The rise of digital wallets: Measuring their impact

Digital wallets continue to transform the way we pay for goods and services. These convenient and secure payment methods are becoming increasingly popular, and they are having a major impact on the payments landscape.

What is a Digital Wallet?

A digital wallet is a mobile app that securely stores payment information, such as credit card numbers or bank account details, so that they can be used to make payments online, in stores, and in apps.

Why are Digital Wallets so Popular?

There are several reasons for the widespread adoption and use of digital wallets.

#1 - First and foremost is the simple fact that smart devices, such as phones, watches, speakers, even automobiles, have become so powerful and integrated into our daily lives. These devices, along with increases in high speed cellular communications, provide the platform that makes digital wallets technically possible and extremely powerful.

#2 - Most people no longer go anywhere without their mobile phone, meaning that applications on the phone, i.e., a digital wallet, is already in hand and very convenient to use. Many consumers feel that a few taps on the phone to make a payment is faster and easier than fumbling with cash or plastic cards.

#3 - Technology giants such as Apple, Google and Samsung Pay have aggressively promoted the adoption and use of their own digital wallets, helping to ensure that the technology is widely accepted and as convenient to use as cards and cash.

#4 - Digital wallets, combined with smart devices can offer a number of other features and benefits, such as spending trackers, payment reminders, loyalty programs, even location based services and promotions.

How are Digital Wallets Transforming the Payments Landscape?

On one hand, digital wallets are making it easier for shoppers to purchase groceries, buy a cup of coffee, pay for parking or shop online anytime and from anywhere. For financial services providers, this front-end simplicity means back-end complexity that has a major impact on the payments industry.

The number of digital wallets options and payment alternatives continue to make the payment ecosystem an incredibly complex network of connected components that are continually evolving at different speeds. And all of these moving pieces must be thoroughly tested to ensure that they work together to provide the seamless payment experience demanded by increasingly sophisticated consumers.

Digital wallets add another layer of complexity to the vast global fabric of networks, systems, and applications that are required to ensure every transaction is processed correctly from its initial click or tap through the entire authorization journey before a consumer can complete their internet order or walk away with their morning coffee.

Effective testing tools and methods are necessary to ensure that all payments are processed efficiently, reliably and securely, no matter where or when or how they are initiated. Thorough and accurate testing is a key to delivering a superior customer experience on every transaction.

Interested in learning more about which technologies can help your organization improve its payment testing processes? Request a free consultation with Paragon today, and learn how our portfolio of payment testing solutions can help you achieve your business goals.

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