Proximity mobile payments are on a growth tear, driven by strong spend per user. Here’s how providers are using wallet integration and new features to make proximity payments stickier.

In the third of five reports in our “Payments Ecosystem 2024” collection, we unpack how the lines between POS hardware and software are disappearing as providers push the innovation envelope.

Payment networks provide the infrastructure (rails) through which funds flow between payers and recipients. They come in different flavors based on settlement speed, supported transaction types, costs, and operational hours.

Acquirers, networks, and issuers each play distinct roles in the payments purchasing chain. But those roles are shifting as providers adapt to the rise of software and value-added services, increased payment method choice, and cloud-based innovation.

If approved by regulators—and that’s a big “if”—this merger could change what large lenders consider possible

To overcome account opening headwinds, credit card marketers can explore credit card subscriptions, net worth data collection, and wallet-first cardholder experiences.

After facing regulatory scrutiny for some major missteps, it plans to focus on other areas of business—and that’s one less lender in the shrinking student loan market.

Showing card account info takes away an important touchpoint for banks and puts Apple at the center of the relationship

Leading cash-back credit cards need to drive acquisition in an increasingly competitive segment of the card market. Our exclusive consumer survey data reveals which emerging features issuers should invest in to win over customers.

The card network is hoping rewards will be enough to finally make inroads in the debit card industry

Record-high debt and record-high card interest rates are leading to missed payments

But as macro economic headwinds continue, card networks may start cutting into the rewards that are bringing them this spend.

High inflation and growing interest rates are putting the credit card industry in a precarious position. As 2023 progresses, issuers and networks will rethink their strategies and marketing schemes to protect their bottom lines.

Economic uncertainty and rapid technological innovation are shifting industry dynamics for players across the payments ecosystem, including acquirers and processors, networks, and issuers.

Despite slower spending growth, both companies managed to pull in more customers—positioning them well in the long term.

This year will be a litmus test for trying new things. Payments incumbents that embrace change on their own terms will emerge stronger than before.

Invigorated travel has reestablished demand for travel credit card perks and benefits. But a recession could reverse gains—requiring premium card issuers to balance travel offerings with everyday utility. This second annual study reveals which of 10 leading premium travel credit cards are best positioned to attract and engage customers, based on their support of 49 emerging features.

The $11 trillion US payment card network is developing new strategies to turn threats from fintechs, homegrown networks, and rising regulatory scrutiny into growth opportunities.

By 2026, nearly 30% of US consumers’ average retail spending (excluding food and beverage sales and ticketing) will be made using proximity mobile payments, as providers look to build on the pandemic-driven adoption of the technology.

Rohit Chopra’s proposed punishments for recidivists range from loss of FDIC coverage to breakups.