According to the Federal Reserve Board, in-person card transactions made up 63.8% of all general-purpose card payments by count. Among these, 87.5% used chip-based technology, 29.1% paired chip usage with PIN entry—functioning like a two-factor authentication step—and 19.7% took place through contactless methods.
Many individuals prefer quick and safe ways to handle transactions for both in-person and web-based purchases. Let’s take a look at a few methods that could be significant by 2025, each offering distinct advantages and uses.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrency payment is a good decentralized option. It works through peer-to-peer technology without relying on standard banking intermediaries. For example, according to coinpoker.com/crypto-casino, using crypto-based approaches helps ensure these platforms handle their payments more efficiently. As an added perk for operators and players, crypto payments also enable other benefits like anonymous gambling and instant withdrawals.
The process relies on digital ledgers that are typically encrypted, providing a shield against outside interference. Users can apply this method for gaming, person-to-person transfers, and even general shopping. According to the Bank for International Settlements, some central authorities are examining crypto’s rising appeal while keeping an eye on regulation.
Mobile Wallet Services
Mobile wallets allow people to store funds on an app linked to bank or credit card details. Transactions are handled through phone-based taps or quick-response (QR) scans. Shoppers appreciate the speed—just open an app or tap a device, which helps reduce physical contact at checkout. This solution also supports extra security steps like facial or fingerprint ID.
Virtual Payment Cards
Virtual payment cards act as temporary or reusable card numbers tied to a user’s main account. They mask original card details when buying goods from a web-based store. Since each number can be unique, the risk of data theft is lower. Virtual payment cards began to emerge in the late 1990s as a response to the growing need for secure online transactions. This innovation was primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of e-commerce and the associated risks of data theft and fraud.
As a true and tested method easily accessible in many parts of the world, it is likely that this payment method will continue to be used in 2025. Many card issuers now generate these virtual options, often allowing consumers to create and manage them within their banking apps.
Biometric Payment Confirmations
Biometric scans—fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris checks—may replace passwords and signatures during transactions. A user verifies identity with a physical trait, which is more difficult to forge. This system could appear at registers, where a quick scan replaces a card swipe. While concerns about personal data remain, people find these options helpful for faster and safer authentication.
Wearable Payment Tools
Wearable gadgets—like watches, wristbands, or rings—can store payment credentials. Shoppers simply tap a reader to complete a purchase. This style is popular with those who value portability and convenience. Many brands integrate tokens and encryption into the device’s hardware, adding another barrier against fraud. It also cuts the need to carry physical wallets.
Central Bank Internet Currencies
Central banks worldwide are researching internet-based versions of their currencies. Unlike decentralized crypto, these systems operate under government oversight. By 2025, certain countries may roll out these official currencies to enable faster, lower-cost transfers while controlling inflationary factors. However, privacy advocates question how much data authorities would track. Despite these debates, governments see potential in expanding access to financial services.
QR Payment Codes
QR codes already appear in many shops and may spread to vending machines and even public transit kiosks by 2025. Users scan a code, confirm the purchase on a phone, and funds are deducted instantly. This approach benefits small vendors who only need to display the code, reducing the cost of specialized terminals. 
It also simplifies tipping and limited-time promotions by generating new codes on demand. In the United States, QR code usage has seen significant growth in recent years. As of 2022, approximately 37.5% of adult smartphone users, equating to around 83.4 million people, scanned QR codes at least once. This figure is projected to rise to about 42.6%, or nearly 99.5 million users, by 2025
Mixed Payment Environments
Many consumers might pair different methods depending on the situation. A large transfer could use crypto for speed, while everyday errands might involve a wearable tap. Some companies even issue virtual cards to pay suppliers, while staff use mobile wallets for business trips. According to the Federal Trade Commission (source: ftc.gov), these varied approaches give individuals and businesses more control over how they transact.
At the same time, stronger mobile connections and growing trust in contactless methods might accelerate these technologies. More vendors are adding devices that accept multiple channels, offering something for every preference. People may handle bigger payments with crypto while using a smart ring or phone tap for smaller errands. This broadens choices and could give both individuals and companies more freedom in how they manage payments during 2025 and the years that follow.
