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!
Interested in launching your own mobility platform?
Click below to learn more or request a demo.
Blog
Launching a ride-hailing business from 0 in 90 days
🚕 Thinking of launching your own ride-hailing service? You don’t need a giant budget or years of development. With the right tools and a local-first mindset, you can go from zero to launch in just 90 days. From platform setup and driver onboarding to beta testing and your first 1,000 rides - this guide covers it all.
April 8, 2025
min. read
Starting a ride-hailing or shared mobility venture can seem overwhelming, but with a clear plan, it's possible to launch in just 90 days. This guide outlines a three-phase process: laying the foundation, building your product and team, and launching - plus tips for growth beyond day 90. By following this roadmap, you’ll validate your idea, ensure legal compliance, create your brand and technology, recruit drivers, and hit the market ready.
Day 0–30: Foundation
Finding a niche
Start with market validation and legal setup. Research your target area to identify unmet transport needs. Maybe large providers don’t serve certain areas, or there’s demand for eco-friendly, or premium segment or niche services like women-only rides.
Looking to stand out in the competitive ride-hail market? Check out these two insightful reads:
- Finding a niche in the competitive ride-hail market: https://www.atommobility.com/blog/how-to-find-your-niche-in-the-competitive-ride-hail-market-real-world-examples-of-businesses-that-resonate
- Discover how a local taxi union in Sweden supports a new platform to reshape industry standards and build a fairer ecosystem: https://www.atommobility.com/blog/driving-change-with-fair-how-a-small-platform-is-redefining-the-taxi-industry-in-sweden
This should help you define your niche, unique positioning or angle, and ultimately your unique selling proposition to stand out from other players in the market.
Legal compliance
Next step will be forming your business (e.g., LLC) to protect liability and later attract investors. Apply for the necessary permits, such as TNC licenses, and consult local regulations. Insurance is essential – you’ll need commercial liability coverage that also includes drivers. Run background checks to ensure safety and compliance.
Legal compliance checklist:
- Business registration
- Ride-hailing or taxi permits
- Driver background checks
- Commercial insurance
- Local regulation compliance (e.g., vehicle checks)
Budgeting for MVP launch
Outline core costs: software, licenses, insurance, marketing, driver incentives, customer support, accounting services, and some reserve. Use a white-label software like ATOM Mobility to avoid costly custom builds. These platforms offer rider/driver apps and backend systems for a fraction of development costs.
Plan an initial marketing budget (e.g., €1,000–€5,000) and allocate driver sign-up bonuses (€100 for 20 rides, for example). Include small expenses like Apple developer accounts or a place in co-working to work from. Keep costs lean and prepare a detailed budget for the first 6-12 months.
Financing: Bootstrapping vs. investors
Once you have a 6-12 month budget prepared, you can choose between personal funding, angel investors, or crowdfunding. Bootstrapping (using your personal capital) offers control but limits scale. Local group of angel investors can contribute €50k–€500k in total and extra mentorship. Crowdfunding helps raise funds while building a local supporter base. For example, you can engage drivers to invest via crowdfunding in exchange for a small equity share in your company and free usage of the platform for a certain period.
Here’s a helpful resource on using crowdfunding to kickstart your venture and get inspired: https://www.atommobility.com/blog/crowdfunding-for-your-vehicle-sharing-business
If your budget analysis shows you need external funding, try at least to launch a small-scale, working prototype with personal funds or an FFF (friends, family, and fools funding) round before entering the investment process. Demonstrating even modest traction significantly boosts your chances of a successful raise.
Please note that securing your first round of funding - whether from crowdfunding or business angels - typically takes six or more months. To keep momentum going, launch an initial version of your product or service, then start the fundraising process.
Day 30–60: Build & integrate
Software
Choosing the right software partner can make or break your new ride-hail venture. From cost efficiency and faster time-to-market to reliability and specialized industry knowledge, the benefits of a white-label solution often outweigh the complexities and expense of building from scratch. Be sure to evaluate each provider’s platform features - rider and driver apps, dispatch system, and payment tools—alongside their proven track record of scaling and entering different markets. Confirm their customization capabilities, pricing transparency, and ability to expand into new service zones as your business grows. Ultimately, opt for a partner that delivers both the technology and the strategic support you need. For more insights on this decision-making process, explore white-label solutions vs. building from scratch and discover Why ATOM for a deeper dive into selecting the right tech partner.
Create a clear branding identity
Start by selecting a memorable name that reflects both your niche and city - AI-powered tools like ChatGPT can speed up brainstorming. Next, design a simple logo and choose core colors using user-friendly platforms such as Canva or Looka. Consistency is key, so use these design elements across your website and social channels.
