MoneyBookers
Simple procedures, low service charges, escrow system, acceptability in some
countries not covered even by PayPal, Europe's first regulated e-money issuer
is definitely worth a try especially if you are from Europe.
Claiming to be Europe's first regulated e-money issuer, MoneyBookers offers
an ideally suited solution to small businesses, online e-tailers to send or
receive payments in a secure and cost effective way. It is online payment
system allowing users to virtually upload money to pay for goods or services
using email account. Even when you are not registered with it, you can receive
money using your email account. All you have to do is that you register with
it using your email address to claim the payment. It pays handsomely for
referrals too.
It complies with financial services and markets act, 2000 and meets minimum
capital requirements, float management requirements, management entry vetting
requirements, besides having sound systems and controls in place.
Wide Acceptability
It is widely accepted system and has almost entire spectrum of merchants
ranging from auto accessories, jewelry, hardware, food, travel to virtually
everything that is being transacted on net, registered with it. It is accepted
in more than 40 countries including some countries as Poland where there are
no credible alternative as PayPal.
Charges
Its low service charges definitely make it more attractive to bank transfer
or cheque option. While customers can have free account, merchant accounts pay
some commission. However merchant account accepting credit card with option of
charge back guarantee could be expensive one.
Buyer and Seller Protection
Though, largely it has a fraud free history, customers have complaints of poor
customer response services and steep return charges for errors at MoneyBookers
end.
It has a system in place, called "escrow system" to protect both buyers and
sellers. Sellers are assured against charge back risk and buyers are asked 2%
as security deposit refundable after successful completion of transaction.
Buyers are given chance to return the merchandise and seller does not get paid
till buyer accepts the merchandise or inspection period of the merchandise
expires. All buyer has to do is to check the escrow option before buying and he
gets all this at no extra cost. As is usual in this industry of merchant
accounts, this service can not be used for illegal purposes, money laundering,
pornography, counterfeit items etc.
User Rating
It has mixed ratings from users. MoneyBookers claim their system to be fraud
free and so far no major instance of fraud has been reported. Most sellers are
really satisfied over the fact that their money can not refunded with out their
permission. Having an escrow system in place also help both buyers and sellers
alike. Its being regulated by FSA in UK also gives some creditability while
dealing. It is offering downloading of funds to any Visa card in US.
But they do complain about its poor customer service. It is complained that
quite often, they don't respond for days at a stretch. It is also complained
that while withdrawing conversion charges for some currencies as Indian Rupee
are very steep. The system for verifying bank account as claimed on their
website also does not work and documents have to be faxed sometimes repeatedly.
Users are also upset about steep commission for returned transfer where the
return is attributed to some mistake at MoneyBookers end.