How to choose the best payment gateway for your mobility business?
April 4, 2023
min. read
As you're getting close to launching your vehicle-sharing business, one of the important decisions is what payment gateway to use. Without one, you won't be able to collect payments from users via app. But choosing the right solution might feel daunting since so many options are available.
The good news is – we've got you covered.
In this article, you'll find an overview of what payment gateways are, what payment processing solutions integrate with ATOM Mobility, and the key factors to consider when choosing a payment gateway for your shared mobility venture.
What is a payment gateway?
Simply put, a payment gateway is the “bridge” between the customers' payment method and your bank account. It's the tool that validates your customer's card details or credentials for online payment methods (e.g., digital wallets such as ApplePay) to ensure that funds can be transferred to you, the operator.
For ATOM Mobility users, there's an option to choose between two types of payment gateways:
Hosted, when the client is taken to an external payment page hosted by the payment gateway provider to enter their payment details, such as credit card information or login credentials (e.g., PayPal or local bank integrations). In our case, the payment page opens in-app, meaning that the end customer won't know the payment takes place outside of the app.
Self-hosted/native SDK integration is when the payment gateway system is integrated into the app, allowing the client to complete the payment without leaving the site.
Most businesses nowadays use such hosted and integrated payment solutions – those are quick and easy to set up, and the solution provider takes responsibility for transaction validation and security.
How do hosted and integrated payment gateways work?
Your business most likely has a bank account used to manage the company's cash flow. It's, for example, where you make and receive payments for invoices issued.
Now, to start accepting payments at scale, you need to set up a payment gateway that will allow you to automate the process of collecting payments. It's impossible to manually prepare and send an invoice to every customer for every ride – those could be thousands of invoices a day for relatively small amounts.
Payment gateways link your bank account with the customer's chosen payment method that they'll be asked to add when downloading your app. From then on, whenever clients use your shared mobility solution, your payment gateway will collect the money, then transfer it to your bank account within few days.
For their service, payment gateway service providers charge a processing fee, which can be either a specific amount or a percentage of the transaction value. The fees vary depending on the service provider, the type of card the client has added, and more.
For example, Stripe’s regualar fee is 1.5% + €0.25 for European cards. For a €4 transaction, they'd charge 1.5% of €4 + €0.25. That's a €0.265 commission in total.
As you estimate your business' expenses and potential profits, such processing fees must be carefully considered. In the shared mobility industry, such microcharges can quickly add up and “eat” as much as 6.6% of your revenue (see the Stripe example above).
Payment gateway providers that integrate with ATOM Mobility
The ATOM Mobility platform integrates with a number of payment gateway solutions, which will allow you to collect payments wherever your business is based. Once you've chosen the one that's right for your business and set up the account, you can connect it to your ATOM Mobility account.
But first things first – here are the many options available to you:
Stripe
Stripe is one of the most popular payment processing solutions worldwide, allowing businesses to accept and manage online payments. It enables businesses to accept credit and debit card payments, digital payments, and more. Stripe also supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, Bancontact, iDEAL and more.
Pros
- Supports 135+ currencies
- Easy to set up, with an intuitive user interface
- Supports a wide range of payment methods
- Transparent pricing – flat rate per transaction, no monthly fees
- With the help of ATOM Mobility, you can get a significant discount on transaction fees
Cons
- Doesn't operate everywhere in the world
- Fees for international transactions can be higher than competitors'
Payment processing fee (without discounts provided to ATOM Mobility clients):
- 1.5% + €0.25 for European cards
- 2.5% + €0.25 for UK cards
- 3.25% + €0.25 for international cards
Adyen
Adyen is among the largest companies in the payment processing market. This payment processor supports over 250 payment methods, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Klarna.
Pros:
- Supports 187 currencies
- A wide range of payment methods and currencies supported
- No monthly or setup fees
Cons:
- Transaction fees may be a bit unpredictable, as they vary a lot depending on the payment method
- Adyen requires new merchants to have at least 1 000 000 EUR in annual turnover, so it may be complicated to open an account. ATOM Mobility can assist with special conditions, as our customers have no minimum threshold.
Payment processing fee:
- €0.11 + payment method fee (see here)
Checkout.com
Checkout.com allows merchants to accept payments from a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, various alternative payment methods (PayPal, digital wallets), as well as various local payment methods. Checkout.com has great coverage where Adyen or Stripe do not operate.