When it’s time to launch your online presence, opt for no-code platforms like Squarespace, or Carrd to create a minimal landing page in minutes -no developers needed. Clearly present your core message (e.g., “Premium, all-black Mercedes rides in [City].”), include links to your rider/driver apps, and offer driver sign-up form. This straightforward approach helps potential users and drivers quickly understand and trust your brand.
Driver onboarding (first 50 drivers)
Your service can’t run without drivers, so make their onboarding experience as smooth and appealing as possible. Start by defining tangible benefits - like 0% commissions for the first three months, niche perks, or local partnerships—that set you apart. Reach out via social media, online communities, and direct messaging to recruit your initial loyal driver base. Host webinars or info sessions to keep them engaged and address any concerns.
Keep in mind, your first drivers are crucial for user satisfaction: they are the face of your service and heavily influence each ride’s quality. Consider providing branded merchandise and clear guidelines—such as offering free candies or bottled water, opening doors, or any other gesture aligned with your unique selling proposition (USP).
To streamline onboarding, create a simple website form for sign-ups, ensure fast document verification, run background checks, and offer concise training modules. Incentives like sign-up bonuses or a zero-commission period can help you recruit your first group of drivers quickly. You might also guarantee initial earnings (covering fixed fees from your budget) to build driver trust while you grow your user base.
Goal: By day 60, aim to have at least 50 drivers signed up and ready to serve your launch zone, setting a solid foundation for your platform’s success.
Day 60–90: Test & launch
Closed beta testing
Before a full launch, invite a small group of friends, family, or early supporters to test your app and simulate real-world scenarios. Focus on the essentials: ride requests, payment processing, GPS accuracy, and cancellation flows -ideally at various times of day and on different devices. Take a few actual rides with real drivers to see how they follow outlined procedures and interact with riders. Gather feedback to uncover any usability issues or unexpected driver behaviors.
During this phase, refine your internal processes as well. Decide how you’ll handle customer inquiries - whether via a dedicated help email, chat support, or both - and respond promptly to build trust. If you have a team, ensure everyone is on the same page about responsibilities, communication guidelines, and how to address rider or driver concerns. This targeted approach helps you iron out potential issues, polish the user experience, and establish robust support protocols before going public.
Public launch
Decide whether to roll out quietly (a soft launch) to iron out any last-minute bugs or make a big announcement with a press release. If you choose the latter, pitch your story to local media outlets, emphasizing your community-first approach to mobility. Launch promotions - like 50% off first rides or a €5 sign-up credit - are a great way to attract early adopters and generate buzz.
Make sure your driver pool is ready to handle demand by coordinating schedules and availability. Consider offline tactics, too: distributing flyers in high-traffic areas, setting up campus booths, or sponsoring community events can help you gain local exposure. Once you’re live, keep a close eye on rider feedback (e.g., ride ratings, app store reviews) and address issues swiftly to maintain a positive user experience.
Marketing & growth to 1,000 rides
Partner with local influencers to promote your app, offering free rides or small payments in exchange for authentic social media posts. Focus on influencers your target audience trusts. Implement app referral programs - reward users and their friends with ride credits to spark word-of-mouth growth.
Keep engagement high by sharing milestones and user success stories online. Show up at local events, offering exclusive promo codes to attract new riders. Begin with small-scale digital advertising, reinvesting as you generate revenue and learn which channels work best. Track core metrics like sign-ups, ride volume, and wait times so you can make data-driven decisions and refine your strategy in real time.
Post 90 days: Scaling
Customer support & operations
As your platform grows, consider outsourcing or automating aspects of customer support. Create a help center or FAQ to guide users to quick solutions, and keep daily operations under close watch so you can resolve any issues swiftly. To remain efficient, hire part-time help (e.g., marketers or fleet managers) who can handle specialized tasks without inflating your overhead.
Fundraising
With initial traction in place, you’re in a strong position to secure additional funding. Present clear data on ride volume, user retention, and revenue growth to potential angel investors or crowdfunding platforms. Government grants may also be available for sustainable transport initiatives, so explore those opportunities. Be specific about how the funds will be used - for instance, "We need €100 000 to expand into two new cities and reach 10,000 rides per month."
The 90-day timeline
Although launching a ride-hail platform in 90 days is ambitious, a focused strategy and lean tooling can make it possible. Stay agile, keep service quality at the forefront, and set tangible milestones for each stage. With strong local insights and consistent execution, you can carve out a lasting presence in the mobility space.
Growth & expansion
Before moving into new cities, solidify your position in your initial market. Continue recruiting drivers and reaching fresh rider segments through targeted partnerships and loyalty programs. If you decide to scale further, use your 90-day playbook again—tweaking it for each new region’s unique challenges and opportunities. Good luck!
