Today, it's almost unimaginable to refuse credit card payments in a restaurant. Bankcards have become THE preferred means of payment in France, especially with the rise of contactless technology. But did you know that it's simply impossible to accept credit card payments without an electronic payment contract? In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about electronic payment contracts: how they work, fees and tips for choosing the best payment solution for your restaurant.
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What is an electronic payment contract and why is it essential in 2025?
Definition and operation
According to the latest CNMP report, bankcard payments are set to explode between 2019 and 2024, while payments by cheque or cash have largely declined. Faced with changing payment habits andthe rise of contactless, it has become essential for restaurateurs tooffer adapted payment solutions.Â
For this, an electronic payment contract is essential. This agreement, signed between a restaurant owner and a bank or specialized service provider, enables theacceptance of credit card payments. It covers essential elements such as the supply of payment terminals (TPE), transaction management and technical assistance in the event of a problem.
To put it plainly, without an electronic payment contract, it is simply impossible to connect an Eftpos terminal to the banking networks, thus blocking all card transactions. In this day and age, not offering this service would mean cutting yourself off from a majority of customers, and losing competitiveness to better-equipped competitors!
Advantages of electronic payment contracts for restaurants
At a time when payment by bank card dominates, electronic payment contracts offer many advantages to restaurant managers:Â
- Improving customer satisfaction
- Payment security
- Reduce checkout errors
- Flexible payment options
- Adapting to business volumes
- Etc.
👉 Also read: Contactless payment in restaurants: definition, benefits and risks
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The different types of electronic payment contracts available in 2025
There are two main types of electronic payment contract: bank electronic payment contracts and contracts with specialized service providers. Each has its own specific characteristics, adapted to different needs and types of establishment.
Electronic banking contracts
Electronic banking contracts are offered directly by banks, providing a turnkey solution for managing credit card payments. They are distinguished by :
- A payment terminal for intensive use, ideal for restaurants with a constant flow of customers.
- Data security, essential for protecting payments and guaranteeing customer confidence.
- Comprehensive banking support, often in conjunction with other financial services such as cash management or business loans.
Be careful with this type of contract, as the fees (fixed or proportional depending on the volume of business) can weigh heavily, especially if the contract includes options that are rarely used on a daily basis.
Contracts with specialized service providers
These contracts, offered by independent players, are attractive for their flexibility and capacity for innovation. They are particularly well-suited to small and medium-sized businesses and restaurateurs. Here's why:
- Adjustable costs: These contracts often offer competitive commissions and fees tailored to transaction volumes, avoiding unnecessary charges.
- Modern solutions: SoftPOS (applications that transform smartphones into terminals), lightweight or connected terminals, and innovative payments (QR codes, digital wallets).
- Quick set-up: Restaurant owners can get up and running quickly, without any complex procedures.
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How do you choose the right electronic payment contract for your restaurant?
The choice of the ideal electronic payment contract will depend on several criteria:
- Transaction fees
- Cost of payment terminals (TPE)
- Customer service and technical support
- Commitment and cancellation conditions
For restaurateurs, the choice between an electronic banking contract and a contract with specialized service providers depends on the size of the establishment, the volume of transactions and expectations in terms of functionality and cost:Â
- If you run a large chain or a high-end restaurant with a high transaction flow, a bank contract may offer the security you need, but a specialized service provider will enable you to gather all your data more easily and quickly.
- If you run an independent restaurant, or are looking to minimize costs while staying at the cutting edge of innovation, a specialized service provider is probably the best choice. This type of contract is ideal for restaurateurs looking to modernize the customer experience without blowing their budget.
In all cases, the electronic payment contract must be seen as a strategic tool that facilitates payments and enhances the customer experience, two crucial aspects in building customer loyalty in a sector as competitive as the foodservice industry.
👉 To go further: How to improve the customer experience in a restaurant?
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IO Pay: An innovative electronic payment solution for the foodservice industry
IO Pay is positioned as a modern, efficient alternative to bank payment contracts. Specially designed for the foodservice sector, this innovative tool makes managing payments simple, while offering advanced connectivity with POS systems.
Advantages of IO Pay over traditional contracts
1. Acceptance of all payment methods
With IO Pay, you can accept all types of payment: bank cards (CB, Visa, Amex Mastercard), wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), luncheon vouchers (Ticket Restaurant, Swile, ...), etc. to meet your customers' expectations.
đź’ˇ Did you know? Mobile payments made via apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay now account for 10% of point-of-sale payments. (Source: tresor.economie.gouv.fr/).Â
2. Real-time transaction tracking
IO Pay's intuitive interface gives you instant visibility of all your transactions, so you can monitor your business precisely and make the right decisions.
3. Commission without hidden costs
IO Pay stands out for its clear, transparent pricing structure with no hidden charges. All costs are included from the outset, giving you total visibility. You know exactly what you're paying, with no unpleasant surprises, so you can manage your transactions with peace of mind.
4. POS connectivity (SoftPOS)
IO Pay integrates easily with your existing POS system. This connectivity reduces data entry errors and facilitates day-to-day payment management.
5. Quick checkout
In just a few seconds, you can close your cash register by automating the telecollection process on your equipment. This time-saving feature boosts your staff's productivity, while reducing the stress associated with managing payments.
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Would you like to simplify payment management in your restaurant with innovative solutions? Contact our experts and take your cash management to the next level!
