Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment is an online transaction system that allows individuals to transfer money from one account to another without going through a financial institution. Here, we will walk you through how to develop a P2P payment app. We’ll also look at today’s best examples of mobile payment applications.

Source: Codetibuton

P2P payment apps have been around for quite some time now. PayPal, Venmo, and Google Wallet are some of the earliest examples of mobile payment apps that allow users to send and receive money without going through a bank or other financial institution.

Since then, many other P2P payment apps have entered the market, each with its unique features and offerings.

Types of P2P Payment Apps

There are several p2p payment system apps. These apps can be classified according to the following:

• The type of mobile platform they work on (iOS, Android, Windows Phone, etc.)
• The type of transaction they facilitate ( domestic or international)
• The type of service they provide (money transfer, bill payment, mobile commerce, etc.)

Type of mobile platform

An example, mobile platforms are either Hybrid, Native, or Web-based. Native mobile payment apps are developed specifically for a mobile operating system such as iOS.

Each mobile platform has unique benefits and drawbacks that must be considered when developing your app. For instance, if you want to develop a mobile payment iOS application, you can consider Objective-C or Swift.

On the other hand, if your goal is mobile payment app development for Android, you’ll need to use Java. Hybrid p2p apps are created using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

These apps are then wrapped in a native container, allowing them to be installed on a mobile device just like a native app. The benefit of hybrid mobile payment apps is that they can be developed relatively quickly and cheaply compared to native mobile apps. However, the downside is that they may not offer the same performance and user experience as a native app.

Web-based P2P apps use the internet to connect users. The most popular P2P app in the world is PayPal, founded in 1998. Mobile apps also use Bluetooth or NFC technology to connect two mobile devices and transfer money.

Type of transaction and service they facilitate

The three types of mobile payment transactions are NFC, in-app, and mobile web purchases.

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a technology that allows two devices to communicate when they’re close together. NFC transactions can be used for mobile payments, ticketing, and access control.

In-app purchases are made within a mobile app. For example, you might use in-app purchases to buy virtual currency or donate to a charity.

Mobile web purchases are made on websites optimized for mobile devices. Mobile web transactions can be used to buy tickets or make hotel reservations.

Which Features Do You Need in Your P2P App?

Any mobile payment app needs certain features to make it work correctly. Here are some:

• Ease of use: The app must be easy to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy. All they should need is a mobile device and an internet connection. The feature you hence need in your app is a straightforward interface.
• Security: This is paramount as mobile payment apps handle sensitive user information like credit card details, bank account numbers, etc. The app must have features like data encryption, two-factor authentication, etc., to ensure the safety of this information.
• Multiplatform support: The app should be able to run on multiple platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, etc.
• Customer support: A customer support team should help users with any issues they face while using the app.

Steps to Create P2P Payment Apps

To develop a p2p money transfer app, you must determine the target audience, platform, and features. Here’s a high-level overview of what’s involved:

• Define your target market and user needs. It will help you determine the features your app will need to have to succeed. For example, if your target market is businesses, you’ll need features like invoicing and integration with accounting software.
• Choose a mobile platform. The two most popular platforms for mobile app development are iOS and Android. If you want your P2P app to be available on both platforms, you’ll need to develop separate apps for each.
• Choose the right features for your app. Some must-have features for P2P payment apps include the ability to send and receive money, track payments, and security features like encryption. You can assess the right features for your P2P app by:
  • surveying your target market to understand their needs
  • research other P2P payment apps to see what features they offer
  • consulting with mobile app development experts.
• Develop a prototype of your app. It will help you get feedback on your app’s design and user experience before you start development.
• Develop the app. It includes designing the user interface, coding the functionality, and testing the app to ensure it works as intended.
• Launch the app. Once your P2P payment app is complete, you’ll need to launch it on the App Store or Google Play. You’ll also need to promote your app to ensure people are aware of and download it.
• Get feedback and iterate. After you’ve launched your P2P payment app, it’s essential to get user feedback and make improvements based on that feedback. It will help you ensure your app is successful in the long term.

Best Examples of Payment Applications

Here are some of the best P2P payments apps and what makes them stand out:

• Venmo: One of the most popular P2P payment apps, Venmo is known for its social media-like feed where users can post comments about their transactions. It’s also one of the most accessible apps, with a simple interface and easy mobile payments.
• PayPal: Perhaps the most well-known P2P payments app, PayPal has a long history of mobile payments. It’s a popular choice for online shopping and supports a wide range of currencies.
• Google Pay: With just a few taps, users may transfer funds to friends and family members using Google’s mobile payment service, which is accessible in many nations. Additionally, it integrates with Gmail, making it simple to make payments via email.
• Apple Pay: The Apple Watch, iPad, and iPhone all have access to the company’s mobile payment app. It is simple to use and accepts a variety of denominations. It can also be used for in-app transactions and internet purchasing.
• Square Cash: The Square mobile payment app enables you send and receive money for free. It’s easy to use and available in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
• Facebook Messenger: Facebook’s messaging app lets you send money to friends and family with just a few taps. It’s available in many countries and is one of the most straightforward P2P payment apps.

What makes these P2P apps popular is that they are convenient to use and available in many countries. They also offer a variety of features that users find helpful, such as mobile payments, social media integration, and support for a wide range of currencies.