Payment Gateway Analysis

What is a Payment Gateway?

A Payment Gateway is a digital technology that enables businesses and individuals to receive payments from their customers
through their websites or mobile apps. It acts as a bridge between the merchant’s website or smartphone app and the bank that
processes the customer’s payment through Debit Card, Credit Card or UPI.

In simpler terms, a Payment Gateway is a system employed by businesses to receive electronic payments made by customers
buying their goods or services online. Similar to how a point-of-sale(POS) terminal at a physical store verifies a Debit or Credit
Card for authenticity, a Payment Gateway performs the same function in the case of online transactions.

As you cannot physically provide your card during an online purchase, you are required to enter your credentials (card number,
CVV, expiry date etc) in a Payment Gateway to complete the transact

How does a Payment Gateway

facilitate Online Business?

⚡ Real-time Processing
 A. Instantly verify transactions and provide immediate feedback (success/failure) to users.

B. Enhances customer satisfaction and trust through prompt confirmations.

🌐 Multi-channel Support

A. Supports a wide range of payment methods:

- Credit/Debit Cards
- UPI
- Digital Wallets
- Net Banking
- Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), etc.
B. Ensures flexibility and convenience for diverse customer preferences.

🛡 Fraud Prevention & Security

A. Uses high-level encryption and secure protocols (e.g., SSL, PCI DSS compliance).

B. Employs AI-driven fraud detection systems to monitor and flag suspicious activity.

C. Helps prevent data breaches, chargebacks, and financial losses.

D. Builds customer trust by ensuring secure transaction environments.

💸 Automatic Settlements

A. Ensures timely fund transfers to merchant bank accounts (typically in case of EMIs).

B. Minimizes cash flow disruption and provides transparency on transaction settlements.

🛍 Optimized Checkout Experience

A. Mobile-friendly, fast-loading interfaces.

B. Customizable, embedded checkout options.

C. Designed to reduce friction and minimize cart abandonment rates.

🌍 Global Expansion Support

A. Supports multi-currency payments and international cards.

B. Localizes the payment experience for customers in different regions.

C. Empowers businesses to scale and sell internationally with ease.

How Do Payment Gateways Enhance the Competency of an Online Business?

Real-Time Processing
→ Fast transaction validation boosts operational efficiency and improves customer trust, therefore, helping businesses serve many orders faster.
Multi-Channel Payment Support
→ Accepting cards, UPI, wallets, BNPL, etc., makes the business more inclusive and accessible, leading to higher customer acquisition and retention.

Fraud Prevention & Security

→ Strong security measures (PCI DSS, encryption, AI fraud detection) reduce chargebacks and financial risks, enhancing business reliability and
professionalism.

Automatic Settlements
→ Ensures smooth cash flow and financial planning, which is essential for scaling operations and maintaining inventory.

Optimized Checkout Experience

→ A seamless, mobile-friendly checkout reduces cart abandonment, thus, directly boosting conversion rates and sales.

Global Expansion Capabilities

→ Enables businesses to accept international cards and multi-currency payments- opening doors to global customers without changing core
infrastructure.
 Payment Gateways
Payment Description Competencies Pros (Relevant to Outlook India) Cons (Relevant to Outlook Top Business
Gateway India) Tie-ups
Razorpay Indian payment gateway Real-time processing A. Full recurring billing support (cards, A. Approval needed for
offering a suite of payment Easy to use UI UPI AutoPay) international
solutions. Infosys
Multi-channel support B. Smart failure routing B. Requires integration for
Robust security C. Fast refunds (T+1) advanced tax compliance UrbanClap
Automatic settlements D. Built-in TDS/GST tools Zoomcar
Optimized checkout E. International payments supported Swiggy
Global expansion support

Paytm Offers extensive digital Real-time processing A. Accepts wallet, UPI, net banking, A. Weak international support
Payments payment solutions in India. User-friendly interface cards B. TDS/GST not automated
Multi-channel support
Gateway B. Strong mobile ecosystem C. Less exible for editorial/ IRCTC
Robust security measures
Automatic settlements C. UPI AutoPay supported long-form content business Uber
Optimized checkout experience D. Fast onboarding Zomato.
Support for global transactions

Cashfree Provides payment and Easy integration, prompt customer A. Lowest UPI MDR A. Slightly dated UI Cred
banking technology support, multiple payment options. B. Instant refunds and payouts B. Slight learning curve for tax Acko
solutions. Nykaa
C. Supports international payments dashboard
Dunzo
D. Good TDS reconciliation tools
BigBasket
E. Simple integration Xiaomi India
CCAvenue One of India's oldest Dynamic transaction switching, A. Wide payment mode support A. No UPI AutoPay
payment gateways with fraud detection, easy integration, B. Multi-lingual checkout B. Complex integration MakeMyTrip
extensive features. BookMyShow
responsive transaction pages. C. Strong brand presence C. Refunds slow (T+3)
D. Poor UX Air India

