As technology and digital transformation continue to evolve, there’s an increase in the number of online platforms and services available to us. Many of these services offer free versions, but to unlock the full suite of features, we often find ourselves forced into subscribing to premium packages.

However, there's an inherent flaw in the way these services charge us: the subscription model. While some platforms charge annually or monthly, many of us are paying for services we use only occasionally—sometimes even only once or twice a month. Yet, the full monthly or yearly fee remains the same. This system feels inefficient and, frankly, quite unreasonable, as we end up paying for resources we rarely use.

The Problem with Traditional Subscription Models

Let’s break it down. Think of all the platforms you use regularly. You’ve probably inputted your card details on many of them, regardless of how often you use the service. Even if you use a service only once a month, you’re still paying a full subscription fee—whether that’s monthly or yearly.

For example, I use design software, cloud platforms, and professional networks, each with its subscription model. For each service, I have to input my card details and pay the full fee for the month or year, even if I don’t use it frequently. The question is: why am I paying for access I don’t fully utilize?

This model makes little sense when you consider that other services charge based on usage, like utilities or mobile data. Why can’t these platforms do the same?

A New Way: Pay-Per-Use Instead of Subscriptions

Imagine a centralized platform that could solve this issue. Instead of signing up with each service and repeatedly entering your card details, you could fund a single account on this platform. This would act as a gateway to all the services you use.

Here’s the catch: rather than being charged monthly or annually, you’d only be charged based on what you use. Just like paying for data usage on your mobile plan, you would pay for the exact amount of service you consume.

How the Centralized Payment System Would Work

Fund Once, Use Everywhere: You will add your payment details to this central platform once. This means no more repeatedly inputting card details every time you sign up for a new service.

Pay-Per-Use: Instead of a fixed subscription fee, the service would charge you based on actual usage.

Universal Currency System: Rather than charging you in a specific currency (USD, GBP, etc.), the platform would use points. These points would represent the value of a service and could be translated into the currency of your choice.

Centralized Rating System: Here’s the best part: the platform would feature a centralized rating system that varies depending on the strength of the currency in your country. This ensures fairness and inclusivity for everyone, no matter where they’re located. Whether you’re in a country with a stronger or weaker currency, the system would ensure you pay a fair price that corresponds to your purchasing power.

For example, a service that costs 100 points in the UK would still cost 100 points in Nigeria, but the conversion to your local currency would vary based on local exchange rates. This helps eliminate disparities due to currency strength while maintaining a fair, points-based pricing model.

The Benefits of This Model
Eliminating Unnecessary Subscriptions: You no longer have to commit to a monthly or yearly subscription for services you don’t use regularly. This can reduce costs and prevent wasted payments.

More Flexibility and Control: By paying for services as you use them, you have more control over your expenses. If you’re not using a service, you’re not paying for it.

Inclusivity: The system’s currency adjustments based on the strength of your local currency ensure that users from different countries aren’t at a disadvantage. It also removes the issue of needing multiple currencies or dealing with fluctuating exchange rates.

Simplifying Payments: The centralized payment system eliminates the need for multiple payment inputs, streamlining your interactions with various platforms.

Well....it is just a thought for now.