Pros
- Supports transactions in 150+ currencies
- Easy to set up, clean and intuitive interface
- Quick payouts
Cons
- The pricing structure is a bit complex & fees may vary depending on transaction volume
- Supports 18 payment methods – less than their competitors
Payment processing fees:
- 0.95% + $0.20 for European cards
- 2.90% + $0.20 for non-European cards
HyperPay
HyperPay provides payment processing solutions for businesses of all sizes and enables operators to accept both card and digital payments. HyperPay covers the MENA area – Middle East North Africa – and integrates with the ATOM Mobility system.
Pros
- Easy to set up and integrated with the operator's website or mobile app
- Supports a wide range of payment options – payment cards, digital wallets, MADA, bank transfers
Cons
- The pricing structure is a bit complex & fees may vary depending on the payment method and the volume of transactions
- You can't just create an account – you must get in touch with HyperPay to do it
Payment processing fees:
Depends on the currency and payment method; not stated on the website.
Bambora
A payment processing solution that's available in multiple countries around the world. It offers a range of payment options, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets such as PayPal and Alipay, and more.
Pros
- Supports payments in multiple currencies
- Supports a variety of payment options – including AliPay, which is widely popular in China
Cons:
- Not available in all countries
- Setting up Bambora can be a bit complex for those with limited technical expertise
- $49 set-up fee
Payment processing fees:
Fixed fee ($0.10-$0.30) + percentage fee (1.7%-3.9%)
Regional payment solutions
ATOM Mobility integrates with several regional payment gateways, which is helpful for businesses focusing on specific markets. Providing users with an option to pay for your services in their local currency and with a payment method they're familiar with, helps ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.
A payment gateway for businesses in Latin America. Processing fees depend on the country and payment method but typically are between 2.5% and 5% per transaction.
A payment gateway for businesses in Africa. Transaction fees depend on the payment method and the volume of transactions – usually between 2.9% and 3.8% per transaction.
A payment system is primarily available in Ukraine and other countries in Eastern Europe. Payment processing fee – 1.5% per transaction.
A payment processing platform that's primarily available to businesses based in Ukraine. Fees for card transactions range from 1.5% to 3%.
A payment solution for businesses in the Baltic region of Europe. It allows users to make a payment by simply entering their phone numbers. Payment transaction fees start at 1.3% or min. €0.10.
A payment gateway that provides online payment solutions for businesses in Azerbaijan. The fee for card transactions is 5%.
Local bank integrations
Another option is to offer your clients to pay through their local bank integration. Since people tend to prefer payment solutions they are familiar with, offering your clients the option to pay through their local bank integration may help you convince new users to give your ride-sharing service a try.
A bank integration primarily for businesses operating in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria and Albania. Fees for card transactions typically range from 0.7% to 1.5%.
A bank integration primarily for businesses operating in Ukraine. Fees for card transactions typically range from 1.5% to 2.5%
A bank integration for businesses primarily operating across the Caribbean and Central America. Fees for card transactions vary – contact the bank for more information.
New integrations
Currently, the ATOM team is working on 3 new payment integrations so our clients have more options and can find the most suitable solution for them. If you have a preference regarding the payment gateway, you can talk to our team, and we will plan the integration process together.
Key factors to consider when choosing a payment gateway
As you see, there are dozens of payment gateway solutions available. But which one is the one and only for your business?
Before you make your decision, here are six crucial things to consider:
- Stability and SLA - how secure and stable the solution is. This should be the first criterion, as cooperating with an unstable solution will lead to losses. Do other similar businesses use them? Do they have case studies? Does their support answer within a reasonable time?
- Costs and fees – what will it cost you to set the solution up? How big are the transaction fees? Are there any additional monthly fees? Try to estimate the volume and value of your monthly transactions – for many payment gateway solution providers, the fees depend on these factors.
- Payment methods supported – people are different, and so are their preferences regarding online payments. Some prefer to pay with digital wallets, while others only trust banks and their integrations. The more payment methods you'll be able to offer, the larger audience you'll be able to attract.
- Regions operating in – does the chosen payment gateway even work in your region? Also, if you're aiming to build a global ride-sharing business, you may want to select a payment gateway with a worldwide presence.
- Holding time – how long can the funds be cleared and transferred to your bank account take? For most payment gateways, it's usually 3-7 days. Generally, the sooner you receive your money, the easier it will be for you to manage your business.
- Currencies supported – check whether your payment gateway supports payments in different currencies. People want to pay in their local currency, so you want to ensure they have such an option.
