How women entrepreneurs can win with digital payments

By Puja Sharma

As women entrepreneurs carve out a bigger space in the global economy, digital payments are becoming a game-changer in building secure, scalable businesses. The rise of eCommerce, digital-first consumer behaviors, and the push for financial inclusion have accelerated the need for robust digital payment strategies—especially for women-led businesses looking to expand their reach.

According to industry insights, women-owned businesses are among the fastest-growing segments in many economies, but they also face significant financial hurdles, from limited access to funding to cybersecurity threats. As digital transactions increase, so does the risk of fraud, making security a non-negotiable aspect of business planning. In light of International Women’s Day, Visa shared essential digital payment strategies that can help women entrepreneurs navigate the FinTech landscape securely and successfully.

Embedding Security from Day One

Security cannot be an afterthought. It must be an integral part of business operations, woven into payment systems, customer interactions, and employee training. Entrepreneurs should ensure that their teams are educated about digital best practices and emerging fraud tactics. A single security lapse can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust. Regular training on phishing scams, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and secure password practices can go a long way in fortifying business transactions.

Embracing Contactless and Tokenised Payments

Tap, pay, and click are no longer conveniences—they are necessities. Women entrepreneurs should integrate secure contactless payment options, including EMVCo® chip-based contactless cards, which offer encrypted transactions to prevent data breaches. Online, tokenised card payments replace sensitive card information with a unique identifier, reducing the risk of fraud. These payment options not only enhance security but also improve the customer experience by enabling faster and smoother transactions.

Leveraging Trusted Payment Gateways

A secure payment gateway acts as a digital vault for business transactions. Opting for industry-compliant gateways that meet EMVCo® and PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) regulations ensures multiple layers of security and encryption. Women-led businesses should prioritise platforms that offer fraud detection tools, encryption protocols, and seamless integrations with accounting and banking solutions. A well-protected payment gateway is critical in shielding businesses from unauthorised access and data breaches.

Staying Ahead with Software Updates

Cyber threats evolve as rapidly as technology does. Keeping all business devices and software updated is crucial in mitigating risks like malware, hacking attempts, and system vulnerabilities. Many cyberattacks exploit outdated software, making it imperative for entrepreneurs to regularly install security patches and updates. Implementing endpoint security solutions and cloud-based backup systems can further safeguard critical business data.

Real-Time Monitoring to Combat Fraud

Fraud prevention is not just about reaction—it’s about proactive monitoring. Real-time alerts from banking and financial apps allow businesses to detect and respond to suspicious transactions immediately. Automated fraud detection tools powered by AI can identify anomalies in spending patterns, adding an extra layer of protection. For women entrepreneurs who juggle multiple roles, such automated monitoring systems provide peace of mind and prevent financial setbacks.

The Bigger Picture: Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth

Beyond security, digital payments catalyse financial inclusion. Women entrepreneurs who embrace secure payment solutions not only safeguard their businesses but also contribute to a larger financial ecosystem that supports economic growth. Digital transactions provide valuable financial footprints that can improve access to credit and funding—key areas where women entrepreneurs have historically been underserved.

By adopting digital-first strategies and prioritising security, women-led businesses can compete on a global scale, foster consumer trust, and build lasting financial resilience. As the world shifts towards a cashless economy, empowering women with the right digital payment tools will be essential in shaping the future of business and financial independence.