Technology and innovations are increasingly changing the way we pay.
Real-time payments are becoming a global standard, available in over a hundred countries, and will account for 27% of all global electronic payments in the next three years.
The end of entering card numbers for online payments is approaching, the simplification of payments in retail, between businesses, and internationally continues, and generative AI is dramatically increasing payment security.
We present ten key trends and technologies for 2025 and beyond. The year 2025 is expected to be crucial for the further development of digitalization and innovations that will make daily life easier while increasing cyber resilience.
Expected economic growth presents an opportunity for businesses to innovate, grow, and benefit from strengthening household purchasing power. Many consumer markets are at the technological forefront of Europe; consumers are innovators who like to try new things.
Moreover, if they are easy to use, fast, and secure, we readily adopt them. There is no doubt about that. So, what are the 10 trends that will most influence the way we pay in 2025 and the following years?
1. Security enhanced by artificial intelligence
Cybercrime poses an ever-increasing threat, with estimated global damages of $10 trillion in 2025. However, artificial intelligence is not only a weapon in the hands of criminals but also a powerful tool of defense.
2. Small businesses, big solutions
Trends in payment technology are fundamentally changing the way small businesses operate. The growing use of electronic payments and online commerce is leading to demand for comprehensive and easy-to-use solutions.
Centralized platforms integrating payments, marketing tools, and analytical functions give small businesses the opportunity to compete with large players. Process automation and access to data enable more efficient management and higher profits.
3. Customized identity verification
Biometric identity verification without passwords is rapidly expanding. Digital identity is gaining importance in all areas, from healthcare and education to public services.
In Europe, for example, a service is launching that allows merchants to verify, through the payment card used, that a customer meets the criteria for purchasing certain goods or services, thus eliminating the need to show other documents.
4. A new era of digital inclusion
Digital wallets are evolving into comprehensive financial platforms integrating payments, personal data, loyalty programs, and even health data.
Thanks to a simple and intuitive interface, financial services will be accessible to everyone, regardless of geographical location or bank account. The wallets that can create intuitive and interconnected ecosystems will prevail.
Many services already allow this by linking a credit or debit card with a local digital wallet, enabling purchases from local vendors without the need to create a prepaid account and send money to it.
5. Payments at the checkout will become even simpler
Contactless payments are already the standard, accounting for more than two-thirds of all purchases in the global network. However, their development continues.
The “Tap on Phone” solution can turn any smartphone into a payment terminal and simplify payment acceptance for all merchants.
NFC technology continues to expand and integrate into daily life and will be used in various ways: from verifying payments and adding a card to a mobile phone to sending money to friends or family members.
6. Simplification of B2B payments
Payments between businesses will become more efficient and faster thanks to virtual cards. These single-use generated cards, linked to a corporate account, allow for automatic payment approval, minimizing errors and improving control over expenses.
The integration of payment systems into corporate tools enables real-time payments, fraud prevention, and more effective cost management.
Small businesses will thus gain access to a wide range of tools, from loyalty programs to accounting software, opening the way for new growth.
7. Real-time payments will grow steeply
Real-time payments are becoming a global standard and are already available in more than one hundred countries. By 2028, 575 billion such transactions are expected, representing 27% of all global electronic payments.
In addition to speed, these systems offer better connectivity and data sharing, simplifying and streamlining corporate payments in particular.
The interconnection of national systems will subsequently facilitate international transactions as well. Compatibility with central bank digital currencies will also ensure smooth payments between traditional and digital accounts.
8. Fintech companies will set the direction
It will be mainly fintech companies that will play a crucial role in the further simplification of financial services. They will offer interconnected and easily accessible tools that will further expand the benefits of the digital economy.
9. A bet on blockchain
Blockchain technology will become an increasingly important part of the global financial system. Cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and tokenized assets are already commonly used, especially in connection with real assets.
It is expected that in 2025, blockchain will further improve the speed, security, and efficiency of payments, particularly in the area of business-to-business (B2B) trade.
Partnerships between crypto firms and traditional financial institutions are essential for the further development of this technology, which will lead to innovative and secure payment solutions.
10. The benefits of tokenization
Tokenization, which secures tens of billions of payment transactions annually by replacing sensitive data with unique tokens, is key.
By 2030, companies aim to end the manual entry of card numbers and verification codes for online payments. Data encryption ensures their security even in the event of theft.
Payment companies are already using the same technology, for example, for fuel payments without drivers having to get out of the car.
However, the potential of tokenization extends much further – from smartwatches and smartphones, through payment bracelets and rings, to the secure sharing of shopping preferences for personalized offers.
Combined with blockchain, tokenization digitizes and streamlines economic processes, from capital markets to real estate transactions.