- Security – as a rule of thumb, you want your payment gateway to be level-1 PCI DSS compliant and have fraud detection features.
To sum up
Choosing the most appropriate and cost-efficient payment gateway may feel daunting at first, but the secret to making this process easier is just knowing exactly what you want and need.
Where is your business going to operate?
How big is your target market?
How much can you make in your first year in business? Be realistic.
Where do you see your venture in 3-5 years?
By answering these questions, you'll have a clearer picture of what you need from your payment gateway solution provider.
Good luck!
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Blog
From phone tap to smooth ride: the tech stack behind modern shared mobility
🛴📡 That smooth ride you just took? It was powered by a whole ecosystem of hardware and software you never saw. From IoT modules in the vehicle to real-time dashboards and rider apps, shared mobility relies on a solid tech stack to stay online, secure, and profitable.
December 2, 2025
min. read
You open an app, spot a scooter on the map, and within seconds it unlocks with a click. You ride off, expecting the battery to be charged, the brakes to work, and the whole process to feel effortless. From the very first ride, shared mobility set the standard: vehicles should always be nearby, ready to go, and the whole experience should feel seamless. What most riders never think about, though, is the complex mix of hardware and software working in the background to make every smooth ride possible.
Why the tech matters
Technology is the baseline for the shared mobility business model. Every ride depends on it. Vehicles need IoT hardware to lock, unlock, and report their status. Connectivity has to be stable so operators always know where assets are and what condition they’re in.
IoT, or the Internet of Things, is the technology that connects physical devices – like scooters, bikes, or cars – to the internet. Each vehicle contains a small embedded device (the IoT module) that sends and receives data through mobile networks. This connection allows operators to remotely control key functions such as locking, unlocking, location tracking, and firmware updates. In short, IoT is what makes a vehicle “smart” and manageable at scale.
On the software side, riders expect apps that feel instant and intuitive, while operators rely on dashboards for fleet health, pricing, and support. Add in the realities of theft, battery swaps, downtime, and local regulations, and the stakes become clear. Without a reliable tech stack, even small failures – a scooter that won’t unlock or a payment that stalls – can quickly break user trust and hurt the business.
Where it began
Over the years, several manufacturers have entered the shared mobility IoT space, offering different hardware configurations, network technologies, and integrations. Companies like Teltonika (Lithuania), Comodule (Estonia), Invers (Germany), OMNI (China) and others produce modules compatible with various vehicle types and connectivity standards. Each provider focuses on specific strengths – some prioritize energy efficiency or compact design, others emphasize global coverage or advanced diagnostics. Choosing between them depends on the type of vehicles, operational scale, and software ecosystem an operator plans to use.
Our partner, Comodule was already developing IoT for micromobility when the Corona pandemic hit. Overnight, cities shifted and everyone needed their own safe, private way to move around. Shared scooters and bikes suddenly went from being a niche service to an essential part of urban transport, and the demand for IoT skyrocketed. For IoT manufacturers, it meant long days in development and manufacturing, pushing hard to deliver reliable devices at scale for brands like Uber, Lime, and Hive.
That sharp rise in demand forced them to grow quickly and gave valuable experience in building technology that could perform under real pressure. Fleets that trusted Comodule devices had a backbone they could rely on: vehicles that could be located, unlocked, secured, and managed internationally. Just as important, the IoT had to integrate seamlessly with software systems (like ATOM Mobility). That’s why building robust API and SDK tools became critical – enabling operators to connect hardware to their platforms, control fleets in real time, and access the information needed to keep moving.
IoT as the brain of the vehicle
Inside every connected scooter or bike sits a IoT module, the “brain” that links the vehicle to the cloud. It connects through cellular networks, constantly sending data about location, speed, and battery status. When a rider taps “unlock” in the app, that command travels through the cloud to the module, which triggers the electronic lock and wakes up the vehicle. The same connection allows operators to set geofenced no-parking zones, push over-the-air updates, or activate a sound alarm if the scooter is being tampered with. Battery sensors inside the module report charging cycles and health, so operators know exactly when a pack needs to be swapped or replaced.
All of this data is streamed in real time to the fleet management system, giving providers the ability to monitor hundreds or even thousands of vehicles simultaneously. For operators, these capabilities mean higher uptime, faster theft recovery, and precise control over the entire fleet – the difference between running a struggling operation and a profitable one.
