How Payment by Card Is Changing Indian Businesses

India has seen a massive shift in the way people pay for goods and services. One major change is the rise of payment by card — including debit cards, credit cards, and prepaid cards.

From local shops to big malls, from service providers to online sellers — card payments are now everywhere.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• What “payment by card” means

• Why more Indian businesses are accepting cards

• How payment gateways enable quick card payments

• Benefits for shopkeepers, agents, and small businesses

• How to accept card payments using platforms like PayPlex and Cashfree

Let’s begin.

---

 What Is Payment by Card?

Payment by card means paying for goods or services using a physical or virtual card, including:

•  Debit cards – linked to your bank account

• Credit cards – borrow now, pay later

•  Prepaid cards – loaded with a fixed balance (used by businesses or for gifting)

When a customer taps, swipes, or enters their card details — the money is sent through a payment gateway to the business account.

It is one of the fastest and most secure payment methods in use today.

---

Growth of Card Payments in India

According to RBI data:

• Over 1 billion cards (debit + credit) are now in circulation in India

• Most urban and semi-urban customers prefer card payments for security

• Rural card usage is growing fast, especially via AEPS and micro-ATMs

• Businesses that accept cards see up to 30% more sales compared to cash-only shops

---

Why Businesses Are Now Accepting Card Payments

---

 Types of Card Payments

1. Physical Card Swipe/Tap (PoS Machine)

• Requires a swiping machine

• Works with debit/credit cards

• Common in stores, salons, clinics, etc.

2. Online Card Payment (Gateway)

• Used on websites, apps, or payment links

• Enter card number, expiry, CVV, and OTP

• Secure and fast — powered by providers like Cashfree

3. Virtual Card or Tokenized Card

• Used for safer online payments

• Card details are encrypted or hidden for privacy

---

 How Payment Gateways Enable Card Payments

A payment gateway is a digital tool that allows your business to accept payments via:

• UPI

• Cards

• Net banking

• Wallets

Card payments go through secure processing by the gateway, which includes:

• Verifying the card details

• Getting bank authorization

• Confirming payment success

• Depositing the amount into the business bank account

Gateways like Cashfree, used by PayPlex, allow small businesses and AEPS agents to start accepting card payments — without a website or app.

---

Real-Life Use Case: How a Tailor Accepts Card Payments

Reena runs a tailoring shop in Jaipur. Many of her walk-in customers don’t carry cash.

So she:

• Registers with PayPlex

• Gets access to a payment link generator and QR

• Shares payment links with customers who use debit cards

• Accepts payment via phone — without a PoS machine

Now, she receives quick payments, builds trust with customers, and doesn’t worry about cash storage.

---

⚙️ How to Start Accepting Card Payments (Without a Machine)

You don’t always need a swiping machine to accept card payments.

Here’s how you can do it using PayPlex + Cashfree:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Register at PayPlex

2.  Complete KYC with Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details

3.  Get your merchant dashboard with payment link tools

4. ???? Share links with customers who want to pay by card

5. ???? Receive the payment directly in your account

It’s simple, fast, and doesn’t need any hardware!

---

 Features to Look for in Card Payment Services

Platforms like Cashfree and PayPlex provide all of these features in a simple interface.

---

Transaction Fees for Card Payments

Here’s what you can expect:

UPI remains the cheapest, but card payments are important for high-value transactions, and business-class customers.

You only pay a fee when a transaction happens — no monthly cost.

---

 Industries Where Card Payments Are Popular

• Grocery stores

• Medical clinics and chemists

• Tuition centers and coaches

• Fashion boutiques and salons

• Online sellers and freelancers

• Restaurants and food delivery

• AEPS centers that also offer quick payment solutions

---

 Combine Card Payments with AEPS & Balance Pay

If you're a PayPlex agent, you can:

• Accept card payments (credit/debit)

• Use AEPS for cash withdrawals from Aadhaar

• Use balance pay to send money or refunds

• Provide mobile recharge, bill pay, and insurance services

 All using just your smartphone.

This makes you a one-stop digital service provider for rural and semi-urban customers.

---

 Tips to Accept Card Payments Smartly

✅ Keep your QR printed and visible
✅ Train your staff on how to help customers enter card info (if needed)
✅ Offer receipts for every transaction
✅ Use same-day settlement options to avoid delays
✅ Offer cashback or discount on card payments to increase usage
✅ Use payment links instead of waiting for cash

---

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do I need a swiping machine to accept card payments?
 No. You can accept online card payments using PayPlex’s payment links.

Q2: Are card payments secure?
 Yes. Card data is encrypted, and OTP/PIN is required to complete transactions.

Q3: How long does it take to receive the payment?
 Usually 1–2 working days. Some providers offer same-day settlements.

Q4: What happens if a card payment fails?
The amount is automatically reversed to the customer’s account.

Q5: Can I refund a card payment?
 Yes. You can do partial or full refunds from your merchant dashboard.

---

✅ Final Thoughts: Go Cashless & Grow Your Business

Payment by card is no longer just for big brands. With simple tools like PayPlex, any shop owner or AEPS agent in India can:

• Accept debit or credit card payments

• Combine it with UPI, balance pay, and AEPS services

• Serve more customers — faster and better

• Build a modern, digital, and trusted business

You don’t need a card machine. You just need the right tools.