How AI is Transforming Payments From the Inside Out

Artificial intelligence is no longer on the horizon. It is here, reshaping the payments landscape in ways that extend well beyond efficiency gains. Businesses that embrace AI today are setting themselves apart, while those that do not risk falling behind.

According to Worldpay’s 2025 Merchant Insider Report, 98% of small businesses now use AI tools, and 40% have already adopted generative AI — double the rate from last year. For 72% of business executives, software innovation is not just a strategy but a requirement for survival.

‍

Where AI Is Driving Change

Worldpay for Platforms highlights five areas where AI is already making a measurable impact:

1. Turning declines into approvals.

AI minimizes false declines by validating transactions instantly. With 56% of U.S. consumers reporting at least one false decline in the past three months, real-time AI approval systems help merchants protect revenue and customer trust.

2. Automating manual admin.

From invoice matching to reconciliation, AI reduces resource-heavy tasks by predicting approvals, flagging errors, and streamlining back-office functions — particularly valuable in SaaS platforms serving complex industries.

3. Defending against AI-driven fraud.

As fraudsters weaponize AI, legacy defenses can’t keep up. Smarter AI-driven fraud detection monitors thousands of signals in real time, while also strengthening compliance and due diligence.

4. Embedding solutions at the right moment.

AI tailors recommendations and workflows based on user behavior, delivering contextual, real-time personalization that has been shown to boost engagement and loyalty by 25%.

5. Accelerating onboarding.

AI-enabled onboarding reduces friction and gets merchants live faster, ensuring that support, systems, and data integrate seamlessly from the start.

‍

Preparing for the Next Phase

To succeed with AI in payments, businesses must take a holistic approach:

• Build systems with embedded controls to meet PCI DSS, GDPR, and evolving regulations
• Partner with providers who offer proven AI models and measurable ROI
• Align teams around AI adoption with clear goals and ongoing refinement

Worldpay predicts that over the next five years, AI will streamline operations, accelerate growth, and deliver more personalized, secure customer experiences. With global spending on AI projected to nearly triple from $35 billion to $97 billion by 2027, the time to act is now.

Software-led platforms that embed AI into their core strategy will lead the payments industry forward, unlocking faster, smarter, and safer experiences for merchants and consumers alike.

‍‍

Payment Solutions with Kubera Payments

At Kubera Payments, we help businesses across North America move millions of dollars daily, whether in-store, online, or on mobile. Our team of payment experts is here to guide you through the complexities of payment processing, ensuring your transactions are secure, reliable, and PCI-compliant. We have strong relationships with a wide network of acquirers and can help you find the right front-end and technology solutions to work together.

Get expert advice on optimizing your payments.

Contact our team at sales@kuberapayments.com or 604-484-9278

‍

‍