USD 42.5 billion
Report ID:
SQMIG45A2618 |
Region:
Global |
Published Date: June, 2025
Pages:
193
|Tables:
113
|Figures:
72
Global Contactless Payment Market size was valued at USD 42.5 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 46.71 billion in 2024 to USD 99.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.9% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
The increasing penetration of smartphones and digital wallets is a primary driver of the contactless payment market. Factors considered in this regard include usability, security, and acceptance across retails outlets, transport systems as well as the internet. Some firms are for example concentrated urban retail markets, while others focus on specific fields such as hospitality, transportation, or even the food industry.
Contactless payments eliminate friction and offer customers a better buying experience. Positive results from reduced transaction times are completely dependent on the percentage of transactions conducted during peak hours. A shorter queue simply indicates that several customers have been served. Contactless payment technologies, such as NFC, HCE, and RFID ensure faster transactions with touch-and-go payments leading to quicker customer throughput during peak periods in the retail, BFSI, hospitality, and transportation sectors and helps reduce queues. The increased throughput will directly result in an increment in revenues.
Also, different market positions may be achieved due to other pricing policies which prevail in the market such as payment per transaction or subscription-based marketable premium programs. In this high competition environment, the markets are becoming more and more integrated as new entrants and substitute goods emerge to challenge established firms, whereas hostile takeovers allow profit-makers to consolidate their stronger market position and improve their technological resources.
Along with biometric verification methods such as Face ID and Touch ID, the seamless, one-tap payment option is both secure, and user friendly. The integration of Apple Pay with important banks, stores, and even transportation systems assist in making it popular. This enhances its usage in different sectors. Maintaining a dominant position in contactless payments systems, Apple Pay prioritizes security, privacy, as well as user experience.
How Is AI Transforming the Contactless Payment Market?
AI is transforming the contactless payment market by enhancing security, personalizing customer experiences, and improving operational efficiency. In 2024, AI-driven fraud detection has strengthened security by analyzing vast amounts of transaction data in real time, helping financial institutions identify unusual spending patterns and prevent fraudulent activities. Additionally, AI-powered data analytics enables businesses to offer personalized promotions and recommendations based on consumer behavior, making contactless transactions more engaging and tailored. Companies like Visa are leveraging AI to automate purchases and streamline e-commerce experiences, envisioning AI as a personal assistant that manages transactions based on user preferences. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants also improve customer support by offering instant responses and guidance for seamless transactions. The global contactless payment market is growing rapidly, with AI playing a crucial role in its expansion. As AI continues to evolve, its integration into contactless payment systems will drive further innovation, making transactions more secure, efficient, and personalized.
Market snapshot - 2025-2032
Global Market Size
USD 42.5 billion
Largest Segment
Smartphone Based Payments
Fastest Growth
Card Based Payments
Growth Rate
9.9% CAGR
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Global Contactless Payment Market is segmented by Component, Type, Application, Vertical and region. Based on Component, the market is segmented into Hardware, Solutions and Services. Based on Type, the market is segmented into Smartphone Based Payments and Card Based Payments. Based on Application, the market is segmented into Retail, Transportation, Healthcare, Hospitality and Others. Based on Vertical, the market is segmented into Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Energy and Utilities, Transportation and Logistics, BFSI and Others. Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.
The contactless payment market has witnessed rapid innovation in recent years, with startups playing a crucial role in shaping the future of seamless, secure, and efficient digital transactions. As consumer demand for faster and more convenient payment solutions grows, startups are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and biometric authentication to enhance security, improve user experience, and expand contactless payment accessibility across industries.
As per global contactless payment market analysis, the smartphone based payments have emerged as the dominant segment in the market, accounting for over 58% of global revenue in 2024. The increasing adoption of smartphones, particularly among the younger population, has significantly contributed to the segment’s growth. With the widespread use of digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, smartphones have become an integral part of daily financial transactions. Consumers are increasingly using their mobile devices for seamless, cashless payments in retail, transportation, and hospitality industries. In regions like North America and Asia Pacific, smartphone penetration has reached impressive levels.
The card based payments segment is also experiencing substantial growth, driven by the widespread adoption of contactless-enabled debit and credit cards. Consumers increasingly prefer contactless cards for their quick, secure, and convenient transaction capabilities. Industries such as BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance), retail, transportation, hospitality, and government services have seen a significant rise in contactless card usage.
