What is PSE?
PSE (standing for Pagos Seguros en Línea in Spanish and translated as Secure Payments Online in English) enables Colombian consumers to send and receive payments as well as make online purchases via bank transfer. Such transactions can be performed from the consumer’s trusted online bank environment.
This payment method consolidates large bank transfer systems with immediate payment confirmation. Developed by ACH, which controls automated transactions among financial institutions and banks in Colombia, PSE is supported by 20 national banks and payment methods. PSE is preferred by local consumers for its speed and convenience (more of this below).
How does PSE work?
When selecting PSE at checkout, the shopper chooses their bank from the list of participating banks allied with ACH. From the merchant's website, they’re then redirected to their own internet banking environment. After logging into their bank account, they’re prompted to review the pre-populated fields with payment details and authorise the transaction.
Once the payment is processed, the customer returns to the merchant’s website. At the same time, the merchant gets notified about the payment confirmation.
What verticals does PSE cover?
PSE can cater to a wide range of industries, ranging from travel and gaming to retail and general eCommerce.
How big is PSE's penetration in the market?
PSE was favoured by nearly two quarters (46%) of Colombian consumers, according to a survey published in 2020. As shown by research by Statista, bank transfers are widely adopted by Colombians for eCommerce purchases, noting a total revenue share of 24% in 2022. At the same time, digital payments are on the rise across the nation, with an anticipated transaction value to US$14.65 billion in 2023 versus US$13.10 billion in 2022.
Evidently, the Colombian eCommerce industry is rapidly evolving. To illustrate, the user penetration of Colombia’s eCommerce market is predicted to be more than 52% in 2023 with a revenue that’s expected to show a CAGR (2023-2027) of almost 10%. Some of the factors facilitating the growth of online sales involve a greater adoption of digital services via smartphones and higher accessibility to banking and online payment services. Therefore, PSE can benefit merchants adding it into their payment mix for a lasting business growth in the country.
Benefits of using PSE
PSE delivers numerous benefits which include yet are not limited to the following:
- Real-time payment confirmation – Authorising transactions almost instantly can ensure a seamless payment experience and customer satisfaction, thereby encouraging repeat custom.
- Enhanced security – PSE allows consumers to complete payments without the need of a credit or debit card. In fact, local shoppers can complete the transaction on their secure online banking environment. This, in turn, can help merchants mitigate the risk of chargebacks.
- Increased brand popularity – PSE is a familiar payment option amongst Colombians. Not only is it localised in the Spanish language, but it also supports transactions in the local currency – Colombian pesos. By offering this payment option, merchants are more likely to earn the trust of locals and possibly boost conversions and sales.
Accepting PSE payments with emerchantpay
The Colombian eCommerce market is as diverse as its payments industry – from payment cards to eWallets and cash on delivery. Bank transfers are also high in preference and PSE is testament to this.
A trusted and experienced payment service provider like emerchantpay can support you in adjusting your payments strategy to the unique preferences of your local consumers. Our dedicated on-the-ground team has the market-specific expertise to deliver the strategic advisory and data-driven insights you need to access and succeed in the LATAM region.
Want to integrate PSE into your payments strategy and accelerate your business growth in Colombia? Contact our team of payment specialists today and find out more.