March at Genome was all about helping merchants build stronger payment infrastructure. We covered how startups can better approach merchant account setup, when host-to-host payment pages start to make business sense, how card processing compares with Open Banking in real checkout flows, and why multi-currency merchant accounts matter for global growth. Read on to find out more!
Merchant account setup for startups: what really matters
If you are launching a startup, getting customers is only part of the challenge. You also need a reliable way to get paid. In March, we published a practical guide on how to open a merchant account for startups. We explained why approval can feel more complex for new businesses and what merchants should prepare for during onboarding.
We also looked at what makes the process smoother with Genome merchant services. It is all simple: you get a fully digital onboarding, online KYC/KYB verification, and an integrated setup where instant bank payment flows can land into your account instantly with SEPA Instant Transfers. For growing companies, that means less operational friction and a clearer path from application to payment acceptance.
Host-to-host payment pages: when more control becomes worth it
Another topic we explored this month was the host-to-host payment page and why it tends to appeal most to high-volume merchants. Our guide explained the key difference between host-to-host and hosted payment pages: with H2H, the customer stays within the merchant environment, giving the business more control over the checkout experience.
At the same time, we made it clear that this extra control comes with greater technical complexity and broader PCI DSS responsibility. That is why hosted payment pages are usually better suited for merchants prioritising speed and simpler deployment. Meanwhile, H2H becomes more attractive when transaction volumes grow, and even small conversion improvements start to have a meaningful commercial impact.
Open an account
in Genome online
Card processing vs. Open Banking: choosing the right fit for checkout
March also brought a new guide comparing two important ways merchants accept online payments: traditional card processing and Open Banking. We broke down how card payments move through acquirers, card networks, and issuing banks. But what about Open Banking? It enables account-to-account payments directly from the customer’s bank to the merchant.
The comparison focused on what merchants care about most in practice: speed, cost, risk, and user experience. We explained that Open Banking can simplify the payment chain and support fast euro payments via instant rails. At the same time, card payments remain highly familiar but can introduce more friction through manual data entry, authentication steps, and layered fee structures. Inside Genome, you will have both, as card payment processing is coming soon!
Multi-currency merchant accounts and the realities of global selling
If your business sells across borders, currency management can quickly become a serious operational issue. That is why we also covered the benefits of multi-currency merchant accounts this month. We explained how they can improve customer experience by supporting more familiar local pricing and reducing the sticker shock that often hurts international conversion.
We also explored the business side of the equation: fewer forced conversions, more control over FX timing, and a stronger buffer against exchange-rate volatility. For merchants growing internationally, a multi-currency setup is not just about convenience – it can support better margins, smoother treasury management, and a more scalable way to handle cross-border payments.
Did you miss Genome’s previous month in review? Don’t forget to check the February updates! explained practical payment and banking concepts, and gave readers tips on areas like card payment processing, European transfer methods, multi-currency setups for SaaS, and safer online shopping with 3D Secure.
