Most used in-store (POS) payment methods in the U.S. 2017-2024, with 2030 forecast

Cards will remain a popular POS payment method in the United States by 2030, as credit cards account for ** percent of offline payments by then. A2A transactions will have grown slightly, now representing ***** percent of the market share. Using a debit card is expected to be less common. Mobile wallets will have an increase market share to ***percent, reflecting their growing acceptance among consumers. 

Why do payment methods matter?

One of the major functions of a currency is a means of exchanging goods and services. In the increasingly digital era, cash payments are becoming less common in most markets. The smartphone has revolutionized the convenience and security of digital payments, as have other technological changes in point-of-sale units. For merchants and financial institutions, knowing which payment instruments will dominate can prepare them to handle future transactions.

Traditional payment options

While digital methods, such as digital or mobile wallets, have become more common, the number of credit cards does not seem to be declining significantly. This is in part because these wallets use a credit or debit card to facilitate the transactions. As such, these payment methods are likely to remain common, at least in this capacity. The purely digital options, known as cryptocurrencies, are currently constrained by such factors as lack of governmental supervision or lengthy transaction times, keeping them from becoming more popular.