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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Sign-up made easy: ATOM Mobility adds Apple and Google login options
At ATOM Mobility, we’re always looking for ways to improve the user experience. One of the most requested features from our customers has been alternative login options. And now, we’re happy to announce that Apple and Google sign-in options are finally here!
March 11, 2025
min. read
Why is this important?
Most mobile apps rely on phone number verification for sign-ups and logins. This is also the case for ATOM Mobility, where users verify their phone number using a One-Time Password (OTP). We use trusted partners like Twilio, Dexatel, and others to ensure secure phone verification. Big companies like Uber, Bolt, and inDrive also follow this method because it helps prevent fraud and unauthorized access.
However, we know that not everyone wants to use their phone number every time they log in. Some users prefer quicker options, especially if they’re alreadyuse Apple or Google on their devices. That’s why we’ve now added these alternatives.
The popularity of Apple & Google sign-in
According to global data, a significant number of people prefer logging in with their existing accounts rather than typing in a phone number. Research shows that about 60-80% of users choose social logins if given the option. That’s a huge number! By adding Apple and Google login, we’re making it even easier for users to sign up and start using your app instantly.
Many popular apps and platforms already offer these sign-in options because they reduce the time it takes for users to access services. The fewer steps involved, the more likely users are to complete registration rather than abandoning the process midway. For businesses, this translates to higher conversion rates and more engaged users.
What this means for your business
Adding Apple and Google login options isn’t just about convenience. It has real benefits for operators as well:
- Fewer support tickets – Phone number verification can sometimes fail due to network issues, wrong numbers, or SMS delays. With Apple and Google sign-ins, users can skip these problems entirely.
- Better user experience – The easier it is to sign up, the more likely users are to complete registration and start using the service.
- More successful registrations – Reducing friction at the sign-up stage means more people will complete the process, leading to higher conversion rates.
- Higher user retention – If signing in is fast and easy, users are more likely to return rather than be discouraged by a slow login process.
Security considerations
It’s important to note that phone number verification still plays a big role in fraud prevention. If users sign in without verifying their number, there’s a higher risk of fake accounts. That’s why we’re keeping the OTP method as the default while offering Apple and Google login as an alternative.
Many companies, including ATOM Mobility, prioritize fraud prevention. While Apple and Google sign-in reduce the risk of failed logins, they also require additional monitoring to ensure that the platform remains secure. Implementing fraud detection measures alongside these sign-in options can help maintain a balance between user convenience and platform security.
How it works
The updated login screen will now include Apple and Google sign-in buttons alongside the phone number option. Users can choose their preferred method, making the process faster and more flexible.
If you are an ATOM Mobility customer, enabling this feature in your app settings is simple. Once activated, users will see the Apple and Google login buttons immediately when they open the app. This small but powerful change can lead to more completed registrations and a smoother onboarding experience.
What’s next?
This is just one of the many improvements we’re bringing to ATOM Mobility. We’re constantly working on new features to enhance the user experience and streamline operations. Check out our other top features:
- Integrations – Connect with various third-party services like Zendesk, Intercom, and Mavenoid to improve customer support.
- Connectivity – Our platform supports multiple IoT devices and vehicle models, ensuring seamless operation.
- Dashboard – Manage your fleet and users efficiently with a feature-packed admin panel.
Future possibilities
At ATOM Mobility, we believe in continuous innovation. Now that Apple and Google login options are live, we are exploring other ways to simplify user access and improve security. Some potential future developments include:
- Biometric authentication – Using Face ID or fingerprint scanning for even faster logins.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Adding an extra layer of security for high-value users.
With Apple and Google login now available, signing up for ATOM Mobility-powered apps is easier than ever. Whether users prefer OTP verification or a simple one-tap login, they now have more choices. This update is all about making the experience smoother and increasing the number of successful registrations.
If you’re an ATOM Mobility customer, make sure to enable this feature and give your users the flexibility they want. And if you need any help, feel free to reach out to our team!
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to improve the platform!
