Beyond the raw numbers of mobile wallet adoption, a recent analysis by PYMNTS Intelligence uncovers the psychological underpinnings of digital payment habits, revealing that it is consumer motivation and behavioral profiles, not just technology, that truly drives the “Pocket Revolution.”
Our report, titled “How the World Does Digital 2025: Pocket Revolution: How Mobile Wallets Are Changing Payments Worldwide,” analyzes digital payments across 11 countries that collectively represent half of global GDP. The study reveals that mobile wallets are fundamentally reshaping how consumers transact, both online and in-store, powering more than one-third of online and 21% of in-store transactions. This represents a significant shift in the “form factor” rather than a change in the underlying credit or debit card funding sources, which remain core.
While younger generations like Gen Z are at the forefront of this trend, mobile-first payments are gaining traction across all age groups, making adaptation to mobile-first behaviors a competitive necessity for businesses.
The report, building on a Q4 2024 study, incorporates data from 216,679 consumers surveyed over 12 different periods from January 2022 through December 2024. The persona analysis, which segments consumers by behaviors and motivations rather than just demographics, offers insights for industry stakeholders. Key findings from this segment include:
Persona Distribution: The study segments consumers into four distinct groups, providing a nuanced understanding of their engagement with digital payments. The largest segment is the Persuadables, comprising 39.3% of the population, who are comfortable with mobile wallets, especially for online purchases, but may still switch between payment methods depending on context. Following them are the Dabblers, making up 27.9%, who use wallets occasionally out of necessity or curiosity but haven’t fully integrated them into their payment routine. The Committed users, accounting for 18.3%, are digitally fluent individuals for whom mobile wallets are the preferred “go-to” payment mode. Lastly, the Skeptics, at 14.6%, remain largely resistant to digital wallet adoption, often preferring traditional methods.
Usage Probability by Channel: Despite the overall momentum, consumers exhibit a clear preference for digital wallet use in different channels. They are 50% more likely to use digital wallets for online purchases than for in-store transactions across all segments, underscoring that physical point-of-sale experiences still face higher barriers to mobile adoption compared to digital commerce.
Key Demographic Predictors (excluding income/location): While income and geographic location are not significant predictors of wallet use, other demographic factors do play a role. The probability of using digital wallets is notably higher for men, at 39%, compared to 34.2% for women. Additionally, employed individuals show a greater likelihood of adoption, as do those interested in financial technology apps like super apps and those who regularly use mobile banking apps. This highlights motivations beyond basic access.
Beyond these consumer segments, the report highlights several other critical trends shaping the digital payments landscape. It notes the growing prominence of local wallets, such as Pix in Brazil and iDEAL in the Netherlands, which are capturing significant market share alongside global brands like Apple Pay and Google Wallet.
While PayPal remains a major player, it faces increasing competition from these national solutions that are closely tied to local infrastructures and consumer habits. Adoption patterns remain highly localized; for instance, Japan and Singapore lead in-store usage due to factors like QR code integration and strong digital trust, whereas France and the U.S. see slower growth due to deeply entrenched card habits and merchant-specific strategies.
The study also emphasizes that mobile wallet adoption is transitioning from a youth-driven trend to a cross-generational behavior shift, with usage increasing across millennials, Gen X, and even baby boomers, making it increasingly age-agnostic. The analysis also reveals that factors like income level and urban versus rural living are less relevant in driving adoption, suggesting that mobile payments are becoming essential, low-cost tools for everyday spending across diverse populations.
For industry players, the overarching message is to prioritize delivering clear consumer value, adapting to local nuances, and designing intuitive, secure experiences that appeal to a broad user base.