SBP and internet acquiring serve the same purpose — accepting cashless payments — but work differently. With acquiring, the customer enters card details or uses a saved payment method. With SBP, they open their banking app and confirm the transfer. For most online businesses, the best choice is to use both methods together.
Key differences
Acquiring is familiar to card users and suits scenarios involving tokenization and repeat payments. SBP requires no card details and is convenient on smartphones when opening the banking app takes no extra steps. Results depend on the audience, device, and checkout experience.
Fees
Compare the current terms of each offer: successful payment fees, refund costs, fixed charges, and settlement times. Saying that SBP is always cheaper is misleading without specifying the conditions. Some businesses will see substantial savings, while others will prioritize conversion and repeat purchases.
Customer experience
On a computer, card payment may be more convenient, especially with browser autofill. On a smartphone, SBP reduces typing, but customers should be able to return quickly from their banking app. Do not hide a payment method behind multiple screens or choose a method on the customer's behalf.
Refunds
Both methods may support refunds, but the process, timing, and partial refund amount depend on the agreement and implementation. Support teams need a consistent process: find the original transaction, check the refundable amount, and tell the customer the expected timeframe.
Conversion
Measure payment form views, method selection, confirmation, successful transactions, and return to the website separately. An overall conversion rate does not show where customers drop off. Compare similar orders and devices.
When to choose SBP
SBP is particularly useful for mobile audiences, QR payments, sales through messaging apps, and businesses that prioritize processing costs. Before launch, verify the transition to the banking app and correct receipt of the payment status.
When to choose internet acquiring
Card payments are needed for audiences accustomed to using cards and for agreed scenarios involving tokens, repeat payments, or subscriptions. Confirm which cards are supported and the 3-D Secure requirements.
Can you use both?
Yes. Present cards and SBP on one clear screen without making either method appear unavailable. Then analyze method selection, success rates, and costs. Both methods can be enabled through KassaGO products (/products), if they are available for your project.
