Microsoft implements an online payment API in Edge

3 min reading
Microsoft implements an online payment API in Edge
Microsoft implements an online payment API in Edge


Windows 10 users will be able to use Microsoft Wallet, the online payment platform, through Microsoft Edge, the new web browser for Windows, thanks to the implementation of the new Payment Request API developed by the W3C and presented last December. Payment Request API is a method of communication that acts as an intermediary between digital commerce platforms and the system where users have stored their payment details.

It is available to developers that have the Build 14986 or later of the Windows Insider Preview program. Microsoft Edge will connect to Microsoft Wallet to provide a user payment interface. Both the Microsoft Edge update with the new payment interface and Microsoft Wallet will be launched to the public in the next Creators Update in mid 2017.

Its operation is simple: Payment Request API is a standard method to make payments both on the web and in native apps. During an electronic purchase through the software the user is using at the time, whether a browser like Microsoft Edge or any program, the software takes care of invoking a digital portfolio or equivalent where users store their payment credentials.

Through here and with the Payment Request API the user sends addresses and billing information to the site or e-commerce platform, which returns updated information with the final costs. At that time, the user, again within the digital wallet, makes the payment. Finally, Payment Request API is responsible for communicating payment information and receiving the appropriate response.

Payment Request API: the future of e-commerce

Google has already implemented the Payment Request API in Chrome 53 for Android, and will include support for the interface in the future to desktop Chrome. With a platform as extended as Android, and the efficiency and security of Google cloud services, mobile e-commerce will be easier for hundreds of millions of users worldwide.

Mozilla and Opera, meanwhile, have not implemented this feature yet. And it is very unlikely to reach Internet Explorer, because Microsoft is focusing most of its resources on Edge.

Finally, Apple has not shown willingness to implement this protocol in Safari as it has Apple Pay JS, a similar but proprietary system whereby the company’s customers can make online payments by taking advantage of biometric identification in the company’s hardware.

Apple Pay JS works in iOS 10 and macOS 10.12, but is limited to a restricted list of countries. Developers who have worked with Apple’s PassKit will be able to see many similar approaches in implementing Apple Pay in JavaScript on the web.

Create a system of customers and payments effortlessly with BBVA

Developers who want to implement online payments securely in their e-commerce platforms with the highest present and future certifications can do so thanks to BBVA Payments. With BBVA and the Payments API you can pre-empt the PSD2 directives which will enter into force in 2018.

BBVA offers a multitude of various financial APIs to facilitate the work. Payments uses Customers White Label, a method which can provide gateways for e-commerce that remove the need to manage an actual payment system. The protocol makes it possible to:

–   Create new customers: add a new customer with the required data. The method will return a unique identifier that can be used in the future for information.

–   Receive information on a specific customer: once added, you can use the BBVA Customers White Label API to receive customer data when necessary.

–   Update customer information: with new data and identifiers, and remove it from the platform.

Other platforms like MasterCard, PayPal or VISA offer financial APIs that can also be useful for managing online payments to third parties.


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