Switching from PaymentIQ: Cost, Features & Support Compared
Aug 14, 2025
Fluid
Explore the differences between PaymentIQ and Fluid, focusing on costs, features, and support for iGaming operators in Malta.
Payment systems are critical in Malta's tightly regulated iGaming sector, where efficiency and compliance drive success. With the global iGaming market expected to exceed €90 billion by 2025, operators face mounting pressure to deliver smooth payment experiences while adhering to strict rules.
Key Takeaways:
PaymentIQ offers a wide range of payment methods but involves high setup costs, complex integration, and ongoing fees.
Fluid provides AI-driven payment solutions with faster integration, lower transaction fees (often under 1%), and real-time fraud detection.
Operators must weigh the established reliability of PaymentIQ against Fluid's cost-effective, modern approach. For those prioritising ease of use, swift deployment, and advanced fraud prevention, Fluid presents a compelling alternative.
Quick Comparison
Aspect | PaymentIQ | Fluid |
|---|---|---|
Integration Time | Weeks to months | Minutes |
Cost Structure | Per-transaction + monthly fees | Transparent pricing |
Fraud Detection | Rule-based | AI/ML-driven real-time |
User Experience | Standard iframe | Mobile-first, personalised |
Analytics | Basic reporting | Real-time actionable insights |
The choice depends on your business goals: stick with PaymentIQ for familiarity or switch to Fluid for cost savings and advanced features.
1. PaymentIQ
PaymentIQ is a payment platform specifically tailored for the iGaming industry. For Malta-based operators, understanding the financial and operational aspects of this solution is essential, especially given Malta's regulated market and its unique challenges.
Cost
PaymentIQ uses a multi-tiered fee structure that includes transaction fees, account maintenance charges, currency conversion costs, and integration expenses. These fees can vary widely depending on factors like transaction volumes, geographic reach, and the banking institutions involved.
For operators in Malta, currency conversion fees can be particularly impactful when managing transactions across multiple jurisdictions. While PaymentIQ supports a wide range of currencies, the costs of conversions can add up for those catering to diverse markets. On the bright side, transaction fees are generally in line with industry norms, and there’s room for negotiation based on higher transaction volumes.
It’s worth noting that operators are responsible for setup and management costs, which are layered on top of the platform's other fees. These considerations are crucial when weighing the platform's advanced features against its financial implications.
Features
PaymentIQ is packed with advanced capabilities designed to meet the needs of iGaming operators. It supports a variety of payment methods, including traditional card payments, digital wallets, and even cryptocurrency options. However, these features come with a caveat: they require a high level of technical expertise to implement and manage. This makes PaymentIQ less ideal for operators looking for a simple, plug-and-play solution. Reliable customer support is equally important to navigate the platform's complexities.
Customer Support
To address its complexities, PaymentIQ offers enterprise-grade customer support. This includes access to detailed technical documentation and integration assistance, which are essential for operators managing the platform's advanced functionalities.
Integration Complexity
One of the biggest challenges with PaymentIQ is its integration process. Setting up the platform requires extensive technical know-how, extended timelines, and often the involvement of external consultants. Unlike some payment solutions that handle much of the configuration in-house, PaymentIQ places the responsibility squarely on the operator. For Malta-based operators, this often means assembling dedicated technical teams or hiring external experts for both the initial setup and ongoing maintenance. Integration timelines can stretch significantly longer compared to more straightforward alternatives, adding another layer of complexity to the process.
2. Fluid
Fluid is a cutting-edge AI-powered digital cashier, created to simplify operations and deliver a smooth user experience. For operators in Malta, Fluid’s efficient design tackles many of the challenges associated with traditional payment systems.
Cost
Fluid stands out with its straightforward and customisable pricing across its Basic, Pro, and Enterprise tiers. The platform is particularly appealing for those handling cryptocurrency payments, with transaction fees often below 1%. This approach can lead to substantial savings by eliminating hidden costs like currency conversion markups and chargeback fees. With Fluid, operators can rely on an upfront and transparent pricing model that complements the platform’s extensive capabilities.
Features
Fluid’s features are designed to elevate the payment experience. At its core are AI-driven, personalised payment journeys that adapt in real time to user behaviour. Instead of relying on standard iframes, Fluid integrates payment flows directly into the operator’s website, ensuring a seamless, branded experience.
The platform also offers real-time analytics powered by AI and machine learning, delivering actionable insights while enhancing fraud prevention measures. With a mobile-first design, Fluid provides step-by-step payment guidance, catering to the increasing demand for mobile gaming. Furthermore, the platform supports multiple currencies and cryptocurrencies, offering flexibility without the headaches typically associated with managing various currencies.
Customer Support
Fluid’s support system is tailored to its pricing tiers, with Enterprise customers benefiting from priority assistance. The platform is inherently user-friendly, minimising the need for frequent technical support and empowering operators to manage it independently.
Integration Complexity
One of Fluid’s standout benefits is its rapid integration process. With minimal development required, the internal configuration ensures a hassle-free and quick setup. This means Malta-based operators can deploy Fluid’s payment solutions swiftly, allowing them to focus on growing their business rather than navigating technical hurdles.
Advantages and Disadvantages
When evaluating iGaming payment solutions, it's essential to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each platform. These comparisons are especially relevant to Malta's regulated iGaming sector, where operators must balance compliance, efficiency, and user experience.
PaymentIQ stands out for its established reputation and extensive range of payment methods. For operators seeking a dependable and well-known system, PaymentIQ offers a sense of reliability and stability.
However, this platform does come with its challenges. The integration process can be lengthy and complex, making it less appealing for operators needing a quick setup. Additionally, PaymentIQ’s traditional fee structure - comprising per-transaction charges and monthly service fees - can add up. Like many legacy systems, it may also require ongoing attention to address technical issues and security concerns.
