Sample Report: Western Europe Online Payment Methods Market Trends, Consumer Adoption, and Growth Forecasts 2025

Hamburg-based market research firm yStats.com has unveiled its latest report revealing the rapid evolution of online payments in Western Europe. Titled “Western Europe Online Payment Methods Market Trends, Consumer Adoption, and Growth Forecasts 2025,” the report details how digital wallets, local schemes, and security concerns are reshaping the way Europeans pay online. It highlights regional differences in adoption rates and uncovers how generational behavior and infrastructure development are shaping future payment preferences.

April

2025

Online Payment

Description

Region: Europe

Countries: United Kingdom (UK), France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Austria. Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Portugal, Ireland

‍Pages: 184

Publication Date: 03.04.2025

Questions Covered in the report:

In 2024, what share of consumers in the UK used digital wallets weekly?
How did card payments compare to digital wallets in Germany in 2023 and 2024?
How willing were Generation Z consumers in Spain to try new online payment methods in 2024?
What payment method dominated online transactions in the Netherlands in 2024?
What percentage of Western European consumers prioritized security when choosing an online payment method in 2024?

Key Findings:

Digital Wallets and Pay by Bank Gain Ground: yStats.com Reveals 2025 Online Payment Trends in Western Europe

Digital Wallets Expand Amid Generational Shift and Convenience Demand

Across Western Europe, digital wallets are gaining popularity, particularly among younger demographics. In Germany and the UK, over 20% of consumers used digital wallets weekly in 2024. France and Italy show steady growth in wallet use, despite many consumers still preferring card-based options. The widespread appeal of convenience, speed, and mobile accessibility has led to increasing wallet adoption across countries, although overall usage remains varied depending on local infrastructure and brand familiarity.

Card Payments Remain Strong as Contactless Becomes Standard

Despite the growth of alternative methods, card payments continue to dominate across Western Europe. In the UK, card payments accounted for over 60% of all transactions in 2023, with projections rising to over 65% by 2033. Contactless transactions are surging, especially in countries like Germany and France, where consumers favor quick, frictionless experiences. National card schemes such as Girocard in Germany and Cartes Bancaires in France remain widely trusted. While Pay by Bank and BNPL options grow in visibility, cards remain essential due to their security, reliability, and established user habits.

Security and Cost Rank as Top Priorities in Payment Method Selection

In 2024, security and cost were consistently cited as the most important factors when selecting an online payment method. In the UK, the majority of consumers prioritized security, followed by cost-effectiveness. France and Germany echoed these concerns, with additional emphasis placed on brand trust and ease of use. In the Netherlands, Pay by Bank saw high monthly usage due to its strong integration with digital banking systems and zero-fee structure, while Spain led in openness to trying new payment innovations, particularly among Generation Z.

Access the Full Report

Gain deeper insights into Western Europe’s evolving digital payment ecosystem by accessing the full report, “Western Europe Online Payment Methods Market Trends, Consumer Adoption, and Growth Forecasts 2025.” For media inquiries, contact Press@ystats.com.

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Table of Content:

1. Key Takeaways

2. Management Summary

3. UK

3.1. Online Payment Method Trends

• Overview of Online Payment Methods and Consumer Preferences, March 2025

• Payment Method Usage Frequency in Instant Economy, in % of Consumers, 2024

• Top Reasons for Using a Credit Card Online, in % of Credit Card Users, 2024

• Important Factors When Trying New Online Payment Methods, in %, 2024

• Share of Generation Z (Ages 18-29) Willing to Try New Online Payment Methods, in %, 2024

• Willingness to Try Pay by Bank for Online Payments, in % of Respondents, 2024

• Features That Make Pay by Bank Appealing to Consumers, in % Respondents, 2024

• Factors Influencing Consumers' Preferences When Selecting an Online Payment Method, in %, 2024

• Share of Adults Using Selected Payment Methods for Online Purchases, by Payment Method, in %, 2024

