What are the most popular online payment methods?
Explore top online payment methods, see why shoppers prefer them and why your business should be accepting them.
Customers may choose a variety of different ways to pay depending on factors such as their budget, country of residence, or age. That’s why it’s critical for businesses to accept a variety of different payment methods. Staying informed about how customers are choosing to pay enables businesses to make better decisions, improving the transaction experience and increasing sales.
Our Inside the Wallet report reveals how consumer spending and saving habits have shifted. Based on polling of 14,500 consumers in Europe, North America, and Latin America, the research highlights which payment options are most loved by shoppers and the factors driving their popularity.
Read on to discover the most popular online payment methods. And explore how Paysafe allows businesses to accept a variety of different [online payments].
The most popular online payment methods
Credit/debit card
Card payments remain the most common way for consumers to transact, allowing instant payment via bank account or available credit. Learn how you can accept card payments seamlessly with Paysafe’s secure processing solutions.
ACH debit
ACH debit enables automated direct transfers from customers’ bank accounts, offering a cost-effective alternative with lower processing fees.
Bank transfer
Bank transfers allow customers to send money directly from their bank account, providing a secure method for high-value transactions.
Prepaid cards
Prepaid cards are loaded with money in advance, giving users spending control without requiring a bank account. Enable your business to accept prepaid cards with Paysafe.
Digital wallets
Digital wallets store payment information securely, allowing quick, contactless payments without the need to enter card details.
While card payments dominate, 17% of consumers use bank transfers for most online transactions and 11% use digital wallets. Payment preferences vary by purchase type – for gaming or gambling, fewer use debit cards (38%) while more choose digital wallets (16%). Discover how to accept digital wallets with Paysafe.
Buy now, pay later
BNPL allows customers to purchase items immediately and pay in installments over time, typically without interest.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency payments use digital currencies like Bitcoin to enable secure, decentralized transactions without traditional banking intermediaries. Learn how to accept cryptocurrency with Paysafe.
Cash online
Cash online services convert physical cash into electronic value at retail locations. Discover how you can accept cash online payments with Paysafe.
How payment method popularity is changing
The survey reveals which online payment methods are rising in popularity.
While debit cards still come out on top, consumers are more likely to have increased their use of bank transfers (39%) than credit cards (33%). Digital wallets are also experiencing growth, with around one-third (32%) choosing this option more often.
What’s driving people’s payment choices?
Security is the top factor affecting how consumers choose to pay, with more than half (54%) saying they opt for payment methods they trust. Other big factors influencing how people pay include convenience, the variety of payment methods available, and the speed of the transaction.
Depending on someone’s age, certain factors are more likely to matter to them. Older consumers are especially security conscious, with 60% of those aged 60 and over selecting a payment method because they perceive it to be safe. Meanwhile, younger people were more likely to care about the speed of a transaction, with 37% considering it an important factor.
The key takeaways for businesses
With 43% of consumers abandoning their online shopping cart when their preferred payment method isn’t available, it’s important for businesses to respond when their priorities shift. Here’s how businesses can act on these findings.
Communicate security steps to consumers
Two-thirds of consumers reported feeling much better shopping online when they know there are security steps in place to protect their data. So, collaborate with your payment provider to get watertight security measures in place and communicate these with your customers.
As a leading payment provider with over a decade of experience in PCI DSS compliance, Paysafe puts security at the heart of all we do. Our industry-leading fraud prevention and risk management tools work around the clock to flag suspicious activity, keeping payments safe and customer trust intact.
Learn more about secure payments with Paysafe.
Ensure checkout is quick and easy
Embedded payments that seamlessly integrate with businesses' websites and mobile apps are vital for a great checkout experience. Also, consider tactics that work to speed up the process, like guest checkouts and one-click payments for repeat customers.
Paysafe provides businesses with a hosted page that ensures a seamless checkout process for customers. Learn more about [Hosted Checkout Pages] with Paysafe.
Offer a variety of payment methods
In addition to card payments, global businesses must offer bank transfers and digital wallets to cater to a diverse customer base. This is especially important for merchants in certain industries – of consumers who had made a video gaming or iGaming payment in the last month, close to half (49%) had used a payment method other than cards.
Businesses need a payment solution that seamlessly integrates multiple payment methods into a single platform, meeting the diverse payment preferences of their customers, without introducing operational complexity. Paysafe’s advanced payment infrastructure supports an extensive range of payment options, from traditional cards and bank transfers to emerging digital wallets and cryptocurrency.
Discover how Paysafe’s integrated [Online Payments] solution can expand payment acceptance and drive revenue growth across global markets.
Responding to shifts in popular payment methods
Understanding which payment methods are popular is crucial knowledge for payment providers and merchants. Armed with this information, you can make informed decisions on how to optimize the payment experience and maximize sales.
It’s also crucial to know what’s driving consumers’ payment preferences. Learn more about 2025 payment trends and what lies ahead for the evolution of digital payments.
With security and convenience top of mind for many, businesses must invest in developing frictionless checkout journeys that reassure customers that their money is safe.
Start accepting a variety of payment methods
Don’t limit your business potential with your choice of payment options. Paysafe’s platform enables merchants to accept cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, cryptocurrency, and more through a single integration. Explore how [online payments] with Paysafe can maximize revenue and improve customer satisfaction.
Popular payment methods FAQs
What is the most popular online payment method?
Credit and debit cards remain the most popular online payment method globally, although digital wallets are rapidly gaining market share, particularly among younger consumers.
What payment methods are safe for online transactions?
All major payment methods offer robust security when processed through reputable providers like Paysafe, which employs advanced encryption and fraud prevention tools. Cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers include built-in consumer protections.
How do I decide which payment methods are right for my business?
Consider your target market, industry, and geographic regions. Using a provider such as Paysafe supports a diverse range of payment methods.
How do transaction fees compare across different payment methods?
Fees vary significantly: cards typically charge 1.5-3%, while bank transfers and ACH often have lower percentage fees.
How hard is it to integrate new payment methods into my existing checkout system?
With Paysafe’s unified API, adding new payment methods requires only minor configuration changes.
