In today’s digital age, payment technology is rapidly evolving to meet the needs and demands of consumers and businesses alike. From the convenience of mobile payments to the security of contactless transactions, emerging trends in payment technology are shaping the way we make purchases. Here are three emerging trends that are revolutionizing the payment landscape.
1. Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology:
Cryptocurrency has been gaining significant traction in recent years, thanks to its decentralized nature and enhanced security features. Blockchain technology, the technology that underlies cryptocurrency, is a decentralized ledger that ensures the transparency and security of transactions. This innovative technology eliminates the need for intermediaries, reducing transaction costs and providing immediate settlement. As cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum gain wider acceptance, more businesses are starting to accept them as a legitimate form of payment. This trend opens up new opportunities for global transactions and eliminates traditional banking barriers.
2. Biometric Authentication:
With the rising concern over identity theft and data breaches, biometric authentication has emerged as a secure and convenient payment method. Biometric technologies, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, provide a unique and personal identification that cannot be easily replicated. This eliminates the need for passwords or PINs, which can be stolen or forgotten. Many smartphones already incorporate biometric authentication for unlocking the device, and this technology can also be used for authorizing payments. Banks and payment processors are increasingly implementing biometric authentication to enhance security and simplify the payment process, making it a key trend in the payment industry.
3. Internet of Things (IoT) Payments:
The Internet of Things is the interconnection of everyday devices through the internet. This technology has extended to the payment sector, enabling various devices to securely make payments on behalf of the user. For example, smartwatches, smart refrigerators, and even cars can be connected to payment systems, allowing for seamless transactions. Imagine a scenario where your refrigerator automatically orders groceries and pays for them as soon as they run out. This emerging trend in payment technology not only simplifies the payment process but also enhances customer convenience and personalization.
These emerging trends in payment technology are transforming the way we make transactions, offering greater security, convenience, and efficiency. As businesses and consumers embrace these innovations, payment technology will continue to evolve, providing exciting opportunities for the future. Whether it’s the implementation of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, the adoption of biometric authentication, or the integration of IoT payments, these trends are reshaping the payment landscape and paving the way for a more connected and secure future.
The payment landscape has witnessed significant transformations due to the accelerated growth of mobile and online payment methods, particularly during the pandemic. As consumers and businesses worldwide embraced digital payments, several innovative trends emerged within the conventional payment market. This article explores three noteworthy developments: virtual cards, in-car payments, and the concept of Request-to-Pay.
1. Virtual Cards
Virtual cards have experienced a surge in popularity alongside the proliferation of virtual payment methods. These cards offer convenient and secure payment options, leading to their increased usage and adoption.
According to forecasts presented in yStats.com’s publication Global Innovation Payment Trends 2023, the virtual card market is expected to exhibit double-digit growth from 2022 to 2026, reaching a value close to EUR 10 trillion by 2026. Additionally, the number of transactions made via virtual cards is projected to surpass 50 billion by 2027. Notably, financial leaders worldwide have been motivated to introduce virtual cards due to their affordability, spending control, and management advantages.
However, it is worth noting that over 65% of surveyed finance leaders globally rejected some virtual card payments in October 2022. Moreover, Q4 2021 data revealed that virtual card usage was most prominent among the millennial age group in the United States, while Gen Z and millennial online shoppers in Germany accounted for the highest share of virtual card usage during online shopping.
2. In-Car Payments
The rise in connected vehicle services has paved the way for another payment innovation trend, namely, in-car payments. This development has garnered significant interest among businesses and consumers globally. The collaborative efforts between different stakeholders have fueled the demand for in-vehicle payments, with projections indicating that the number of in-car payments will surpass 4 billion by 2026, according to yStats.com’s report.
Various players in the payment industry and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have entered into partnerships to expand the scope of in-car payments. For example, VISA collaborated with Mercedes to offer a purchase and pay service via the car’s onboard unit. Notably, a survey conducted in February 2022 revealed that more than 75% of potential users of in-car payments in China considered it advantageous for manufacturers, which was higher than the sentiment in the USA and Germany.
3. Request-to-Pay
The concept of Request-to-Pay has gained traction as a result of the global growth of instant payments. This innovative payment method offers an alternative to direct debits, with many industry stakeholders considering it a superior option. Corporate clients, in particular, have shown a high demand for Request-to-Pay, with approximately 75% of industry stakeholders believing it has the potential to reduce merchant reliance on payment cards.
However, despite its increasing popularity, the readiness of banks to adopt Request-to-Pay has been identified as a major challenge. In Europe, progress has been made in terms of adoption and awareness of Request-to-Pay, as indicated by the majority of payment professionals and corporate treasurers who are aware of both pan-European and national Request-to-Pay processes. Nevertheless, the actual usage of national Request-to-Pay processes remains relatively low, although almost half of the surveyed payment professionals expressed a keen interest in utilizing them.
Understanding Payments Trends for 2023
To summarize, as the preference for digital and mobile payment methods continues to grow among consumers and businesses, alternative and modern payment concepts such as virtual cards, in-car payments, and Request-to-Pay are gaining momentum on a global scale. These trends are reshaping the payment landscape, offering convenience, security, and improved transaction experiences for all stakeholders involved.
About yStats.com
yStats.com, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, provides valuable, unbiased insights into the e-commerce and online payment markets. This firm offer a range of reports with different types, depths, coverage, and variety to give clients choice and flexibility.