Top alternative payment methods in 2026

Alternative payment methods (APMs) are winning over global customers, competing with traditional options in accessibility, security, and convenience. By 2028, APMs are expected to represent 58% of all e-commerce transactions.

In this article, we explore the top alternative options in 2026, where they are growing, and which businesses gain the most from offering them.

Account-to-account payments

Account-to-account (A2A) payments transfer money directly from the customer’s bank account to the merchant without relying on card networks. Many A2A methods now use instant payment rails, allowing digital transactions to be processed in seconds. Pay by Bank is one of the most popular examples of A2A payments in Europe.

• Where is it popular? A2A payments are expanding globally, supported by open banking and developing instant payment infrastructure. In Europe, Pay by Bank adoption is growing alongside SEPA Instant, while the UK has Faster Payments. Other major bank-based payment systems include Pix in Brazil, UPI in India and PayNow in Singapore.

• Why do customers prefer it? There’s no need to manually enter card details. Customers can authorise digital payments through their banking or payment app, often using a PIN or biometrics. With instant payment rails, they also get confirmation within seconds.

• Which businesses should offer it? Anybody who prioritises immediate access to funds, faster order fulfilment and lower chargeback risks – especially Gaming and iGaming platforms, as well as e-commerce marketplaces.

Digital wallets

Digital wallets let customers store payment details or maintain a balance in an app and use it to pay online without entering their payment information for every purchase. They range from global options like Apple Pay and Google Pay to regional wallets and super-apps such as WeChat Pay.

• Where is it popular? Globally. According to recent research, the number of digital wallet users worldwide has surpassed 5.2 billion.

• Why do customers prefer it? Wallets make checkout quick and convenient, especially on mobile. Payment details are already stored or linked to the wallet, so users can pay with just a few taps instead of manually entering card information.

• Which businesses should offer it? Basically, every business that targets a mobile-first audience: smartphone games, online casinos and betting, e-commerce marketplaces and digital content providers.

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)

BNPL services like Klarna, Afterpay, and Zip let users split purchases into flexible, interest-free instalments. They are especially popular among millennial and Gen Z shoppers.

• Where is it popular? Across Europe, Australia, and North America. In LATAM – via Mercado Pago’s cuotas feature.

• Why do customers prefer it? BNPL solutions are popular because they let users afford costly items they might otherwise pass on.

• Which businesses should offer it? Fashion, electronics, home goods, travel, and luxury retail – in other words, businesses with high average order value.

Cash-based vouchers

Cash-based solutions bridge the gap between online and offline worlds, letting customers pay for online purchases in cash.

• Where is it popular? In Asia and Latin America. The most popular cash-based options in LATAM are OXXO, Boleto Bancário, and Pago Efectivo. In Asia, сustomers can use cash-based vouchers in convenience stores. For example, Konbini payments via 7-Eleven terminals are widespread in Japan.

• Why do customers prefer it? Because of security, anonymity, and better budget control. Users choose this payment method when they can’t or don’t want to use cards, or when they want to limit their spending.

• Which businesses should offer it? Cash-based vouchers are most requested in video gaming because they give payers anonymity and better budget control.

Direct carrier billing & mobile money

Direct carrier billing lets customers link online purchases to their SIM card balance, while mobile money allows them to send and receive funds through an account linked to their mobile phone.

• Where is it popular? Mobile money services like M-Pesa, MTN Mobile Money and Orange Money are popular in Africa. In Asia, Boku and DAOPAY providers support direct carrier billing.

• Why do customers prefer it? Because of financial inclusivity and convenience. Mobile money lets users without a bank account participate in the digital economy, and direct carrier billing is a perfect tap-and-go solution for mobile players.

• Which businesses should offer it? These are must-have payment methods for mobile-first gaming and iGaming platforms operating in developing regions.

Stablecoins

Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency that combine price stability with speed and global reach, surpassing Bitcoin and Ethereum in popularity.

• Where is it growing? Mostly in emerging markets with high inflation – such as LATAM, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

• Why do customers prefer it? Stablecoins are secure because shoppers don’t expose their identity or banking information. They’re also fast: digital transactions settle within seconds, 24/7/365.

• Which businesses should offer it? Gaming and iGaming platforms looking to make microtransactions convenient for players.

Unlock alternative payment methods with Payop

If you want to go global, APMs are a must-have. Ignoring these trends leads directly to abandoned carts and lost revenue.

Payop’s wide selection of global and local payment methods includes digital wallets, real-time bank transfers, QR payments, and our own Pay by Bank solution. Through a single integration, you gain access to plenty of regional favourites, boosting customer satisfaction and improving conversion.

Accepting digital payments and going local worldwide is easy when Payop is your partner. Contact us at sales@payop.com to learn more.