Blogs > Why tokenization improves payments security, experience, and scalability
22 octubre –

Why tokenization improves payments security, experience, and scalability

Build an effective and customisable payments platform for the future using tokenization with Pismo

Debora Riceputi, Senior Product Manager – Tokenization
4 mins

As an Issuer Token Service Provider (I-TSP), Pismo offers a comprehensive solution that allows issuers to build an effective and scalable tokenization process.

But what is our approach to tokenization? Let’s drill down into security, customisation options, lifecycle management tools, and how these elements come together to create a robust tokenization ecosystem for issuers and users alike.

Tokenization and customer experience

While issuers will handle much of the customer experience, Pismo’s infrastructure plays a supporting role. Issuers can streamline the cardholder’s onboarding process by leveraging Pismo’s provisioning methods, which include SMS OTP, email OTP, app-to-app redirection, and call center verification. This flexibility allows custom authentication methods based on business needs.

The cardholder experience isn’t just about provisioning but also the issuer’s ability to offer multiple authentication methods. Pismo gives issuers the freedom to decide how cardholders validate their identity. By simplifying the provisioning process, issuers could provide a smoother, more engaging customer journey, which is essential for creating customer loyalty.

Customisation continued

One of Pismo’s core strengths is our highly customisable tokenization solution. Whether your business caters to B2B clients, B2C customers, or a mix of both, Pismo’s system is designed to accommodate diverse needs. Customisation options can be configured at the card level or the program level, offering granular control over how tokens are managed and displayed.

For example, issuers can create specific card designs or token attributes using Pismo’s “profile ID” feature. This means that, for example, global corporations could easily deploy branded tokens for different business units or regions, allowing that their cardholders’ digital wallets reflect their unique identity.

This flexibility extends to authentication methods, with issuers able to choose between different verification processes for different programs or customers where compatible. This means your tokenization process aligns with your specific business requirements, helping you stay agile.

Read more about Pismo and tokenization: How it’s simplifying and shaping the payments industry

Security across every step

Security is an important part of tokenization, and Pismo embeds it into every layer of the process. As an I-TSP, Pismo or its partners perform essential checks during token provisioning, including validating the card’s CVV, expiration date, and status.

This means only authorised users can tokenize their cards. However, Pismo goes beyond these standard checks by allowing issuers to integrate their own anti-fraud systems into the provisioning flow. Issuers can also add extra layers of security, like device and cardholder information verification.

This dual approach—where issuers can add their own controls—creates a powerful defence against fraud while maintaining flexibility. By working with us, issuers can take a security-first approach without having to compromise on ease of integration or scalability.
Pismo also enables issuers to monitor tokenization events in real-time through its event stream. Issuers can track when a token is created, suspended, or deleted, providing full visibility into each stage of the token’s life cycle. Speaking of lifecycles…

Comprehensive token lifecycle management

Pismo offers issuers full control over the token lifecycle, from provisioning to deactivation. Tokens can be activated, suspended, reactivated, or deleted based on the issuer’s requirements. This level of control aids in maintaining compliance and means tokens can be managed securely over time.

Pismo’s lifecycle management tools offer clear visibility and control. For instance, if a token becomes inactive or suspended, issuers can reactivate it quickly or deactivate it permanently if needed. The system also supports PAN updates, enabling issuers to transfer tokens from an old card to a newly issued one, streamlining the process for cardholders and reducing friction.
We also offer token migration, allowing issuers to migrate tokens between different platforms or from their legacy provider. This ensures continuity and minimises disruption for your cardholders.

How Pismo scales tokenization

Issuers need solutions that can scale without imposing arbitrary limitations. Pismo’s architecture is designed to handle growth, whether that means supporting more digital wallets, accommodating new payment methods, or expanding to new customer segments.

Pismo’s network-agnostic approach also means that issuers can grow their tokenization programs with confidence, knowing that Pismo’s infrastructure is capable of scale. Whether you’re working with Visa, Mastercard, or any other network, Pismo’s endpoints and event streams adapt to the specific requirements of each network, simplifying the development process for issuers and processors alike.
Tackling the future of tokenization

At Pismo, we’re keenly aware of the role tokenization will play in the future of the payments ecosystem. It’s why our tokenization solutions are designed with future-proofing in mind, offering issuers the flexibility, efficiency, and scalability they need to stay competitive.

Tokenization isn’t just about replacing sensitive data with tokens; it’s about building an effective, scalable, and customisable infrastructure that meets the needs of today’s payments landscape. Pismo’s tokenization solutions offer just that, giving issuers the power to take control of their tokenization strategy and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Want to learn more about Pismo’s tokenization solutions? Get in touch with our team today!

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