Our top-performing articles explored recent changes in AI commerce, consumer shopping changes, travel and dining trends, and Gen Z’s credit card preferences. Here’s a look back at the five most popular stories from January to present.

1. How payment providers should react to OpenAI's walkback

The trend: OpenAI pivoted from an in-chat checkout feature like Instant Checkout to a solution where consumers check out via third-party app plug-ins.

The implications for payment providers: As OpenAI shrinks its agentic commerce ambitions, competitors like Perplexity and Copilot may move forward with in-chat options that place them closer to consumers’ new discovery phase. 

2. Consumer shopping is up—but they're shopping less

The trend: Consumer spending in 2025 was pushed up by higher ticket sizes, while frequency of baskets slumped.

The implications for merchants: The cost of living has risen, forcing consumers to reevaluate their shopping habits. To grab shoppers’ attention, merchants should make a play for value. Offering incentives can coax spending out of cautious consumers.

3. Chase serves up predictions for 2026 travel and dining fads

The trend: Chase anticipated that road trips, travel destinations to nature, and event-driven entertainment would surge this year.

The implications for payment providers: To capture more Gen Z travel spend, issuers should make sure to offer card-linked installments for younger travelers looking to budget out their adventure. Setting aside budget for experiential marketing connected to relevant entertainment and sporting moments also can connect with these audiences.

4. American Express reveals millennial, Gen Z travel desires

The trend: Young consumers are looking for authenticity in their travel experiences across food, adventurous outings, and skill-building opportunities.

The implications for payment providers: While young travelers have the urge to travel, macroeconomic conditions may make it difficult for them to afford trips. Advertising underexplored local, regional, and national adventures can help meet the needs of eager adventurers. 

5. Gen Zers are entering their credit card era

The trend: Gen Zers are opening up just as many credit cards as other generations despite access to a much broader array of payment methods, per FICO data.

The implications for issuers: Gen Zers need to be reminded of issuers’ superior rewards to fend off poaching from fintechs. At the same time, baking in budgeting features that promote safe spending habits can help issuers migrate this generation to credit, as many Gen Zers lean on debit for spending safety.

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