The world of digital payments is undergoing an accelerated transformation. The combination of advanced technology, regulatory changes, and new consumer expectations is redefining how we interact with money. By 2026, digital payments will not only be faster and more secure but also smarter, invisible, and personalized.
In this article, we’ll explore the key trends that will define the future of digital payments, how they will impact customer experience, and what businesses need to do to adapt and lead this evolution.
1. Massive adoption of digital wallets and mobile payments
Digital wallets will become the preferred method for millions of users worldwide. Platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay will continue to grow, alongside local and regional solutions.
Why it matters
- It’s estimated that over 60% of the global population will use digital wallets by 2026.
- Integration with IoT devices: cars paying at gas stations, appliances making automatic purchases.
- Frictionless experience: payment becomes a fast and secure process, without manually entering data thanks to technologies like Click to Pay, which enables one-click payments from any device.
Impact on businesses Merchants that don’t offer mobile payment options will lose competitiveness. The key will be integrating multiple wallets and local methods to serve different markets.
At Evertec, as leaders in payment solutions in Latin America, we already incorporate functionalities like Click to Pay into our platforms, offering merchants a faster and more secure experience for their customers.
2. AI and biometrics for safer payments
Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be the cornerstone of security in digital payments. Anti-fraud systems will evolve into predictive models that analyze millions of data points in milliseconds.
Key highlights
- Biometric authentication: fingerprint, facial, and voice recognition as standard in e-commerce and banking.
- Smart algorithms: real-time detection of anomalous patterns to prevent fraud before it happens.
- Frictionless security: advanced protection without sacrificing user convenience.
Notable innovation Passkey authentication will replace traditional passwords with encrypted credentials, reducing risks and simplifying access.
At Evertec, we integrate these technologies to ensure every transaction is secure and meets the highest international standards.
3. Invisible payments and embedded experiences
Payments will stop being an explicit action and become invisible processes integrated into apps and devices.
Practical examples
- Agentic commerce: virtual assistants that shop and pay for you (AI integrated with payment platforms).
- Embedded payments: transactions within non-financial apps (social networks, travel platforms).
- Smart subscriptions: automatic renewals based on user behavior.
Why it matters Customers don’t want to “pay”; they want seamless experiences. Brands that integrate invisible payments will improve conversion and loyalty. That’s why it’s essential to develop solutions that enable invisible payments within digital ecosystems, delivering frictionless experiences for users and businesses.
4. Blockchain and digital currencies (CBDCs)
Payment infrastructure will shift toward blockchain rails to reduce costs and accelerate settlements.
Key trends
- Instant cross-border payments: faster and more affordable international transfers.
- Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs): a secure, regulated alternative to private cryptocurrencies.
- Smart contracts: automated payments in commercial agreements.
Impact on the financial sector Greater transparency, fewer intermediaries, and new opportunities for global services.
5. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and flexible financing
The BNPL model will continue to grow, especially in e-commerce and retail.
Why it will thrive
- Integration with digital wallets: deferred payments through mobile platforms.
- Loyalty programs: discounts and benefits for recurring users.
- Stricter regulation: transparency to prevent over-indebtedness.
Benefit for merchants Higher average ticket size and improved conversion, especially for high-value products.
6. Automated, frictionless B2B payments
Digitalization impacts not only consumers but also businesses.
Key points for 2026
- Electronic invoicing: integration with ERP systems for automatic reconciliation.
- Invisible payments in management platforms: reducing errors and administrative time.
- Full automation: from invoice issuance to payment settlement.
Result Greater operational efficiency and reduced costs in financial processes.
7. Hyper-personalized experiences
AI will enable payments tailored to the customer’s context.
How it works
- Payment method recommendations based on history and location.
- Dynamic offers in real time during checkout.
- Advanced segmentation to boost conversion and loyalty.
Competitive advantage Unique experiences that increase satisfaction and reduce cart abandonment.
8. Regulation and global standards
As digital payments grow, regulation will become stricter.
Key aspects
- Data protection: compliance with regulations like GDPR and PCI DSS.
- Fraud prevention: global standards for authentication and monitoring.
- Interoperability: international agreements to facilitate cross-border payments.
Impact Companies will need to invest in technology and processes to meet these requirements without compromising customer experience.
Conclusion
The future of digital payments in 2026 will be defined by advanced security, invisible experiences, global interoperability, and extreme personalization. Companies that embrace these trends will not only enhance customer experience but also gain efficiency and competitiveness in an increasingly digital market.
At Evertec, we lead this evolution in Latin America by incorporating technologies like Click to Pay for agile payments and Passkey for secure authentication, along with innovative solutions that connect merchants and consumers in a smarter, more reliable financial ecosystem.
