In today’s fast-paced commerce world, waiting days for payment settlements is no longer acceptable. Whether you run a boutique, a busy café, or a fast-growing online store, cash flow is king—and real-time payments (RTP) are quickly becoming the crown jewel.
But what are real-time settlements, how do they work, and what do merchants really gain from them? Let’s break it down.
What Are Real-Time Payment Settlements?
Real-time settlements refer to the instantaneous transfer of funds between the customer and merchant—often within seconds—once a transaction is approved. Unlike traditional batch settlements that can take 24 to 72 hours (or longer over weekends), RTP systems clear payments immediately, giving merchants quicker access to their money.
In the UK, this aligns with the Faster Payments Service (FPS), and in the US, solutions like FedNow and RTP® network are helping small businesses move away from outdated banking rails.
How Real-Time Settlements Work
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Customer Makes a Payment: At the till, online, or via payment link.
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POS Communicates with Acquirer: EkiKart POS, for example, instantly routes the transaction.
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Funds Settle Instantly: Money moves from the customer’s account to the merchant’s in real-time (or near real-time).
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Dashboard Update: Merchants get an immediate confirmation and real-time reflection in their analytics or sales dashboard.
5 Key Benefits for Merchants
1. Faster Cash Flow
Get immediate access to funds to reinvest in inventory, pay staff, or cover expenses.
2. Reduced Risk of Chargebacks
Faster processing means fewer chances for delays, disputes, and costly chargebacks.
3. Enhanced Customer Experience
Instant confirmations and receipts create a smoother, more professional checkout.
4. Greater Financial Control
With real-time reporting and settlements, merchants can monitor daily performance without surprises.
5. Competitive Advantage
Customers love speed—so should you. RTP gives your business a modern edge.
Why It Matters More in 2025
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Over 60% of UK SMEs now say instant access to funds is critical to managing day-to-day operations.
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In the US, adoption of real-time rails like FedNow is expanding rapidly across sectors, especially in retail and service-based industries.
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With inflation, interest rate hikes, and rising operational costs, cash flow agility could make or break your business.
EkiKart POS: Built for Real-Time
With EkiKart POS, merchants enjoy instant payment settlements, automated reports, and seamless reconciliation. You don’t just process payments—you power decisions in real time.
The world of payments is evolving, and real-time settlement is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Businesses that embrace faster, smarter POS systems today will be the ones thriving tomorrow.
Curious how real-time payments could change your business?
Book a free demo with EkiKart and experience the power of instant.