Fluid, on the other hand, focuses on a modern, AI-driven approach with a user-friendly design. Its standout feature is its rapid integration, allowing operators to implement the system in minutes. Fluid’s AI technology creates personalised payment journeys that adapt in real time to user behaviour, which helps boost conversion rates. This is particularly beneficial for the growing mobile gaming market, as the platform provides step-by-step payment guidance tailored to mobile users.
Fluid also offers cost advantages with its transparent pricing model, eliminating hidden fees often associated with traditional systems. Moreover, its real-time analytics, powered by AI and machine learning, enhance fraud prevention through advanced behavioural analysis and biometric authentication.
That said, Fluid's primary drawback is its status as a newer player in the market. Some operators may hesitate to switch to a less established system, especially if they are already integrated with PaymentIQ. The potential costs and disruptions of transitioning to a new platform could be a deterrent for some.
The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of key aspects:
Aspect | PaymentIQ | Fluid |
|---|---|---|
Integration Time | Weeks to months | Minutes |
Cost Structure | Per-transaction + monthly fees | Transparent pricing |
User Experience | Standard iframe approach | Personalised, mobile-first |
Fraud Detection | Traditional rule-based | AI/ML-driven real time |
Analytics | Basic reporting | Real-time actionable insights |
Development Requirements | Substantial | Minimal |
Market Maturity | Established | Emerging |
These comparisons highlight the trade-offs between the two platforms. Operators must decide whether they value the familiarity and stability of a long-standing system like PaymentIQ or the efficiency and advanced features offered by Fluid. For Malta-based operators aiming to cut costs, improve user experience, and harness AI-powered insights to drive growth, Fluid offers a promising alternative.
Final Thoughts
In Malta's highly competitive iGaming market, selecting the right payment solution can make all the difference. Based on the analysis above, it’s clear that each platform brings its own strengths to the table.
PaymentIQ stands out as a dependable, well-established system. However, its extended integration process and fee structure might be less appealing for businesses focused on rapid growth and agility.
On the other hand, Fluid offers faster integration, AI-driven personalisation, and cost advantages, which help operators get to market more quickly. For Malta-based businesses, Fluid's mobile-first design and real-time fraud prevention features align well with local needs.
Given Malta’s regulatory framework, solutions must support EUR transactions, localised date formats, and bilingual functionality. Fluid’s modern architecture excels in meeting these localisation demands.
To truly evaluate performance, it’s essential to track key metrics over a three-month period. Focus on data points like transaction approval rates, processing times, chargeback ratios, and overall player satisfaction. These insights will help determine whether a solution aligns with your operational goals.
Ultimately, the choice boils down to your business priorities. If you’re aiming for immediate improvements in user experience, cost savings, and fraud prevention while staying compliant with local regulations, Fluid’s AI-powered platform is a strong contender. However, if your existing PaymentIQ setup is performing well and the risks of switching outweigh the potential benefits, sticking with what’s already in place may be the safer option.
Malta’s iGaming sector is rapidly evolving, with trends leaning towards instant payments, cryptocurrency support, and AI-driven fraud prevention. Operators must think not only about their current needs but also about whether their payment infrastructure is equipped to handle future challenges. Adapting to regulatory changes and shifting player preferences across Europe will be crucial for long-term success.
For many operators in Malta, the evidence suggests that modern, AI-driven solutions like Fluid offer better value. With improved conversion rates, simpler integrations, and stronger fraud protection, Fluid positions itself as a forward-looking choice that supports sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive market.
FAQs
What are the key benefits of switching to Fluid for iGaming operators in Malta?
Switching to Fluid brings several clear benefits for iGaming operators in Malta, helping them navigate the local market with greater ease and effectiveness. Fluid offers a straightforward, easy-to-use platform that simplifies payment processes while providing advanced analytics. These features allow operators to make smarter, data-backed decisions, ultimately boosting both performance and profitability.
The platform is also designed to optimise internal workflows, cutting operational costs without compromising compliance with Malta's stringent regulatory requirements. On top of that, Fluid enhances risk management capabilities and provides dependable, high-quality customer support, ensuring seamless operations in the highly competitive iGaming industry.
How does Fluid's AI-powered fraud detection improve security compared to traditional methods?
Fluid’s AI-driven fraud detection takes security to the next level by using advanced machine learning to evaluate transactions in real time. Unlike traditional rule-based systems, which can be rigid and slow to adapt, this technology evolves alongside new fraud techniques, reducing false positives and enhancing overall efficiency.
By analysing massive datasets and spotting intricate patterns, Fluid’s AI identifies suspicious behaviour faster and with greater precision. This means stronger protection for your business and a smoother, uninterrupted experience for your users - keeping you one step ahead in the ever-changing landscape of fraud risks within the iGaming industry.
What should iGaming operators in Malta consider when switching from PaymentIQ to Fluid, especially regarding costs and integration ease?
Switching from PaymentIQ to Fluid: Key Considerations for iGaming Operators in Malta
For iGaming operators in Malta considering a move from PaymentIQ to Fluid, two aspects stand out: clear pricing and easy integration. Fluid's fee structure is straightforward and designed with the European market in mind. With built-in support for the euro (€), it simplifies financial management, making it a practical choice for businesses operating in this region.
The integration process is designed to be quick and hassle-free. Fluid’s mobile-first approach, combined with its ability to handle multiple currencies, ensures a smooth setup. The platform also includes real-time monitoring tools, which help minimise operational hiccups and make the transition as seamless as possible. These features position Fluid as a smart, budget-friendly payment solution for iGaming operators seeking efficiency and simplicity.