Paze still must combat entrenched consumer checkout habits with competitors like PayPal

Issuers hold the advantage of existing credit lines and post-purchase flexibility compared to fintechs, but only for existing credit cardholders, per JD Power.

Financial stress is turning everyday money management into a trust test for banks. As consumers expect real help in tough moments, fragmented tools and reactive alerts are no longer enough—forcing banks to rethink financial wellness.

The travel co-brand card market is splitting fast. Premium products are pushing upmarket as rewards debit cards pull in younger users, while AI-driven discovery is eroding loyalty—forcing issuers to rethink relevance and clarity to capture spend in 2026.

In 2026, economic uncertainty is quietly reshaping consumer payment behavior, driving shifts across cards, cash, BNPL, and emerging alternatives as households adapt how they manage spending and access liquidity.

This FAQ addresses what commerce media is, how it differs from retail media, and where growth opportunities exist for advertisers in 2026.

Trust in consumer banking varies widely in 2026. Primary banks still anchor core products. But confidence differs by generation, product, and channel, with honesty, transparency, and security shaping how consumers evaluate financial providers.

The integration of Nutmeg brings retail wealth management under its brand.

Chase’s anticipated travel and dining trends focus on experiential and novel landscapes and experiences, and continues a push for luxury in dining.

The automotive dashboard is evolving into a media hub. By 2029, 203 million connected car drivers will give advertisers access to captive audiences through AI commerce, in-vehicle ads, charging sessions, and rideshare integrations.

Banks are gradually improving speed, control, and transparency in mobile banking—but as expectations rise, incremental updates won’t cut it. Our ninth annual study reveals where real-time innovation can still set new leaders apart.

JPMorgan Chase signed updated contracts with Plaid, Yodlee, Morningstar, and Akoya, accounting for more than 95% of open banking data requests to the bank’s systems. FIs that have made no effort to securely transmit consumer data are lagging technology-forward peers in customer experience and consumer privacy and security. Without a policy nudge, it’s easy for FIs to be tempted to put open banking on the back burner—alongside the digital transformation that should have come with it.

Ascend Federal Credit Union launched a debit card-linked installment offering through a partnership with equipifi, per a press release. It’s difficult for credit unions like Ascend to compete with the top issuers on credit card programs. They lack the necessary funds and resources to launch expansive credit card rewards offerings. But they have a better chance of competing for customers’ business when it comes to debit cards. Offering perks like card-linked installments can set their programs apart and draw in customers who are looking for more flexible financing options without applying for a new credit card.

Visa and Mastercard reported strong growth in their most recent earnings. Visa’s net revenues increased 12% YoY in its Q4 2025, per its earnings release. Mastercard’s net revenues grew 17% YoY in Q3, per its earnings release. Lower-income consumers are more sensitive to tariff-induced inflation and other economic events. If lower- and medium-tier cardholders pull back on spending, their premium counterparts who are more insulated from economic pain can keep spending afloat. Issuers are following the same strategy: Citi, Chase, and American Express all launched or revamped premium cards this year.

Splitit partnered with DXC Technology, enabling affiliated banks to offer installment options at checkout for their consumers, per a press release. Expanding BNPL availability during the upcoming holiday season will be critical. In order to capture consumers’ limited spending, issuers should broaden financing options to make gift-buying more manageable and interest-free, especially for consumers with children, who are more likely to use BNPL options than any other demographic besides millennials at 46.7%, per a PYMNTS study.

Citi’s Strata Elite rollout has been pockmarked by poor customer service, per a report by The Wall Street Journal. Amex’s Platinum and Chase’s Sapphire Reserve products look increasingly desirable as competitors fumble their entrance into the premium space. To win over former Strata Elite cardholders, Amex and Chase should advertise their card portfolios’ solid customer service performance records in combination with their impressive reward packages. In addition, both issuers should highlight their cards’ travel rewards compatible with flying American Airlines. Former Citi cardholders may have joined specifically for AA frequent flier benefits, making travel rewards preferences critical for those members who might switch to a new product.

As credit card loyalty wanes, staying top-of-wallet is getting harder for issuers. Our fifth annual study dives into which emerging features will help cash-back credit card programs meet customers' growing expectations.

US ad spend with financial media will reach over $600 millions this year, according to EMARKETER forecasts, but still represent a small fraction of the commerce media landscape. "This is a really nascent space. There aren't many players that make up this cohort of financial media networks (FMNs), and they represent a really diverse array of types of financial companies," said our analyst Sarah Marzano during a recent episode of "Behind the Numbers."

The news: American Express and Toast launched a multiyear partnership to offer more personalized hospitality experiences across their combined network of Resy, Tock, and Toast restaurants locations in the US. Our take: In a highly competitive environment for POS providers, extra tie-ups can help Toast stand out in the crowded field.