paysafecard group adds additional services to its core product paysafecard

Since its launch in 2000, the idea behind paysafecard is to provide consumers with a payment method for the Internet that is as easy to use and safe as cash. The prepaid voucher, which is not linked to a bank account, was the first prepaid product of its kind. It enabled millions of people who had previously been disregarded to enjoy some of the benefits only the Internet offers – such as playing online games. Thirteen years on, the core product paysafecard hasn’t changed at all. However, additional services like the new paysafecard app and “my paysafecard”, an online account for paysafecard users, ensure that the product suits the modern consumer’s needs.

Paying with a paysafecard is straight forward. Customers simply purchase a paysafecard at a brick-and-mortar outlet. To pay at an online shop that accepts paysafecard as a payment method, users only have to enter the unique 16-digit PIN that comes with each paysafecard. Similar to prepaid mobile phone cards, the amount paid is then deducted from the balance of that paysafecard – which can be checked online at any time. This means that customers always have complete control over their spending and know how much money remains available on their paysafecard. Anyone can use the product as paying with paysafecard doesn’t require entering any personal details, bank account information or credit card details. This also ensures that the financial privacy of each customer remains completely protected at all times.

In particular over the last few years, consumers have become increasingly cautious when it comes to online security. By offering paysafecard, online games providers and other online shops as well as retail outlets can reach out to new target groups that are reluctant to give away credit card details or personal data when paying online. In 2012 alone, 55 million transactions where made with paysafecards.

At the beginning of 2013, paysafecard group, Europe’s leading prepaid payment provider, launched a free paysafecard app for Android and iOS to cater to the increasing number of users who use their mobile phone to go online. The app, which allows users to manage their paysafecard PINs easier and safer than ever before, turned out to be a huge success, and now, eight months on, paysafecard group has launched a new version of the app which comes with a contemporary design and offers numerous additional features and useful services. The upgraded paysafecard app gives users access to “my paysafecard”, paysafecard group’s new online account. Other new features include a QR scan function, an online store locator and an extended news and promotions section. The app also supports additional languages. The new paysafecard app is available free of charge for all users of Android devices, iPhones and iPads.

The introduction of the online account “my paysafecard” in several European countries has been another huge success for paysafecard group this year. Five months after the international launch, 150,000 users across Europe enjoy the benefits that come with the new online account which is designed to make payments on the Internet easier than ever before. Instead of having to enter individual PINs for each payment, the online account enables customers to pay with their unique user name and password. Personal data or credit card details are not required to make a payment. “my paysafecard” is – just like the core product – not linked to any bank account and can be topped up by using paysafecard PINs.

The convenient online account gives customers a full overview on information such as the current account balance and transaction history. This means that users have full control over their expenses at all times. As the system automatically combines the paysafecard PINs for each payment, it ensures that the remaining credit on the paysafecard PINs is always used up. The registration for my paysafecard is free and not compulsory: the regular payment process, for which the 16-digit PIN is required at the outlet, remains in place. “My paysafecard“is currently available in 25 countries and is supported in various languages and currencies.

paysafecard was the first European prepaid solution for purchasing digital goods online – and more than a decade after its launch, it is still up-to-date. Today, paysafecard is available at over 450,000 sales outlets in 33 countries around the world. Over 4,000 online shops accept the prepaid card. paysafecard is in particular popular with merchants from the online gaming, social media and communities, music, film and entertainment industries. In 2012 the paysafecard group won the Paybefore Award for being the ‘Best Digital Currency’ and the Paybefore Award Europe for being the ‘Most Innovative Prepaid Solution’. This year, the group was declared the winner in the “Best Consumer Value” category. The recognition by the industry experts as well as the popularity with the consumers shows that a simple idea can make a huge difference. It can, for example, change the way we pay online. Cash payments might decrease on high streets across the world, but online, the use of “Cash for the Internet” continues to increase rapidly since 2000.