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How Donkey Republic became a micromobility leader
🚲 Donkey Republic is proving that bike-sharing can be profitable, while many competitors are struggling to stay on the road to success. Donkey Republic is partnering with cities, keeping costs low, and focusing on bikes. With more cities pushing for car-free mobility, can Donkey Republic continue to grow?
February 25, 2025
min. read
Bike-sharing has had a wild ride over the past ten years. Some companies threw thousands of bikes onto city streets without permission, while others spent tons of money but couldn’t figure out how to make a profit. Donkey Republic took a different approach—and it worked.
Started in Copenhagen in 2014, Donkey Republic didn’t rush to expand or rely on big investors. Instead, it focused on working with cities, keeping things simple, and making sure the business could actually make money. In 2023, the company earned €15.4 million (DKK 115.2 million), up 70% from the previous year, and, more importantly, it made a profit of €1.27 million (DKK 9.5 million).
From a simple idea to a growing business
The company’s founder, Erdem Ovacik, got the idea when he saw a friend using combination locks to share bikes with others in Copenhagen. He figured there had to be a better way. The answer? A mobile app and smart locks, so people could rent a bike quickly without needing a docking station.
In 2015, Donkey Republic started with just 30 bikes. Instead of flooding the streets with bikes and hoping for the best, it worked directly with city governments to get approval. That helped avoid the problems that companies like Ofo and Mobike faced when they expanded too fast and then collapsed.
The key of not overdoing
A lot of bike and scooter companies try to grow as fast as possible, spending loads of money and hoping to make a profit later. Donkey Republic didn’t do that. By 2020, it had expanded to 13 countries, including Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Finland, but always in a controlled way.
A big part of its success comes from working with cities instead of fighting them. Instead of just dropping bikes on the street and hoping no one complains, Donkey Republic made agreements with local governments. This means the company doesn’t have to worry as much about sudden bans or changing rules.
For example, in 2023, Paris banned rental e-scooters, which was a disaster for other companies. But because Donkey Republic focuses on bikes, it wasn’t affected.
Financial growth and key milestones
Donkey Republic has shown impressive financial progress in recent years. In 2023, the company reported a revenue of DKK 115.2 million – a 70% increase compared to the previous year. Even more importantly, they achieved a positive EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) of DKK 9.5 million, marking a shift toward profitability.
2024 has been even stronger for Donkey Republic. The company reported a revenue of DKK 145 million, representing a 25% increase from 2023. For the first time, they also recorded a positive EBIT of DKK 1 million. This shows that their long-term strategy of working with cities and optimizing operations is paying off.
What makes Donkey Republic different?
Several factors have contributed to Donkey Republic’s success:
- Emphasize partnerships – Rather than competing with cities, they work alongside them, forging long-term agreements that drive stability and growth. Approximately 30% of their revenue stems from B2G and B2B long-term contracts, including subsidies.
- Technology-driven approach – Their smart locks and app-based rentals make it easy for users to find and use bikes anytime.
- Financial sustainability – While some bike-sharing companies struggle with profitability, Donkey Republic has managed to grow revenue while keeping costs under control.
- Commitment to sustainability – By promoting cycling as an alternative to cars, they contribute to cleaner and less congested cities.
What’s next for Donkey Republic
While Donkey Republic has shown that micromobility can be profitable, the road ahead isn’t without challenges. Competition is fierce, and other companies are rapidly expanding their e-bike fleets to compete in Donkey Republic’s space. Additionally, while city partnerships provide stability, they also limit rapid expansion – municipal contracts take time to secure, and some cities prefer to invest in their own public bike-sharing programs.
Still, Donkey Republic is betting that the demand for sustainable, city-friendly transport will only grow. With urban areas across Europe cracking down on car use – such as London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Paris’s car-restriction policies – bike-sharing is well-positioned to thrive.
So while scooter operators continue to battle regulatory headaches and profit struggles, Donkey Republic is proving that a disciplined, city-first approach might just be the key to lasting success in micromobility.
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