Alternative payments refer to non-credit card payment methods like direct debit, bank transfers, e-wallets, phone payments, checks, and cash. Businesses need alternative payment options to avoid missing customers in countries where credit cards have low usage. Payment processors like Oceanpayment offer merchants hundreds of alternative payment options and services depending on factors like the business type, transaction values, and security, to help businesses access new markets and stay on the cutting edge of e-commerce globally.