Key takeaways:
- Today’s customers expect fast, flexible and secure payment options; 13% of U.S. consumers abandoned a cart in 2024 because their preferred method wasn’t available.
- Digital wallets, credit/debit cards and account-to-account payments are the top methods driving customer satisfaction and sales.
- Businesses can modernize by evaluating current systems, offering the right mix of payment types and choosing scalable providers that match evolving customer needs.
Customers now expect to pay how they want, when they want.
After decades of relying on cash, checks and manual transactions, consumers and businesses have shifted toward digital payments that are faster, safer and more convenient. The COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated this shift, pushing consumers to prioritize remote-friendly payment options and normalizing next-generation experiences like tap-to-pay and mobile wallets.
Today, not offering flexible payment options could cost you. In fact, 13% of U.S. online shoppers abandoned a purchase in 2024 simply because their preferred payment method wasn’t available.
For business owners, the takeaway is clear: Modernizing your payment methods isn’t just good service — it’s essential for capturing sales, retaining customers and staying competitive in a changing economy.
In this article, we’ll break down which payment methods today’s customers expect, highlight emerging trends shaping the payments space and share actionable steps to help your business modernize with confidence.
13% of U.S. online shoppers walked away from a purchase in 2024 because their preferred payment method wasn’t offered.
What payment methods do consumers want?
To meet customer expectations and remain competitive, it's important for businesses to understand the payment methods consumers prefer. Let’s take a look at the most popular payment methods and why they matter to your market.
Digital wallets
Digital wallets have quickly become a leading choice for both online and in-person payments. According to Worldpay’s 2025 Global Payments Report, digital wallets accounted for more than 50% of global e-commerce transaction value, and more than 30% of in-person transactions, making them one of the most widely used methods for purchases.
Solutions like Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal offer speed, security, and ease — key drivers of customer satisfaction. These wallets store payment credentials securely and enable one-click checkouts, reducing friction and cart abandonment.
Credit and debit cards
Despite the rise of newer options, credit and debit cards remain essential in today’s payment mix. Per Worldpay, 67% of U.S. consumer spending came from credit, debit and prepaid cards.
Many consumers still prefer card payments for their added benefits — like fraud protection, rewards programs and wide acceptance across channels. For certain industries, such as travel, hospitality or large-ticket retail, cards continue to be the go-to.
Account-to-account payments
Account-to-account (A2A) payments comprise less than 10% of global payments but are gaining traction as a cost-effective alternative to traditional card networks.
These direct transfers — often processed via ACH in the U.S. — bypass intermediaries, reducing transaction fees and speeding up settlement times. They’re especially popular for subscription services, large B2B transactions and industries where cash flow and efficiency are critical.
Digital wallets now account for more than 50% of e-commerce transactions worldwide.
Trends in payments: What business owners need to watch
Payment preferences aren’t static — they evolve with technology, customer expectations and buying habits. What was cutting-edge two years ago might now be table stakes. For businesses, falling behind payment trends can lead to lost sales, lower customer satisfaction and missed growth opportunities.
In 2025, these trends are worth watching closely.
Digital wallet innovation
Digital wallets are evolving fast. The newest features go beyond basic convenience: Consumers are now experiencing one-click checkout, biometric authentication, built-in loyalty rewards and more baked right into the wallet experience.
These advancements reduce checkout friction, encourage higher spend and keep your business top of mind for returning customers. As adoption accelerates, especially on mobile, offering an up-to-date digital wallet experience may be essential to staying competitive.
Seamless omnichannel payments
Today’s customers want consistency, whether they’re buying online, in-store or through a mobile app. Omnichannel payments tie it all together, creating a smooth and unified experience across every touchpoint. For example, a customer adds some items to their digital cart, then later completes the purchase in-store using the same loyalty account and preferred payment method.
When your loyalty programs, payment systems, and promotions connect across channels, customers feel seen and valued. Businesses that embrace omnichannel tools can build deeper relationships, improve retention, and simplify backend operations.
Biometric and voice payments
Fingerprint scans. Facial recognition. Voice-activated purchases. These are no longer futuristic features — they’re starting to shape real-world payment experiences.
While adoption is still early, biometric and voice payments are gaining traction in industries that rely on speed and volume, like fast food, retail and travel. As these technologies become more common, they may offer your business a competitive edge — especially if your customers value fast, touch-free transactions.
From tap-to-pay to one-click checkout, today’s payment innovations make it easier than ever to keep customers coming back.
How to integrate payment options into your business
Keeping up with payment trends doesn’t require a full tech overhaul. With a few focused updates, you can meet customer expectations and set your business up for long-term success. Here’s a step-by-step approach to modernizing your payment systems.
Step 1: Assess your current payment systems
Before making any changes, get a clear picture of what you’re working with. This will help you spot what’s working, what’s missing and where you can improve.
- Review transaction data to see which payment methods are used most and least.
- Talk to customers or send a short survey to learn what options they wish you offered.
- Evaluate your existing payment provider’s capabilities and limitations.
Step 2: Choose the right payment methods
Every business is different — and so are your customers. Make sure you’re meeting real-world needs, not just following trends.
- If you sell online, look into digital wallets like Apple Pay or PayPal to reduce cart abandonment.
- For in-person sales, consider contactless and tap-to-pay options that speed up checkout.
- If you offer subscriptions or large-ticket items, explore account-to-account options like ACH.
Step 3: Choose a provider that fits your business
The provider you choose impacts everything from transaction speed to customer trust.
Lock in a smooth experience for your customers and your team.
- Look for providers that support your preferred payment types and integrate easily with your systems.
- Prioritize strong customer service, transparent fees and added features like fraud protection or loyalty tools.
- Consider whether your provider can scale with your business as needs evolve.
Step 4: Implement secure, reliable systems
When security breaks down, trust and customer relationships follow. Protect your business from fraud, chargebacks, and costly data breaches.
- Use secure payment gateways with encryption, tokenization and multifactor authentication.
- Display trust signals like SSL certificates and security badges at checkout.
- Keep your software and payment systems up to date to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Step 5: Monitor, learn and adjust
Payment preferences and technologies evolve — and your strategy should, too. Keep your payment setup current, continuing to support customer needs and business growth.
- Use analytics to track adoption, transaction volume, and conversion rates.
- Ask for customer feedback and watch for signs of friction or drop-off.
- Review your setup at least annually and adjust to stay competitive.
Your payment setup should grow with your business. With the right tools and partners, it can.
Ready to modernize your payment options?
Comerica has the advice and experience you need. Whether you’re just starting to diversify your payment options or looking to optimize your current setup, we’ll help you build a strategy tailored to your business goals.
Talk with your Comerica Relationship Manager today to explore smart, secure payment solutions.