Integrated Checkout Experiences Are a Key ‘Value Driver’ for Merchants, Says Discover Global Network

A lack of omnichannel payment options is a primary pain point for consumers, with 86 per cent of merchants agree their payment experience requires improvement. 

Data from Discover Global Network, the global payment network, comes as it reveals the results of its 2024 Payment State of the Union (PSOU) study, providing global perspectives from merchants and consumers.

The research study uncovers key insights into merchant payment trends in response to customer payment priorities, merchant pain points and advancements in digital payments. At Money 20/20 Europe, Discover Global Network shared a first look at the PSOU results, highlighting emerging trends in the industry from global merchants and consumers.

Tap-to-pay on mobile, as well as integrated checkout experiences may well be key elements for the future in-store experience, as 92 per cent of merchants see tap-to-pay on mobile (92 per cent) as an important value driver for their organisations over the next three years.

“We’re seeing a continuing trend of merchants viewing payments as a driver for top- and bottom-line improvements, in addition to customer experience enhancements,” said Rajiv Gupta, vice president of international markets (EMEA) at Discover Global Network. “It’s no longer cash or credit as the two options. Our payment solutions can help merchants enable various options so consumers can pay using their preferred payment method.”

Leveraging tap-to-pay to enhance growth

The benefits of tap to pay on mobile drive merchant interest, Discover Global Network revealed. The ability to accept payments nearly anywhere (61 per cent) and deliver a more personalised sales experience (56 per cent) emerged as the top two use cases driving merchant interest in the technology.

Nearly three out of four consumers (73 per cent) are now also comfortable making an in-person payment by tapping their card or phone onto a merchant’s mobile device.

Finally, merchants are prioritising unique checkout experiences. To convert more shoppers in-store, merchants are prioritising ways to offer an integrated app checkout experience that combines payment, offers and rewards (43 per cent), promote contactless payment options (39 per cent) and offer more instalment/financing options (39 per cent).

“With more consumers returning to in-store shopping, merchants have an opportunity to elevate their payment options to ensure they reflect the changing preferences of consumers,” said Gupta.

“Whether it’s tap on pay mobile or contactless payment options, Discover Global Network offers the payment tools and resources merchants need to help convert customer sales.”