Selecting the right IoT hardware is a long-term decision that affects the entire fleet’s performance. Operators should evaluate network compatibility (2G/4G/5G/eSIM) and regional coverage, integration options such as open APIs and SDKs, and reliability under different weather conditions. Battery efficiency, after-sales support, firmware update policies, and compliance with standards like CE or FCC also matter. In short, IoT isn’t just a component – it’s the operational backbone of any shared mobility business.
Rising expectations in the market
As shared mobility matured, the bar kept getting higher. New scooter generations came with swappable batteries, sturdier frames, and better onboard electronics. Riders got used to apps that respond instantly, process payments in seconds, and show vehicle availability with pinpoint accuracy.
At the same time, competition rose, not only from global players but also from smaller, local operators launching fleets in their own cities. For these companies, reliable hardware was no longer enough. They needed the software layer that connects everything: smooth rider apps, powerful operator dashboards, and analytics to make smarter decisions. Yet many lacked the time and resources to build software on their own.
Software as the missing piece
As fleets grew and competition intensified, operators realized they did not have time or funds to develop their own software layer. They needed a market-ready platform that ties everything together – apps that riders enjoy using and dashboards that give operators full control of their business. That’s where solutions like ATOM Mobility come in.
Platform connects directly with IoT through APIs and SDKs, so every unlock command, error code, or battery update flows instantly between the rider’s app and the operator’s dashboard. Almost any company can launch a fleet with this stack – from large-scale operators to small, local newcomers.
The power of integration
When hardware and software work seamlessly, the rider experience feels effortless. A simple tap in the app sends a command through the cloud to IoT, which unlocks the vehicle and streams live data back in milliseconds. The operator instantly sees the vehicle’s status in the dashboard: battery level, GPS position, and any error codes.
If the scooter leaves a geofenced area, the system reacts automatically. If maintenance is needed, the alert is flagged before it becomes a breakdown. By combining the hardware with software, fleet providers get one complete ecosystem – a stack built to keep vehicles online and users satisfied.
From seamless rides to smarter cities
From a rider’s perspective, shared mobility should always “just work.” That won’t change. But the technology stack behind it is becoming more sophisticated every year. Stricter regulations demand safer and more transparent services, while cities are pushing for integration into broader Mobility-as-a-Service platforms. IoT and software together provide the data and control that operators need, not only to stay compliant but also to improve fleet efficiency and sustainability and to provide insights for city planning.
For users, that sophistication will translate into something simple: services that are more reliable, safer for everyone on the road, and smarter – with data from real-world usage helping to shape better vehicles, better infrastructure, and better cities in the future.
Blog
Digitalising the car rental industry – why it’s happening and what comes next
🚗 The car rental industry is finally catching up with modern mobility. From Norway to Mexico, users are skipping the desk and unlocking their rental cars with just a tap on their phone. Paper contracts, front desks, and "similar model" surprises are being replaced by fast, app-based experiences. Operators like Hyre, Sixt, and Avis are proving that going digital boosts revenue and improves customer satisfaction.
November 6, 2025
min. read
The car rental industry is finally going digital. Not with just a website and an app, but with a real transformation of how rentals work – from booking to unlocking the vehicle. Customers no longer want paper contracts, counters, or “similar model” surprises. They want convenience, predictability, and self-service.
That’s exactly what happened at Norway’s largest airports, where traditional rental giant Europcar lost its presence to Hyre – a local operator offering a mobile-first, fully digital blend of car rental and sharing. But it’s not just new players like Hyre pushing this shift. Established giants like Sixt and Avis are rapidly digitalising their rental flow as well – rolling out features like app-based bookings, mobile ID verification, and keyless access across key markets.
At ATOM Mobility, we’ve helped operators move toward this digital future for over seven years. The goal is simple: modernise outdated processes, improve the user experience, and create more profitable operations. And right now, the timing for this shift couldn’t be better.
From counters to apps: Why the rental experience is changing
Customer expectations have changed. Today’s users – especially younger ones and business travellers – are used to seamless, mobile-first journeys. They don’t want to queue at a desk, hand over their ID, wait for paperwork, or discover they’re getting a different car than they booked. And in many cases, they simply won’t accept it.
