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How embedded payments will power earned wage access

Written by Caxton Contributor | 10 Jun 2023

Earned wage access (EWA) is a financial solution that allows employees to access their earned wages before their next payday. This practice is beneficial not only for employees but also for businesses and will become more common in industries where employees earn lower wages or irregular wages such as casual or seasonal workforce in the hospitality and agricultural sectors. Embedded payments in earned wage access refer to the integration of payment processing directly into the EWA platform. This is the technological enabler for employees to receive their earned wages instantly and directly from the EWA platform. Here's how it works:

1. Instant payment functionality added to Payroll: When employees can be paid instantly via Faster Payments the Payroll payment function is more flexible and able to respond to earned wage calculations

2. Integration with payroll systems: The EWA platform integrates with the business’ payroll system to track earned wages in real-time.

3. Instant access to earned wages: Employees can access their earned wages instantly through the EWA platform, connected to the instant payment platform, without having to wait for their next payday.

4. Direct deposit: The EWA platform uses embedded payments to process the direct deposit of earned wages directly into the employee's bank account. It could even be loaded onto a card.

5. Automated reconciliation: The EWA platform reconciles the employee's earned wages with their payroll information, ensuring accurate tracking and payment processing as well as correct payment of tax and other sundries.

6. Enhanced security: Embedded payments in EWA use secure payment processing systems to ensure the privacy and security of sensitive financial information.

By using embedded payments for EWA, businesses can provide their employees with fast and convenient access to their earned wages. This helps to improve employee financial stability, reduce financial stress, and promote a more positive work environment.

Here are a few reasons why EWA is good for business:

1. Increased employee retention: EWA provides employees with financial stability and can help reduce their stress levels. When employees feel more secure and less stressed, they are more likely to stay with the company. This can help lower turnover rates and reduce the costs associated with hiring and training new employees.

2. Improved employee satisfaction: By offering EWA, businesses can show their employees that they care about their well-being and financial stability. This can improve employee morale and satisfaction, which can lead to higher productivity and a more positive work environment.

3. Increased employee loyalty: When employees have access to their earned wages, they are more likely to feel a sense of loyalty to their employer. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and a stronger sense of commitment to the company.

4. Attracting new employees: EWA can be a valuable benefit for attracting new employees. Many employees are looking for employers who are proactive in addressing their financial needs, and offering EWA can help differentiate a business from its competitors.
5. Reduced absenteeism: When employees have access to their earned wages, they are less likely to miss work due to financial difficulties. This can help improve overall attendance and reduce the costs associated with absenteeism. Offering earned wage access is a smart business decision that can help improve employee satisfaction, increase retention and loyalty, attract new employees, and reduce absenteeism. These benefits can lead to a more productive and positive work environment and ultimately, a more successful business.


You know your customers and your business. We know payments. When you plug and pay with Caxton Payments you can offer the right financial tools and experience to strengthen your brand and business proposition. Adding advanced embedded payments to your offering with Caxton gives you the opportunity to transform into a truly digital, next generation business. Embedded payments offer numerous benefits for businesses and users alike. By providing a seamless and secure payment experience, improving security, increasing revenue, and enhancing data insights, embedded payments can help businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive market.