• Share of BNPL Usage Among Adults in Comparison to Europe, in %, 2024

• Share of Adults Using Buy Now Pay Later Services, in %, 2022 and 2023

3.2. Payment Infrastructure & Transaction Volume

• Cards Transaction Value, in USD trillion, 2023 & 2027f

• Total Payments via Faster Payments and Remote Banking, in billions, 2023 & 2033f

• Total Debit Card Payments, in billions, 2023 & 2033f

• Contactless Debit and Credit Card Payment Volume, in billions, 2023 & 2033f

• Bacs Direct Credit Payment Volume, in billions, 2023 & 2033f

• Direct Debit Payment Volume, in billions, 2023 & 2033f

• Share of Card Payments (Debit and Credit), in %, 2023 & 2033f

• Share of Payments Made via Contactless Debit and Credit Cards, in %, 2033f

• Share of Adults Using Online vs Mobile Banking, in %, 2023

4. France

4.1. Online Payment Methods: Usage & Emerging Trends

• Overview of Online Payment Methods and Consumer Preferences, March 2025

• Share of Online Payment Methods Used by Online Shoppers, in %, 2024

• Payment Method Usage Frequency in Instant Economy, in % of Consumers, 2024

• Top Reasons for Using a Credit Card Online, in % of Credit Card Users, 2024

• Top Reasons for Using a Credit Card Online Among Adults Aged 60+, in % of Respondents, 2024

• Factors Influencing Consumers' Pref. When Selecting an Online Payment Method, in %, 2024

• Share of Generation Z (Ages 18-29) Willing to Try New Online Payment Methods, in %, 2024

• Share of BNPL Usage Among Adults in Comparison to Europe, in %, 2024

• Willingness to Try Pay by Bank for Online Payments, in % of Respondents, 2024

• Features That Make Pay by Bank Appealing to Consumers, in % Respondents, 2024

• Share of Respondents Familiar With Pay by Bank, in % of Respondents, 2024

• Share of Respondents Who Have Never Used Pay by Bank Online, in %, 2024

• Share of Adults Somewhat Familiar with Pay by Bank, Aged 18-29 and 60+, in %, 2024

4.2. Market Context & Payment Infrastructure

• Cards Transaction Value, in USD billion, 2024 & 2028f

• Share of 18-24-Year-Olds Using Contactless Debit Cards, in %, 2023

• Share of 18-24-Year-Olds Using Mobile Payment Services, in %, 2023

• E-Commerce Market Value, in EUR billion, 2022 & 2023

5. Germany

5.1. Online Payment Methods: Usage & Consumer Preferences

• Overview of Online Payment Methods and Consumer Preferences, March 2025

• E-Commerce Payment Methods by Revenue Share, in %, 2023

• Payment Method Usage Frequency in Instant Economy, in % of Consumers, 2024

• Share of Generation Z (ages 18-29) Willing to Try New Online Payment Methods, in %, 2024

• Share of Young Adults Aged 18-29 Using Pay by Bank Daily or Weekly, in %, 2024

• Willingness to Try Pay by Bank for Online Payments, in % of Respondents, 2024

• Features That Make Pay by Bank Appealing to Consumers, in % Respondents, 2024

• Share of BNPL Usage Among Adults in Comparison to Europe, in %, 2024

• Top Reasons for Using a Credit Card Online, in % of Credit Card Users, 2024

• Factors Influencing Consumers' Prefrences When Selecting an Online Payment Method, in %, 2024

5.2. E-Commerce & Payment Infrastructure

• E-Commerce Market Value, in USD billion, 2023 & 2027f

• Breakdown of Payment Methods by Type, in %, 2023

• Cards Transaction Value, in USD billion, 2023 & 2027f

• Breakdown of Card Schemes by Market Share, in %, 2023

6. Spain Online Payment Methods: Usage, Preferences & Adoption