Merchant Payment Processing
What are the main differences between in-store, online, and mobile payment processing?
7 min read
Your customers don't all pay the same way, and your checkout shouldn't force them into one box. In-store, online, and mobile payment processing each solve a different job. Moneris® is a Canadian company backed by RBC and BMO, and we've spent 25+ years helping businesses across Canada accept payments wherever sales happen.
With 325,000+ points of commerce and 5 billion+ transactions a year, we've seen how the right setup can make selling simpler, faster, and less stressful.
The short version:
- In-store payment processing happens at a fixed checkout, counter, or table.
- Online payment processing happens on your website or digital checkout page.
- Mobile payment processing happens on a phone, tablet, or portable device when you’re away from the counter.
Quick comparison
| Channel | Where it happens | Customer is present? | What you typically need | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-store | At a counter, till, or table | Yes | POS system or payment terminal | Retail stores, restaurants, reception desks |
| Online | On a website, checkout page, or booking flow | No | Ecommerce platform or payment gateway | Web stores, online bookings, subscriptions |
| Mobile | On a phone, tablet, or portable terminal | Usually yes | Tap to Pay, mobile POS, or wireless terminal | Pop-ups, curbside, deliveries, field work |
In-store payment processing: built for face-to-face checkout
This is the setup most people picture first. A customer walks up, taps, inserts, or pays with a digital wallet. The sale happens right there.
That makes in-store payment processing a great fit for businesses that need speed at the counter and a smooth in-person experience. It’s also usually simpler to manage because the customer is physically there, which lowers fraud risk compared with online sales.
For Canadian businesses, Moneris has a few strong in-store options:
- Moneris Go Terminal for flexible, wireless checkout
- Moneris Go Retail POS for retail businesses that want inventory, insights, and order management
- Moneris Go Restaurant POS for dine-in, tableside, and restaurant workflows
- Moneris Total Commerce if you want one system that connects in-store, online, and inventory
If your business depends on fast lines, easy refunds, and dependable checkout, in-store processing gives you a solid foundation.
Online payment processing: built for selling 24/7
Online payment processing lets customers pay through your website or digital checkout, even when your doors are closed. That means you can sell after hours, reach customers beyond your neighbourhood, and take orders without being tied to a physical counter.
This is a card-not-present payment flow. That simply means the customer isn’t standing in front of you with their card. Because of that, online payments usually need more security checks than in-store sales.
Moneris helps you cover that ground with:
- Moneris Online powered by Wix, which helps you launch ecommerce quickly
- Moneris Gateway, if you already have a website and want to add payments
- Fraud tools like Kount Essential, 3-D Secure 2.0, and AI-powered monitoring
- PCI-compliant systems designed to help protect you and your customers
Moneris Online powered by Wix starts from $19/month, so it’s a practical option if you want to get selling online without a big build.
If you want more orders, more reach, and less missed revenue, online payment processing is your next step.
Mobile payment processing: built for taking payments on the move
Mobile payment processing gives you freedom. You can take payment wherever the customer is — at a pop-up, at the curb, on a job site, or right at the table.
This is a big deal for businesses that don’t stay in one place all day. Trades, delivery teams, market sellers, and service businesses all benefit from a setup that travels well.
With Moneris, you’ve got a few smart mobile options:
- Tap to Pay on iPhone and Tap to Pay on Android using the Moneris Go app
- Moneris Go Slim for ultra-portable payments
- Moneris Go PIN Pad for compact chip, tap, and PIN acceptance
- Moneris Go Terminal if you want a wireless device that moves with you
Tap to Pay is especially handy if you want to keep things light. No extra hardware. No extra reader. Just your phone and the Moneris Go app.
For businesses that need speed, flexibility, and less equipment to carry, mobile payment processing is a strong fit.
How the security differences show up
The biggest difference between these payment types isn’t just where the sale happens. It’s also how fraud risk and security are handled.
In-store
In-store payments are usually lower risk because the customer is there in person. Chip and tap transactions are designed to be secure, and the experience is quick for both you and your customer.
Online
Online payments need more protection because the card isn’t physically present. That’s why tools like 3-D Secure 2.0, CVV verification, and AI monitoring matter. They help catch risky transactions before they become chargebacks.
Mobile
Mobile payments can be very secure when they’re built on trusted hardware and software. For example, Tap to Pay on iPhone uses built-in security features to help keep transactions secure, and card numbers aren’t stored on Apple’s servers.
No matter which channel you use, Moneris offers 24/7 support to help you stay protected.
Which payment method should you choose?
Most businesses don’t need just one. They need the right mix.
Choose in-store payment processing if:
- Most of your sales happen at a fixed location
- You want a fast, familiar checkout
- You need simple day-to-day payment flows
Choose online payment processing if:
- You want to sell beyond store hours
- You take bookings, takeout, or web orders
- You want to reach customers across Canada
Choose mobile payment processing if:
- You work outside a traditional storefront
- You need to take payment on the go
- You want to cut down on hardware at the point of sale
Choose all three if you want a true omnichannel setup. That’s where the real flexibility comes in. You can accept payments in-store, online, and on the move, then pull it all into one view.
That’s exactly where Moneris Total Commerce can help. It connects channels so you can see more of your business in one place and keep inventory, sales, and customer activity aligned.
Real-world examples by business type
Retail
A store might use Moneris Go Retail POS at the counter, Moneris Online for ecommerce, and Tap to Pay on iPhone at pop-up events or markets.
Restaurants
A restaurant might use Moneris Go Restaurant POS for in-person service, UEAT® for online ordering, and mobile payments for tableside or patio service.
Trades and professional services
A plumber, electrician, consultant, or mobile service business might use Tap to Pay on Android, a portable terminal, or online invoices so customers can pay wherever the work happens.
Not-for-profit and events
A charity, fundraiser, or ticketed event can use mobile payments for quick donations and in-store style processing for front-desk or box-office sales.
The bottom line
The main difference between in-store, online, and mobile payment processing comes down to where the sale happens, how the customer pays, and what kind of flexibility you need.
- In-store is best for fixed checkout.
- Online is best for digital selling.
- Mobile is best for payment on the move.
If you’re growing, the smartest move is often to connect more than one channel. That gives you a better customer experience and a clearer view of your business.
If you’re not sure what fits, we’ve got you. Moneris offers 24/7 bilingual support in English and French, plus help through the Help Centre at support.moneris.com, Merchant Direct for account management, and live service updates at status.moneris.com.