In the dynamic realm of digital payments, where innovation is the norm and change is constant, November 2023 unfolds a tapestry of trends reshaping how we engage with financial transactions. Each trend introduces a layer of convenience, efficiency, and security, heralding a new era in the world of finance. Let us delve into the prominent digital payment trends defining this month.

1. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)

The landscape of shopping experiences has undergone a paradigm shift with the advent of BNPL services. The statistics speak volumes, with approximately 360mln global users currently leveraging BNPL, a figure set to soar to 900mln by 2027. This short-term financing model allows users to make immediate purchases and defer payments to a later date, presenting an attractive option with its low cost and flexible payback structure. With ongoing innovations in BNPL packages, it is poised to become a go-to method, potentially challenging traditional credit establishment.

2. Influx of Mobile Wallets

Mobile wallets have emerged as stalwarts in the digital payment arena, serving as virtual counterparts to physical wallets. These applications, such as Monevium, a secure, technology-led application which offers real-time access to account activity, virtual and physical cards for ease of making payments, and an IBAN account to facilitate easier and more efficient cross-border activity, are currently paving the way toward a fully cashless society in which all transactions, whether in person or online, are now easier and safer than ever.

3. Contactless Payments

With technological strides, contactless payments have become a significant trend, allowing users to make transactions by simply waving their smartphones. The onset of the 2020 lockdowns in many western countries further fueled the adoption of contactless payments, driven by the governments having mandated rules within shops for physical contact. The removal of PINs in favour of contactless options and the instantaneous flow of encrypted data have contributed to the steady rise of this payment method, with technology giants like Samsung introducing their versions of contactless payment systems.

4. Increasing Demand for Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS)

The rise of mPOS signifies a revolutionary shift in payment methods, enabling businesses to transcend traditional cash-centric models. This technology empowers businesses to accept payments at diverse venues, from concerts to food trucks, providing flexibility and agility. Predictions indicate that between 2020 and 2026, mPOS will witness substantial growth, with a projected CAGR of around 19%. The decentralised nature of mPOS terminals reduces reliance on centralised checkout counters, enhancing the overall payment process.

5. Biometric Authentication

Security takes centre stage with the ascent of biometric authentication in digital payments. Utilising unique biological traits such as fingerprints, facial scans, and iris scans, biometric authentication ensures secure online transactions. Monevium's two-factor authentication exemplifies this trend, guaranteeing the safety of funds. The precision, efficiency, and safety offered by biometric authentication position it as a potential standard for all electronic transactions, mitigating identity theft and fraud risks.

6. Decentralisation

Challenging conventional banking systems, the trend toward diversifying digital payment methods gains momentum through Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers. ACH, once monopolising digital payments due to its cost-effectiveness, faces competition as real-time payments (RTP) become more viable. This shift addresses issues such as transaction fees and security, presenting businesses and consumers with alternatives that were once considered unattainable.

In the symphony of November 2023's digital payment trends, evolution is a hot topic, offering users unprecedented choices, heightened security, and a glimpse into the future of financial transactions.

Monevium Ltd is a company registered in the UK under company number 10251711 and is authorised by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority under Firm Reference Number 766038.