On Demand Course

Payment Channels: Alternative Payments

Alternative payments, often abbreviated as APMs, are payment methods that fall outside the traditional categories of cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards. They represent a diverse and evolving set of options, often leveraging technology to offer new ways to pay
and be paid.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify various alternative payment methods
  • Explain how these APMs differ from traditional methods
  • Discern the pros and cons for each channel payment type discussed
Kevin Olsen .3 HR
Included with Team Membership

About This Course

Alternative Payments: A Modern Payment Evolution — with the Payments Professor

In this engaging class, the Payments Professor breaks down what alternative payments (APMs) really are and why they matter more than ever. You’ll learn how APMs differ from traditional methods like cash, cards, and checks—and explore popular options like digital wallets (Apple Pay®, PayPal®, Venmo®), Buy Now, Pay Later services (Klarna®, Afterpay®), account-to-account transfers (Zelle®, RTP®, FedNow®), and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

You'll discover how each type of alternative payment works, their benefits and risks, and what makes them attractive to consumers and businesses alike. From fast, low-cost A2A transfers to seamless mobile checkouts and decentralized crypto transactions, we cover how these tools are transforming commerce.

You’ll also explore the bigger picture—how APMs are impacting financial institutions, opening up new business models, and reshaping risk management strategies. We’ll finish with a look at what’s ahead, from embedded finance and biometric security to regulatory shifts and global payment innovation.

Interested in learning all about channel payment types? Check out our Channel Payments certification and save 55%! 

 

*This program does NOT qualify, nor meet the National Standard for NASBA accreditation. 

Your Instructor

Kevin Olsen
Kevin Olsen

Kevin Olsen is a certified AAP (Accredited ACH Professional), APRP (Accredited Payments Risk Professional), NCP (National Check Professional), as well as a certified NCP Instructor with additional computer network, database, and security settings. Over the past couple decades, Kevin has been involved with product creation, design, implementation, education, and consulting for multiple platforms within remote deposit capture, ACH, and faster payments. Kevin has worked with financial institutions of all sizes in multiple countries to create products services, departments, systems, teams, and results that help financial institutions become more productive, compliant, and secure.

Training your team?

This course is covered under team memberships.

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Buying for yourself?
$ 149
Included with Team Membership
Training your team?

This course is covered under team memberships.

See Team Memberships
$ 149
per attendee