As per global contactless payment market outlook, the retail segment continues to dominate the contactless payment market, accounting for a significant share of global revenue. The widespread adoption of 'tap-and-go' transactions has fueled the segment’s growth, with retailers increasingly integrating innovative payment technologies to enhance customer experience and streamline operations. Advancements in cloud computing, digital stores, and AI-driven payment solutions have further strengthened the sector’s transition toward seamless, contactless transactions. Retailers are recognizing the benefits of contactless payments, such as reduced transaction times, enhanced revenue generation, and improved operational efficiency. A 2024 survey by Visa revealed that over 80% of global retailers now prioritize contactless payment options, citing customer demand for faster and more secure transactions.
As per global contactless payment market forecast, the hospitality segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Moreover, contactless payment is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the hospitality industry. Hospitality businesses have started adopting some of the most cutting-edge technology while offering their guests a more user-friendly experience. Hospitality businesses have started deploying self-service kiosks that enable customers to pay for purchases without any human interaction with hotel staff.
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North America is the dominant region in the global contactless payment market, with the United States leading in adoption. The region accounted for a substantial market share in 2024, driven by widespread consumer preference for cashless transactions, strong banking infrastructure, and major payment technology providers. The presence of Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal has accelerated market growth, ensuring secure and efficient contactless transactions. Retailers, restaurants, and transportation services have extensively adopted NFC-enabled payment solutions. Additionally, biometric authentication and AI-powered fraud detection have been introduced to enhance security.
The U.S. dominates the North America contactless payment market, with an estimated market share exceeding 67% in 2024. The rise of mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay has driven consumer adoption, while retailers such as Walmart and Starbucks have integrated contactless POS terminals nationwide. Innovations like biometric-enabled contactless cards and AI-powered fraud prevention systems have further strengthened market growth. The adoption of real-time payments and partnerships between banks and fintech firms continue to expand the industry.
Canada is one of the fastest-growing contactless payment markets in North America, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and government initiatives promoting digital payments. As of 2024, over 75% of in-store transactions in Canada are contactless. The country has embraced tap-and-go transactions for transit systems, retail stores, and hospitality services. Interac, a leading payment provider, has played a crucial role in driving cashless adoption. Additionally, the rise of QR-code-based payments and blockchain-powered transactions has contributed to market expansion.
Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the contactless payment market, fueled by rapid urbanization, government-backed digital payment initiatives, and rising smartphone penetration. The region's payment ecosystem is dominated by mobile-first economies, where QR-code-based and NFC-enabled transactions have replaced cash. The growing fintech landscape, led by Alipay, WeChat Pay, and Paytm, has significantly boosted adoption. Contactless payments are widely used in public transportation, retail, and cross-border e-commerce.
China is the dominant country in the market, accounting for over 60% of the region's digital transactions. The widespread use of Alipay and WeChat Pay has transformed consumer behavior, with QR-code-based payments being the standard for purchases. The Chinese government has also introduced the Digital Yuan (CBDC) to further promote digital transactions. Contactless biometric payments, including facial recognition-based transactions, are becoming increasingly popular in major cities. Retailers, public transport systems, and even small businesses have adopted cashless transactions, making China a leader in digital payment innovation.
India is the fastest-growing country in Asia Pacific’s contactless payment market, driven by government initiatives such as Digital India and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Contactless card transactions have seen rapid adoption, with banks issuing NFC-enabled debit and credit cards. As of 2024, India has recorded over 8 billion UPI transactions per month. Companies like Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay have integrated contactless features such as voice-based payments and AI-driven fraud detection. Additionally, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is exploring central bank digital currency (CBDC) adoption to further enhance cashless payments.
Europe has emerged as a leading region for contactless payments, driven by regulatory support, strong banking infrastructure, and high consumer adoption. The European Central Bank (ECB) and national regulators have encouraged the transition to digital payments. Contactless cards account for over 80% of in-store transactions in major economies, and biometric authentication features are being integrated into payment cards. The European market is also experiencing a rise in cross-border digital transactions, enhancing convenience for international consumers.
The UK is the dominant player in Europe’s contactless payment market, with a market share exceeding 40%. The country was one of the first to implement contactless card technology, and today, over 90% of transactions in retail, transportation, and hospitality sectors are cashless. London’s public transport system operates almost entirely on contactless and mobile payments, setting an example for other cities worldwide. Additionally, fintech giants like Revolut and Monzo have introduced AI-driven security measures and open banking features, further advancing the digital payments ecosystem.
Germany, traditionally a cash-preferred economy, is experiencing the fastest growth in contactless payments in Europe. The expansion of NFC-enabled payment terminals, along with rising adoption of digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, has fueled growth. Additionally, German banks are increasingly issuing biometric authentication-enabled contactless cards, ensuring secure transactions. The rise of blockchain-based payments and fintech startups is further contributing to the transformation of Germany’s payment ecosystem.
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Increasing Consumer Preference for Digital and Contactless Transactions
Technological Advancements in Payment Infrastructure
Security Concerns and Fraud Risks
High Implementation Costs for Small Businesses
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The global contactless payment industry is highly competitive, with major players such as Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Square leading the industry. These companies are continuously innovating to enhance security, improve transaction speed, and expand the adoption of contactless solutions across various sectors, including retail, transportation, and hospitality. The market is also witnessing increasing participation from fintech startups and regional digital payment providers, further intensifying competition. A significant strategic development in 2024 was Visa's partnership with Stripe to expand tap-to-phone payment solutions, allowing small businesses to accept contactless payments via smartphones without additional hardware.
SkyQuest’s ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Correlates, and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by robust Secondary Desk research.
As per SkyQuest analysis, contactless payment market is experiencing significant growth, which is inspired by increasing consumers' preference for digital transactions, progress in payment technology and using NFC-enabled tools. Business customers in industries such as retail, health care and transport embrace contactless payment solutions to increase the customer experience and transaction efficiency. Large players in the market focus on strategic cooperation, merger and technological innovations to strengthen the presence of the market. Biometric authentication, AI-driven fraud detection and the introduction of blockchain-based security measures enhance confidence and security further in contactless payments. Despite the rapid growth, challenges such as cyber security problems and compliance with regulations are the major obstacles. However, the ongoing innovations and assistants are expected to expand from the government's policy.
Report Metric | Details |
---|---|
Market size value in 2023 | USD 42.5 billion |
Market size value in 2032 | USD 99.4 billion |
Growth Rate | 9.9% |
Base year | 2024 |
Forecast period | 2025-2032 |
Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Billion |
Segments covered |
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Regions covered | North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA) |
Companies covered |
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Table Of Content
Executive Summary
Market overview
Parent Market Analysis
Market overview
Market size
KEY MARKET INSIGHTS
COVID IMPACT
MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK
Market Size by Region
KEY COMPANY PROFILES
Methodology
For the Contactless Payment Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:
1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.
2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the Contactless Payment Market.
3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.
4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.
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With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the Contactless Payment Market:
Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.
Regional Analysis: Further analysis of the Contactless Payment Market for additional countries.
Competitive Analysis: Detailed analysis and profiling of additional Market players & comparative analysis of competitive products.
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Innovation Mapping: Identify racial solutions and innovation, connected to deep ecosystems of innovators, start-ups, academics, and strategic partners.
Category Intelligence: Customized intelligence that is relevant to their supply Markets will enable them to make smarter sourcing decisions and improve their category management.
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Social Media Listening: To analyze the conversations and trends happening not just around your brand, but around your industry as a whole, and use those insights to make better Marketing decisions.
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Global Contactless Payment Market size was valued at USD 41.12 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 44.87 billion in 2024 to USD 90.06 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.1% in the forecast period (2025-2032).
The global contactless payment industry is highly competitive, with major players such as Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Square leading the industry. These companies are continuously innovating to enhance security, improve transaction speed, and expand the adoption of contactless solutions across various sectors, including retail, transportation, and hospitality. The market is also witnessing increasing participation from fintech startups and regional digital payment providers, further intensifying competition. A significant strategic development in 2024 was Visa's partnership with Stripe to expand tap-to-phone payment solutions, allowing small businesses to accept contactless payments via smartphones without additional hardware. 'Visa', 'Mastercard', 'PayPal', 'American Express', 'Apple Pay', 'Google Pay', 'Samsung Pay', 'Square (Block, Inc.)', 'Alipay', 'WeChat Pay', 'Stripe', 'Shift4 Payments', 'Adyen', 'FIS (Worldpay)', 'J.P. Morgan Payments'
The increasing shift toward cashless transactions has driven a strong consumer preference for contactless payment solutions. The convenience, speed, and security offered by contactless transactions have led to widespread adoption across retail, hospitality, healthcare, and transportation sectors. Consumers are increasingly relying on NFC-enabled smartphones, wearables, and contactless cards for seamless transactions, propelling market growth.
Rise of Biometric Contactless Payments: Biometric authentication is emerging as a transformative trend in contactless payments, enhancing security and user convenience. Leading financial institutions and fintech companies are introducing fingerprint and facial recognition-enabled payment solutions. For instance, Mastercard has launched biometric payment cards that allow users to authenticate transactions with their fingerprints, eliminating the need for PINs or signatures. This trend is expected to accelerate, reducing fraud risks and streamlining payment experiences.
How Are Leading Payment Providers Shaping North America Market Growth?
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