Europe Payments Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The European payments market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of digital wallets and cashless payment solutions. The market size is expanding as these technologies reshape consumer behavior, with a notable shift towards mobile and contactless payments. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this transition, reducing reliance on traditional banking and ATMs, and prompting a broader acceptance of digital transactions across various demographics. Despite regulatory challenges, the popularity of buy now, pay later (BNPL) methods continues to rise, further contributing to the market's expansion.

Market Size of Europe Payments Industry

Europe Payments Market Size
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Forecast Data Period 2024 - 2029
Historical Data Period 2019 - 2022
CAGR 15.83 %
Market Concentration Medium

Major Players

Europe Payments Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Europe Payments Market Analysis

The European payments market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.83% over the forecast period (2022 - 2027). Digital wallets are reshaping the European payments market. European digital and mobile payment transaction value has increased by more than 30% in the last three years. These payment methods are becoming increasingly popular today and by 2023.

  • In the European market, providers of cashless applications and digital wallet services, such as Apple pay, keep payments secure by combining tokenization with biometric features. When the payment card is activated, it receives a one-of-a-kind virtual token. This number is encrypted and securely stored on the user's mobile device. Only a biometric identification feature allows access to the token.
  • Making cross-border payments is a necessity for many European businesses and consumers. Traditional banks have traditionally controlled cross-border payments in Europe, as in many other geographies. On the other hand, traditional banks have been slow to respond to customers' changing needs for embedded FX solutions. Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Currencycloud are two new players that have emerged to capitalize on these opportunities (both Sapphire investments).
  • BNPL payment methods are becoming more popular in the European market. Klarna is the most prominent global payments service, offering 147 million active consumers in 45 countries more innovative and flexible shopping and purchasing experiences. BNPL payment methods will likely face regulatory challenges, limiting their service growth. Their popularity, however, cannot be denied. BNPL systems charge installments for the users until the total amount is paid.
  • The international digital payments industry has been profoundly altered by the COVID-19 global health crisis in the European market in 2020, which has resulted in significant market advancement since then. The adoption of contactless payments has increased consistently and is expected to accelerate further. Indeed, global cashless transactions are expected to grow at an annualized rate of about 18% between 2020 and 2025.
  • The pandemic facilitated the transition from traditional to digital banking. As many customers turned to internet shopping for the first time in Europe, ATM withdrawals fell, and geographic and age group differences in purchase behavior were significantly reduced. Between January and May 2020, Switzerland noted an increase in the share of debit-card spending from 65 % to 72 %.

Europe Payments Industry Segmentation

Payments are increasingly becoming cashless, and the industry's role in fostering inclusion has become a top priority. Payments contribute to developing digital economies and drive innovation, all while serving as a stable backbone around the world.

The Europe Payments Market is Segmented by Mode of Payment (Point of Sale (Card Payments, Digital Wallet, Cash), Online Sale (Card Payments, Digital Wallet)), by End-user Industries (Retail, Entertainment, Healthcare, Hospitality), and by Country.

By Mode of Payment
Point of Sale
Card Payments (includes Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Bank Financing Prepaid Cards)
Digital Wallet (includes Mobile Wallets)
Cash
Others
Online Sale
Card Payments (includes Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Bank Financing Prepaid Cards)
Digital Wallet (includes Mobile Wallets)
Others (includes Cash on Delivery, Bank Transfer, and Buy Now, Pay Later)
By End-user Industry
Retail
Entertainment
Healthcare
Hospitality
Other End-user Industries
By Country
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Spain
Italy
Nordics
Rest of Europe (Eastern Europe, Benelux, etc.)
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Europe Payments Market Size Summary

The European payments market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of digital wallets and mobile payment solutions. These technologies are reshaping consumer behavior, with an increasing preference for cashless transactions across the continent. The shift towards digital and mobile payments has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a move from traditional banking to more convenient online and contactless payment methods. This transition is supported by advancements in security features such as tokenization and biometric authentication, which enhance the safety of digital transactions. As a result, digital wallets have become a crucial component of e-commerce, offering consumers a secure and convenient way to make purchases without directly sharing card details with merchants.

The European payments landscape is also witnessing the emergence of new players and innovative solutions aimed at facilitating cross-border transactions and enhancing the overall payment experience. Companies like Wise and Currencycloud are challenging traditional banking models by offering more flexible and embedded foreign exchange solutions. Additionally, the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) trend is gaining traction, although it faces regulatory scrutiny that could impact its growth. The market is becoming increasingly competitive, with major players like PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay vying for dominance. As mobile internet usage continues to rise, the demand for digital payment solutions is expected to grow, with e-wallets projected to account for a significant portion of e-commerce transactions in the coming years.

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Europe Payments Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET INSIGHTS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Industry Stakeholder Analysis

    3. 1.3 Industry Attractiveness-Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      2. 1.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers

      3. 1.3.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 1.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

    4. 1.4 Evolution of the payments landscape in the Region Europe

    5. 1.5 Key market trends pertaining to the growth of cashless transaction in the Region Europe

    6. 1.6 Impact of COVID-19 on the payments market in the Region Europe

  2. 2. Market Segmentation

    1. 2.1 By Mode of Payment

      1. 2.1.1 Point of Sale

        1. 2.1.1.1 Card Payments (includes Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Bank Financing Prepaid Cards)

        2. 2.1.1.2 Digital Wallet (includes Mobile Wallets)

        3. 2.1.1.3 Cash

        4. 2.1.1.4 Others

      2. 2.1.2 Online Sale

        1. 2.1.2.1 Card Payments (includes Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Bank Financing Prepaid Cards)

        2. 2.1.2.2 Digital Wallet (includes Mobile Wallets)

        3. 2.1.2.3 Others (includes Cash on Delivery, Bank Transfer, and Buy Now, Pay Later)

    2. 2.2 By End-user Industry

      1. 2.2.1 Retail

      2. 2.2.2 Entertainment

      3. 2.2.3 Healthcare

      4. 2.2.4 Hospitality

      5. 2.2.5 Other End-user Industries

    3. 2.3 By Country

      1. 2.3.1 United Kingdom

      2. 2.3.2 Germany

      3. 2.3.3 France

      4. 2.3.4 Spain

      5. 2.3.5 Italy

      6. 2.3.6 Nordics

      7. 2.3.7 Rest of Europe (Eastern Europe, Benelux, etc.)

Europe Payments Market Size FAQs

The Europe Payments Market is projected to register a CAGR of 15.83% during the forecast period (2024-2029)

Visa Inc. , Mastercard , Currence iDEAL BV, Paydirekt GmbH (Giropay) and Melio Payments Inc. are the major companies operating in the Europe Payments Market.

Europe Payments Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)