What is Straddle Embed?

Straddle Embed is a purpose-built solution that enables software providers, marketplaces, and payment facilitators to easily integrate Straddle’s open banking payment capabilities into their own offerings. With Straddle Embed, platforms can extend and monetize payments infrastructure with all the benefits of a “PayFac” program, but without the regulatory headaches or liabilities.

Straddle Embed allows platforms to focus on building compelling software while Straddle manages payments, compliance, and risk. Embed integrators carry no payment liability or flow of funds exposure.

Platform models

Straddle Embed supports two distinct platform models, each with unique customer management approaches:

SaaS Platform Model

Overview

A SaaS platform provides specialized software to businesses in specific industries. In this model, end users do not register with the SaaS platform itself—they are customers of the businesses that use the SaaS. When payments occur, they happen through the business’s interface, with the SaaS platform processing transactions in the background.

Key Characteristics

  • Customer Relationship: End users are customers of the SaaS client (account), not the SaaS platform itself
  • Customer Management: 1:1 relationship between customers and accounts
  • Branding: The business’s brand is front-and-center, platform operates behind the scenes
  • User Experience: End users interact with payment forms embedded in the business’s workflow
  • Payment Flow: Directed through the business’s branded interface

Typical User Journey

  1. Interaction with a Business: The end user is a customer of a business that uses your SaaS platform
  2. Payment Initiation: When payment is needed, the user sees a payment form within the business’s interface
  3. Behind-the-Scenes Processing: Your platform handles the payment flow and compliance checks
  4. Account-Specific Experience: The customer’s profile exists within the context of that specific business

Use Cases

  • Practice Management Software: Medical offices, law firms, or accounting practices
  • Loan Servicing Platforms: Lenders offering payment options to borrowers
  • Subscription Billing Solutions: SaaS companies managing recurring payments
  • Invoice Management Systems: Businesses sending invoices to their customers

Marketplace Platform Model

Overview

In a marketplace model, end users (customers) register directly with your platform and can interact with multiple sellers (accounts) within your ecosystem. The marketplace facilitates transactions between parties and maintains centralized customer profiles.

Key Characteristics

  • Customer Relationship: End users register directly with the marketplace platform
  • Customer Management: One:Many relationship - platform-level customers can transact with multiple accounts
  • Branding: The marketplace brand is prominent throughout the experience
  • User Experience: Centralized profile, payment methods, and transaction history
  • Payment Flow: All transactions occur through the marketplace’s ecosystem

Typical User Journey

  1. Platform Registration: The end user creates a profile directly with your marketplace
  2. Identity & Payment Setup: The user provides identity information and connects payment methods
  3. Browsing & Transactions: The user interacts with multiple sellers, merchants, or vendors from your application
  4. Centralized Experience: All transaction history, communication, and dispute resolution happen through the marketplace

Use Cases

  • E-commerce Marketplaces: Platforms where multiple merchants sell to consumers
  • Wallets: Tap-to-pay or stored value wallets where customers can interact with any seller or vendor connected to the wallet
  • Service Marketplaces: Platforms connecting service providers with clients
  • Rental Marketplaces: Property or equipment rental platforms
  • Gig Economy Platforms: Connecting freelancers with those needing services

Key Differences Between Models

AspectSaaS PlatformMarketplace Platform
User RegistrationNo direct profile with platform; user is a customer of the SaaS clientCustomer creates a direct profile on the marketplace
Customer Model1:1 (customers tied to specific accounts)Many:Many (platform customers can transact with multiple accounts)
User ProfileMaintained by the business, not the platformCentralized on the marketplace (profile, payment methods, history)
Payment FlowEmbedded in business workflowCentralized within marketplace ecosystem
BrandingBusiness brand is front-and-centerMarketplace brand is front-and-center
Compliance/KYCManaged through the business, typically invisible to userPer marketplace requirements, managed directly
Revenue ModelSubscription + transaction fees paid by businessesMarketplace fees + transaction fees
Ongoing EngagementUsers typically interact only when making paymentsUsers return to marketplace for future needs

Generate Revenue with Straddle Embed

For SaaS Platforms

  • Embedded Payments: Add payment capabilities without building payment infrastructure
  • Increased Revenue: Generate additional revenue through transaction fees
  • Enhanced Value: Provide a more complete solution to your business clients
  • Reduced Complexity: No need to handle payment compliance or risk management
  • White-labeled Experience: Keep your platform in the background while highlighting your clients’ brands

For Marketplace Platforms

  • Centralized Customer Management: Create and manage customers at the platform level
  • Seamless Customer Experience: Allow customers to transact with multiple sellers without re-registering
  • Reduced Friction: Simplify payment flows for repeat transactions
  • Unified Profile: Maintain payment methods, preferences, and history in one place
  • Enhanced Control: Manage compliance, disputes, and refunds centrally

Choosing the Right Model

Consider these factors when deciding between SaaS and Marketplace models:

  • Business Relationship: Who owns the relationship with the end user?
  • Transaction Flow: Do you need a central payment hub or embedded payment capabilities?
  • User Experience: Should users maintain one profile or separate profiles with each business?
  • Branding Strategy: Should your platform brand be prominent or in the background?

Getting Started with Straddle Embed

Ready to enhance your platform with Straddle Embed? Here’s how to get started:

  1. Register for Straddle Sandbox access
  2. Schedule a consultation with our platform specialists
  3. Define your platform model and customer management approach
  4. Work with our team to design your ideal payment experience
  5. Begin integration with our comprehensive API documentation

For additional support or questions, please contact our support team.