What Payment Features Do Consumers Expect in 2026?

The way customers pay is changing faster than ever. From the days when cash ruled the register to the rise of credit and debit cards, chip-and-PIN, tap-to-pay and digital wallets, every era has reshaped how customers check out. 

Today, however, convenience, speed and security aren’t perks—they’re expectations. And by 2026, those expectations will evolve even further. Consumers will demand seamless, tech-powered checkout experiences—whether they’re shopping in a boutique, across multiple store locations or online from their phones. Retailers that fail to keep up risk losing customers to competitors who already offer these features.

In this article, we’ll explore the trends shaping payments in 2026, what shoppers will expect at checkout, what frustrates them most and how your business can adapt. 

Let’s dive in.

• The evolution of payments, from cash to contactless
• Trends shaping payments expectations in 2026
• What customers expect at checkout
• What puts customers off
• How retailers can stay ahead of trends

The evolution of payments, from cash to contactless

Before we explore the emerging payment trends for 2026, it’s worth looking back to understand how far we’ve come:

• Cash-first era: For decades, cash dominated retail transactions.
• Plastic revolution: Credit and debit cards shifted behavior, introducing speed and convenience.
• Chip & PIN security: Added fraud protection, albeit at the slight expense of slower checkout.
• Tap-to-pay and contactless: Near-instant payments set a new standard for speed.
• Digital wallets and mobile pay: Apple Pay, Google Pay and others made smartphones the new wallet.
• BNPL growth: Buy Now, Pay Later emerged as a flexible financing option, especially popular online with younger shoppers.

Now, consumers expect all of these options to be available across both in-store and online checkout experiences. By 2026, this expectation won’t just be common—it will be universal.

Trends shaping payment expectations in 2026

Payment technology is evolving quickly, and retailers need to be prepared or they risk falling behind. We predict that the next few years will be defined by five key trends:

1. Digital wallets and mobile payments become standard

In North America, digital wallets already account for a growing share of transactions, especially among younger shoppers. By 2026, many consumers will expect to tap their phone or smartwatch instead of reaching for a physical card. The same is true on a global level, with recent research finding that by 2030, digital wallets are expected to account for 65% of global eCommerce transaction value and 45% of global point-of-sale transaction value.

Why it matters for retailers: If you don’t accept Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay, you risk frustrating customers who don’t carry cards at all.

2. Buy Now, Pay Later moves in-store

Buy Now, Pay Later, also known as BNP, started as an online checkout option, but it’s making its way into brick-and-mortar environments. For younger demographics, BNPL isn’t just a convenience—it’s a budgeting tool.

Why it matters for retailers: Offering BNPL in-store could capture larger basket sizes and increase conversion rates, especially among Gen Z and Millennial shoppers.

3. Contactless and mobile checkout expands

Handheld POS devices, mobile checkouts and self-checkout kiosks are becoming common in large-format stores, and smaller retailers are catching up. By 2026, shoppers will expect to complete transactions anywhere in the store, not just at a counter.

Why it matters for retailers: If checkout is the bottleneck, customers may abandon purchases. Mobile POS helps staff reduce lines and close sales faster.

4. Omnichannel payments are essential

The lines between online and in-store shopping continue to blur. A customer might browse online, reserve items and pay in-store—or vice versa. By 2026, consumers will expect payment options, loyalty points and receipts to sync seamlessly across all channels.

Why it matters for retailers: Disconnected systems frustrate customers and create extra work for staff. Integrated payments are no longer optional.

5. Security and trust take center stage

Cybercrime and payment fraud are increasing. Consumers are more aware than ever of data risks, and they expect robust protections like encryption, tokenization and fraud monitoring to be built into every transaction.

Why it matters for retailers: Shoppers will abandon businesses they don’t trust with their data. Secure payments build confidence and loyalty.

What customers expect at checkout

By 2026, these expectations will be non-negotiable:

• Speed and frictionless checkout: Transactions should take seconds. Checkout is often the last touchpoint and slow card readers or lagging systems leave a negative impression. Smooth experiences encourage return visits, while clunky ones push shoppers away.
• Choice and flexibility: From debit and credit to BNPL and digital wallets, customers want to pay how they prefer.
• Seamless omnichannel experience: Payment options, loyalty programs and saved preferences should work across online and in-store.
• Transparency: Clear pricing, no hidden fees and upfront payment details.

What puts customers off

Just as important as expectations are the frustrations that drive customers away. In fact, many common payment pain points directly translate to lost sales.

Retailers who fail to address these issues risk cart abandonment, lower conversion rates and damaged brand perception.

How retailers can stay ahead of trends

Fortunately, adapting to new payment expectations doesn’t require guesswork. By taking proactive steps now, you can create a checkout experience that’s modern, reliable and customer-friendly.

1. Offer flexible, modern payment options

Accept all major cards, digital wallets, BNPL and contactless methods. Promote these options clearly in-store and online so customers know they’re available.

2. Integrate POS and payments

Eliminate manual entry and disconnected systems by using an all-in-one POS and payments platform, like Lightspeed. Integration not only reduces errors but also ensures data syncs across online and in-store channels.

3. Keep checkout fast and reliable

Upgrade outdated hardware and ensure your payment terminals can handle peak traffic without slowing down. Test regularly for speed and reliability.

4. Leverage payment insights

Payment data isn’t just about transactions—it reveals customer preferences. Use it to understand which payment types are trending, when shoppers spend most and how payment options influence basket size.

5. Prioritize security and trust

Adopt solutions with built-in encryption and tokenization. Clearly communicate your security practices to reassure customers that their data is safe.

Lightspeed’s POS and Payments solution

Payment technology is evolving rapidly, but the core truth remains: shoppers will always choose convenience, speed and security. By 2026, customers won’t just prefer modern payment features—they’ll expect them. 

For retailers, the choice is clear. Invest in modern, integrated payment solutions now, or risk losing customers to competitors who already deliver the seamless experience consumers demand.

With Lightspeed POS and Payments, retailers can stay ahead:

• Accept every payment method: Tap, chip, swipe, digital wallets and more.
• Embedded system: Payments sync seamlessly with your POS, eliminating manual reconciliation.
• Speed & reliability: Hardware and software built for fast checkouts with no lag.
• Omnichannel ready: Whether customers shop online, in-store or both, their experience remains consistent.
• Data insights: See top payment methods, trends and spending patterns to make smarter business decisions.
  Security built-in: PCI-compliant, with encryption and fraud protection to safeguard customer trust.

The result? A future-proof checkout experience that keeps your business competitive while delighting customers. Future-proof your payments. Learn more about Lightspeed Payments.

Editor’s note: Nothing in this blog post should be construed as advice of any kind. Any legal, financial or tax-related content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for obtaining advice from a qualified legal or accounting professional. Where available, we’ve included primary sources. While we work hard to publish accurate content, we cannot be held responsible for any actions or omissions based on that content. Lightspeed does not undertake to complete further verifications or keep this blog post updated over time.