Instamojo Caters to small businesses 100+ payment modes, hassle-free A. No setup fee A. No recurring payments
and startups with simple Small and
settlements, easy integration. B. Very simple to use B. No international support medium
payment solutions.
C. Accepts UPI, wallets, etc. C. T+3 refunds enterprises,
D. Best for small sellers D. Very basic reporting individual
entrepreneurs.
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Ease Buzz Fintech company offering Real-time processing, Easy UI, A. UPI AutoPay & eNACH for A. No international support
API-based digital payment Multi-channel support, Secure subscriptions B. Moderate complexity in tax Indian Railways
solutions and value-added transactions, Automatic settlements,
B. Clean UI reconciliation Uber India
services to educational Optimized checkout, Scalable for
C. Quick refunds Zomato
institutions, SMBs, and SMBs
BookMyShow
enterprises. Known for D. Easy pricing
niche billing and customized
payment collection systems.
PayU Provides payment solutions Over 150 payment modes, secure A. International payments supported A. Tax reporting not fully
with a focus on emerging Snapdeal
transactions, global accessibility. B. Subscriptions available automated
markets. Goibibo
C. Major platform support B. Slow dispute resolution
Ola

BillDesk Specializes in bill payments Secure and reliable, suitable for A. Highly secure A. No recurring billing
and recurring transactions. government and nancial LIC
B. Trusted for utility & large billers B. No international payments BSNL
institutions. C. Stable performance C. Outdated tech stack Various banks.
Stripe International payment Transparent fee structure, A. Best international support (135+ A. No native TDS/GST
gateway known for customizable features, global currencies) handling Amazon
developer-friendly tools.
support. B. Advanced subscription system B. Expensive (2.9%+) Shopify
C. Smart retries C. Needs external tools for tax Lyft.
D. Excellent UI/UX compliance
Atom A NTT DATA Company, Real-time transaction processing, A. Offers recurring billing A. Poor documentation
Atom offers end-to-end Multi-channel payments (web, IVR, B. Supports basic international B. Weak customer support
payment processing POS), Robust encryption & PCI
solutions with a focus on DSS compliant, High uptime, Auto payments C. Refunds and reporting not LIC,
BFSI, retail, and settlements, Recurring payment C. Enterprise-ready robust MakeMyTrip,
eCommerce sectors. support HDFC ERGO,
Provides secure, scalable Thomas Cook
digital payments across
mobile, IVR, and web
channels.
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COST TO MERCHANT
BillDesk : You need to contact the sales team of BillDesk to understand their payment gateway charges. The company doesn’t publish them on its website.
 QUICK COMPARISON
International Recurring
Payment Gateway Settlement Time Customer Support Best Suited For
Payments Payments
Razorpay T+2 days Yes Yes 24x7 support Startups, SaaS, SMEs
Paytm Payments Yes (including eCommerce, Wallets,
T+1 day; real-time available Yes 24x7 priority support
Gateway UPI AutoPay) Enterprises
T+2 days; instant settlements D2C brands, Lending
Cashfree Yes Yes Responsive support
available platforms
CCAvenue T+2 to T+3 days Yes Yes Average support Large Enterprises
Freelancers, Small
Instamojo T+3 days No No Email-based support
Businesses
Yes (E-NACH
Easebuzz T+1 day No Quick support Education, NBFCs, SMEs
support)
PayU T+2 days Yes Yes Mixed reviews eCommerce, SaaS
BillDesk T+2 to T+3 days No Limited Average support Government, Utilities
Yes (135+
Stripe T+2 days Yes Excellent support Global SaaS, Subscriptions
currencies)
Atom T+2 days Yes Yes Limited support Enterprises
 What’s Best for Outlook India?
Key Needs for Outlook Explanation

Recurring Payments Monthly/annual subscriptions with auto-renewal (UPI AutoPay, cards)

Multiple Payment Methods Cards, UPI, Netbanking, Wallets, Paytm, etc.

