Authvia taps Visa Direct for real-time payouts via SMS

Authvia has expanded its text-to-pay platform by integrating Visa Direct, enabling businesses to send real-time disbursements directly to eligible Visa debit cards through a simple SMS.

Authvia taps Visa Direct for SMS payouts

The integration extends Authvia’s patented TXT2PAY solution beyond inbound payments, adding the capability for outbound transfers such as refunds, reimbursements, and insurance settlements.

Consumers receiving a payout can verify their identity and confirm details within the messaging thread, with funds typically landing in their account almost instantly when linked to an eligible Visa card.

Removing friction

By embedding Visa’s real-time money movement technology, Authvia aims to eliminate the reliance on paper cheques, mobile app downloads or secure portal logins, which often delay customer reimbursements.

Founder and chief executive Chris Brunner described the partnership as a way to meet modern expectations for “fast, secure, and frictionless” transactions.

The approach is particularly relevant in industries where timely payouts are critical, such as healthcare, automotive services, insurance and gig-economy platforms.

In healthcare, for example, the ability to refund a co-pay within minutes rather than days can materially improve patient satisfaction and reduce administrative burden.

Similarly, contractors and service technicians could receive same-day compensation for completed work, without waiting for traditional payroll runs or manual bank transfers.

Demand for real-time disbursements

The move comes as adoption of real-time payments accelerates globally.

Consumers increasingly expect instant access to their money, while businesses recognise that speed and simplicity in transactions can strengthen loyalty and reduce churn.

According to industry analysts, instant disbursements are emerging as a differentiator for financial service providers, particularly in sectors where customer trust and retention are paramount.

By leveraging Visa Direct’s infrastructure, Authvia positions itself at the intersection of conversational commerce and real-time payments.

The collaboration highlights how established payment networks and fintech specialists are combining forces to deliver faster, more user-friendly payout experiences.

For businesses, the shift represents more than operational efficiency—it is a competitive necessity.

For customers, it transforms the once-clunky process of refunds and reimbursements into a seamless extension of everyday digital communication.