What Merchants Need to Know from the Worldpay Global Payments Report 2025
The Changing Face of Payments
In the last decade, the way consumers pay has undergone a seismic shift. The Worldpay Global Payments Report 2025 offers valuable insights for merchants looking to understand these changes, adapt to evolving customer preferences, and stay ahead of the curve in a fast-moving payments landscape.
Digital Payments: A Clear Merchant Opportunity
Digital payments are no longer a niche option. They have overtaken traditional methods like cash and physical cards, offering faster, more secure and convenient checkout experiences.
In 2014, digital payments made up 34% of global e-commerce transaction value. That figure more than doubled to 66% by 2024 and is forecast to hit 79% by 2030. In-store, digital payment use has grown from just 3% in 2014 to 38% in 2024, expected to exceed 50% by 2030.
What this means for merchants: Businesses must prioritise offering a variety of digital payment options—both online and in-store—to meet rising customer expectations and avoid cart abandonment.
Smartphones Are Now the Checkout Counter
Mobile commerce has exploded. Mobile's share of global e-commerce has jumped from 19% in 2014 to 57% in 2024, and will likely reach 64% by 2030. Consumers are increasingly using their phones to browse, shop, and pay—whether in-store, on the move or from home.
Action point for merchants: Ensure websites and checkout processes are optimised for mobile. Consider investing in app-based commerce or digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Fintechs and BNPL Are Reshaping Consumer Expectations
Fintech innovations, especially digital wallets and buy now, pay later (BNPL), are now central to how consumers pay. Wallet payments grew from $1.6 trillion in 2014 to $15.7 trillion in 2024. BNPL went from $2.3 billion in 2014 to $342 billion in 2024, and is projected to exceed $580 billion by 2030.
Why it matters: Merchants that offer flexible payment options like BNPL can tap into increased basket sizes and convert more browsers into buyers, especially in categories like fashion and electronics.
Real-Time Payments Are Accelerating Checkout
Account-to-account (A2A) and real-time payments are gaining traction globally. In Brazil, Pix helped A2A e-commerce volume soar from $1 billion in 2014 to $35 billion in 2024.
Merchant takeaway: Real-time payments offer lower costs and faster settlement. Integrating A2A can improve liquidity and reduce reliance on intermediaries.
Cards Still Play a Key Role
Although their direct use has declined, cards still underpin many digital wallets. An estimated 65% of 2024 consumer spending is card-based when accounting for both direct and wallet-funded transactions.
For merchants: Don't overlook card payments. Continue to accept them and ensure card payment processes are secure, seamless, and compatible with mobile wallets.
The Decline (but Not Death) of Cash
Cash’s share of global POS value dropped from 44% in 2014 to 15% in 2024, with further modest declines forecast. However, cash remains dominant in select markets and among specific demographics.
Merchant strategy: Know your customer base. While digital is growing, maintaining some level of cash acceptance may still be beneficial, especially in the retail or hospitality sectors.
What It Means by Sector
Retail: Consumers want frictionless, flexible options. BNPL is popular for apparel, while digital wallets are key for everyday goods.
Restaurants: App-based ordering and payment is growing. Delivery platforms are becoming ecosystems with loyalty, subscriptions and integrated payments.
Travel & Hospitality: Mobile-first bookings and in-app payments are now standard. Expect biometrics and digital IDs to further streamline the process.
Financial Services: Customers expect fast, secure, and real-time payments. A2A and wallet adoption is rising here too.
The Merchant Imperative
For UK merchants, the message is clear: your payment strategy is now a core part of the customer experience. Offering a diverse range of secure, mobile-friendly and instant payment options can directly impact sales performance, conversion rates, and customer loyalty.
Top merchant actions:
- Support digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, etc.)
- Offer BNPL where appropriate
- Optimise checkout for mobile users
- Consider real-time A2A payment integration
- Continue offering card payments with secure tokenisation
As payment preferences evolve, merchants that stay agile and forward-thinking will be best placed to thrive in the future of commerce.
How Merchant Advice Service Can Help
At Merchant Advice Service, we work closely with businesses across all sectors to help them navigate the complexities of payment systems. While we partner with leading providers like Worldpay, our guidance remains completely unbiased and tailored to your specific business needs. Whether you’re exploring new payment technology, seeking lower transaction rates, or looking to optimise your checkout experience, our team offers clear, honest advice to support your growth.
