Contactless Payment Market

Global Contactless Payment Market Size (2024 to 2032)

The global contactless payment market size was valued at USD 44.81 billion in 2023. The global market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 21.5% from 2024 to 2032 and be worth USD 258.54 billion by 2032 from USD 54.44 billion in 2024.

Contactless payment is the way of secure payment transactions that are made using technologies such as Bluetooth, infrared (IR), radio frequency identification (RFID), and near-field communication (NFC). Contactless payment takes almost a tenth of the time that traditional electronic transactions take, making it easier for customers. The need to make payment safer and the convenience of paying quickly without cash or identity details make contactless payment a popular game changer. Initially, contactless cards were only used in the form of travel tickets; It has evolved and helps consumers make payments for almost everything. A point to be focused is that these payments will have an upper limit and restricted number of transactions per day. This allows the transaction to take place without any physical connection between the consumer's payment device and the point-of-sale terminal. Mobile phone payments, key chains, stickers and cards are some of the devices used to make contactless payments. Contactless payments offer efficient and fast payment solutions via an EMV contactless card, an NFC mobile phone or a standard contactless travel card Near Field Communication (NFC) technology allows contactless payments with the use of standards-based wireless communication technology for the exchange of information between a device and a point-of-sale terminal, providing a better and trouble-free customer experience. In addition, NFC is used in mobile wallets, which are handy for secure money transfers and ticket transactions.

MARKET GROWTH AND TRENDS

The global contactless payment market is primarily driven by the rising penetration of the Internet, as a robust Internet connection is vital for this kind of payment. The number of Internet users in 2018 has touched almost 4 billion, with a year-on-year growth rate of approximately 7%. In addition, with the rise of digitalization and smart cities, people will be more inclined to contactless payment methods, because they offer convenience and faster payment terms. Also, smartphone manufacturers are launching contactless payment methods like Samsung Pay. All of this will help develop the market for contactless payment terminals. Applications like Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and many others stimulate the market by offering money transfers, rewards and many other easy-to-use benefits. North America recorded the highest Internet penetration rate, trailed by Europe, Australia and Latin America. The average Internet penetration rate across the globe is 56.80%. With the increasing level of Internet penetration, people are adapting to new technologies and becoming more and more technology-oriented. This stimulates the contactless payment market.

MARKET DRIVERS

Several factors are contributing to the growth of contactless payment systems, such as advancements in contactless payment technology, a greater awareness of plastic money among buyers, a higher frequency of purchases, and a need for fast transaction time with no hassle of stay in long queues. Contactless payment continues to evolve, making it a useful interface between consumers and retailers, the advertiser and merchants. Increased penetration of the Internet also stimulates the market for contactless payment business in the coming years.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

The initial setup cost, the government limitation on the number of contactless payment transactions per day, and the limitation on the amount that can be done per day are some deficiencies of contactless payment that hinder the growth of the contactless payment market. The risk of spyware, malware and virus attacks from the use of multiple systems limits the adoption of contactless payments worldwide. The poor knowledge of this payment method, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, further restricts growth in the global contactless payments market.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

Global Contactless Payment Market Analysis By Device 

Several financial service providers offer a more convenient payment mechanism and transaction volumes through secure transaction devices. The use of smartphones has increased considerably in daily activities. For example, people now use smartphones to make payments in stores. Also, innovations in wearable devices such as payment bands and rings are expected to stimulate market demand during the forecast period.

Global Contactless Payment Market Analysis By Solution

The payment terminal solution accounted for a significant share and is expected to continue to grow over the forecast period. Transactions made through contactless payments are susceptible to fraud because people have become more aware of the use of these systems. Several contactless technology providers like Gemalto and Visa Inc., continually improve their security protocols to improve security management in the contactless payment market. As such, the fraud and security management segment is expected to grow over the outlook period.

Global Contactless Payment Market Analysis By Application

The retail and consumer goods sector offers quick transactions to speed up the payment process, which is likely to further stimulate demand in these segments. In addition, these payments also find uses in service companies, such as cinemas, service stations, restaurants, and convenience stores, which stimulate the demand for contactless payments in the retail industry.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

North America is anticipated to dominate the market over the prediction period due to various advances in smart chip technology. The strong penetration of smartphones should stimulate demand in Europe. The growth in this area is mainly credited to the surge in the adoption rate, regulatory policies like Euro MasterCard Visa (EMV), the adoption of NFC technology and the strong standards related to smart cards.

KEY PLAYERS IN THE GLOBAL CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS MARKET

• Gemalto (Netherlands)
• Infineon (Germany)
• Ingenico (France)
• Wirecard (Germany)
• Verifone (United States)
• Giesecke + Devrient (Germany)
• IDEMIA (France)
• On Track Innovations (Israel)
• Identiv (United States)
• CPI Card Group (United States)
• Bitel (South Korea)
• Setomatic Systems (United States)
• Valitor (Iceland)
• PAX Global Technology (China)
• MYPINPAD ( United Kingdom)
• Mobeewave (United Kingdom)
• Alcineo (South Africa)
• Castles (Taiwan)
• SumUp (United Kingdom)
• PayCore (Istanbul)

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS MARKET

• In August 2024, Visa collaborated with Pick-n-Pay, a Nigeria-based company, to launch contactless payment solutions for consumers in Lagos. This partnership brings together unique payment technology by Visa with a comprehensive retail presence of Pick-n-Pay, giving users a persistent, effortless, secure, and effective payment method.
• In July 2024, it was reported that Worldline entered into a partnership with Selfly Store, an intelligent vending machine company. This partnership will see work with Antenor, a payment expert company, for incorporating a contactless payment solution with Solfly’s contactless vending machines.

By Device 

• Smartphones And Accessories
• Point Of Sale Terminals
• Smart Cards

By Solution

• Payment Terminal Solution
• Transaction Management
• Fraud Management
• Hosted POS

By Application

• Retail
• Transportation
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Government

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
• Asia Pacific