Credit/Debit Cards Globally Lead Online Payment Preferences with Over 40% Usage While Digital Wallets Come in Second With Over 20% in 2024

yStats.com has released its latest report, Global Payments Market Report 2025: Trends, Adoption, & the Future of Digital Transactions, offering a comprehensive analysis of global payment trends, consumer adoption, and the technological advancements shaping the future of digital transactions. The report examines the increasing shift towards non-cash payments, the expansion of digital wallets, the role of AI in fraud prevention and payment optimization, and the growing influence of cryptocurrency.

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Global Digital Payments Surge, Set to Exceed USD 3 Trillion by 2028  

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The payments industry continues its rapid transformation, with revenue and transaction volume experiencing significant growth worldwide. By 2028, global payments revenue is projected to surpass USD 3 trillion, with Asia-Pacific leading the market, accounting for nearly 50% of global payments revenue. The volume of non-cash transactions is expected to rise at over +10% CAGR from 2023, reaching nearly 3 trillion transactions by 2028.

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Instant Payments and Digital Wallets Gain Traction in Global Transactions

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Instant payments are forecasted to increase from over 15% in 2023 to over 20% of global transaction volume by 2028, reducing reliance on traditional methods. Digital wallets continue to lead global transaction growth, with over 60% year-over-year increase in Q3 2023. Meanwhile, credit cards remain dominant, with over 75% of businesses accepting them in 2024.

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Cryptocurrency Adoption Rises, Surpassing 560 Million Users in 2024

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Cryptocurrency adoption has surged, with global crypto ownership rising by over +30% year-over-year, surpassing 560 million users in 2024. Blockchain-based payments and DeFi are driving financial innovation, with over 60% of surveyed respondents in 2023 expressing interest in making payments using digital currencies.

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AI Strengthens Fraud Prevention, Saves Billions in Payment Security

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Financial institutions are increasingly investing in AI-driven fraud detection. Visa’s Advanced Authorization model prevents nearly USD 30 billion in fraud annually, while Mastercard’s AI-based solutions improve fraud detection accuracy by up to 300%. AI is also optimizing payment experiences, increasing transaction success rates for platforms like Adyen.

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