Ratepay: Europe’s Premier White-Label BNPL Payment Provider

Overview

Ratepay is a German fintech company founded in 2009. It focuses on white-label Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) payment solutions. The company allows online merchants and marketplaces to provide open invoice, installment, and SEPA direct debit payment options right in their checkout process, all branded under the merchant’s name.

Headquarters & Corporate Background

Ratepay was founded in Berlin by Miriam Wohlfarth, Alexis Giesen, and Michael Röbbecke. The Otto Group acquired it in 2010. Later, it became part of a larger portfolio supported by Advent International and Bain Capital. Today, it operates within the Nexi network and serves over 7,000 customers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. With more than 200 employees and annual revenues in the tens of millions of euros, Ratepay is a leading provider in the DACH region.

Core Payment Solutions

1. Open Invoice

Open invoice, also known as purchase by invoice, allows customers to receive goods first and pay later. This method is highly trusted in German-speaking markets and is one of the most frequently used online payment options in the region. Customers typically have 14 or more days after receiving their order to make a payment. For merchants, this method reduces cart abandonment, increases conversion rates, and leads to higher average order values. Ratepay takes on the credit and fraud risk, ensuring merchants are paid even if a customer fails to pay.

2. Instalment Payments

This option allows shoppers to split their purchases into monthly installments, making it easier to manage higher-value purchases. Customers can choose their preferred repayment terms during checkout, and payments are made via SEPA direct debit or bank transfer. Ratepay uses advanced scoring systems to provide instant credit decisions. This method is ideal for increasing basket size and attracting a younger customer base.

3. SEPA Direct Debit

SEPA direct debit is a trusted and convenient payment option across Europe. Once a customer provides a mandate, payments are automatically deducted from their bank account for current or future purchases. It is especially useful for subscription models or frequent repeat purchases. The process is automated and secure, reducing friction and improving conversion at checkout.

Unique Differentiators & Merchant Value

White-Label Checkout Experience

Ratepay is a true white-label provider. Unlike many BNPL competitors, it does not display its brand in the checkout process. Customers complete their purchases without ever leaving the merchant’s site or interacting with third-party branding. This allows merchants to maintain full control over their customer experience and brand consistency.

Seamless Integration

The entire payment process is streamlined. Ratepay’s checkout does not involve redirects or pop-ups. Customers only need to provide minimal personal information—such as name, date of birth, email, and address—to complete their purchase. Instant credit decisions keep the experience fast and user-friendly.

Risk Management and Fraud Protection

One of Ratepay’s most attractive features is its risk assumption. It takes full responsibility for credit and fraud risks, using self-learning algorithms to screen transactions in real-time. Merchants receive guaranteed payouts even in cases of payment default or chargebacks, allowing them to focus on growth without operational distractions.

Improved Conversion and Revenue

Merchants using Ratepay often see an increase in completed checkouts, higher order values, and better repeat business. Because customers remain within the merchant’s branded environment and trust the payment options provided, the buying experience is more secure and engaging.

Technical Features & Integration

Modular System

Ratepay’s platform is modular, meaning merchants can choose which payment options to enable—open invoice, installments, direct debit, or any combination of the three. This flexibility allows for tailored checkout strategies based on product type or target customer segment.

E-Commerce Platform Support

The service integrates easily with a wide range of e-commerce platforms such as Magento, Shopware, WooCommerce, Spryker, SAP, and more. Developers and IT teams benefit from well-documented APIs and plug-and-play extensions.

Analytics and Reporting

Ratepay provides merchants with access to a robust dashboard featuring real-time transaction data, risk assessments, and settlement tracking. These insights are essential for managing operations, reconciling payments, and making strategic business decisions.

Compliance and Security

Ratepay is fully compliant with GDPR and follows PCI DSS requirements for data security. It operates under Germany’s financial supervision authority (BaFin), ensuring high standards of data protection, consumer rights, and financial transparency.

Target Markets and Industries

Ratepay primarily serves large online retailers and marketplaces in the DACH region—Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Its white-label structure and flexible payment modules make it especially suitable for:

• High-volume e-commerce platforms

• Businesses with recurring billing models

• Retailers offering higher-priced goods

• Marketplaces requiring branded, risk-free payment flows

Notable companies using Ratepay include eBay (regional versions), IKEA, About You, Flyeralarm, Eurowings, and ShopApotheke.

Conclusion

Ratepay is a strong choice for white-label BNPL in the German-speaking markets. It is particularly helpful for established online merchants that want to provide flexible payment options. They can do this without losing their brand identity or facing financial risk.