Blog
7 proven ways to boost your car sharing ratings
🚗 Want to keep your car sharing ratings high? Customers expect reliability, transparency, and great service - and their reviews reflect it. From AI-powered photo verification to seamless IoT connectivity, here are 7 game-changing solutions to improve your ratings and build trust with your users.
March 25, 2025
min. read
Car sharing can be a tough business. Your fleet is constantly in motion, customers have high expectations, and every review can impact your reputation. The difference between a good business and one that struggles often comes down to customer satisfaction – and that means keeping your ratings high.
So, what are the best ways to improve ratings in car sharing? Here are some smart solutions that can make a real impact.
1. AI-powered photo verification to prevent surprises
No one likes picking up a car and finding it scratched, dented, or dirty. AI-powered photo verification helps prevent these problems before they affect your ratings. The system ensures that users take proper photos before and after their ride. If a car is parked badly or a photo doesn’t show the vehicle correctly, the system flags it. This reduces disputes, increases accountability, and improves overall service quality.
Users also feel more secure knowing that they won’t be held accountable for damage they didn’t cause. This small step significantly improves trust in your service, which in turn helps maintain higher ratings over time.
Want to integrate this? Check out how ATOM Mobility supports smart integrations.
2. Customer support that actually helps
Fast and effective customer support is a game changer. Users expect quick answers, especially when they’re locked out of a car or facing a technical issue. Integrating tools like Zendesk, Intercom, or Mavenoid provides live chat, automated AI-powered answers, FAQs, and even emoji-based responses to make communication smoother. Happy customers leave better ratings – it’s that simple.
A great support system also means fewer negative reviews, as frustrated users are less likely to vent online when they can quickly get the help they need. Plus, automated FAQs help users solve minor issues on their own without waiting for a response.
3. Great IoT connectivity for a better experience
A smooth, uninterrupted experience is one of the biggest factors in user satisfaction. Vehicle connectivity solutions ensure that cars are always accessible when needed. Imagine a user trying to unlock a car, but the IoT lags or the car doesn’t respond. Frustrating, right? Integrating reliable IoT solutions minimizes these issues, making your service more dependable. ATOM Mobility supports a wide range of IoT modules like Teltonika, Geotab, INVERS and several others. This means your fleet remains connected, responsive, and reliable no matter what car models you have in your fleet.
A connected fleet also allows operators to quickly detect vehicle malfunctions, battery levels, and maintenance needs, ensuring cars remain in top condition before issues escalate.
See how seamless connectivity makes car sharing better.
4. Let users rate their ride
Giving customers a voice is essential. By allowing them to rate their ride, you get valuable insights into what’s working and what’s not. Did they like the cleanliness? Was the car easy to access? Was the trip smooth? This data helps you adjust and improve, keeping your service top-notch. Plus, users appreciate being heard, which encourages them to leave better reviews.
Encouraging feedback also lets you identify problem areas before they turn into frequent complaints. A proactive approach keeps customers engaged and boosts loyalty.
5. Clear and simple pricing
Surprise fees are a surefire way to get bad ratings. Users want transparency when it comes to pricing. Make sure your app clearly displays all costs upfront, including any deposits, insurance fees, or extra charges. Simple and honest pricing leads to trust, and trust leads to better reviews.
It also helps to offer clear explanations of what happens in case of late returns, damages, or toll fees. When users know what to expect, they’re less likely to be upset when additional charges apply.
6. Keep your fleet in top shape with preventive maintenance
It might sound obvious, but maintaining your vehicles properly is a huge factor in customer satisfaction. No one wants to deal with a car that smells weird, has a flat tire, or makes strange noises. Regular inspections, automated maintenance tracking, and in-app damage reporting help keep your fleet in top condition. Implementing task automation can further improve fleet maintenance, ensuring vehicles are always in optimal condition with minimal manual intervention. Well-maintained cars, happy customers, higher ratings.
Adding small touches like air fresheners, charging cables, and regular interior cleaning can elevate the user experience. Even if a vehicle is a few years old, good upkeep makes all the difference in perception.
7. All-in-one dashboard for smarter management
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. An advanced dashboard lets you track vehicle performance, monitor customer feedback, and optimize operations in one place. ATOM Mobility’s dashboard solution provides detailed analytics, helping you stay on top of issues before they affect your ratings.
By leveraging data insights, operators can identify peak rental times, adjust pricing models, and plan fleet expansions accordingly. A well-optimized system keeps operations efficient and users satisfied. Additionally, vehicle damage management helps customers easily report damages, allowing operators to address issues faster and improve overall service quality.
Improving your car sharing ratings isn’t rocket science, but it does require the right tools. By integrating AI-powered photo verification, enhancing customer support, ensuring seamless connectivity, and keeping your fleet well-maintained, you can significantly boost user satisfaction. And when customers are happy, your ratings – and your business – will thrive.
Driver App demo credentials - Email: test@atom.com, Password: driver
