> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.withacclaim.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Payment methods

> Understand supported payment methods and choose the right option based on region, speed, and payer experience.

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                                                                 | Type                | Regions          | Speed                 | Best for                         |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------- | ---------------- | --------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| [Cards](/guides/collect/payment-methods/cards)                                 | Push                | Global           | Instant authorization | One-time or immediate payments   |
| [ACH Debit](/guides/collect/payment-methods/ach-debit)                         | Pull (Direct Debit) | United States    | 1–3 business days     | Recurring or bank-based payments |
| [SEPA Debit](/guides/collect/payment-methods/sepa-debit)                       | Pull (Direct Debit) | Europe           | 1–2 business days     | Eurozone payments                |
| [UK Direct Debit](/guides/collect/payment-methods/uk-direct-debit)             | Pull (Direct Debit) | United Kingdom   | 2–3 business days     | GBP recurring payments           |
| [Pre-Authorized Debits (PAD)](/guides/collect/payment-methods/ca-pad)          | Pull (Direct Debit) | Canada           | 2–3 business days     | CAD bank debit payments          |
| [Local payment methods](/guides/collect/payment-methods/local-payment-methods) | Varies              | Country-specific | Varies                | Regional payment preferences     |

***

## 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 Collect

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