Below you will find important answers to the questions we are most frequently asked by dealers.
The legislator stipulates that, pursuant to ZaDiG§3Z12 for each mobile phone number a monthly limit of max. 300.- and per transaction 50.- exists. The monthly limit can be reduced depending on the creditworthiness of the end customer.
In principle, the legislator describes three possibilities. The purchase of digital goods and tickets, but also donations to charitable institutions are permissible. Other benefits are only possible via the so-called agent model.
The agent model is a special regulation in the Payment Services Act (ZaDIG§22), which has been approved by the Austrian Financial Market Authority. Thus, no restrictions apply that are contained in the ZaDiG§3Z12 have been defined. Merchants can offer all goods and services mapped in the agent model via Pay by mobile bill. The most important difference, the price point restriction of max. 50€ does not exist anymore. The limits are set by the mobile operator according to individual creditworthiness at the end customer.
When buying goods and services, the last hurdle is always payment. Depending on the availability of a payment method at the customer, the purchase may or may not take place. Aborts are the most common consequences! In most cases, merchants offer a payment mix in order to increase their reach. It is mostly underestimated that these are often related and the range in detail can not be cumulated. Paying by cell phone bill is different here and the ideal complement to sustainably increase its target group.
Reality shows that not all Austrians have the creditworthiness for certain means of payment or that your account is always covered at all times. The criteria for obtaining a credit card, for example, are significantly greater than for obtaining a mobile communications contract. In the short term, only in rare cases a payment method is acquired and registered. This difference is what determines whether or not I can persuade my customer to make a purchase. As a retailer, I thus reach a completely new target group and encourage spontaneous purchases in the process. In addition, it has been shown that at low price points, the inhibition threshold for paying by cell phone bill is many times lower than for alternative payment methods.
The legislator provides clear guidelines here. Digital goods are goods that are sold, delivered and consumed electronically. These include, for example, apps, e-books, music/videos, online games or streaming services.
Unfortunately, no. Even if the content is transmitted digitally, the service can be provided without a digital medium. For more information, see "Providers of Services and Physical Goods."
A ticket is the provision of services in paper form . It is usually used for transportation, parking or admission to events or cinemas. The electronic ticket replaces the paper form. However, the principle remains the same.
If the service provided is not sold as a ticket in regular operation, this can be regarded as circumvention. Such procedures are not permitted by the mobile network providers. Unless the service is billed via the agent model.
The legislation only describes the purchase of a ticket, regardless of the medium through which the ticket is issued. This can be done both digitally and in paper form.
Tickets are mostly used where the consumer is on the move. The strength of "Zahlenperhandyrechnung" is the fast and easy payment. Thus ideal, if the entire procedure must go fast. Because mobile phone means also money thereby. A perfect example is the Handyparken app.
The mobile phone providers have stipulated that payments by mobile phone bill can only be made to charitable institutions in the sense of the 4a EStG 1988 be admitted.
The "Donate by SMS" service, which was discontinued in 2009, no longer exists in this technological form. The SMS was used as a communication channel and for billing the end customer. "Zahlenperhandyrechnung" is a payment system. However, it can be supplemented with the SMS service as a communication channel.
Yes of course, as with any other payment method, the payment service can also be offered via a webpage. In times of digitalization, mobile providers also see the largest range of potential donors. Mobile solutions can also represent an interesting use case.
Yes, in addition to individual donations of amounts up to 50 euros, permanent donations are also possible via "Zahlenperhandyrechnung". The advantage is, the confirmation of a permanent donation is obtained from the donor only once. The amounts can be debited automatically depending on the defined period (per month/year). Thus, the payment service is ideal for permanent donors who want to contribute regularly with small amounts. The permanent donation is valid until it is terminated by the donor via the mobile phone provider or the mobile phone contract ends.
Yes, but only via a payment service provider (payment institution), which the mobile phone providers appoint as agent in accordance with ZaDIG§22 under contract. Please contact us about the current possibilities.
The limits vary individually depending on the end customer's creditworthiness. In any case, there is a statutory transaction limit of 50 euros. Except for payments in the agent model.
. The fundraising organizations quickly realized that mobile phone donations via SMS had great potential to motivate a broad section of the population to participate in aid projects.
"Zahlenperhandyrechnung" is also known in technical jargon as Direct Carrier Billing (DCB), i.e. the direct billing of payment transactions via the mobile phone operator. DCB is a practical mobile payment option that does not require the disclosure of bank or credit card data.
Paying by cell phone bill is popular! Since the launch of the word-picture brand "Pay by cell phone bill" in July 2021, the popularity of buying digital products and paying by cell phone has been growing.
Do you have a cell phone contract with A1 or Magenta? Then get a €3 credit* on your first purchase with your cell phone bill at the Apple Store.
* in the promotional period between 15.8. and 7.9.23
Deutsch
English