce fraud risk compared to traditional cards.

Connecting NFC payments with platforms offering direct card acquiring supports real-time processing, giving you control and the speed customers expect.

3. Implement Mobile Point-of-Sale (mPOS) Systems to Accept Mobile Payments

Mobile Point-of-Sale systems transform smartphones and tablets into portable terminals, allowing businesses to accept payments anywhere. This flexibility suits retail, hospitality, events, field sales, pop-ups and home services.

A typical mPOS setup includes:

• A mobile device (smartphone or tablet)
• A card reader attachment, Bluetooth device or smartphone with NFC capabilties
• mPOS application or software
• Payment processor connection

Benefits of mPOS include mobility, lower costs compared to traditional POS systems, faster checkout that reduces lines during busy periods, and real-time inventory and sales reporting.

Factors for successful implementation:

Select mPOS hardware that fits your transaction volume, mobility needs and integrates with existing systems

Connect with inventory and accounting systems for accurate, real-time reporting

Prioritise security using end-to-end encryption, tokenisation and PCI DSS-compliant devices approved by the PCI Security Standards Council

Train staff to operate the system and troubleshoot common issues

Platforms with built-in acquiring capabilities, like Rapyd, combine payment processing and funds management into one system. This consolidation simplifies operations across locations and channels, reducing complexity and cutting costs.

4. Send Mobile-Friendly Payment Links to Accept Mobile Payments

Payment links are secure URLs that direct clients to payment pages optimised for smartphones and tablets. These links can be sent via SMS, email, messaging apps or social media, offering a flexible method to collect payments without requiring app downloads. This makes payment links suitable for remote transactions, invoicing and service-based businesses, saving time and resources.

Payment links are handy for international businesses. They work across devices and operating systems, accommodating diverse regional payment preferences without extra technical setup.

Follow these best practices when using payment links:

• Generate secure links through a trusted provider with strong encryption
• Personalise links with your business name and transaction details to build customer trust
• Set expiration dates to manage receivables and encourage timely payment
• Send courteous reminders if links remain unused
• Use reporting tools to monitor link usage and reconcile payments

Common use cases include professional services billing, event ticket sales, donation collection, abandoned cart follow-ups and instalment payments.

When selecting a payment link provider, choose one with built-in card acquiring and global compliance, like Rapyd, to accept payments worldwide via local methods.

5. Centralise All Payments and Payouts on One Platform

Managing multiple payment systems can create challenges for international businesses, especially when handling diverse payment methods, currencies and regulations. 

Fragmented systems often lead to:

• Settlement delays caused by moving funds across platforms
• Higher cross-border fees due to multiple intermediaries and currency conversions
• Complex reconciliation that increases reporting time and errors
• Greater security risks from managing several platforms
• Difficulties scaling when relying on region-specific providers

Consolidating payments and payouts on a single platform offers clear benefits:

• A unified view of transaction data simplifies financial oversight
• Reduced administrative work lowers operational burdens
• Simplified compliance

Rapyd provides a single platform to accept payments and issue payouts worldwide. 

Build a Future-Proof Strategy on How to Accept Mobile Payments

Successfully accepting mobile payments internationally requires adapting to diverse market needs and combining multiple payment methods tailored to each region. Centralising operations on a single platform reduces administrative effort, simplifies compliance and delivers consistent experiences for customers worldwide.

When assessing your payment setup, prioritise providers offering direct card acquiring, support for local payment methods and multi-currency management.