Docs / Web2 System / Getting Started / Payment System / Upfront Payment

⚡ Upfront Payment

Traditional single payment - Users pay the full amount immediately.

📋 Overview

The Merso Upfront payment system enables users to purchase in-game items in a single transaction while maintaining full compatibility with game mechanics and existing marketplace flows.

This payment method follows a standard purchase model, optimized for games that require seamless, user-friendly payment experiences through Stripe's secure payment infrastructure.

🔄 How It Works

1
Select Item
Choose product
→
2
Full Payment
Pay 100%
→
3
Get Item
Instant delivery

✨ Benefits

  • ✓
    Simple Transaction
    One-time payment with no recurring charges.
  • ✓
    Instant Delivery
    Items are delivered immediately upon payment confirmation.
  • ✓
    Full Ownership
    No ongoing payment obligations for the user.
  • ✓
    Lower Processing Fees
    Single transaction means lower overall payment processing costs.

🎯 Payment Overview

The Upfront payment system operates on a 100% immediate payment structure, where users pay the full item price at the time of purchase and instantly receive full ownership of the item.

There are no installment plans, subscriptions, or weekly payment commitments involved.

1

Item Selection

When a user decides to purchase an item, they select the Upfront payment option in the game marketplace. Both PNPL and Upfront options are presented side by side, allowing users to choose their preferred payment method.

2

Payment Initialization

The game initiates the payment flow by calling the Merso API with item details (ID, name, price), player information (email, level, country), and payment mode: UPFRONT. The protocol creates a Stripe PaymentIntent and returns a clientSecret for the game to complete the payment on the frontend.

3

Payment Execution

The user pays 100% of the item price through Stripe's secure payment form. Payment is processed via credit/debit card, funds are captured immediately, and the full amount is transferred to the game company through Merso's payment infrastructure.

4

Item Transfer to User

Once payment is confirmed, the item is registered in the system with the player as the current owner. Full ownership and control are granted immediately, and a confirmation email is sent to the player. No subscriptions, escrow, or collateralization occurs. The game receives the confirmation and can give the in-game asset to the user.

💰 Payment Flow

Upfront Payment Flow
1
User selects item in game marketplace
🖥️
Game UI
Marketplace
2
Game calls Merso API with paymentMode: "UPFRONT"
🎮
Game Server
Backend
API
🔌
Merso API
Payment Intent
Stripe
💳
Stripe
Processing
3
User pays 100% via Stripe payment form
💳
User (Card)
Payment
100%
🏢
Game Company
Full Payment
4
Item ownership transferred to user
🎮
Game Item
Asset
Transfer
👤
Player
Full Ownership
5
Confirmation email sent
📧
Email
Confirmation

📧 Email Confirmation

Upon successful payment, the user receives a confirmation email with:

  • ✓
    Purchase confirmation
  • ✓
    Item name and price paid
  • ✓
    Full ownership acknowledgment
  • ✓
    No future payment obligations reminder

💡 Key Benefits

For Users

  • ✓
    Instant Ownership
    Full item ownership immediately after purchase.
  • ✓
    No Restrictions
    Use, trade, or sell the in-game item from day one.
  • ✓
    No Installments
    One-time payment, no future obligations.
  • ✓
    Secure Payment
    Stripe-powered secure card processing.

For Game Companies

  • ✓
    Immediate Revenue
    Full payment received instantly.
  • ✓
    Simplified Flow
    No subscriptions, escrow, or loan logic.
  • ✓
    Unified Integration
    Same API supports PNPL and Upfront.
  • ✓
    Lower Support Overhead
    No default or payment tracking required.
  • ✓
    Zero Credit Risk
    No exposure to user defaults.

For Protocol

  • ✓
    Simplified Execution
    Atomic payment and item transfer.
  • ✓
    No Credit Risk
    No exposure to user defaults.
  • ✓
    Unified Infrastructure
    Shares authentication, API, and payment logic with PNPL.
  • ✓
    Stripe Integration
    Leverages Stripe's secure payment processing.