1. What is a Payment Terminal?
A payment terminal is a device merchants use to accept credit or debit card payments by swiping, dipping, or tapping a card. Traditional terminals require hardware, card networks, and PCI compliance, which can increase costs and operational complexity.
Aeropay Alternative: Aeropay is a pay-by-bank solution that eliminates the need for traditional card terminals. Customers pay directly from their bank account using QR codes or links, making transactions faster, more secure, and hardware-free.
2. How Does Aeropay’s Payment Terminal Alternative Work?
- Merchant displays a QR code or payment link on a screen, receipt, kiosk, or table.
- Customer scans the QR code or taps the link on their phone.
- Customer selects their bank and authenticates via bank login or biometrics.
- Funds move bank-to-bank instantly, with real-time confirmation for both merchant and customer. The POS updates automatically via API or webhook.
3. What Are the Advantages of Using Aeropay Over Traditional Terminals?
- 100% hardware-free: Merchants go live instantly with static or dynamic QR codes or links.
- Lower processing fees: Direct bank transfers bypass card networks, saving up to 70% compared to card payments.
- Faster checkout: Payments complete in seconds without PIN prompts, card errors, or swiping.
- Reduced fraud & compliance scope: No card data is handled; strong bank authentication protects both merchants and customers.
- Better for regulated industries: Ideal for healthcare, cannabis, and SaaS businesses where card networks are limited.
4. How Does Aeropay Compare to Stripe Terminal or Other Card Terminals?
- Stripe Terminal: Requires dedicated chip/tap devices and incurs card network fees and PCI obligations.
- Aeropay: Uses bank-to-bank payments with QR codes or links, eliminating hardware, lowering costs, and reducing fraud risk and compliance burden.
5. Can Aeropay Replace All Card-Terminal Transactions?
Yes. Aeropay’s pay-by-bank solution works for in-store, online, and kiosk-based payments. Customers can complete transactions without a card, and merchants can receive instant or same-day settlements via ACH, RTP, or FedNow.
6. Are Bank-to-Bank Payments via Aeropay Safe?
Absolutely. Customers authenticate directly with their bank using login credentials or biometric verification. Because Aeropay never stores card information, bank-authenticated payments reduce fraud risk and eliminate chargebacks.
7. Who Can Benefit from Aeropay’s Terminal-Free Solution?
- Retail stores looking to eliminate card terminal costs
- Gaming operators and e-commerce businesses needing instant payouts
- Wellness and subscription-based companies wanting recurring pay-by-bank billing