Hyre’s model responds to this new demand:
- A 100% digital rental experience, available via app, website, or walk-up self-service kiosk
- Real-time vehicle selection – you see and book the actual car you’ll drive
- Instant access via smartphone, no human interaction required
And the results are impressive:
- In 2019, Hyre made €1.1M in revenue with a €1.7M loss. In 2020 – €4.6M revenue, €0.2M profit
- By 2024, they reached ~€34M revenue and finally turned a solid profit
- They now operate 2,500+ vehicles, across 100+ models
- Average revenue per vehicle is ~€37/day (over €1,100/month) – around 50% higher than some other regional competitors
This shift is not just a trend in Norway. It’s a glimpse of where the car rental market is heading across Europe and beyond.
What users gain from a digital rental experience
The benefits for customers are obvious – and powerful:
- No waiting at the counter
Skip the lines, avoid awkward conversations, and get on the road faster. Operators like Sixt now offer full online check-in and mobile app flows that replace the desk altogether. - Car you booked = car you get
No more vague “or similar” surprises. Apps like Hyre and Sixt let you choose the actual vehicle, right before your trip. - No paperwork, no friction
Everything is handled in-app: driver’s license verification, payment, pickup, and return. - Unlock with your phone
Smartphone access makes key handover unnecessary. Some services also offer remote unlock support if something goes wrong. - On-demand rentals
Rent a car for an hour, a day, or a week – flexible durations are easier to offer with digital flows.
This is what the modern traveller wants: clarity, control, and speed.
Why operators are embracing digitalisation
While the user benefits are clear, the real business case lies in how much better digitalisation makes operations:
- Reduced staffing costs
With no need for front desk staff at every location, operators save significantly – especially at airports and peak-time zones. - Higher fleet utilisation
Real-time data enables better fleet distribution, faster turnover between rentals, and reduced downtime. - Better user data and insights
A mobile-first journey provides valuable usage data: when people rent, where, how long, and what kind of car. This helps with pricing, loyalty, and upselling. - Fewer manual errors and disputes
Digital contracts, ID checks, and timestamps reduce risk and improve accountability. - New revenue models
Digitalisation opens the door for hybrid models – like Sixt Share – where rental and car sharing meet. One fleet, multiple use cases.
Real examples: Hyre, Sixt, Avis, and Beyond
- Hyre (Norway): A leader in mobile-first car rental and sharing. Took over Europcar’s prime airport locations in 2024. Profitable, scalable, and 100% digital.
- Sixt: Offers online check-in, vehicle pre-selection, and app-based car access in key cities. Its Sixt Share product blends traditional rental and flexible car sharing in a single app. Sixt also lets customers select their exact car model up to 30 minutes before pickup.
- Avis Budget Group: Investing heavily in digital transformation – using AWS to build connected vehicle platforms and real-time user tracking. In Mexico, Avis even launched biometric identity verification, allowing renters to skip counters using facial recognition.
These companies understand that digitalisation isn’t about offering an app – it’s about rebuilding the rental experience around the user. And it's paying off.
What this means for operators (and how ATOM Mobility can help)
If you’re running a rental operation and still relying on paperwork, front desks, or disconnected tools, now’s the time to evolve.
Here’s how you can modernise your operations with help from ATOM Mobility:
- Replace paper with digital onboarding
Use in-app license scanning, facial verification, and automated approval flows. - Enable keyless vehicle access
Let users unlock the vehicle via app, securely and reliably. - Offer flexible rental durations
Go beyond daily rates – allow hourly, weekend, or hybrid rental periods. - Use data to guide pricing and availability
Monitor usage patterns and demand in real time. Adjust pricing zones dynamically. - Launch new revenue streams
With digital infrastructure in place, testing car sharing or subscriptions becomes much easier. - Cut costs and increase vehicle ROI
More bookings per vehicle, lower overhead, and happier customers – all enabled by a modern backend.
ATOM Mobility provides all the building blocks to power this shift. Whether you’re a traditional rental company l
ooking to go mobile-first, or a new operator exploring flexible mobility, we’ve built the tech to get you there.
The rental counter is going away
Car rental is becoming more like e-commerce: fast, digital, and customer-led. The counter, the queue, the paperwork – these are all parts of an older model that no longer meets expectations. The future lies in seamless, app-based access that lets users pick the car they want, when they want it.
The Hyre example shows what’s possible with the right model. Sixt and Avis show how even large incumbents are adapting. If you’re an operator – big or small – the time to start this shift is now.
And if you’re looking for a trusted partner to support you on that journey, ATOM Mobility digital rental software is ready. We help rental and car sharing businesses launch, scale, and thrive – with the tech that powers modern mobility.
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