Payment Choice Now Shapes Where Customers Decide to Shop
Payment Options Now Influence Where People Shop
Payment used to be treated as the final step in an online sale. Today, it plays a role in whether the sale happens at all. According to PYMNTS Intelligence research conducted with PayPal, 70% of consumers say the availability of their preferred payment methods affects where they choose to shop. That makes payment choice an important part of attracting and keeping customers.
Why Checkout Matters More Than Ever
The research shows checkout taking on a bigger job than processing a payment. It is becoming the point where a business can see what a customer wants, close the sale and lay the groundwork for a return visit. Payment options, security, saved details and rewards can all come together at this one step. When checkout works well, it supports the whole customer relationship, not just one purchase.
Shoppers Expect Speed and Familiar Options
Convenience is now a deciding factor for many shoppers. 84% say one-click checkout is important when choosing where to shop, and 80% use stored credentials. Another 67% rely on vaults (securely stored payment details) to check out faster. Customers want options they already know, like digital wallets, debit and buy now, pay later, presented in a way that feels relevant without overwhelming them.
Security Without Slowing Customers Down
Authentication is moving in the same direction. 51% of consumers have recently used biometric methods, such as fingerprint or face recognition, and 62% of merchants show high interest in biometric authentication. Passkeys and app-based verification are also becoming more common. These tools help keep transactions protected without asking customers to go through long sign-in processes.
Merchants Are Paying Attention
Interest in improving checkout is widespread. 94% of merchants say they are very or extremely interested in at least one innovation that makes checkout and payments smoother. The challenge is turning that interest into a setup that is flexible, secure and easy for customers to use again. For many businesses, the first step is making sure the payment methods customers prefer are available.
The Next Phase of Shopping Is Taking Shape
Shopping is becoming more automated, with AI agents starting to help consumers find, compare and buy products. Only about 1 in 5 businesses currently keep 80% or more of their product catalogue in a format these tools can read. That gap is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity for businesses that prepare early. Even when customers find products through other channels, checkout is still a moment a business owns directly.
Building Checkout Around the Customer
The bigger picture is encouraging for businesses. There is no need to anticipate every shift in how people will shop. Businesses can start by making checkout faster, more flexible and more secure, giving customers a reason to come back. Those that bring payment choice, speed and security together will be better positioned to turn a first purchase into a long-term relationship.
More Than a Transaction
Payments don't stop when a transaction is approved. When issues arise, businesses need real support, fast answers, and teams that take ownership.
Kubera provides payment infrastructure backed by real support and accountability.
- No automated phone tree
- End-to-end issue ownership
- Continuity of support
Contact our team at sales@kuberapayments.com or 604-484-9278
A recommended payments partner of the BC Chamber of Commerce
Find out what you are actually paying
Send us a recent statement. We read it line by line and come back within 1 to 2 business days with exactly what you are paying and whether the structure matches how you run. No obligation, just numbers.
Built for businesses that expect more from their payment systems.