5 minutes Partner Onboarding
Overview
Payment partners (PSPs, payfacs, acquirers) can offer SAPI's payment-linked financing to merchants as an embedded financing solution. This guide explains integration models, technical requirements, and the partnership journey for payment partners.
Integration Models
Model 1: Referral Only (Low-Tech)
How it works:
- You identify merchants needing financing
- Refer to SAPI via email or portal
- SAPI handles application, underwriting, funding
- You earn commission on funded deals
Technical requirements: None (email or portal access only)
Setup time: 2-3 weeks
Best for: Payment partners testing SAPI, low referral volume
Model 2: Embedded Link (Medium-Tech)
How it works:
- Add SAPI financing link/button in your merchant dashboard
- Merchants click through to SAPI's application
- Pre-populated with basic info from your system
- SAPI handles rest of process
Technical requirements: Simple link integration with UTM tracking
Setup time: 4-6 weeks
Best for: PSPs wanting to offer financing with minimal dev work
Model 3: Future - API Integration (In Development)
Coming soon:
SAPI is developing API capabilities for deeper integrations including real-time eligibility checks, embedded applications, and automated status updates. If you're interested in API integration, contact [email protected] to discuss your requirements and be notified when available.
Technical Requirements by Model
Integration Model | Technical Requirements | Data Sharing | Setup Time |
Referral Only | Email access | Basic (name, contact) | None |
Embedded Link | Simple URL integration | Basic | 1-2 days |
Future: API Integration | REST API (in development) | Full integration | TBD |
Payment Data Sharing
For API or embedded models, SAPI receives:
Transaction data:
- Daily/weekly payment volumes
- Transaction counts
- Average ticket sizes
- Refund and chargeback rates
Merchant data:
- Business registration details
- Trading history
- Payout schedules
- Account status
Security:
- API authentication (OAuth 2.0 or API keys)
- Encrypted transmission (TLS 1.2+)
- GDPR-compliant data processing agreements
- Merchant consent for data sharing
Partnership Timeline
Phase | Duration | Activities |
Application | Week 1 | Initial inquiry, NDA, preliminary discussions |
Due Diligence | Weeks 2-4 | Company verification, compliance checks, commercial terms negotiation |
Agreement | Weeks 4-6 | Partnership agreement drafting, legal review, signing |
Technical Setup | Weeks 6-12 | Portal access setup, training, testing |
Pilot | Weeks 18-22 | Soft launch with select merchants, refine process |
Full Launch | Week 22+ | Roll out to full merchant base |
Total time: 1-2 months for portal-based partnerships.
Commission and Revenue Share
Payment partner commission typically includes:
Upfront commission:
Percentage of each funded deal (similar to introducer partners).
Ongoing revenue share:
Percentage of interest/fees collected over life of advances (for strategic partnerships).
Volume bonuses:
Additional payments for hitting referral volume thresholds.
Key Success Factors
For successful payment partnerships:
1. Merchant eligibility alignment
Your merchant base should have significant overlap with SAPI's target (£10k+ monthly card sales, 6+ months trading).
2. Complementary positioning
Frame SAPI as value-add, not competition. You provide payments; SAPI provides capital.
3. Clear merchant communication
Transparently disclose you receive commission, explain product benefits and costs.
4. Data quality
Accurate, timely merchant data improves approval rates and reduces friction.
5. Ongoing engagement
Regular check-ins with SAPI, optimization based on performance data, joint marketing efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do we need to take on credit risk?
A: No. SAPI underwrites, funds, and collects. You earn commission with zero credit risk.
Q: Can merchants apply directly to SAPI even if we're partners?
A: Yes. However, if you have an exclusive arrangement for your merchant base or they apply via your referral link, you'll receive commission.
Q: What if a merchant defaults—does that affect us?
A: No. SAPI handles all collections and bears default risk. Your commission is paid upfront (30 days after funding), not contingent on repayment.
Q: When will API integration be available?
A: SAPI is developing API capabilities. Contact [email protected] to express interest and be notified when it becomes available.
Q: Can we white-label SAPI's application process?
A: For strategic partnerships, yes. Discuss with SAPI's partnerships team at [email protected].
Q: What data do we need to share with SAPI?
A: Minimum: Merchant name, contact details. Ideal: Payment processing history, transaction volumes, account age. See "Payment Data Sharing and Security" article for full details.
Need Help?
Payment partner inquiries: [email protected]
Technical integration: [email protected]
Partnership terms: [email protected]
Need Help?
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 20 3868 4990
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm GMT