Shoppers and businesses are looking for quicker, easier and safer ways to move funds as payment trends shift over time and with new technology.
6 most popular payment trends to watch
Data shows that contactless methods made up half of certain electronic purchases in regions like South Africa, while global usage could pass 1 billion by end 2024.
Meanwhile, projections suggest that Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) agreements may claim nearly a quarter of e-commerce deals by 2026.
These signals point to one conclusion: fresh ideas in payments are poised to reshape how we shop, pay and get paid.
Below are six trends that deserve your attention in 2025.
Mobile Wallets Dominate
The growth of mobile wallets is huge. Industry reports estimate the global user base might exceed 5.2 billion by 2026, a huge jump from around 3.4 billion in 2022.
Apple Pay, Google Pay and similar services have become routine payment picks worldwide, with broader acceptance across e-commerce, restaurants and in-app transactions.
Thanks to tokenization and other security measures, shoppers can pay confidently without stressing about physical card theft.
Mobile wallets and mobile transactions are affecting various industries, including online casinos.
Many online casino platforms now offer cashback rewards and bonuses, helping players make their wagers go further by providing them the opportunity to recover a portion of their losses with cashback offers.
With mobile payment options, individuals can complete transactions using safe, reliable and transparent methods, offering convenience and security for both everyday purchases and online activities like gaming.
Contactless
Cards that require just a tap at the register – and phone-based solutions – are in high demand. Health concerns in recent years spurred more people to try contactless methods, and the habit stuck.
In many places, this style of paying already covers a large chunk of purchases.
Recent research points out that contactless transactions comprised around 50% of some electronic payments in certain markets, showing just how much consumers appreciate quick checkouts.
By 2024, some forecasts predict global usage could cross the 1 billion mark.
For merchants, it has become necessary to provide methods that reduce wait times, keep lines moving and keep customers satisfied.
Buy Now, Pay Later
Breaking up a purchase into smaller amounts over time – while still getting the product right away – continues to gain ground.
BNPL’s share in e-commerce might approach 24% by 2026. In the US alone, projections hint that BNPL users could climb to over 100 million by 2025.
BNPL encourages people to shop by reducing the immediate strain on their budget.
This is useful in uncertain times, as consumers balance monthly expenses with unexpected costs.
While credit cards have offered delayed payments for decades, BNPL appeals to tech-savvy shoppers who prefer short and manageable instalments instead of extended interest charges.
Businesses also see a boost in average order value, which can mean higher revenue over time.
Biometric Verification
Using personal traits to confirm payments is no longer limited to spy movies. Fingerprint scans and face recognition are popping up at various points of sale.
They provide a strong defence against fraud, plus convenience for shoppers who no longer need to punch in passwords or carry extra devices.
Several major issuers are exploring fingerprint-enabled payment cards.
When a user holds the card at a terminal, the card checks its print before approving the transaction.
Some merchants are also dabbling with facial scans in self-checkout lanes.
The idea is to make payments safer and faster, which benefits stores as well as their customers.
Real-Time Transfers
Instant movement of funds from one account to another is attracting attention.
Traditional bank transfers can still take a day or more, but real-time instant payment methods speed that up to seconds.
This is handy for payroll, splitting bills, or any situation where waiting is not an option.
Businesses gain an edge by paying suppliers and freelancers right away, which can improve loyalty.
Meanwhile, shoppers appreciate being able to send money to friends without having to track multiple pending transactions.
As financial institutions partner with tech services to offer round-the-clock processing, real-time options will likely expand.
Embedded Transactions
Online shoppers have long loved one-click checkouts, but embedded payment solutions take that idea a step further.
These methods place transactions directly inside apps or websites (such as rideshare programs, food delivery services, and more), letting shoppers handle everything – from browsing to paying – in one spot.
For businesses, embedded payments minimise cart abandonment and give customers fewer steps to complete.
This model is also extending into subscription plans, healthcare billing and other settings.
This spending trend places the purchasing power right where people are already spending time, thus lowering friction and prompting repeat visits.
As commerce shifts and technology becomes more advanced, both businesses and shoppers look for simpler tools that blend into everyday life.
Mobile wallets, contactless tapping and BNPL options speak to speed and convenience, while biometrics, real-time transfers, Open Banking and embedded solutions improve safety and keep payments efficient.
Adopting these methods can mean greater revenue for businesses and a smoother experience for consumers.
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