paysafecard is a prepaid voucher payment method that started in Vienna, Austria in 2000 and spread worldwide, making Austria its home market. Its structure of paying with just a 16-digit PIN, without a card or bank account, is especially strong in gaming and digital content, so this guide is written from the perspective of Korean merchants in those industries.
The fact that paysafecard was born in Austria explains its standing in this market. Since launching in Vienna in 2000, it has built the deepest retail network and brand recognition in its home country, and is now operated globally under the Paysafe Group. Because payment is made by entering the 16-digit PIN of a voucher purchased with cash at supermarkets, gas stations, or kiosks, it covers consumers who prefer not to leave bank account or card details online, as well as underage gamers.
It's especially effective for Korean businesses selling low-value digital goods such as game items, in-game currency, streaming, and paid features on online communities. Because average transaction size is tied to voucher denominations, it's unlikely to become the primary method for high-value physical goods commerce.
The consumer selects paysafecard at checkout and enters the 16-digit PIN of a voucher they hold, and payment completes immediately by deducting the balance. Because it is prepaid, there is effectively no concept of authorization decline or chargeback, and Hecto Financial receives the paid euro (EUR) proceeds, converts them, and pays them out to the merchant in Korea in the currency selected under contract — USD, KRW, or JPY.
As a prepaid voucher, this method tends to have clear industry restrictions and transaction limits under anti-money-laundering regulations. For industries outside gaming and digital content, or high-value payment scenarios, check availability with Hecto Financial in consultation first.
※ This section describes the general support process and does not guarantee that integration will be available for a specific merchant. Please confirm the exact scope of support and fees through consultation.
Confirm contract eligibility for merchants based in Korea
Integration method and priority vary depending on your mix of online sales channels — owned storefront, marketplaces, mobile apps, etc.
Check in advance whether your category falls under PaySafeCard's restricted merchant categories
Confirm compliance with EU payment regulations such as PSD2 and SEPA (see official sources below)
Because it's a prepaid payment, non-payment and chargeback risk is low, but refunds follow a separate policy rather than a card-style authorization void. For digital content, EU rules also apply in Austria: if the consumer agrees to immediate download or streaming, the 14-day withdrawal right may be waived, so having that consent language in place before payment can reduce refund disputes. Proceeds are received in EUR, converted, and settled in the contracted currency — USD, KRW, or JPY.
Hecto Financial's team will work with you to review the right combination of payment methods for the Austrian market.
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