Gaming without cards: A look at Pay by Bank for in-game purchases

A player is seconds away from unlocking a rare skin or buying that power-up that could change the game. But just as they hit purchase, the card fails. Not a rare occurrence, unfortunately. 

For many gamers, payment friction is a big problem. Whether it’s declined cards, forgotten CVVs, or the lack of access to traditional banking tools, these barriers can ruin the experience. That’s why more players and gaming platforms are turning to Pay by Bank, a fast, secure way to pay directly from a bank account without relying on cards.

Why cards aren’t always the best choice

Card payments have long dominated the gaming industry and payments in general, but they come with drawbacks:

• Not universally accessible – Many gamers, especially younger players or those in underbanked regions, don’t have access to credit cards.
• Security concerns – Sharing card details online repeatedly increases the risk of fraud or data breaches.
• Declined transactions – Bank-issued restrictions or card limits often result in failed payments, which frustrate users and increase churn.

These challenges have boosted the adoption of direct and inclusive solutions like Pay by Bank.

What is Pay by Bank?

Pay by Bank is a payment method powered by open banking technology. It allows users to authorise payments directly from their bank accounts, usually through their mobile banking app. No need to enter card numbers, no wallet top-ups, just a secure bank-to-bank transfer in real time.

Benefits of Pay by Bank for in-game purchases

For developers and players, Pay by Bank brings several clear advantages:

• Fewer failed payments: With cards, transactions often fail due to expired cards or card limits. Pay by Bank connects directly to the player’s account and confirms the available funds before processing.
• Better security: Players never have to type in sensitive card data. Authentication happens within their bank app, using biometrics or two-factor authentication. This significantly reduces the risk of fraud or chargebacks.
• Instant payment confirmation: Unlike traditional bank transfers, Pay by Bank verifies payments in real time. This means users can receive their in-game items, currencies, or upgrades instantly, no waiting for processing delays.
• Lower fees: Pay by Bank often skips costly card network fees, helping gaming platforms save on transaction costs, especially for microtransactions. These savings can be passed on to players or reinvested into improving the game experience.
• Seamless mobile experience: Pay by Bank integrates directly with a player’s mobile banking app, creating a fast and intuitive flow. Most players are already on mobile devices while gaming, so switching to their bank app to approve a payment takes just a few taps.

Here’s a list of top payment options to deliver a seamless in-game purchase experience. 

How Payop enables Pay by Bank for gaming platforms

Payop’s Pay by Bank solution is designed to streamline payments for both players and platforms in key European markets. Here’s how it works:

• Coverage in 14 European countries, including major gaming markets like Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the UK
• Direct integration with over 900 local banks through open banking infrastructure for instant, secure account-to-account payments
• Localised checkout flows that reduce friction and improve conversion rates
• Real-time payment confirmation, so players receive their in-game items or currency without delay
• No reliance on card networks, making it ideal for mobile-first and security-conscious users

Payop helps gaming platforms simplify their payment process, reduce costs, and give players a smoother and more joyful way to pay.

To learn more and get individual consultation, contact our team at sales@payop.com.