Payment methods define how funds are collected from payers.
They determine the payer experience, required details, settlement timing, and regional availability.
Acclaim supports a range of payment methods across cards, direct debit schemes, and local payment networks.
Choosing a payment method
The right payment method depends on:
- Payer location
- Currency
- Speed of settlement
- Payer experience (push vs pull)
- Whether payment details need to be reused
In many cases, you can offer multiple methods and let the payer choose.
Supported payment methods
Payment method types
Cards
Cards are a push-based payment method where the payer authorizes the transaction immediately.
- Fast authorization
- Widely supported globally
- Suitable for one-time or immediate payments
Direct debit
Direct debit methods are pull-based, meaning you collect funds directly from the payer’s bank account with authorization.
- Lower cost than cards
- Suitable for recurring or large payments
- Settlement takes multiple business days
Direct debit schemes are region-specific:
- ACH Debit (US)
- SEPA Debit (EU)
- UK Direct Debit (UK)
- CA PAD (Canada)
Local payment methods
Local payment methods are region-specific payment rails.
- Optimized for local payer preferences
- May offer better conversion in certain markets
- Requirements and behavior vary by country
Method behavior
Payment methods differ across several dimensions:
- Authorization model: immediate (cards) vs delayed (debit)
- Settlement timing: instant vs multi-day
- Failure modes: declines vs returns
- Reusability: setup request support
Understanding these differences helps you design the right payment flow.
Using payment methods in Accept
Payment methods are used across all collection flows:
- Payment requests: define available methods for the payer
- Setup requests: store reusable payment methods
- Virtual accounts: enable bank transfer alternatives
You can:
- Offer multiple methods
- Restrict methods by region or use case
- Let the payer select their preferred option
Best practices
- Match methods to payer geography
- Offer multiple options when possible
- Use direct debit for recurring or high-value payments
- Use cards for speed and simplicity
- Monitor performance by method
Summary
- Payment methods determine how funds are collected
- Cards, direct debit, and local methods each serve different use cases
- Availability depends on country and currency
- Choosing the right method improves conversion, cost, and reliability
Last modified on August 31, 2026
