SnapScan vs Zapper: What’s The Difference?

snapscan vs zapper

SnapScan and Zapper are two popular mobile payment solutions widely used in South Africa, both of which enable users to make payments quickly and conveniently using their smartphones. This can be very useful for café or coffee shop owners who want an easy and simple way for their customers to pay.

Though SnapScan and Zapper share similarities in terms of their core functionality, there are several key differences between the two that can affect user experience and business adoption. Here is a comprehensive comparison of SnapScan and Zapper, covering aspects such as their features, usability, security, and business integration.

1. Overview and History
SnapScan
  • Launch: SnapScan was launched in 2013 by FireID, a Stellenbosch-based technology company.
  • Partnership: SnapScan partnered with Standard Bank, one of South Africa’s largest banks, which significantly boosted its credibility and market reach.
  • Objective: SnapScan aims to simplify mobile payments by allowing users to make transactions via QR codes, focusing on providing a seamless payment experience for both users and merchants.
Zapper
  • Launch: Zapper was introduced in 2014, following closely behind SnapScan in the mobile payment market.
  • Partnership: Zapper was developed independently but has since formed various partnerships with financial institutions and merchants.
  • Objective: Zapper provides a mobile payment solution that also integrates features such as loyalty rewards, bill splitting, and other value-added services to enhance the user experience.
2. Core Features and Functionality
SnapScan
  • QR Code Payments: SnapScan uses QR codes to facilitate payments. Users scan the QR code at a merchant’s point of sale to make a payment.
  • User Interface: The app is designed with simplicity in mind, offering a straightforward interface that focuses primarily on payment functions.
  • Integration with Banks: SnapScan’s integration with Standard Bank allows for direct debits from users’ bank accounts, making it convenient for bank account holders.
  • Merchant Services: SnapScan offers a merchant portal where businesses can manage transactions, view payment history, and perform other administrative tasks.
Zapper
  • QR Code Payments: Similar to SnapScan, Zapper uses QR codes for transactions. Users can scan the code to pay at a variety of merchants.
  • Additional Features: Zapper includes features such as bill splitting, loyalty rewards, and special offers, providing a richer user experience.
  • User Interface: Zapper’s interface is slightly more feature-rich, designed to support its additional functionalities like loyalty programs and deals.
  • Merchant Services: Zapper offers a comprehensive merchant portal with advanced analytics, customer insights, and promotional tools to help businesses optimize their operations.
3. User Experience
SnapScan
  • Ease of Use: SnapScan is known for its ease of use, with a simple and intuitive user interface that focuses on quick payments.
  • Speed: Transactions are typically fast and efficient, making it suitable for busy food and beverage establishments.
  • Adoption: SnapScan’s partnership with Standard Bank has led to widespread adoption, especially among users with accounts at the bank.
Zapper
  • User Engagement: Zapper’s additional features like loyalty rewards and bill splitting enhance user engagement and provide more reasons for users to keep the app installed.
  • Versatility: The app’s broader range of features makes it versatile for various payment scenarios, from dining out to shopping.
  • Adoption: Zapper has also seen significant adoption, particularly in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, due to its value-added services.
4. Security

Both SnapScan and Zapper place a strong emphasis on security to protect users’ financial information and ensure safe transactions.

SnapScan
  • Encryption: All transactions are encrypted, ensuring that sensitive information is protected during transmission.
  • Authentication: SnapScan requires user authentication via PIN or biometric verification, adding an extra layer of security.
  • Bank Integration: The integration with Standard Bank also means that SnapScan benefits from the bank’s security protocols and measures.
Zapper
  • Encryption: Zapper also uses encryption to secure transactions and protect user data.
  • Authentication: The app requires PIN or biometric verification for transactions, ensuring that only authorized users can make payments.
  • Fraud Detection: Zapper employs advanced fraud detection mechanisms to identify and prevent suspicious activities.
5. Business Integration
SnapScan
  • Merchant Onboarding: SnapScan offers a straightforward onboarding process for merchants, making it easy for businesses to start accepting payments.
  • Fees: The platform charges competitive transaction fees, making it an attractive option for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  • Integration: SnapScan can be integrated with existing point-of-sale (POS) systems, streamlining the payment process for businesses.
Zapper
  • Merchant Onboarding: Zapper provides a comprehensive onboarding process with support and resources to help businesses get started.
  • Fees: Zapper’s transaction fees are also competitive, and the platform offers various pricing plans to suit different business needs.
  • Integration: Zapper’s advanced merchant portal offers tools for marketing, customer engagement, and analytics, providing businesses with valuable insights and capabilities beyond payments.
6. Market Reach and Adoption
SnapScan
  • Geographic Reach: SnapScan is primarily focused on the South African market, with a strong presence in urban and suburban areas.
  • User Base: The app has garnered a significant user base, especially among Standard Bank customers, due to its seamless integration with the bank’s services.
  • Merchant Adoption: SnapScan is widely accepted by a diverse range of merchants, from small shops to large retail chains.
Zapper
  • Geographic Reach: While also focused on South Africa, Zapper has made efforts to expand its reach internationally, targeting markets with a high demand for mobile payments.
  • User Base: Zapper’s user base includes a diverse demographic, attracted by its value-added features and user-friendly interface.
  • Merchant Adoption: Zapper is particularly popular in the hospitality industry, with many restaurants, cafes, and bars offering Zapper as a payment option.
7. Customer Support and Service
SnapScan
  • Support Channels: SnapScan offers customer support through various channels, including email, phone, and social media.
  • Merchant Support: Merchants receive dedicated support to help with setup, troubleshooting, and optimizing their use of the platform.
  • User Resources: The app provides users with resources such as FAQs and tutorials to assist with common issues and questions.
Zapper
  • Support Channels: Zapper also offers robust customer support through email, phone, and social media.
  • Merchant Support: Zapper provides extensive support for merchants, including training, marketing assistance, and technical support.
  • User Resources: Zapper offers a range of resources, including guides and tutorials, to help users and merchants make the most of the app’s features.
8. Future Prospects and Innovations
SnapScan
  • Expansion Plans: SnapScan continues to focus on expanding its merchant network and user base within South Africa, with potential plans for regional expansion.
  • Innovations: The company is exploring new features and technologies to enhance the payment experience, such as integrating with additional banking partners and improving user interface design.
Zapper
  • Expansion Plans: Zapper is actively pursuing international expansion, targeting markets with a high potential for mobile payment adoption.
  • Innovations: Zapper is continuously adding new features and improving existing ones, such as enhanced loyalty programs, improved user analytics, and seamless integration with emerging payment technologies.
Conclusion

Both SnapScan and Zapper offer robust mobile payment solutions that cater to the needs of users and merchants in South Africa and beyond. While SnapScan emphasizes simplicity and seamless bank integration, Zapper focuses on providing a feature-rich experience with additional value-added services. The choice between the two largely depends on individual preferences and business requirements. Users looking for a straightforward and efficient payment solution may prefer SnapScan, while those who value extra features like loyalty rewards and bill splitting might find Zapper more appealing. For businesses, the decision will depend on factors such as the desired level of customer engagement, integration needs, and the type of industry.

Scroll to Top