Mobile Wallets and Tap-to-Pay Driving Explosive Growth in U.S. Payments

According to the latest market research study published by P&S Intelligence, the U.S. contactless payment systems market is entering an era of unprecedented growth. Valued at $15.2 billion in 2024, the market is expected to reach $53.2 billion by 2032, achieving a CAGR of 17.1% during the 2025–2032 period. This growth is fueled by rapid technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and the widespread adoption of smartphones, wearable devices, and digital wallets.

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Contactless payment systems offer unparalleled convenience, allowing consumers to make transactions by tapping credit or debit cards at point-of-sale terminals, scanning mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, or using smartwatches integrated with banking applications. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of these solutions, as consumers and businesses alike sought hygienic, touch-free payment methods. According to Mastercard, the volume of U.S. contactless payments surged 150% in 2020 compared to the previous year, reflecting the rapid shift toward digital, instantaneous transactions. Today, contactless payments have become an industry standard, with retail businesses, restaurants, and public transportation providers integrating tap-to-pay capabilities into their daily operations.

Key Trends Driving Market Growth

Rapid Adoption of Mobile Wallets

Mobile wallets have emerged as the largest segment within the U.S. contactless payments market, accounting for 55% of total transactions. Over 65% of Americans use mobile wallets at least once a month, and more than half now prefer them over traditional payment methods. By 2023, a third of Americans had linked their digital wallets to two or more credit/debit cards, while 43% connected them to multiple bank accounts. In 2024, Apple expanded its tap-to-pay service to all U.S. merchants, eliminating the need for external terminals and enabling businesses to accept contactless payments directly on iPhones. Mobile wallets are rapidly gaining popularity due to the speed, convenience, and security they provide, as well as their ability to integrate with loyalty programs and personalized offers.

Expansion of Contactless Infrastructure

The fast-growing infrastructure for contactless payments is another key driver of market growth. In 2023, the Federal Reserve launched FedNow, a real-time payment system that allows banks and fintech companies to process transactions 24/7, enhancing accessibility for consumers and businesses alike. Over 70% of retailers in the U.S. now accept contactless payments, and 25% of all credit/debit card transactions in 2023 were made using contactless methods. Major gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, Square, BlueSnap, Authorize.net, and Adyen, support this evolution. Furthermore, the California Air Resources Board reported that 69% of debit cards in the U.S. supported contactless payments in 2023, with full adoption expected by 2027.

Market Segmentation Highlights

• By Application: Retail dominates the market with a 50% share, as consumers increasingly favor quick, safe, and efficient transactions. Grocery payments, for example, were 85% contactless in 2023. Hospitality is the fastest-growing sector, as diners and hotel guests leverage mobile wallets and contactless cards for seamless payments, whether at hotel counters, room service, or food delivery.
• By Technology: Near-Field Communication (NFC) leads with a 60% share, offering secure device-to-device transactions through encryption and tokenization. Emerging technologies like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) are gaining traction for fast and convenient payments.
• By Region: The Western U.S. leads with 40% of market revenue, thanks to tech-savvy consumers and technology hubs in San Francisco and Seattle, while the Southern region is the fastest-growing market due to rising adoption of contactless payments.

Key Players and Market Innovation

The U.S. contactless payments ecosystem is highly fragmented, consisting of both dominant players and smaller innovators. Key companies driving growth include Apple, Google, PayPal, Stripe, Samsung, Amazon, Walmart, JPMorgan Chase, Shopify, Block, and Intuit. Recent market developments underscore the dynamism of this sector: in March 2025, Walmart partnered with Klarna to provide flexible buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) options, while in July 2024, Stripe acquired Lemon to enhance its payment processing capabilities.

Conclusion

With technological innovation, expanding infrastructure, and shifting consumer preferences converging, the U.S. contactless payment systems market is poised for transformational growth. Businesses that embrace this trend will benefit from faster transactions, increased customer satisfaction, and streamlined operations, while consumers will continue to enjoy the convenience, speed, and security of tap-to-pay solutions. As mobile wallets, NFC technology, and contactless cards become the new normal, the market is set to redefine the way Americans shop, dine, and pay in the coming decade.