Why Clinical Trial Payment Cards Are Failing—and How to Fix Them

Equity Issues

While prepaid clinical card systems seem convenient, they don’t always work well for the unbanked or for participants with limited access to technology, or unfamiliarity with digital finance. Some clinical systems don’t support the availability of ATM withdrawals, which may make funds inaccessible for participants.This creates an equity issue. Participants from underserved communities are often the hardest to recruit. Lack of payment flexibility will disproportionately affect folks with marginal access. Ensure that payment modes offer all participants the flexibility they require.

Declining Value

Many clinical card payment instruments like prepaid debit cards and stored value cards will lose value over time due to the built-in monthly maintenance and inactivity fees. Here are a few common examples that become red flags to participants and needlessly destroy goodwill.All available payment options should be clearly displayed, along with any associated merchant or transaction fees, so that recipients can make informed choices. Prepaid debit cards should be free of activation or ATM withdrawal fees, and digital payment methods should clearly display their transfer fee. Full transparency about potential fees ensures participants can select the option that best suits their needs without unexpected deductions.

One-Size-Doesn’t-Fit-Everyone

Whenever possible, offer multiple payment options: prepaid card, direct deposit, mobile wallet, or even traditional checks. Flexibility is one of the most participant-friendly features you can offer.

It’s important to offer a mix of payment options so participants can choose what works best for them. This could include things like gift cards, direct bank deposits, prepaid debit cards, PayPal, or Venmo. A little variety goes a long way to ensure that the preferred choice is available to all participants. Adding in a few fun, branded items like study swag or logo gear may also be a great way to say thanks and help participants feel more connected to the research.

Seven Essentials of Research Flexibility

Headaches and Complexity Drain Staff Time

Payment systems and clinical cards were supposed to make the job of administering trial compensation easier. Trial coordinators often spend hours troubleshooting card problems, contacting vendors, and explaining fee structures to confused participants.

That time adds up and reduces the time available for higher-value tasks like patient care, protocol compliance, and data integrity.A good payment system – Incentive Automation – should take the hassle out of the process. By automating things like sending payments, tracking balances, and keeping records, research teams can save time, avoid mistakes, and stay focused on what really matters: running the study and supporting participants.

Protracted Processing

Payment transparency is critical, but many participants report being unsure of when they’ll be paid, how much they’re owed, or how to use their compensation. Some payment systems include expiration dates, inactivity fees, as well as limited merchant compatibility. All of this leads to participant confusion. Study coordinators often find themselves fielding basic financial questions that are time consuming to investigate.