Kontanta elektroniska betalningssystem för Internet

Abstract

Most payment systems that are used on the Internet today are analogous to payment systems from the physical world, where payment with cash is the most widespread payment method. For Swedish Internet commerce the dominating electronic way to pay is by credit card. An alternative method is payment upon delivery through traditional systems. However, the traditional payment systems are neither suited for micro payments, nor for the purchasing of digital services. The purpose of this thesis is to find out why there are no well-functioning cash payment systems available for the Internet today. In our study we focus mainly on the technology and the use of electronic payment systems. The study started with a review of previous, existing and forthcoming electronic payment systems. Surveys were used to find out the attitude of consumers and online merchants towards online cash payments. The survey results were then verified with interviews. Our results show several reasons for why there are no well-functioning cash payment systems for the Internet. One of our results indicates that the absence of cash payment systems could be explained by difficulties in establishing a profitable payment structure. Neither consumers nor online merchants demand such a system. At the same time the payment systems of today are improving and becoming more widely accepted among consumers.