Payment Platforms Stand To Gain As Consumers And SMBs Push For Smarter Financial Solutions, New Marqeta Research Finds

Core Insights - The Marqeta's sixth annual State of Payments Report indicates a growing demand for smarter payment platforms among UK consumers and SMBs, driven by economic pressures and the need for integrated financial solutions [1][13] - The report highlights a significant shift in consumer behavior, with 34% of UK consumers expressing interest in AI-powered wallets that optimize payment choices based on spending habits [2][3] Consumer Trends - UK consumers are increasingly seeking intelligent payment tools that integrate seamlessly with existing methods, with 49% wanting recommendations on payment methods for purchases [2][3] - The adoption of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions is notable, with 54% of UK consumers having used BNPL, compared to 38% in the US, indicating a shift towards using BNPL for everyday expenses [3][5] SMB Insights - UK SMBs are actively searching for innovative payment solutions to enhance growth, with 42% relying on personal cards for business expenses due to limited access to capital [4][6] - The report reveals that 90% of UK SMBs are willing to invest in new payment solutions with higher upfront costs for long-term savings and efficiency [7] Market Dynamics - The average order value for transactions has decreased by 9% year-over-year, reflecting a trend towards smaller, non-discretionary purchases such as groceries [5] - More than half (52%) of SMBs view payments as a strategic lever to streamline expenses and improve operational efficiencies [7] Future Outlook - Marqeta's report also touches on the rise of social commerce and new approaches to rewards and loyalty programs, indicating evolving trends in the financial ecosystem [8]