Understanding the use of mobile payment apps among American consumers
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has introduced new regulations to oversee major digital payment providers like Apple Pay, PayPal, Cash App, and Google Wallet. Companies processing over 50 million transactions annually will now need to comply with federal standards addressing privacy, fraud prevention, and consumer protection. This move reflects the growing role of digital payment apps in everyday transactions.
According to YouGov Profiles, 17% of US adults use mobile payment apps for in-store purchases. Men (19%) are slightly more likely than women (16%) to use these apps. Adoption is highest among younger adults, with 25% of 18-24-year-olds and 23% of 25-34-year-olds using mobile payments. In contrast, usage drops sharply among older age groups, with only 8% of those aged 55+ reporting use.
Ease of use is the top factor influencing mobile payment adoption, cited by seven in 10 of users (72%). Speed (57%) and widespread acceptance (51%) also rank highly, while familiarity (44%), security (43%), and rewards (43%) are important for nearly half of users. Less critical considerations include fees (31%), promotional offers (26%), and privacy concerns (25%).
Among specific apps, PayPal is the most popular, used by two in five mobile payment app users (40%). Its usage is consistent across age groups, from 36% of those aged 55+ to 48% of those aged 35-44. Venmo and Zelle are each used by 19% of users, with Venmo showing stronger adoption among younger adults (22% of 25-34-year-olds). Apple Pay is used by 15%, peaking at 23% among 18-24-year-olds. Other apps like Google Wallet (9%), Samsung Pay (4%), and Android Pay (3%) have smaller but younger user bases. Additionally, 10% of users rely on digital deposit features, such as depositing checks via banking apps.
These insights illustrate the increasing reliance on mobile payment apps, especially among younger consumers, and highlight the importance of user-friendly, fast, and widely accepted platforms in driving adoption.
Methodology: YouGov Profiles is based on continuously collected data and rolling surveys, rather than from a single limited questionnaire. Profiles data for the US is nationally representative and weighted by age, gender, education, region, and race.