Fees on electronic transactions differ widely from one country to another, with direct effects on the adoption of these payment methods, especially in the e-commerce sector. In Tunisia, transaction fees are typically higher than in other regions such as France or China (Alipay), which could impact the dynamics of electronic payments.
Fees in Tunisia
In Tunisia, fees on electronic payments amount to an average of:
- 3% for domestic payments.
- 5% for international payments.
These rates are quite higher than those observed in some European and Asian countries, mainly for cross-border transactions. This difference may influence the competitiveness of Tunisian companies in a globalized market and restrict the incentive to massively adopt electronic payments.
Comparison with France
In France, fees on bank card payments are much lower, in particular, thanks to European regulations that cap interchange fees:
- 0.2% for debit cards.
- 0.3% for credit cards, for both domestic and intra-EU transactions.
These low rates encourage broader adoption of electronic payments, as merchants can more easily absorb these costs without significantly increasing their prices. Further, while fees for international payments are higher, they remain competitive compared to global standards.
Alipay fees in China
In China, Alipay, one of the most widely employed payment platforms, applies reasonable fees for merchants and users:
- 0.6% for payments made through its “Pay in Person” service.
- 3% for international transactions surpassing 200 RMB (approximately €25), with lower fees for smaller payments.
These relatively low fees encourage the tremendous use of electronic payments, even for small merchants. Alipay is widely adopted due to its flexibility, low costs and the large digital infrastructure available in China.
The consequences of high fees in Tunisia
1- Obstacle to the adoption of electronic payments
With fees of 3% to 5%, merchants in Tunisia have less incentive to deliver electronic payments, particularly for cross-border transactions. These high fees lower profit margins, especially for small businesses, and increase costs for consumers, which can discourage their use.
2- Impact on international competitiveness
The 5% fee on international transactions is an obstruction for Tunisian companies that desire to integrate into global trade. In comparison, countries like France, with much lower fees, or China, where Alipay dominates with moderate rates, are better placed to attract international customers.
3- Limiting digital transformation
The transition to a more fluid electronic payment system is hampered by these high costs. While digital payment has become a global standard in many sectors, Tunisian companies risk slipping behind in terms of financial innovation if costs are not reduced.
Potential impact on the use of electronic payments
If fees in Tunisia were decreased to levels similar to those in France or Alipay in China, this could boost the use of electronic payments:
- Increased accessibility: Lower fees would make electronic payments more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Competitiveness: Tunisian merchants would be more competitive internationally, drawing more foreign consumers and facilitating integration into global trade.
- Innovation: Lower costs could encourage innovation in financial services, raising the adoption of mobile and digital payment technologies.
For example, in Tunisia, the current fees of 3% to 5% on electronic payments represent a barrier to the mass adoption of these technologies. Compared to France or Alipay in China, where fees are quite lower, lowering fees could boost the use of digital payments, increase the competitiveness of Tunisian businesses and accelerate the country’s digital transformation.
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