Introduction: Why is Online Payment Important?

Did you know that more and more people in Hungary are paying online? The rise of digital payments is unstoppable, so if you have a small business, now is the time to join! Online payment is not only more convenient, but it also has many advantages that can help your business grow and stay competitive. Just think of how much time and energy you can save by not having to deal with paperwork anymore, but everything happens automatically, online.

Introducing online payment has many benefits. First, it’s convenient and fast. Your customers can pay from anywhere, anytime, without having to stand in line or deal with cash. Second, it’s efficient. Automated payment systems reduce administrative burdens, giving you more time to focus on your business. Third, it provides immediate cash flow, reducing the risk of late payments. Last but not least, it improves the customer experience, which increases customer satisfaction and competitiveness.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through setting up online payment step by step. We’ll show you which payment methods are the most popular in Hungary, what permits you need, how to choose a payment provider, and how to integrate online payment into your website or appointment booking system. Our goal is to help you easily and securely implement online payment so that your business can be even more successful.

Who is Online Payment Recommended For?

Online payment is recommended for almost every business that uses appointment booking and accepts payments. Let’s see who can benefit the most from it:

Beauty salons and hairdressers

For beauty salons and hairdressers, online payment is a huge relief. Customers can book appointments online and pay for the service immediately. This not only eliminates queuing at the checkout, but also reduces the number of cancellations, since they have paid in advance.

Photographers, stylists, healthcare providers

Photographers and stylists often offer unique packages with varying prices. Online payment allows customers to pay at the time of booking, not just after the service, and reduces the hassle of dealing with cash.

Delivery services

Online payment is essential for delivery services. Customers can order and pay online, which makes the ordering process faster and more convenient. It also reduces the risk of cash handling and the administrative burden on couriers.

The Most Popular Online Payment Methods in Hungary

You can choose from several online payment methods in Hungary. It is important to choose the most suitable one for your business, taking into account the needs of your customers and the fee structure of the payment providers.

Credit card payment

In the EU, credit/debit card payments are among the most common methods for online shopping, but their dominance varies by country. In Western Europe they are indeed the majority, while in countries like Germany or the Netherlands, bank transfers and local payment systems (iDEAL, Sofort, Klarna) are equally or even more popular.

Main solutions for small businesses:

• Barion – Hungarian provider, simple registration, low fees, no separate bank account required.
• Stripe – not Hungarian, but a strong international presence, simple integration, support for multiple currencies.
• Revolut Merchant – foreign headquarters, not all customers trust it, but it is cheap.

Advantages:

• Instant payment, simple for the customer.
• High trust among buyers.
• Can be easily completed from a mobile phone.

Disadvantages:

• Transaction fee (approx. 1–3%).
• The contracting process can be time-consuming.

Instant transfer (QR code, Pay by Link)

Since the Instant Payment System (AFR) (from 2020), domestic transfers are completed in a few seconds - even on weekends and at night.
Solutions:

• QR code generation for a bank account (e.g. in mobile banking).
• Payment link provided by Barion or your own bank’s system.

Advantages:

• 0 Ft transaction fee (within the bank), cheaper than card payment.
• No POS terminal or separate webshop system is required.

Disadvantages:

• The customer needs mobile banking.
• Less automated than card payment.

PayPal and international solutions

PayPal is also available in Hungary, but is stronger with international customers.
Stripe and Revolut also support multi-currency payments.

Advantages:

• Easy international sales.
• High trust from foreign customers.

Disadvantages:

• High fees (3–5%).
• Not everyone has a PayPal account.

Cash on delivery (cash or card)

Mainly typical for webshops, but also occurs with service providers for personal payments.

Advantages:

• Some customers insist on it.
• No immediate payment obligation.

Disadvantages:

• Cash handling is expensive and cumbersome.
• Extra delivery fee from the courier service.

Apple Pay & Google Pay

Mobile payment (digital wallet) is becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger customers.
Generally, card payment systems automatically support it.

Main payment solutions in Hungary

The table below summarizes the most common online payment solutions in Hungary, with their main characteristics.

_{The above information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a paid promotion.}

Step by Step: Setting Up Online Payment

Setting up online payment is not complicated, but it is important to follow the guide step by step to ensure that everything works properly.

1. Required permits and legal conditions

To set up online payment, you will need a tax number and a working business. Make sure you have all the permits and comply with Hungarian laws.

2. Choosing a payment provider

Choosing an online payment method is critical for a small business:

• Directly affects the customer experience (if it is simple, fast, secure → more purchases).
• Has costs (transaction fees, monthly fees).
• Technical setup requirements (some solutions can be activated in minutes, others require a longer contracting process).

Which one should you choose as a small business?

• For a quick start → Barion or Stripe (no monthly fee, online contract).
• For international customers → Stripe or PayPal.
• For cost-effective, offline combination → Bank transfer + QR code.

3. Contracting with the payment provider

Once you have chosen a payment provider, enter into a contract with them. The contract will stipulate the fees, payment terms and other details of the service.

4. Technical integration

During the technical integration, you integrate the payment provider’s system into your website or appointment booking system. This can be done via API or a plugin. If you use Timevise, the integration is simple and fast.

5. Testing and fine-tuning the settings

After the integration, test the payment system to make sure everything is working properly. Check that payments are successful and that data is recorded correctly. If necessary, fine-tune the settings.

6. Updating the GTC

Update your General Terms and Conditions (GTC) to include online payment options. Inform your customers about the payment terms and security measures.

Secure Online Payment: Important Considerations

Secure online payment is essential to protect your business and your customers. It is important to take all necessary measures to avoid payment fraud and data protection incidents.

Using an SSL certificate

Using an SSL certificate is essential for the security of your website. The SSL certificate encrypts the data, preventing unauthorized persons from accessing your customers’ credit card data.

Secure customer identification

Your website should require the use of strong passwords and recommend two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. During two-factor authentication, your customers must enter a one-time code in addition to their password - in the form of an email, SMS or authenticator code.

Security measures related to online payments

PCI DSS compliance is an international standard that requires the secure handling of credit card data. If you store credit card data, it is important to comply with the PCI DSS standard.

Use payment fraud protection systems. These systems help identify suspicious transactions and prevent fraud.

Comply with data protection rules (GDPR). Inform your customers about what data you collect about them and how you use this data. Ask for their consent to data collection. Include these in the general terms and conditions.

How Does Timevise Help With Online Payment?

Timevise is here to make your business life easier, including online payment. Our appointment booking and web hosting service easily integrates with the most popular online payment solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We have collected the most frequently asked questions about online payment.

What are the costs of introducing online payment?

The costs of introducing online payment depend on the chosen payment provider and its fee structure. There is usually a one-time setup fee and a transaction fee.

How long does it take to set up online payment?

Setting up online payment with Timevise usually takes a few hours. The integration is quick and easy, so you can start accepting online payments quickly.

What payment methods can I offer my customers?

You can offer your customers credit card payment, bank transfer, online payment systems (e.g. Barion) and mobile payment (e.g. Google Pay, Apple Pay).

What happens if a payment fails?

If a payment fails, the customer receives a notification and has the opportunity to try the payment again. If the payment continues to fail, you can contact them to discuss payment options.

Summary and Next Steps

Introducing online payment is essential for modern businesses. It increases customer experience, reduces administrative burdens and improves cash flow. Timevise helps you implement online payment easily and securely.

Our Timevise appointment booking and web hosting service easily integrates with the most popular online payment solutions. We offer pre-integrated payment options, so you don’t have to deal with the integration separately.