Payment terminals – they are autonomous devices, which accept payments from physical persons in regime of self-service due to special software. Various services of mobile and internet-providers, municipal utilities, cable TV are paid through them. Additionally, credits can be repaid and electronic accounts can be replenished through these terminals.
Principle of work of the payment terminals is quite simple. Per se, the terminal is composed of standard computer with software, which is covered by steel. Its main principle is “nothing unnecessary”. From the user’s side, it is enough to select required service provider from menu displayed on screen, enter personal data properly and drop required banknote in hole of banknote receiver.
It is impossible to make mistake because all action options are indicated on sensor screen. If wrong information was entered there is a possibility to return one action back. If everything goes smoothly, just press button “Further”.
Payment terminal does not give change. What amount was received by note receiver, this amount is charged on account of the payer without commission for payment processing. After completion of payment transaction, terminal gives receipt, which should be kept.
Cost of one transaction is five soms in average. It is the most accessible tariff on territory of CIS countries. In neighboring Kazakhstan, tariff is growing proportionally to amount of payment.
These “electronic” kiosks make life easier substantially because you do not need to waste time in long queues. Terminals can be found actually in any shop nearby and in various institutions.
During one month, payments on total amount of 1,2 billion soms are made through the terminals in Kyrgyzstan. These data were presented by the Association of payment system operators at the end of last year. Vyacheslav Krasienko, the vice-mayor of Bishkek said that payment entities cooperate with more than 70 service suppliers.
Ten companies work (six big companies joined the association) at the payment terminal market in Kyrgyzstan – they are owners of 1 500 payment terminals over the republic, including 1 400 – in Bishkek and Chui region. There are few terminals in the south. Agent network is developed there – the intermediaries stay in kiosks; they take payment for various services and enter data in log-book in written form.
Market is definitely developed. But it is necessary to develop terminal network in the regions. Also, installation of special card-readers for plastic cards in the terminals allows avoiding of cashing process for further their use in the terminals. In some banking ATMs, there is possibility to pay for various services, but only 5-6 types of services from 60, which are presented at the market.
There is another perspective project – “Electronic wallet”. Virtual account is opened on the web-site, ID code is awarded, money is charged on this account, and any virtual bills can be paid. Staying at home, the individual may pay all bills through mobile phone. It is obvious that this payment instrument is purposed for small current expenses and services, and not for big purchases.