GPR 2026 out now: Payments transform for commerce in constant motion

As we look back on decades of innovation in payments and brace for even faster transformation ahead, we see multiple forces converge – how money moves, who initiates transactions and where value is created.

It’s in this context that we launch this year’s Global Payments Report – widely recognized as the guide on how consumers pay across the globe.

In the report you’ll learn:

• Consumer payment preferences by transaction value across 42 key markets.
• Payment trends broken down by region and around the globe.
• The payment trends shaping an industry in motion.

Get your copy.

What’s the GPR all about?

This year, the theme “Commerce in constant motion” describes a payments environment that doesn’t stand still. For merchants around the globe, staying on top of the nuances between markets can mean the difference between hitting obstacles or growing successfully.

“We see different payment trends taking off in different markets,” says Marco Chardi, head of research at Worldpay, now part of Global Payments. “For merchants, it’s critical to understand the optimal payments mix that gets consumers through the checkout easily and keeps them coming back. For example, in APAC we’re seeing QR codes really take off in a way I’d not anticipated a few years back. Payment apps, too – while on the rise everywhere – ascended in APAC first.

“Digital wallets are like mirrors,” continues Chardi. “They reflect each market they’re operating in – for example card-funded in card-led markets like Australia, the U.K. and the U.S, but enabling A2A in some parts of Europe, Brazil, India and Thailand.

“However, payments are also on the move as people are on the move. So, it’s not enough to meet the needs of your consumers locally but you must also understand how people expect to take their payment methods with them. We’re calling this glocalization.”

The payment trends to know

This year’s report has identified five key trends for 2026. These are expanded on in the report.

1. Payment apps are growing in stores

The in-store experience is finally beginning to look more like the online one. Different global forces – from the adoption of QR codes and interoperability in APAC and LATAM to regulatory changes in Europe enabling greater competition – have helped apps to become a POS mainstay.

Payment apps will account for 46% of global POS value by 2030 – or $15.6 trillion.

2. Glocalization means payments on the move

People want to take their payment methods with them wherever they go. Most payment systems were designed for domestic use, which has historically caused friction for consumers when they travel.

This is changing, as payment systems in Brazil, China and India are extending their networks of direct acceptance. In Southeast Asia, national payment systems are building cross-border reach. In Europe, there are steps being taken to unify multiple payment networks into a more cohesive whole.

More connected domestic payment systems is good news for global travelers and those shopping across borders.

3. Digital wallets are winning on multiple fronts

This year’s GPR sees digital wallets like Alipay, Apple Pay and PayPal accounting for over half of online and a third of in-person transaction value.

Being payment chameleons, digital wallets are now the “everything” payment method, popular for their innate flexibility: from A2A and cards to BNPL and so-called superapps. As they innovate, it’s becoming increasingly important to understand what’s happening inside of them. Find out in the GPR.

4. Buy now, pay later is growing and changing

While installment payments aren’t new, BNPL brands introduced something people loved: interest-free, short-term financing at checkout. With adoption increasing across sectors and age groups, this has changed the landscape of borrowing. BNPL is set to reach $500 billion of global e-commerce value by 2030.

It’s not just its growth that is interesting, though. BNPL providers continue to innovate, moving into card issuing, savings accounts, A2A, shopping platforms, rewards and more.

5. Crypto – evolution, not revolution

Although MRC and Visa reported that only 10% of merchants worldwide accept cryptocurrency, the number of payments via crypto-to-card services is likely much higher. This utility via traditional rails means it’s gradually finding a place in the payments mix. However, paying directly by crypto is still niche (0.19% of global transaction value).

Stablecoins are also having their moment for cross-border payments, as an improved regulatory environment across the globe has helped build merchant confidence, safety and speed.

Get your GPR today – and follow our series

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be exploring these trends in more depth in our GPR 2026 Insights series on how consumer behavior across our 42 target markets differs and what you need to know to make each trend work for you.

Download the GPR 2026 for an in-depth look at how consumers pay across the world.