Boku – Services, pricing, comparisons and reviews

Boku is a leading mobile payment solution company that specialises in facilitating mobile payments directly through a user’s mobile phone billing or credit. Especially popular in the online gaming and streaming industry, Boku has helped numerous businesses in the UK and beyond increase their transaction rates by offering a more direct and straightforward payment method to their customers.

Headline numbers

• Over 14 billion users reached globally.
• Present in more than 60 countries.
• Collaborations with over 173 mobile network operators.
• Processes millions of daily transactions.

Key information

Attribute	Details
Founded	2009, San Francisco, CA, USA
Website URL	www.boku.com
Phone Number	+44 20 8638 0822
FSCS Protected?	No
FCA Regulated?	No

Boku fees and charges

Please note that the exact fees associated with Boku’s services can vary based on various factors, such as region, volume, and specific agreements. The following table provides a generalised overview. For accurate figures, businesses should contact Boku directly.

Fee Category	Carrier Billing	Boku Authenticate, Detect, & Resolve	Mobile Wallets	Boku Extend	Boku Direct
Product Name	Carrier Billing	Authenticate, Detect, & Resolve	Mobile Wallets	Boku Extend	Boku Direct
Contract Length	12 months	12 months	12 months	12 months	12 months
Consumer Card Fees	N/A	N/A	Varies*	N/A	N/A
Business Card Fees	N/A	N/A	Varies*	N/A	N/A
CNP Fees	2.5%	2.0%	2.5%	2.5%	2.0%
Minimum Monthly Charge	£100	£100	£100	£100	£100
Refund Fees	£5	£5	£5	£5	£5
Chargebacks	£15	£15	£15	£15	£15
Replacement Device	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
PCI Compliance	Included	Included	Included	Included	Included
Early Termination	£500	£500	£500	£500	£500

* The fees for Mobile Wallets can vary greatly depending on the specific wallet provider and region.

Pros and cons of Boku

Pros:

• Enables businesses to reach billions of users without the need for a bank account or credit card.
• Straightforward and user-friendly payment process.
• Safe and secure, as it doesn’t require sharing sensitive banking details.
• High conversion rates.

Cons:

• Some users may not be comfortable with payments via phone bills.
• Limits on transaction amounts, compared to other payment methods.
• Not FSCS protected or FCA regulated.

Boku products and services

Boku offers a diverse range of mobile payment solutions designed to cater to various industries and demands. Here’s a detailed insight into some of their key products and services:

Carrier Billing

• Description: This is Boku’s flagship offering, allowing users to make online purchases and add the payment to their mobile phone bill. It’s a hassle-free solution, especially for users without a credit card or even a bank account. Accessible in over 60 countries, the service has tie-ups with major mobile networks worldwide.
• Costs and Fees: These can vary based on the merchant, the transaction, and the region. Boku typically charges merchants a percentage of the transaction amount.

Boku Authenticate, Detect, and Resolve

• Description: This suite of identity and authentication products is designed to offer a frictionless user experience. While Authenticate ensures easy user verification, Detect helps identify potential fraud, and Resolve assists in ironing out any issues users might face. By leveraging mobile number data, this suite aids in reducing fraud, increasing conversions, and streamlining the user identification process.
• Costs and Fees: Depending on the service and volume, costs can vary.

Mobile Wallets

• Description: Recognising the growing trend of mobile wallets, Boku has forged partnerships with many significant mobile wallet providers. This ensures quicker and more direct transactions for users. Collaborations with the likes of Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, among others, extend Boku’s reach to a vast audience.
• Costs and Fees: Charges can differ by region and by the specific wallet provider involved.

Boku Extend

• Description: Boku Extend broadens the carrier billing offering to new platforms like Smart TVs and gaming consoles, helping businesses expand their reach. Targeted for platforms beyond mobile, catering to a diverse range of digital goods and services.
• Costs and Fees: As with other Boku services, costs can vary depending on the specific use-case and volume.

Boku Direct

• Description: A solution for businesses that want to integrate Boku’s payment mechanism more deeply into their platforms. It offers features like subscription renewals and single-click purchases. Designed for a more immersive user experience, Direct provides an uninterrupted flow, resulting in higher user retention.
• Costs and Fees: Depending on the depth of integration and transaction volume, pricing can differ.

Businesses looking to incorporate Boku’s services should reach out to them directly for a tailored solution. Given the flexibility and range of services on offer, Boku can provide a solution that aligns closely with the business’s specific requirements.

Boku reviews

Source	Rating
TrustPilot	4.1/5
Google Reviews	3.8/5
Reviews.io	4.2/5
Average	4.0/5

Alternatives to Boku

• PayPal
• Stripe
• Skrill

Additional considerations

While Boku offers a unique approach to online payments, especially for those who may not have access to traditional banking systems, businesses should evaluate the demographic they cater to.

Understanding the preferences of their audience will enable them to make an informed decision on whether incorporating Boku will be beneficial.

Boku company history

Founded in 2009, Boku started with the vision of creating a bank for the mobile age.

Recognising the increasing reliance on mobile phones and the potential they held in streamlining online transactions, Boku quickly expanded its reach.

Over the years, Boku has built partnerships with major mobile operators and platforms, ensuring a global presence.

FAQ

Please note that while these FAQs provide a general overview, it’s always essential to contact Boku directly or refer to their official resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.