Embedded payments
Payment features built into a software platform or app, so its users can pay, get paid and move money without leaving it.
What embedded payments are
Embedded payments are payment capabilities built directly into a non-financial product, such as vertical software, a marketplace or a gig app. They are a core part of embedded finance. The platform designs the experience, while a bank and payment partners move and hold the money.
How it works
The platform connects to a bank or payments provider through APIs. Card acceptance usually runs through an acquirer or a PayFac, while bank transfers run over ACH, wires and instant payments. Customer funds are often held in a for-benefit-of (FBO) account until paid out.
- 01 · CONNECT The platform integrates a bank or payments provider's APIs into its product.
- 02 · COLLECT Users pay inside the app by card, bank transfer or wallet.
- 03 · DISBURSE Funds settle and are paid out to sellers, workers or the platform itself.
When businesses use it
- Vertical software that lets clients send invoices and take payments
- Marketplaces collecting from buyers and paying out sellers
- Gig and delivery apps paying workers after each job
- Property and utility platforms collecting rent or bills by bank transfer
Cross River gives platforms one integration and one onboarding process for RTP, FedNow, ACH and wires, with unlimited subledgers to track each user's funds. See bank rails at Cross River.