Report shows that consumers may not be ready to embrace mobile payments at this time
Many consumer still have reservations about mobile payments, according to a new report from Walker Sands. The report shows that mobile payments are becoming more popular, but either out of 10 consumers still have doubts about the sector. Much of this doubt is centered on security. Mobile payments platforms are not typically considered the most secure option when it comes to commerce, which is why consumers, in general, tend to avoid using their mobile devices to pay for products.
Many people prefer cash, but want to make use of a digital payment platform that offers them good features
The report shows that cash remains the most favored way for consumers in the United States to pay for products, but it is on the decline. According to the report, 59% of consumers carry less than $20 on their person. Many consumers noted that they were waiting for a secure mobile payments platform, saying that they would use such a platform if it existed. Approximately 4% of consumers said that they used Apple Pay, though 18% said that the launch of the new platform made them more interested in mobile payments.
Peer-to-peer services are becoming more popular among young consumers
There is also increasing demand for peer-to-peer payment services. The report shows that nearly 50% of those between the ages of 18 and 25 want to use services that allow them to send money to their friends and colleagues. Such services could become more popular if they can offer these consumers a convenient experience.
Loyalty to singular platforms remains quite low among consumers
Notably, consumers have not yet expressed loyalty for a singular mobile payments platform. Instead, consumers are likely to move from one platform to the next in order to find features that they enjoy. While some payment platforms, such as Apple Pay, have managed to acquire a great deal of support, these platforms have not found mainstream success, as consumers are less inclined to use one platform over another for any significant period of time.
Though Apple Pay is being supported by some big-name retailers, there are still a relatively small number of vendors that use the payment service. Analysts believe that there will be relatively little change in this trend in the coming years. 