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A payment method simplifies the mode of transaction of money simplified for the users and is reliable to them. There are certain qualities different payment methods have that make them unique. Various things need to be counted on when selecting this, like, fast enough to get settled, ease of use, and minimal fee criteria.
Let's learn more about various payment methods and their comparison with Bitcoin.
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin-the first ever cryptocurrency to come into existence. It is a digital currency and an innovative payment network that allows peer-to-peer transactions over the Internet. Bitcoin is free from any central control and is not regulated by any bank or government. This protocol implements a decentralized ledger that is publicly permanent. Any two parties can transact currencies with each other without involving any intermediaries.
This system works on the blockchain ecosystem, interconnecting computers and verifying transactions. It also keeps a history of records, which can be used anytime to check the authenticity of the transfer process between various parties.
List of other payment methods compared to Bitcoin
There are a lot of modes of payment in this world, but a vast population extensively uses some. Apart from Bitcoin, these payment methods are the ones that are used worldwide. Let's look at some of them and find out by comparing them with Bitcoin.
Cash
Money orders or cheques
Debit and credit cards
Digital payment processors
Bank transfers
Bitcoin vs. cash
The first in the line is cash. It is one of the most used methods of payment globally; after the evolution of society, people prefer a permanent way of currency. This leads to the development of cash. There are multiple benefits associated with cash payment like it is instant to provide and accepted. Considerably cash is the easiest way to pay.
Bitcoin vs. Money orders/cheques
Money orders or cheques are used as a payment option for large transactions. It is an alternative to cash because the payer has a lot to pay and cannot send it directly with cash. Hence it is efficient to write a cheque for that amount and provide it to them. When these are processed, the bank transfers the amount mentioned from the payer's account to the receiver.
Bitcoin vs. Debit/credit cards
Debit and credit cards have simplified the management of money. Anyone can access the funds of their accounts through these cards. Banks and other financial sectors provide this facility. It is an effective payment method as the transactions get settled quickly. With different cards came an accessible limit, which users can use for any purchase or payment.
Bitcoin vs. Digital Payment Processor
Online payment processors have made it more efficient for businesses to expand their reach to the international market. It is a practical point to be on the global financial stage. Many digital payment processors have worked in both fiat and bitcoins. Some Bitcoin payment processors, like Speed, are exclusively dedicated to Bitcoin payments and provide all the required associated services.
Bitcoin vs. Bank Transfer
From electronic to in-person transactions, the banks provide all the facilities. Banks do charge some amount based on the type of transaction. These types are outgoing, incoming, domestic, or international. The amount of charge fee also depends on the density of funds; most of the time, merchants can use that money immediately.
Why is Bitcoin considered better than these payment methods?
There is no doubt that Bitcoin has been the center of the digital financial market since it was made publicly available. It has been accepted by traders worldwide and is considered more secure than any other payment method. By multiple means, Bitcoin has proved its worth.
In any mode of payment, one or the other way, there are intermediaries involved, but with Bitcoin, there are no such; everything is anonymous and instant. Hence, no one has to look around manually to settle funds. This also solves the most prominent issue of efficiency. Bitcoin simplifies the overall process by automating it.
Conclusion
Bitcoin is one of the payment methods advancing the market with all the new implementations. Since establishing a lightning network, it has taken an edge over others' payment regarding terms of settlement time to security; it is cidered a reliable method. Not being a part of the traditional system has also made people curious about it. People worldwide prefer to pay with Bitcoin. Bitcoin payment processors like Speed are well known for providing similar services. Overall it is the most straightforward payment method to pay and be global.
This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author.
Boris Bialek Vice President and Field CTO, Industry Solutions at MongoDB
11 December
Kathiravan Rajendran Associate Director of Marketing Operations at Macro Global
10 December
Barley Laing UK Managing Director at Melissa
Scott Dawson CEO at DECTA
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