Peer-to-peer transactions (also referred to as person-to-person transactions, P2P transactions, or P2P payments) are electronic money transfers made from one person to another through an intermediary, typically referred to as a P2P payment application. P2P payments can be sent and received via mobile device or any home computer with access to the Internet, offering a convenient alternative to traditional payment methods.
Through the P2P payment application, each individual's account is linked to one or more of the user's bank accounts. When a transaction occurs, the account balance in the application records the transaction and either sends or pulls money directly to the user's bank account or stores it in the user's account within the application.[1]
Since this concept's inception, many business entities have developed P2P transaction capabilities, increasing the competition in the space and the convenience brought to the consumer. The prevalence of mobile devices has also forced the adaptation of P2P payment applications to become more convenient for users.[2][3]