What are A2A payments: the ultimate guide to account-to-account payments

This guide will delve into what A2A payments are, how they work, and the benefits they offer for businesses in these regions. If you're a merchant or business looking to optimize your payment processes, understanding A2A payments is key to staying competitive.

Types of A2A payments merchants use in emerging markets

‍

A2A payments can be classified into several types, depending on the method and channels used. Typically, they include:

• Bank transfers: Traditional bank-to-bank transfers where funds are moved directly between accounts without using a third-party payment processor.
• Real-time payment systems: This category includes payment systems that facilitate instant money transfers, such as real-time payment networks.
• API-enabled bank payments (often referred to as “open banking”): In some markets, A2A payments can be initiated through bank APIs or authorized third-party connections that let customers approve a transfer directly from their bank account to a merchant. In Asia and Africa, this is not always driven by PSD2-style regulation—it may rely on direct bank integrations or national real-time payment networks (“local rails”) instead.

Understanding these different types allows businesses to choose the most suitable option based on the region and their customers' preferences.

How do account-to-account payments work?

Account-to-account payments involve the transfer of funds directly from one bank account to another without requiring an intermediary, such as a payment gateway or card network. The process typically follows these steps:

1. Initiating the transfer: The payer authorizes the payment inside their banking app (or via a merchant-integrated flow) using the country’s local bank transfer rails—such as real-time payment schemes, QR-based bank transfers, or direct bank connections—depending on what is most common in that market.

2. Verification: The payer's bank verifies the account details and funds availability before approving the transfer.

3. Processing: Once verified, the payment is processed, and the funds are transferred to the recipient’s account.

4. Settlement: The recipient’s bank confirms the receipt of funds, completing the transaction.

With A2A payments, merchants benefit from direct transactions that reduce the complexity and costs typically associated with traditional payment methods.

What are the benefits of A2A transfers for businesses?

A2A transfers offer numerous advantages for businesses operating in markets like Asia and Africa. These benefits include:

1. Cost efficiency: By eliminating the need for intermediaries (such as payment gateways or card networks), businesses can lower transaction fees, making it a cost-effective solution for merchants.

2. Faster processing times: With the rise of real-time payment systems, A2A payments can be processed instantly, speeding up cash flow and reducing delays associated with traditional bank transfers.

3. Enhanced security: A2A payments rely on direct bank-to-bank transfers, making them more secure and less susceptible to fraud compared to card-based systems.

4. Access to new markets: In regions like Asia and Africa, where mobile banking and digital wallets are widespread, A2A payments can help businesses tap into these growing markets by offering seamless and trusted payment methods.

5. Local rails and API-based integrations: By integrating with a market’s local rails—whether that’s a real-time payment network, QR-based bank transfers, or bank APIs—businesses can offer A2A payment experiences that match local customer behavior and improve the overall checkout journey regardless of whether the market has a formal “open banking” regulatory framework.

Examples of A2A payments in emerging markets (B2B bank transfers)

Different regions have adopted A2A payments in various ways, using unique systems and technologies. Below are some examples of how A2A payments are being used across Asia.

Malaysia: FPX and DuitNow – Real-time bank transfers

In Malaysia, the FPX (Financial Process Exchange) system allows customers to make real-time bank transfers directly from their bank accounts to merchants. Similarly, DuitNow enables instant bank transfers between accounts, providing a convenient way for businesses to accept payments without relying on credit cards or third-party processors.

Indonesia: Direct bank transfers

In Indonesia, direct bank transfers are widely used for both domestic and international transactions. The system is straightforward, enabling customers to pay directly from their bank accounts to businesses without the need for an intermediary. This method is often favored for its simplicity and security.

Vietnam: VietQR and Instant Bank Transfers

Vietnam has embraced VietQR, a QR code-based payment system, which allows customers to scan a code and complete a transfer from their bank account to a merchant’s account. Instant bank transfers are also becoming increasingly popular, allowing businesses to receive payments in real time, similar to other A2A methods.

Nigeria: NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) and NQR – Real-time A2A transfers for merchants

In Nigeria, many “bank transfer” payments are powered by NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP), a real-time electronic funds transfer rail used by banks and financial institutions to move money instantly between accounts. Customers can initiate these account-to-account transfers through multiple channels (such as mobile banking apps and USSD), making A2A a common way to pay without cards.

Nigeria also has NQR (Nigeria Quick Response), a QR-code payment and collections scheme powered by NIBSS, designed to enable secure, instant payments from customers to merchants using bank accounts.

How LimePay connects global businesses to local banking systems in Africa and Asia through A2A integration

LimePay plays a pivotal role in connecting global businesses to local banking systems in markets like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Through its A2A payment solutions, LimePay integrates with local banking networks, enabling businesses to process transactions in real-time while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

By utilizing A2A integration, LimePay allows businesses to accept payments directly from customers’ bank accounts, streamlining the payment process and enhancing the customer experience. This integration supports various local payment methods, such as FPX, DuitNow, and VietQR, ensuring that businesses can cater to the payment preferences of their customers.

For businesses looking to optimize their payment systems, it also provides an instant payment platform that enables swift transactions and seamless integration with local banks.

Global impact of A2A payments

The rise of A2A payments is not just a trend in Asia and Africa; it is a global shift toward more secure, efficient, and cost-effective payment methods. As more countries adopt open banking systems and real-time payment networks, A2A payments are becoming the future of cross-border transactions. The potential for A2A payments to reduce transaction fees, accelerate settlement times, and increase security is driving businesses worldwide to rethink their payment strategies.

As A2A systems continue to gain traction, businesses will be able to receive online payments more efficiently and securely, improving their cash flow and customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, A2A payments are revolutionizing the way businesses handle transactions. By offering lower fees, faster processing times, and improved security, A2A payments provide an ideal solution for businesses, especially those operating in emerging markets like Asia and Africa. As this payment method continues to evolve, businesses that adopt A2A systems will be well-positioned to thrive in the digital economy.

‍

References:

FIS. (2025). The dramatic global rise of A2A payments. FIS Insights. https://www.fisglobal.com/insights/the-dramatic-global-rise-of-a2a-payments 

National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS). (2018). NAPAS FastFund 247 with VietQR code service. NAPAS. https://en.napas.com.vn/napas-fastfund-247-with-vietqr-code-service