Payment Failure Handling Instant retry logic, user alerts, and smart routing

Refund & Dispute Management Transparent, fast refund cycles

TDS & GST Handling Auto GST invoicing, TDS deduction, Form 26AS compatibility

Cost Effectiveness Low MDR (merchant discount rate), no/low setup & maintenance fees

Therefore, Top 3 Payment Gateways for Outlook India could be:

Recurring
TDS/GST Payment Failures
Gateway Refund Support Payments Cost Effectiveness
Support Safety
Support
1. Razorpay ✅✅ ✅✅ ✅✅ ✅✅ ✅✅
2. Cashfree ✅✅ ✅✅ ✅ ✅ ✅✅✅
3. Easebuzz ✅✅ ✅ ✅ ✅✅ ✅✅
 EMI STRATEGY
Objective: Design a detailed EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) Strategy to help Outlook Group increase subscriptions for their premium products
or services by offering flexible payment options

EMI Strategy for Outlook Group Subscriptions

1. Identify Eligible Subscription Plans for EMI: EMI options are most effective for higher-priced, longer-duration subscriptions. Based on the
product list, the following plans are suitable candidates-

A. Print + E-Magazine Bundles:

A. 1-Year Plans: ₹1,599 – ₹3,699

B. 2-Year Plans: ₹2,899 – ₹6,999

B. Print-Only Subscriptions:

A. 2-Year Plans: ₹1,549 – ₹4,399

B. 3-Year Plans: ₹1,625 – ₹6,199

C. E-Magazine Subscriptions:

A. 2-Year Plans: ₹1,549 – ₹4,299

Note: Only the plans priced above ₹1,500 are ideal for EMI offerings

2. Define EMI Options

Offer flexible EMI plans to cater to diverse customer preferences:

A. Tenure Options:

A. 3 months
B. 6 months

B. Interest Rates:

A. 0% (No-Cost EMI) for 3 months plans

 B. Standard interest rates as per banking partners for others

3. Collaborate with Payment Partners

Integrate with payment gateways and nancial institutions that support EMI transactions:

A. Payment Gateways:

A. Razorpay
B. Cashfree
C. EaseBuzz

B. Financial Institutions:

A. Major credit card providers (e.g., HDFC, ICICI, SBI)

B. BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) services like LazyPay, Simpl

4. EMI Plan Examples

Here's how EMI options can be structured for select subscription plans:

Plan Type Subscription Term Offer Price (₹) Tenure Options Interest Rate
Print + E-Magazine Outlook 1 Year 3,699 3 months 0% (No-Cost EMI)
Print + E-Magazine Outlook 2 Year 6,999 3 / 6 months 3M - 0%, 6M - Std.
Print + E-Magazine Outlook Business 2 Year 2,899 3 months 0% (No-Cost EMI)
Print + E-Magazine Outlook Money 2 Year 2,149 3 months 0% (No-Cost EMI)
Print Outlook 3 Year 6,199 3 / 6 months 3M - 0%, 6M - Std.
Print Outlook Business 3 Year 2,599 3 months 0% (No-Cost EMI)
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Print Outlook Money 3 Year 2,199 3 months 0% (No-Cost EMI)
E-Magazine Outlook 2 Year 4,299 3 / 6 months 3M - 0%, 6M - Std.
E-Magazine Outlook Business 2 Year 1,549 3 months 0% (No-Cost EMI)
E-Magazine Outlook Money 2 Year 1,199 3 months 0% (No-Cost EMI)

**Note: Interest rates are subject to agreements with financial partners

5. Marketing and Promotion

To effectively promote the EMI options:

A. Website Integration:

A. Display EMI options prominently on subscription pages.

B. Include EMI calculators for transparency.

B. Promotional Campaigns:

A. Highlight "Easy Monthly Payments" in marketing materials.

B. Offer limited-time No-Cost EMI promotions.

C. Customer Communication:

A. Send targeted emails to potential subscribers emphasizing EMI benefits.

B. Provide clear FAQs addressing EMI-related queries.

6. EMI Monetization Tactics

A. Processing Fee on Bank EMI

Add a small ₹49–₹100 processing fee on EMI plans. Customers usually accept this without friction.
 B. Exclusive Perks for Longer EMI Tenure
Offer bonus perks (e.g., premium archived issues, early access) only on 6-month EMI plans - nudges users toward longer commitments.

C. Auto-Renewal + EMI Combo

Give an extra 10% off if EMI users also opt for auto-renew - boosts retention and locks in lifetime value.

D. Dynamic EMI-Only Discounts

Run limited-time EMI deals: “Only today: ₹100 off if you pay via EMI” - creates urgency and drives more EMI-based transactions.

Implementing this EMI strategy can make Outlook Group's subscriptions more lucrative and accessible, catering to a broader audience and potentially
increasing overall subscription rates and profits.