The global payment processing solution market size was valued at USD 48.61 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach USD 151.94 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 13.5% during the forecast period (2023-2031).
A payment processing solution is a process or service that automates the transaction of payments among retailers and merchants. These processing solutions process, verify, accept, or decline online payments or point of sale (PoS) transactions through a secured internet connection. Businesses that offer credit or debit card payment options to their clients require a payment processing service provider that will assist them in crediting the funds to their bank accounts. To make the payment process efficient and seamless for the merchants and customers, they work together with all parties involved. The people who provide payment processing services carry out the various steps needed, from transaction settlement to authentication. They ensure that all non-paper money transactions result in the merchants receiving their money in their bank accounts. Credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, and other payment methods are frequently used in these transactions. Companies known as payment processors serve as a bridge between merchants, customers, and financial institutions that handle transaction processing. They play a significant role in the global financial system.
With the emergence of net banking, smart cards, and mobile payments, among others disrupting legacy business models, payment processing solutions are projected to witness a massive technological transformation. In July 2019, ICICI Bank (India) announced the launch of InstaBIZ, a digital platform curated for MSMEs and self-employed customers. With this, MSMEs can access transactions' on the go' without visiting a bank branch, which would enable customers to undertake business banking transactions instantly and digitally. The rapid adoption of technological advancements such as Near Field Communication (NFC), mobile PoS, and real-time payment methods is expected to drive the demand for payment processing solutions during the forecast period
A 10% growth rate for Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is anticipated through 2028 as a result of increasing internet penetration. More retailers are able to sell their products online as internet usage rises. SMEs utilize payment processing solutions to give their customers flexibility when making online purchases. By eliminating duplication in online payment methods, payment processing solutions assist these retailers in optimizing their operations.
Cyber security is among the top concerns of internet users, along with rising cases of online payment fraud. In November 2022, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs published data regarding online payment fraud, which has increased by 34% between the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2022. 67.9% of all cybercrime was committed through online financial fraud. Another type of growing financial theft is SIM switch, debit, and credit card fraud. Therefore, such rising cases can slow down the global market.
Financial institutions, the epicenter of the payment processing industry, are experiencing an unheard-of rate of change. Many regional banks and credit unions will be looking into ways to strengthen their strained resources as an increasing number of these organizations feel the pressure of industry regulations, low fees and revenue, and the intrusion of alternative banking providers. The evolving spending patterns of their cardholders will also be a factor in the changing processing payments landscape. Now that EMV chip card technology is widely used, consumers have higher expectations for the card security measures taken by their issuing bank because they are more knowledgeable about preventing credit and debit card fraud. These buying habits have grown to encompass a variety of transaction platforms, such as mobile and wireless applications, which in turn require safe and seamless processing that will keep up with the most recent developments in payment technologies.
| Study Period | 2019-2031 | CAGR | 13.5% |
| Historical Period | 2019-2021 | Forecast Period | 2023-2031 |
| Base Year | 2022 | Base Year Market Size | USD 48.61 Billion |
| Forecast Year | 2031 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 151.94 Billion |
| Largest Market | North America | Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
The global Payment processing solution market is bifurcated into four regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
North America region is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period because of the presence of major market players in the region. The region is a leader in retail, banking, and other industry verticals. Moreover, North America is an early adopter of technological advancements that accelerate the use of digital transactions in the region. Improvements in transaction processes, such as reducing card processing and maintaining charges, are expected to drive the demand for payment processing solutions in North America. For instance, in April 2019, Payroc LLC launched card brand-compliant RewardPay surcharge and Cashrewards cash discount programs designed to help merchants reduce or eliminate card processing fees and avoid penalties associated with non-compliance. With this solution, merchants could virtually eliminate card processing fees by 60–90%.
Europe is expected to witness significant growth in the global market during the forecast period 2023-2031. Europe aims to be a single digital market, which entails the decentralization of financial services and stringent security regulations. According to Adyen, Swiss, Belgian, Irish, Dutch, and German shoppers are increasingly purchasing goods across borders. On account of this cross-border purchase of products, Europe's online retail market is growing exponentially. Additionally, according to the European Central Bank, card payments in the European Union accounted for 52% of the total number of non-cash payments, with credit and debit transfers accounting for 24% and 19%, respectively.
Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at an accelerated pace in the payment processing solution market during the forecast period. The increasing use of smartphones and the internet fuels the demand for payment processing solutions. Additionally, the penetration of market players into the region's marketplace further drives the need for payment processing solutions. For instance, in July 2019, PayU, a Naspers fintech firm, entered Southeast Asia with the acquisition of Red Dot Payment with more than 600 million consumers and rapidly growing access to the internet in the region. Naspers is famous for its payment and fintech businesses in markets such as India, Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe. In a study conducted by digital payments company PhonePe and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), it was found that by FY26, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) would account for 73% of all digital payment volumes in India, with the country's digital payment market expected to grow more than triple to $10 trillion.
The LAMEA region is expected to witness moderate growth in the global payment processing solution mobility market during the forecast period. According to a survey conducted in June by payments solutions provider Checkout.com, more than 50 percent of UAE consumers now use digital wallets. Digital wallets could result in a cashless society in ten years, according to about 48% of survey respondents. Increasing internet penetration in South America will propel the growth of e-wallets in the region throughout the forecast period.
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The global payment processing solution market is segmented by payment method and application
Based on payment method, the global market is bifurcated into credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets.
The credit card segment is the largest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period. At present, customers prefer credit card or debit card payment methods with the advent of interconnected banking and credit card processing networks, which have drastically accelerated the purchase rate in the market. For instance, in July 2019, OPEN, an SME-focused neo-banking platform, announced a strategic partnership with Visa to launch innovative products such as business credit cards for SMEs, payment gateway acquiring, and real-time payments. This partnership would enable the companies to co-create and innovate solutions for credit, expense management, and payment processing for small-scale businesses.
The e-wallet segment is expected to witness a higher CAGR. The adoption of e-wallets is largely driven by the rising global adoption of smartphones and laptops. Over the course of the forecast period, growth opportunities for the segment are anticipated to be brought on by the convenience and faster payment processing of these e-wallets. The growth of the e-wallet market is also being fueled by the emergence of numerous e-commerce platforms around the world.
Based on the application, the global market is bifurcated into IT and telecommunications, retail, hospitality industry, and media and entertainment.
The hospitality industry segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period. It includes lodging, event planning, food and drink service, transportation, theme parks, cruise line, and other areas within the tourism industry. Thus, to streamline business processes, mobile payment solutions are gaining popularity in the hospitality industry. For instance, in September 2019, RoomKeyPMS announced the launch of RoomKeyPMS Payments, a product designed to offer hotel-centric solutions to streamline the entire payment process for hoteliers.
The retail segment is expected to grow at a significant rate. Vendors are concentrating on offering specialized solutions for retail payment processing that let retailers offer a variety of transaction options at the point of sale. Retailers can improve their customer service by offering secure, quick, and effective checkouts. Retailers are also widely implementing these solutions to have total visibility of overpayment transactions.
