What is the best way to make mobile payments accessible to people without smartphones?

In countries like Bangladesh where people live in poverty and have limited access to smartphones a few options can be made available for facilitating mobile payments without smartphones. Of these, long used option is the USSD based payment where feature phone is sufficient to initiate and complete mobile payments. Another option is SMS payment. However, this is not popular in Bangladesh. Recently another option is gaining ground which is called QR based mobile payments.

Smartphones have really made payments easy but there is still a huge population who are not used to this setup SMS payments bridge the gap by reaching more people who are not used to smartphones but still use feature phones.A lot of old people in most countries use feature phones and can't travel to bank for their day to day banking needs.SMS payment helps them make secure transactions at the comfort of their home. A lot of responsibility can be entrusted on the phone service providers to do basic validation and some stuff so that the banks don't have to burden themselves . This helps in making sure more people are financially included in the country's payment ecosystem

Implement secure authentication methods within the USSD system to verify users' identities before processing payments, as this might involve PIN verification or other authentication processes.

Collaborate with banks, financial institutions, or mobile network operators to enable seamless transactions between bank accounts or mobile money accounts via USSD.

?? Embracing Inclusivity in Mobile Payments: The Power of SMS ?? In an era where technology bridges gaps, SMS payments emerge as a beacon of financial inclusivity, especially for those without smartphones. This simple yet effective method connects a user's mobile number to a bank account or digital wallet. ???? How does it work? A user sends an SMS with key transaction details, and voilà, the payment is processed securely and swiftly. It's not just about ease; it's about reaching the unreached. ?? This approach is a game-changer in regions with limited internet access or where basic phones are more common. It's cost-effective and requires minimal infrastructure, making it a practical choice for businesses and consumers alike. ??

Considering the factors of emerging markets and non smartphones, The USSD option is the best, I did test this technology for a full banking system in UAE and it worked very well especially whenever it comes to payments, international use, cost, and ease of use

?? USSD Payments: Bridging the Digital Divide! ?? In the quest to make mobile payments universally accessible, USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) payments stand out. They don't require a smartphone or internet – just a basic mobile phone. ?? Here's how it works: Dial a simple code (like *123#) and access a menu to make transactions. Link your phone to a bank account or mobile wallet, choose the payment option, enter the amount, and confirm. It's that easy! ?? USSD is secure, real-time, and works 24/7, making it perfect for areas with limited connectivity. It's not just a payment method; it's a tool for financial inclusion, empowering millions. ??????

NFC payments work with different devices like contactless cards and smartwatches. It is easy to use – tap to pay. NFC transactions often have built-in security features, and they don't always require an internet connection. Many businesses already accept NFC payments, and it's cost-effective for them to implement. Plus, NFC is not tied to specific operating systems, so it is inclusive for different users.

?? NFC Payments: Tap into the Future! ?? NFC (Near Field Communication) payments, while requiring a smartphone, revolutionize transactions with their speed and security. Just a tap of an NFC-enabled device near a terminal, and the payment is made in a flash – a perfect blend of convenience and safety. ?? Ideal for quick retail environments, NFC cuts down queues and boosts customer satisfaction. It's more than a payment method; it's an experience, enhancing the way we interact with money. ?? Secure and efficient, NFC leverages encryption for safety, ensuring peace of mind. Embrace this tech to transform your business, offering a modern payment solution to your customers. #NFCPayments #ContactlessPayment #SecureTransactions ????

?? Embracing IVR Payments: The Future of Inclusive Finance! ?? Discover IVR (Interactive Voice Response) payments, a groundbreaking solution for mobile payments without the need for smartphones. Perfect for any basic phone, this method uses voice and keypad interactions over a call to facilitate secure transactions. ?? Ideal for regions with limited internet or smartphone access, IVR payments are a beacon of financial inclusion, ensuring everyone has access to digital transactions. This innovation is crucial for businesses looking to expand their reach to all corners of the market. ?? Step into the future of finance where technology empowers every individual. Adopt IVR payments and witness a new era of accessibility. ????

?? QR Code Payments: The Key to Inclusive Digital Transactions! ?? Unveil the potential of QR code payments, a versatile solution making mobile payments accessible even to those with basic smartphones. This innovative approach involves scanning a QR code, entering the amount, and confirming - all in a matter of seconds. ?????? Perfect for various settings, QR code payments require minimal setup, enabling businesses to cater to a wider audience. This method not only simplifies transactions but also bridges the digital divide, ensuring no one is left behind in the evolving payment landscape. ?? Adopt QR code payments to enhance customer experience and embrace a future where technology makes financial transactions easier. ????

How about using FaceID driven payment ? This model works well if FaceID is alredy registered and used as Auth mechanism as existing ecosystem

Alternative way to authenticate them - biometry, for example, using wearing devices or FaceId (Surech: + 1), or chip under skin. My dog have it, why I'm behind?