Alternative Payment Method (APM)

Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) refer to any payment type that isn't a major international credit card brand (like Visa or Mastercard) or cash.

Examples include digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay), bank transfers (iDEAL, Sofort, SEPA), direct debits, and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services like Klarna or Afterpay.

Why APMs Matter

Offering local APMs is crucial for cross-border expansion, as consumers highly prefer paying with methods they trust and use locally. In many countries, APMs hold a larger market share than traditional credit cards.