How acquirers can raise their game to be more, do more, and deliver more

On one hand, single-server providers offer merchants convenience but often lack flexibility. On the other hand, merchants realize that payments can drive profitability with more control, prompting them to explore multi-acquirer solutions, especially for cross-border use cases.

Traditional acquirers need a counterargument to fend off competition and support merchants who want more transaction services and greater payment choices. Payment gateways are no longer enough to satisfy these demands. Acquirers must raise their game to do more, be more, and deliver more.

In a strategic shift, discussed in a previous blog, forward-thinking acquirers are looking at POPs to help them deliver greater choice and multi-acquiring capability. 

Merchant Acquirers would be amiss for not considering the ACI white-label POP solution, designed to let acquirers expand their services while retaining full control over relationships and branding. There is no pressure to rip and replace. It can be used as an existing gateway extension, accommodating current systems and processes while adding full-scale payments orchestration and multi-acquiring capabilities with minimal investment.

The ACI solution lets acquirers enhance their infrastructure or undergo a complete overhaul. They can implement all payments orchestration features or select specific elements like intelligent fraud management, an integral component of the solution.

White-label POP offers a consumption-based commercial model, operating on a pay-as-you-go basis. This avoids any financial strain for upfront licensing and enables quick integration via APIs so acquirers can add new channels, payment methods, and currencies on demand. This opens new opportunities for international expansion, enabling them to grow with their customers as their cross-border operations evolve and to win new merchant business.

Key differentiators include:

• Fraud protection: AI-based fraud detection and intelligent signals for secure payments acceptance to safeguard merchants’ customers and reputations.
• Relationship retention: Acquirers maintain their connection with merchants without dilution.
• Collaborative support: ACI works closely with acquirers to co-create solutions.

Revenue opportunities: Multi-acquiring allows acquirers to meet dynamic customer needs while earning pass-through revenue.

ACI’s solution empowers customers with greater resilience, choice, and control by allowing them to integrate more payment methods. This white-label architecture includes tailored reporting, functionality, and analytics. Importantly, it remains independent and agnostic, free from bias toward specific card schemes or banks.

Six ways acquirers can benefit:

1. Global payments network: Access to hundreds of payment endpoints for greater independence and cost control
2. Smart transaction routing: Enhances speed, service, and conversion rates for merchants.
3. Tokenization: Ensures efficiency and security across all channels
4. Feature-rich platform: Supports evolving payment requirements for merchants
5. Customer-friendly checkout: Delivers a fast, simple payments experience that drives revenue growth
6. Advanced reporting and analytics: Empowers better management decisions

Low investment for high return

ACI’s white-label POP solution uses a RESTful API (secure, lightweight, faster and more scalable) for easy integration, leveraging existing resources without the cumbersome tech stack or extensive on-premises setups. Acquirers use current licenses and Know Your Customer processes to ensure a smooth transition, migrating their merchant portfolios quickly and efficiently while minimizing disruptions for their tech teams.

In a competitive landscape, acquirers often grapple with perceptions of high costs and rising rates. However, the ACI POP’s innovative features and functionalities can significantly enhance its value proposition. 

Not only does this give their customer service and marketing teams something to shout about, but it also helps attract new merchant customers and boost existing merchant performance, keeping them loyal for longer.

With an ACI white-label POP solution, acquirers deliver new value to merchants engaged in cross-border operations and provide access to pre-built, ready-to-go payment and multi-acquiring services – everything they need to compete more effectively at home and abroad.

For more insights into why acquirers need to consider the POP, read the previous blogs on how the platform can transform your acquiring business:

Why payments orchestration is a powerful strategy for merchant acquirers

Why a white-label POP is the best approach for acquirers