Checkout is one of the most important stages of any e-commerce platform, as it’s when the customer decides whether to complete the purchase or abandon the shopping cart.
This is often where small checkout errors are sufficient to undermine sales, reduce conversions and generate frustration. That’s why, for e-commerce decision-makers and marketplaces, optimising this phase is no longer just a technical matter—it’s a strategic priority.
In this article, discover the main checkout errors that may be harming your business and how payment methods directly influence the customer experience.
1. Having too few payment methods available
One of the biggest checkout errors is assuming that all consumers want to pay in the same way.
In Portugal, users expect to find:
- MB Way;
- Multibanco Reference;
- Visa and Mastercard cards;
- Apple Pay or Google Pay.
When the preferred payment method isn’t available, the customer tends to abandon the purchase. Conversely, the greater the diversity of payment methods, the higher the probability of conversion.
2. Forcing customers to create an account
Forcing registration before purchase creates unnecessary friction, as many consumers simply want to buy quickly.
Therefore, a simple and straightforward checkout reduces abandonment and improves the user experience.
Additionally, quick payment solutions, such as digital wallets or Pay by Link, help accelerate the process even further.
3. Having an overly lengthy checkout
Each additional field increases the risk of abandonment, as does requesting irrelevant information, dividing the checkout into too many steps, or creating complex processes.
The modern consumer seeks speed, especially on mobile, so a slow or complicated checkout can destroy conversion rates.
4. Failing to optimise payments for mobile
A large proportion of online purchases now happen via smartphone. That is, if the checkout isn’t prepared for mobile payments, the impact on sales will be inevitable.
Therefore, you should have payment methods such as MB Way, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
5. Lack of visible trust and security
Consumers are increasingly attentive to online payment security, so if the checkout doesn’t convey trust, the user hesitates.
Some important technical aspects to include in this stage are:
- SSL certification;
- Security seals;
- PCI-DSS certified gateway;
- Clear information on data protection.
Working with a recognised payment solution such as easypay helps reinforce that trust.
6. Not displaying final costs transparently
Unexpected costs at the final stage of purchase remain one of the leading causes of shopping cart abandonment.
Shipping, fees or additional charges should appear clearly from the start, as transparency reduces frustration and improves brand perception.
7. Using a limited payment gateway
Not all gateways are prepared to meet the real needs of a modern e-commerce platform.
A limited solution can create:
- Processing failures;
- Few payment methods;
- Difficulty with refunds;
- Lack of integration with platforms.
With a robust gateway, you can:
- Reduce abandonment;
- Improve the customer experience;
- Automate processes;
- Increase the transaction success rate.
Why do payment methods directly influence sales?
Consumers value speed, flexibility and security.
When the checkout offers familiar payment methods, quick processes, payment in just a few clicks and mobile options, the probability of completing the purchase increases significantly.
That’s why optimising payments is no longer just an operational detail. It’s a growth tool.
How easypay helps improve checkout
Easypay provides a solution designed to reduce the main checkout errors through integrations with various CRMs, such as Shopify and WooCommerce, in a single gateway, with PSD2 compliance and PCI-DSS certification.
If you wish to optimise your e-commerce or marketplace checkout, speak with the easypay team and discover how to improve your business’s online payments.
FAQs
What are the most common checkout errors in an e-commerce?
The most common checkout errors include too few payment methods, overly lengthy processes, lack of mobile optimisation, unexpected costs and limited payment gateways.
Why do payment methods influence shopping cart abandonment?
When the customer doesn’t find their preferred payment method, the probability of abandoning the purchase increases. Methods such as MB Way, Multibanco and digital wallets help improve conversion.
How do you reduce checkout errors?
To reduce checkout errors, it’s important to simplify the process, optimise the checkout for mobile, provide various payment methods and work with a secure and fast gateway.
What’s the importance of a payment gateway in checkout?
The gateway directly influences the speed, security and stability of checkout. A robust solution reduces failures, improves the customer experience and increases the transaction success rate.
Does mobile checkout influence sales?
Yes. A large proportion of online purchases happen on smartphones. A poorly optimised mobile checkout can significantly increase shopping cart abandonment.
What payment methods should exist in a checkout in Portugal?
Portuguese consumers value MB Way, Multibanco Reference, Visa and Mastercard cards, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay.