Why iframes are bad for conversion
May 28, 2025
Fluid
iFrames can significantly hurt conversion rates in iGaming by causing security risks, slow loading times, and poor mobile experiences.
iFrames can harm your conversions, especially in iGaming. They slow down payments, create trust issues, and frustrate mobile users. Here's why you should avoid them:
Security risks: iFrames can expose users to threats like phishing and data breaches.
Slow loading: Delays caused by iFrames can reduce conversions by up to 7%.
Mobile issues: Poor resizing and dual scrolling make payments hard on mobile devices.
Inconsistent branding: iFrames often don't match your website's design, which damages trust.
Tracking problems: Analytics tools struggle to track user behaviour inside iFrames.
Localisation errors: iFrames may display incorrect currencies or date formats, confusing users.
Better Alternatives:
API-based payments: Faster, secure, and customisable for mobile and multi-currency needs.
Mobile-friendly design: Simplifies checkout for smaller screens, boosting conversions by up to 20%.
AI-powered tools: Personalise payment flows, prevent fraud, and improve tracking.
iFrames may seem convenient but often cost you conversions. Switching to modern payment solutions can reduce friction, build trust, and increase revenue.
Build better payment forms using new “embedded” Stripe Checkout
Technical Problems with iFrames
While iFrames offer convenience, they come with a host of technical challenges that can negatively impact conversion rates. From security risks to performance issues, these problems often frustrate users and discourage them from completing transactions.
Security Risks
One of the biggest concerns with iFrames is the security risk they pose, affecting both operators and users. They can open the door to threats like clickjacking, cross-site scripting (XSS), phishing attacks, and cross-site request forgery (CSRF). These vulnerabilities can expose sensitive data and lead to non-compliance with strict data protection regulations. For users, these risks translate into a lack of trust, making them hesitant to finalise transactions on interfaces they perceive as insecure.
Slow Loading and Performance Problems
Performance issues are another significant drawback of iFrames, often deterring users before they even see a payment form. iFrames can delay the entire page's load time because they often block the window onload event until fully loaded. This delay matters - a Google study revealed that just a one-second lag in page load time could result in a 7% drop in conversions.
The problem worsens when iFrames are packed with heavy content or media files, as each embedded element adds to the loading time. While lazy-loading techniques can help minimise these delays, the cumulative impact of multiple embedded elements remains a major challenge.
Mobile Display Issues
With mobile devices accounting for over 60% of internet traffic, iFrames often fall short when it comes to mobile optimisation. They frequently fail to resize correctly across various screen sizes, leading to content being cut off or difficult to navigate. Problems like dual scrolling and misaligned content further complicate navigation, creating a frustrating experience for users. This is particularly concerning in markets like Malta, where mobile gaming is on the rise, and players expect smooth, responsive interfaces on their devices.
These technical flaws underscore the pressing need for better-integrated payment solutions. Security vulnerabilities, sluggish performance, and poor mobile compatibility all contribute to diminished user confidence and lower conversion rates.
How iFrames Reduce iGaming Conversions
Technical issues tied to iFrames often translate into real-world conversion problems. In the fast-moving iGaming market, where competition is fierce, even small disruptions can lead to noticeable drops in conversion rates. When players encounter obstacles - especially during payment processes - they're more likely to abandon their transactions entirely.
More Payment Abandonment
Payment abandonment becomes a serious challenge when iFrames disrupt the overall user experience. For instance, payment forms embedded via iFrames often look inconsistent with the main site, which can make players question their legitimacy and hesitate to complete the transaction. This lack of trust is a significant factor in abandonment rates.
On mobile devices, the problem is even worse. Improper resizing, excessive scrolling, and slow loading times create a frustrating experience that drives users away. In Malta's highly competitive gaming industry, where every second counts, such delays can lead to lost conversions. To make matters worse, fragmented tracking caused by iFrames means operators lose valuable insights into why these transactions fail.
Tracking and Analytics Problems
Tracking user behaviour is crucial for identifying and fixing conversion issues, but iFrames complicate this process. Since Google Analytics often treats iFrames as separate web pages, tracking embedded content becomes a challenge. If the iFrame lacks Google Analytics altogether, any interactions within it might go completely untracked. This blind spot makes it harder for operators to understand where and why users drop off during the payment journey.
Additionally, cross-domain restrictions fragment session data, making it difficult to get a clear picture of the user journey. Without this data, optimising the payment process becomes a guessing game, leaving operators unable to address bottlenecks effectively.
Currency and Local Format Issues
Malta's role in the European gaming market brings unique localisation challenges, many of which iFrames fail to address. For example, iFrames often don't inherit local currency and date formats, leading to errors like misrepresented amounts (€1,234.56) or dates (DD/MM/YYYY). Such inconsistencies confuse players and can deter them from completing transactions.
Date formatting is another sticking point. Maltese players expect dates in the DD/MM/YYYY format (e.g., 27/05/2025), but iFrames might display them in the American MM/DD/YYYY style, creating unnecessary confusion during payment reviews. This kind of mismatch can undermine trust and lead to abandoned payments.
Moreover, the "same-origin policy" adds another layer of complexity. This policy limits interactions with content inside iFrames, preventing dynamic adjustments based on a player's location or preferences. As a result, players may face a generic experience that feels out of sync with their needs, further eroding trust during the crucial payment phase.
Better Options Than iFrames
Modern payment technology has moved beyond iFrames, offering solutions that address slow performance, security concerns, and poor mobile usability. These alternatives deliver stronger security, a smoother user experience, and more dependable tracking, all of which can significantly boost conversion rates.
API-Based Payment Systems
API-driven payment systems have become the preferred choice for gaming platforms today. Unlike iFrames, APIs enable a seamless transaction process that directly improves payment acceptance and success rates. Research highlights that 70% of customers value speed during checkout, with 28% expecting the process to take less than two minutes, and 66% wanting it completed in under four.
"Optimising your payments integration is a must if you want to reduce checkout abandonment, increase conversion rates, and maximise your revenue. A core part of payment optimisation is the payments API, as it fuels the actual buying process." – Finix Staff
APIs offer advanced security through tokenisation, encryption, and vaulting, thereby safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring compliance while reducing fraud risks.
For operators in Malta expanding into European markets, APIs also excel at handling multi-currency transactions. They can process various currencies - including cryptocurrencies - and display amounts in formats that align with local standards (e.g., €1,234.56). Notably, one-third of businesses implementing payment APIs anticipate a 10% increase in revenue.
While secure API integration is critical, ensuring a mobile-friendly design is equally important to retain users on smaller screens.
Mobile-Friendly Design
Mobile devices experience an abandonment rate of 80.2%, compared to 70% on desktops. This gap represents a substantial loss in revenue for operators still using outdated iFrame-based systems.
Responsive design principles can address the mobile-specific issues associated with iFrames. Features like touch-friendly buttons, auto-filled forms, and smooth payment flows ensure a natural and user-friendly experience across devices. The impact on revenue is clear: m-commerce is projected to account for over 72% of total e-commerce sales by 2025, and offering mobile-optimised payment options could boost conversion rates by as much as 20%. Simplifying the checkout process - fewer steps, clearer payment options - further reduces friction and supports higher conversion rates.
AI-Powered Payment Journeys with Fluid
Building on secure and mobile-optimised foundations, AI-driven tools like Fluid take payment experiences to the next level. Fluid uses artificial intelligence to create personalised payment journeys tailored to individual user behaviours. By analysing user interactions in real-time, Fluid adapts the payment process to guide users along the most effective paths to conversion.
Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
Personalised Payment Journeys | Customised payment flows based on user behaviour |
Real-time Analytics | Immediate insights into transaction trends and performance |
Fraud Prevention | Machine learning to detect and block suspicious activities |
Multi-currency Support | Effortless handling of various currencies, including crypto |
Brand Integration | Payment forms seamlessly match your platform's design |
Fluid addresses the tracking and analytics gaps often left by iFrames, offering detailed insights into user behaviour, transaction success rates, and security performance. This data enables operators to fine-tune their payment flows continuously for better results.
Additionally, Fluid’s seamless brand integration ensures that payment forms align perfectly with the platform's design, building user trust and reducing hesitation during checkout. With its quick implementation process, operators can transition away from iFrames without needing extensive development work. Plus, its mobile-first approach guarantees excellent performance across all devices.
Conclusion: Better Conversions Without iFrames
iFrames might seem like a convenient solution, but they often create more problems than they solve, particularly when it comes to performance and player trust. By introducing unnecessary barriers, iFrames can significantly hinder conversion rates in the iGaming industry, where seamless user experience and confidence are non-negotiable.
As Brian Dreyer, Head of Product Marketing at Qrvey, puts it:
"In online transactions, a foundation of digital trust is built with HTTPS protocol as the foundation. Then trust builds with professional design and transparent information. Unfortunately, iframes can damage that vital trust".
This breakdown in trust can have a direct and negative impact on conversion rates, making it clear that alternatives are needed.
AI-powered payment systems provide a forward-thinking solution. These technologies not only enhance security but also play a key role in reducing fraud. In fact, modern payment systems have been credited with preventing billions in fraud losses each year. This dual benefit - improved security and revenue protection - makes them a game-changer for operators.
By moving away from iFrames and adopting integrated payment solutions, operators can unlock new growth opportunities. Prioritising user experience, implementing advanced security measures, and embracing scalable technology ensures a stronger position in an increasingly competitive market.
For operators based in Malta and expanding across European markets, the ability to manage multiple currencies effortlessly while staying compliant with regulatory standards is essential. Modern payment systems meet these demands, turning payment processing into a strategic advantage rather than a hurdle.
To truly capture lost conversions and meet the expectations of today’s players, it’s time for operators to leave iFrames behind and invest in solutions that are built for the future.
FAQs
What security risks can arise from using iFrames for payment processing?
Using iFrames for payment processing might seem convenient, but it comes with some serious security risks that could harm user trust and compromise sensitive data. Here are a few key vulnerabilities to be aware of:
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Attackers could inject harmful scripts into the iFrame, putting sensitive user data at risk.
Clickjacking: Users might unknowingly interact with hidden elements in the iFrame, leading to unintended actions like unauthorised payment approvals.
Phishing Scams: Fraudsters can use iFrames to mimic legitimate payment forms, tricking users into handing over confidential information.
These vulnerabilities don’t just affect your users - they can also disrupt transactions and leave your business exposed to financial losses and reputational harm. Switching to secure API-based payment integrations or using responsive designs tailored for safety can help address these concerns while offering a smoother, safer experience for everyone.
How do API-based payment systems boost conversion rates compared to using iFrames?
API-based payment systems bring a quicker, more secure, and smoother experience compared to iFrames, which often struggle with issues like sluggish loading times, potential security vulnerabilities, and poor mobile compatibility. By embedding payments directly into your platform, APIs remove the hassle of redirects, ensuring a seamless process that keeps users engaged and fosters trust.
What’s more, APIs offer the flexibility to fine-tune and personalise payment workflows based on user preferences and behaviour. This level of customisation not only improves the overall experience but also boosts conversion rates - especially in sectors like iGaming, where trust and hassle-free payments are essential. For businesses in Malta, having a dependable and efficient payment system can make a big difference in keeping customers happy and driving revenue.
How can I create a smooth and secure mobile payment experience without using iFrames?
To provide a secure and smooth mobile payment experience without relying on iFrames, developers can turn to API-based integrations and responsive design. Leveraging tools like Fetch APIs or AJAX can lead to quicker load times and more fluid interactions, sidestepping the common performance and security challenges associated with iFrames.
Another smart option is adopting custom checkout solutions or embedded payment SDKs. These approaches create a cohesive, branded payment experience that instils user confidence and works seamlessly across devices. By focusing on these methods, businesses can streamline payment processes, boost user engagement, and drive higher conversion rates - all while maintaining a polished and secure interface.