Digital wallets were gaining ground well before COVID-19 struck, but the pandemic accelerated their uptake as people prioritized contactless transactions. As well as offering a more hygienic way to make purchases, how might these tools enable Americans to make the most of their money?

As people recalibrate their outgoings to manage rising costs, alternative payment options continue to rise in popularity. ‘Buy now, pay later’ platforms are being built into strategies for coping with household costs, but as the need for such services grows, people are becoming cautious of the unknown consequences of new types of credit. With financing options proliferating, there’s an expectation for brands to regulate against any dangers on the horizon.

Leveraging QR technology to create a frictionless customer experience, a new multilateral program allows people to pay seamlessly across borders. After a pandemic-induced boom in frictionless shopping, people are looking for seamless purchasing journeys at home and abroad.

Whole Foods stores in the US will soon allow customers to pay via the Amazon One palm payment system. As biometric payment options gain traction around the globe, this launch sparks questions about the privacy of consumers who want more convenient retail experiences without giving up their safety.