An Empirical Study on User Acceptance of Micro e-Payment Systems : System Features, Transaction Cost, and Provider

This paper analyzes the main factors affecting user selection of a small-sum electronic payment system using survey data of 396 users. Several findings emerge. First, users consider three pillars and eight factors in adopting a new system : system features(stability, security, and flexibility), transaction cost(payment commission and settlement period), and financial capability of provider(stability of financial structure, risk management capability, and funding capability). Second, the stability of the financial structure of the system provider is the most important factor to user acceptance of a new e-payment system. Users tend to consider uncertainty risk more seriously than transaction cost. This reflects the reality that electronic payment system service industry has not fully fledged yet. Third, some moderating effects exist according to payment methods and business usages. As for payment methods, speedy settlement cycle for wired/wireless phone payment, system stability for credit card and account transfer payment, and security for advance payment means are crucial factors. As for business usages, the stability of financial structure for online game content, system stability for music and video content, proxy payment commission for e-learning content, flexibility of the payment system for digital adult content, and security for public services are decisive ones