Checkout
Checkout is the payment process in an online shop during which customers complete their order, select a payment method, and initiate the payment.
Checkout
The checkout refers to the final step in the purchasing process of an online shop. Here, customers enter their delivery details, choose a payment method, and confirm the order. The checkout is one of the most critical points in e-commerce — this is where it is decided whether a shopping cart becomes a purchase or is abandoned.
There are various checkout variants: The Hosted Checkout redirects customers to the page of the payment provider. The embedded checkout (Embedded Checkout) integrates the payment form directly into the shop page. And the guest checkout allows an order without registration — which typically increases the conversion rate.
For checkout optimization, the choice of payment methods is crucial. Swiss customers expect TWINT, credit cards, and often purchase on account. Missing preferred payment methods are one of the most common reasons for shopping cart abandonment.
Checkout examples
An online shop offers Visa, Mastercard, TWINT and purchase on account at checkout. Customers choose their preferred method.
A hosted checkout redirects the customer to a secure payment page of the PSP, where they enter their card details.
A shop introduces a guest checkout and increases its conversion rate by 15% because registration is no longer required.
Checkout FAQ
What is a checkout in an online shop?
Checkout is the payment process in which customers enter their order details, select a payment method, and complete the purchase. It is the final step in the buying process.
What is the difference between Hosted Checkout and Embedded Checkout?
With Hosted Checkout, customers are redirected to the payment provider's page. With Embedded Checkout, the payment form is integrated directly into the shop page — without redirection.
How can I improve the checkout conversion?
Offer your target group's preferred payment methods, enable a guest checkout without registration, reduce the number of form fields and display shipping costs early on.
Which payment methods should a Swiss checkout offer?
For Swiss shops, Visa/Mastercard, TWINT, PostFinance Pay, Apple Pay and purchase on account are the most important payment methods. The optimal selection depends on the target group and industry.
