2025 payment trends: Three experts share their predictions

Digital transformation has been reshaping the payments industry at speed, and 2025 is set to take things to the next level. From real-time payments to the evolution of digital wallets, transactions are set to become faster, more seamless, and highly personalized.

To uncover what lies ahead, we spoke with three of Paysafe’s experts — James Tiltman, Ishan Vaid, and Arun Lal — about the groundbreaking payment trends we’re likely to see this year. Here are their expectations for the year ahead.

APAC and LATAM lead the way for real-time payments

James Tiltman, VP Product at Paysafe, predicts that while real-time payments are becoming more prevalent globally, their adoption will vary significantly across regions. 

“The mere existence of real-time payment infrastructure doesn’t guarantee instant adoption — it’s a gradual process that requires a shift in consumer behavior and market adaptation," says Tiltman. Tiltman believes the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region will see significant growth in real-time payments due to strong government support, high mobile penetration, and a culture that embraces technological advancement. Infrastructure investments in this region, coupled with the population’s tech-savvy nature, create the perfect environment for real-time payments to take off.

Latin America (LATAM) is another region to watch, especially Brazil and Colombia, where financial inclusion is at the forefront of many initiatives. "Regulators and governing bodies are implementing measures to foster a more competitive and efficient payment ecosystem," Tiltman explains.

Slower progress in mature markets

However, the scenario is different in established markets like the UK and the US, where consumer preferences for card payments and fragmented infrastructure slow adoption. Tiltman explains, “While the UK has an established Faster Payment rail, many consumers still favor traditional card payments. The US, where card transactions also dominate, faces additional hurdles due to the fragmented implementation of instant payment networks such as RTP and FedNow.”

Key takeaway: Regional adoption of real-time payments will grow progressively, driven by governmental backing, consumer trust, and technological ubiquity.

The rise of brand-owned digital wallets

Digital wallets are no longer the sole purview of financial services businesses — non-finance businesses are now integrating them into their ecosystems. According to Ishan Vaid, VP Core Features at Paysafe, brand-owned wallet solutions designed to streamline payments and enhance customer loyalty are becoming more common across a variety of industries, from online gaming to retail.

“In parts of Asia, brand-owned wallets are already used by a variety of businesses, from e-commerce platforms to ride-hailing apps. In 2025, expect to see increased adoption in markets like the UK, where retailers, gaming platforms, and even logistics companies may adopt wallet solutions to streamline payments, enhance customer retention, and control the end-to-end user experience,” says Vaid.

Where digital wallets are headed

Vaid outlines several areas of innovation for digital wallets in 2025.

• Embedded experiences: Wallets will seamlessly integrate into non-financial platforms, allowing users to complete transactions without leaving a brand’s app or website.
• Multi-currency and cross-border capabilities: To meet the growing demand for global commerce and international travel, multi-currency wallets offering real-time currency conversions will gain traction.
• Real-time payments: Wallet providers will leverage faster payment rails to deliver instant settlements.

Factors affecting innovation and uptake

• Regulations: Tighter rules, like Europe’s PSD3 and global open banking frameworks, will spur wallet providers to innovate in areas such as payment authentication and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. 
• Technological advancements: Blockchain and AI will redefine wallets, making them more secure, personalized, and user friendly. 
• Consumer expectations: Consumers increasingly want technology to help them be considerate of the environment and make smarter spending decisions. This mindful approach to money will drive the development of functionalities like carbon footprint tracking and customized savings tips.
• Economic factors: Global economic instability and inflation could lead to businesses adopting wallets as a cost-effective alternative to high card processing fees.

Why white-label wallets are on the rise

Vaid also highlights an intriguing trend among businesses — the adoption of white-label wallets. The white-label model allows brands to offer sophisticated payment functionalities under their own branding, helping them to extend customer lifetime value and reduce their reliance on external providers.

What are the perks of white-label wallets?

• Customizability: Brands can align the wallet experience to their unique identity. 
• Cost efficiency: By making direct payments through their wallet, companies bypass card processing fees.
• Quick deployment: Brands can use pre-built infrastructure, such as that offered by Paysafe, to quickly launch their wallet.
• Scalability: From multi-currency transactions to real-time payouts, wallet-as-a-service solutions adapt to a business’s needs.

Key takeaway: Brand-owned wallets will become more accessible to businesses, with non-finance brands adopting white-label solutions. The result: more immersive, end-to-end customer experiences.

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The growth of account-to-account payments

Consumers increasingly demand low-friction payment options that offer more control. Arun Lal, Paysafe’s Senior Director of Sales, believes account-to-account (A2A) payments are poised to become a core pillar of e-commerce innovation in 2025. “Convenience is paramount,” Lal explains. “When customers encounter methods like A2A, which are fast, secure, and seamless, they will gravitate toward them.” 

The role of A2A payments in e-commerce

For e-commerce businesses, A2A payments offer an opportunity to streamline the checkout process through a cost-effective alternative to traditional card networks. “The direct nature of A2A payments provides faster settlements and lower fees. This makes them highly appealing for businesses looking to optimize costs while enhancing the customer experience,” Lal continues.

Split and peer-to-peer (P2P) payments

A2A payments aside, Lal anticipates that convenience-focused features — such as the ability to split payments and send money to peers — will become increasingly popular, particularly among younger, tech-savvy users. These options create flexibility when managing expenses, especially when buying high-ticket items such as holidays or event tickets as a group.

Key takeaway: The popularity of A2A payments will continue to grow alongside features designed to help customers pay quickly and conveniently.

Staying a step ahead of 2025 payment trends

The industry is making strides toward more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly payment experiences. Real-time payments will increase the speed and ease of payments across regions, digital wallets will help brands foster customer loyalty, and flexible options like split payments will enhance e-commerce transactions. 

For ambitious businesses, staying ahead of these trends is not only beneficial — it’s essential for remaining competitive.

Want to explore how Paysafe can help your business turn transactions into experiences with secure payment solutions? Get in touch with us today.