Cashless Payments

In today's world, cashless payments have become an integral part of every Kazakhstani's life. However, the restrictions introduced this year on accepting payments through bank transfers present new challenges for entrepreneurs. Let's take a closer look at the features of cashless payments.

A cashless payment is a mechanism for transferring funds where physical cash is not used. Money is electronically transferred from one bank account to another, with an intermediary, such as a bank or payment system operator, involved in the transaction. This method of payment is applicable to both legal entities and individuals, allowing payments to be made online.

The regulation of cashless payments is governed by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Payments and Payment Systems".

Let's consider the most common forms of cashless payments.

Payment by Bank Card is the most popular method among citizens, allowing payments to be made in stores, online, and even for international transactions. This method includes the use of debit and credit cards, as well as fast payment systems like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, offering convenience and speed in transactions.

E-wallets provide the ability to make online purchases and payments without direct attachment to a bank account. Users can top up their e-wallets in various ways, including bank transfers, payment terminals, and even mobile phone balances. E-wallets are particularly convenient for transferring funds between users and paying for services online.

SMS Payments are a method where payment for goods and services is made by sending an SMS from a mobile phone to a short number. The payment amount is deducted from the user's mobile balance or added to their monthly bill. This method is often used for small purchases or services, such as public transport tickets or digital content.

Payment Orders are primarily used by legal entities to settle accounts with contractors, pay taxes, employee salaries, and other financial obligations. This method involves creating and sending a document to the bank that indicates the need to transfer a specific amount of money from the sender's account to the recipient's account.

Money Transfers, which we use every day, are a form of cashless payment. However, in response to recently introduced regulatory changes, some entrepreneurs have started to refuse accepting payments this way. They are driven to this decision by new conditions: if funds from more than 100 people are received into a bank account, and the total volume of funds exceeds three times the minimum wage (equivalent to KZT 255,000 in 2024), this automatically triggers an inspection by supervisory authorities. If the inspection reveals that the account holder is engaged in business activities, appropriate fines and tax obligations will be imposed.

Receiving Cashless Payments

The process of receiving cashless payments depends on the payment method and the category of payer—whether an individual or a legal entity.

Payments from individuals are made when purchasing goods or services using bank cards, e-wallets, or SMS payments. To accept payments from consumers, the seller must use a cash register and issue a receipt. Accepting payments via bank cards requires connecting to acquiring services from a bank, the choice of which depends on the business's needs:

• Merchant acquiring allows payments through terminals at points of sale.

• Internet acquiring enables online payments.

• Mobile acquiring supports payments through an app without a physical terminal.

Payments from legal entities are made exclusively through bank accounts. In this case, the use of a cash register is not required—an active bank account is sufficient for receiving funds.

What is Acquiring?

Acquiring is a service that allows entrepreneurs to accept payments from customers' bank cards. To connect to this service, one must contact a bank, agree to pay a certain percentage for the service, and then the bank will transfer the money from customers' purchases to the entrepreneur's account.

Types of Acquiring and How to Choose One? 

Depending on the type of business, you can choose the most suitable type of acquiring:

• Merchant acquiring requires the installation of POS terminals, which allow payment by card touch.

• Mobile acquiring uses a mobile phone and a bank application to process transactions, which is convenient for businesses on the go.

• Internet acquiring is suitable for e-commerce, allowing payments to be accepted directly on a website without a physical terminal.

The choice of a specific type of acquiring should be based on the needs of your business. It is essential to carefully study bank offers, pay attention to tariffs, security levels, and additional features. It is also advisable to consult with specialists before making a final decision.

Connecting to Acquiring Services

After selecting the appropriate type of acquiring, you need to apply to the chosen bank, review the service terms, provide the required documents, and sign an agreement. For internet acquiring, you will need to provide the URL of your website.

Opening a bank account is a mandatory condition for connecting to acquiring services. The entire connection process usually takes one to three days.

Acquiring Services from Bank CenterCredit

All the aforementioned acquiring services are available at Bank CenterCredit. The minimum service fee is 0.9%, and for cards issued by the bank, it is 0.4%. Convenient options for connecting to services are available through the BCC Business mobile app or the bank's official website. More detailed information is available at the following link

This article has been translated from its original language using neural network-based translation technology.