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Non-Cash Payment Instruments: Definition, Types, and Benefits
In the midst of rapid development of technology and digitalization, payment systems have also been evolving. The constantly changing transaction mechanisms that demand fast and practical payments make cash payment roles progressively replaced by non-cash payment instruments. According to Bank Indonesia, in 2019 the value of cashless transactions reached Rp128 trillion, an increase of five times from 2014 which was around Rp3.3 trillion. This means that the evolution of payments is really happening right now.
Various types of non-cash payment instruments are available to use. However, before continuing with them, you first need to know the basic differences between cash and non-cash payment systems.
The difference between them lies in the instruments. Cash payment systems use paper-based money and coins as a means of payment. Meanwhile, in non-cash systems, payment instruments no longer use money in physical form.
Varieties of Non-Cash Payment Instruments
In general, non-cash payment instruments can be divided into three categories: paper-based, card-based, and electronic-based. All three are the realization of payment system evolution driven by technological innovations and business models, community traditions, and current policies. The following are three categories of non-cash payment instruments:
1. Paper-based
- Check
A check is a paper-based non-cash payment instrument in the form of an order for disbursement of customer funds. Stated on the check is the amount of funds withdrawal for the account holder or other designated name. Next, the bank will process fund disbursement based on the amount.
- Demand deposit
Similar to checks, demand deposit is also paper-based non-cash payment instruments in the form of an order to the bank. The difference is, it is not used to withdraw funds, but to transfer the stated amount of funds from a customer's account to another customer's account.
- Debit note
A debit note is a letter issued by a bank to collect customer's debts through clearing based on a predetermined nominal and time. If you choose to use a debit note, then you must first make a debt to a bank. Usually, debit notes are used for inter-office transactions.
- Credit note
Credit notes are letters issued by banks and used by customers to send and transfer non-cash funds to other customers through clearing.
2. Card-based
- Credit card
A credit card is a non-cash payment instrument that uses a debt mechanism, much like a debit note. However, because it uses a card, the process is much easier.
To optimally use a credit card, you need to know the transaction amount that has been made due to a debt limit within a certain period. At the end of the period, the accumulated debt will deduct funds in your account according to the debt you used.
- Debit card
A debit card is a customer's balance-based non-cash payment instrument. There is a certain limit for each type of debit card issued by each bank where customers save. With a debit card, customers can withdraw funds or make transfers via ATM without going to the bank.
Bank BRI supports the convenience of non-cash payments via debit cards through the BRI Direct Debit service. With this feature, you only need to register the card once. After that, you just have to enter the OTP code in each transaction, giving much convenience while securing your transaction.
3. Electronic-based (E-money)
Electronic-based non-cash payment instruments are better known as electronic money (e-money). With its prepaid nature, customers can fill in their e-money balance according to their needs.
In addition to being practical and always at hand, e-money can also be used to make transactions with small denominations in the right amount. Hence, you don't have to bother receiving change when you do the transaction at minimarkets or grocery stores that provide access to e-money payments.
Overall, there are two types of electronic money, namely card-based and server-based.
- Card-based
Physically, card-based electronic money is very similar to a debit card or credit card. However, this type of e-money function is only for making payment transactions.
An example of card-based electronic money is BRIZZI. As a substitute for cash, you can use BRIZZI card at any merchant that provides access to e-money payments. In addition, you can also use it to pay for e-tolls, parking, and tickets for public transportation such as Transjakarta buses or KRL. You only need to top-up your BRIZZI card based on the required nominal before making a payment.
- Server-based
Did you know ‘e-wallet’? Well, e-wallet or digital wallets are in fact still part of e-money. To use an e-wallet, you only need internet access to the bank's server. This is the main reason why e-wallet is referred to as server-based electronic money.
In contrast to card-based e-money, using an e-wallet is easier because you just need to install a digital wallet application on your smartphone. Various e-wallet applications have been integrated with banks in Indonesia, one of which is Bank BRI through BRI Virtual Account (BRIVA). With BRIVA, you can easily top-up your balance to your e-wallet.
Benefits of Non-Cash Payment Instruments
A study from Ipsos Indonesia shows that security and payment efficiency are only two of various reasons why users take advantage of cashless transactions. In addition, there are several other benefits of a cashless payment system, which are:
- Do any transaction, anytime and anywhere
You don’t need to go to a bank or ATM just to make a transaction. No more waiting in line to pay electricity bills, internet and insurance.
Just access your e-wallet and choose the type of payment you want, and the bill is paid off in no time. You can do it anywhere and anytime: when working in the office, chatting with coworkers, or on the way home.
- Manage expenses easily
By using e-money, you are in full control of your own balance. You can top it up with a sufficient amount based on your needs and don't have to overfill it. On top of that, each top-up transaction is stored smartly in transaction history, allowing you to manage your expenses better.
- Be more practical and efficient
By using e-money, you are in full control of your own balance. You can top it up with a sufficient amount based on your needs and don't have to overfill it. On top of that, each top-up transaction is stored smartly in transaction history, allowing you to manage your expenses better.
- Avoid crime
Carrying large amounts of money obviously makes you more careful when strolling around. This is what can be anticipated from the use of non-cash payment instruments. With a BRIZZI e-money card in your wallet, or an e-wallet application on your smartphone, you've already secured yourself from potential crimes out there.
Apart from that, security systems for card-based and e-money payment instruments have also been proven. Both are equipped with a PIN and OTP number that only the user knows. If a crime occurs, you can immediately block the debit/credit card or e-money so that your balance remains safe.
- Get lots of promos and discounts
Thousands, millions of products in today’s marketplace that are sold by numerous merchants in fact also benefit users of non-cash payment instruments.
Various promos and discounts are available for buyers who use e-wallet as a medium of payment. Not only in the marketplace, since you can also find discounts such as discounts to cashback when buying train tickets, planes, hotels, and tourist attractions.
The real benefits of non-cash payment instruments coupled with the increasing volume of cashless transactions from year to year hold great potential for any business in various scales. You can make it easier for consumers to access cashless payments by providing cashless payment features such as BRI debit cards, BRIZZI e-money, to BRIVA in your business dashboard. All three are available at BRIAPI, an Open API service from Bank BRI.
BRI Direct Debit API provides convenience and efficiency for your customer payments by using OTP in every debit transaction made. Then, by integrating BRIZZI API in your business, you have provided BRIZZI card balance and top-up features for customers directly from your application.
There is also a BRIVA API that can help detect payments automatically and in real time in your business so that customers don’t need to manually confirm payments. In addition, BRIAPI also has Transfer to BRI Account API and Transfer to Other Banks API that make it easier for customers to create transactions both to other BRI accounts or other banks.
With all of those services in your hand, you are not only developing the business. You also support a more convenient transaction process for customers through various BRIAPI services
