A payment is the transfer of wealth from one party to another , usually in exchange for providing goods, services, property or to fulfill a legal obligation. Payment methods have evolved over the centuries. Even today, payment in different countries vary depends on the state of the economy and development.
Some of the payment methods used are:
1. Barter - the simplest and oldest payment method, exchanging goods or service for another type of goods and services
2. Money / cash - in the form of currency or notes, this is the most common payment method in developing countries including Asia . Widely used for low value transactions
3. Cheque / Check - suitable for high value transactions, common in countries with a well developed banking system.
4. Credit / debit cards, bank transfers - Convenient for both high and low value transactions, how automated systems should have inbuilt protections and safeguards against fraudulent transactions.