Boku

Boku mobile payment platform

What is Boku

Boku is a mobile payment platform that enables consumers to make purchases and payments using their mobile devices. It allows users to pay for goods and services by charging the transactions to their mobile phone bill or deducting the amount from their prepaid mobile credit.

The Boku payment system is commonly used for digital and virtual goods, such as mobile apps, games, subscriptions, and online content. It offers a convenient and secure way to make transactions without the need for credit cards or bank accounts. Boku is integrated with various merchants and service providers, allowing users to make purchases with just a few clicks on their mobile devices.

To use Boku, users typically select the option to pay via Boku on a supported website or mobile app. They then enter their mobile phone number and confirm the payment through a verification process, which may involve entering a unique code or responding to a text message. The transaction amount is either added to the user’s monthly phone bill or deducted from their prepaid credit balance, depending on their mobile service provider and account type.

Boku is widely accepted globally and has partnerships with major mobile network operators and merchants worldwide. It provides a convenient payment solution for users who prefer mobile payments and don’t have access to traditional banking methods.

The history of Boku

Boku was founded in 2009 by Mark Britto, Ron Hirson, and Erich Ringewald. The company initially launched as a mobile payments service provider with a focus on enabling payments for virtual goods and digital content. The name “Boku” is a Japanese word meaning “to charge.”

In its early years, Boku established partnerships with mobile network operators to integrate its payment solution into their networks. This allowed users to make purchases by charging the transactions to their mobile phone bills or deducting the amount from their prepaid credits. Boku’s aim was to provide a seamless and convenient payment option for consumers who didn’t have access to credit cards or bank accounts.

As the popularity of mobile apps and digital content grew, Boku expanded its reach and formed partnerships with major merchants and service providers in various industries, including gaming, media, entertainment, and e-commerce. This allowed users to make payments using Boku across a wide range of platforms and services.

In 2012, Boku acquired its competitor, mopay, further expanding its market presence and customer base. The acquisition strengthened Boku’s position as a leading global mobile payments provider.

Over the years, Boku has continued to innovate and expand its services. It introduced additional features such as carrier billing analytics, fraud prevention tools, and subscription management capabilities. Boku also expanded its payment options to include digital wallets and other payment methods beyond carrier billing.

Today, Boku operates in over 50 countries and has partnerships with more than 250 mobile network operators and over 8,000 merchants worldwide. It has become a prominent player in the mobile payments industry, providing a convenient and secure payment solution for millions of users globally.

How Boku works

Boku operates as a mobile payment platform that enables users to make purchases and payments using their mobile devices. Here’s a general overview of how Boku works:

1. Merchant Integration: Boku partners with merchants across various industries, such as gaming, media, entertainment, and e-commerce. These merchants integrate the Boku payment option into their websites, mobile apps, or other digital platforms.
2. User Selection: When making a purchase on a supported website or mobile app, users can select the Boku payment option during the checkout process. This indicates their intention to pay using their mobile device.
3. Mobile Number Entry: Once the user selects Boku as the payment method, they are prompted to enter their mobile phone number. This is the primary identifier used to associate the payment with the user’s mobile account.
4. Verification Process: After entering the mobile number, Boku initiates a verification process to ensure the user’s identity and authorization. The exact verification steps may vary depending on the region and mobile service provider, but they typically involve one or more of the following:
   • One-Time Password (OTP): The user receives a unique code via SMS or text message, which they enter into the payment interface to verify their identity.
   • Direct Carrier Billing (DCB): Boku checks with the user’s mobile network operator to verify their account status and credit limit. If approved, the transaction amount is either added to the user’s monthly phone bill or deducted from their prepaid mobile credit balance.
5. Confirmation and Completion: Once the verification process is successfully completed, the user confirms the payment. The merchant receives a notification from Boku indicating the successful transaction.
6. Billing and Settlement: Boku handles the billing and settlement process between the merchant, mobile network operator, and the user’s mobile account. The merchant receives the payment from Boku, while Boku processes the payment on behalf of the user.
7. User Billing: If the user is on a postpaid mobile plan, the transaction amount is typically added to their monthly phone bill. If the user is on a prepaid plan, the transaction amount is deducted from their available prepaid credit balance.
8. Transaction Confirmation: The user receives a confirmation message, either from Boku or the merchant, verifying the successful completion of the transaction.

It’s important to note that the specific steps and processes may vary depending on the region, mobile service provider, and merchant integration. Boku aims to provide a seamless and convenient payment experience for users, allowing them to make purchases quickly and securely using their mobile devices.

Can Boku be trusted

Boku is a reputable and trusted mobile payment provider that has been operating in the industry for over a decade. The company has established partnerships with major mobile network operators and merchants globally, which further solidifies its credibility.

Here are a few factors that contribute to Boku’s trustworthiness:

1. Security Measures: Boku takes security seriously and employs various measures to protect user data and transactions. This includes encryption protocols, fraud prevention systems, and compliance with industry security standards. Boku’s security practices aim to safeguard user information and ensure secure transactions.
2. Established Partnerships: Boku has formed partnerships with reputable mobile network operators and merchants worldwide. These collaborations indicate a level of trust and confidence in Boku’s services and technology. Working with well-known and established companies helps validate Boku’s credibility as a payment provider.
3. Global Presence: Boku operates in over 50 countries and has a significant presence in the mobile payments industry. Its widespread adoption and integration with multiple merchants and service providers demonstrate that Boku is a trusted and widely accepted payment solution on a global scale.
4. User Feedback and Reputation: Boku has a track record of serving millions of users globally, and user feedback is generally positive. While individual experiences may vary, Boku’s commitment to providing a convenient and secure payment experience has earned it a solid reputation in the industry.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Boku adheres to applicable laws and regulations in the countries where it operates. This includes compliance with data protection regulations, financial regulations, and anti-money laundering policies. Boku’s commitment to regulatory compliance enhances its trustworthiness and ensures that user data and transactions are handled appropriately.

It’s important to note that, like any payment service provider, there may be occasional instances of customer disputes or technical issues. However, Boku has established processes to address these concerns and provide customer support when needed.

While Boku can generally be considered trustworthy, it’s always advisable to review the terms and conditions, privacy policies, and user reviews specific to your region and the merchants you plan to transact with before using any payment service.

Does Boku charge a fee

Yes, Boku charges a fee for its mobile payment services. The specific fees associated with using Boku can vary depending on factors such as the region, mobile network operator, and the type of transaction being conducted. These fees are typically determined by Boku and the mobile network operators involved in the payment process.

The fees charged by Boku may include:

1. Transaction Fees: Boku may charge a percentage-based or fixed fee for each transaction processed through its platform. This fee is typically borne by the merchant or the service provider accepting the payment.
2. Service Fees: In addition to transaction fees, Boku may impose service fees for the use of its payment platform. These fees may be charged to the merchant or integrated into the pricing structure for the service being offered.

It’s important to note that the fees associated with using Boku are generally transparent and disclosed during the payment process. Merchants or service providers using Boku as a payment option should communicate any applicable fees to their customers before they make a purchase.

Additionally, it’s advisable to review the terms and conditions and fee structure specific to your region and the merchants you plan to transact with to understand the exact fees that may apply when using Boku for payments.