North America Mobile Wallet and Payment Market Size and Forecast (2021 - 2031)

The North America Mobile Wallet and Payment Market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 20,085.3 million by 2031, up from US$ 2,988.4 million in 2023. This growth represents a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.9% from 2023 to 2031.

Executive Summary and Market Analysis

The mobile wallet and payment sector in North America is experiencing rapid expansion, driven by the numerous advantages it offers to consumers, financial institutions, businesses, and government entities. The surge in online shopping has made mobile payments the preferred choice for many consumers. Additionally, the carrier billing ecosystem is undergoing a significant transformation, influenced by economic shifts, social changes, regulatory updates, and technological advancements in the region. As mobile payment applications gain popularity, various stakeholders—including software companies, payment technology firms, banks, and merchants—are eager to capitalize on this burgeoning market.

The rise of e-commerce is a primary factor contributing to the widespread adoption of mobile payment systems across North America. One of the key technologies facilitating this growth is Near-Field Communication (NFC), which enables users to create digital wallets. Mobile payments are increasingly favored over traditional payment methods, thanks in part to major players in the tech industry, such as Apple and Google, who have launched robust mobile payment platforms.

Strategic Insights

Market Segmentation Analysis

The North America Mobile Wallet and Payment Market can be segmented based on various criteria:

• By Type: The market is divided into Proximity and Remote payments, with Proximity payments holding the largest market share in 2023.
• By Technology: The market is categorized into NFC, QR-based, Text-based, and Digital-only payments, where QR-based payments dominated the market share in 2023.
• By End User: The segmentation includes Personal and Business users, with Personal users accounting for the largest share in 2023.

Market Outlook

The adoption of contactless payments has surged globally, as these methods eliminate the need for consumers to carry cash. Digital payment solutions, including NFC and QR code-based transactions, are becoming increasingly popular. Consumers are gravitating towards contactless payment options for their speed and convenience, especially in the post-pandemic landscape. The demand for quick, secure, and hygienic payment methods has accelerated the adoption of contactless technology, transforming the checkout experience in both physical and online stores.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless payments were already gaining traction in North America, but their usage was significantly boosted during the pandemic. According to a Mastercard Contactless Consumer Polling survey, over half (51%) of North Americans utilized contactless payment methods, such as tap-to-go credit cards and mobile wallets like Apple Pay, prior to the pandemic. The ongoing evolution of mobile wallets and payment systems continues to enhance their appeal, revolutionizing financial transactions. The simplicity, speed, security, and inclusivity of these payment methods have transformed the payment landscape, providing consumers with an efficient and seamless way to manage their finances.

Country Insights

The North America Mobile Wallet and Payment Market is further segmented by country, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the United States holding the largest market share in 2023. Digital wallets are increasingly favored as a quick and convenient payment solution in the U.S. For instance, a survey conducted in August 2023 by Forbes revealed that more than half (53%) of Americans preferred using digital wallets over traditional payment methods. Additionally, 47% of respondents indicated they spend more money when using digital wallets compared to conventional payment methods. PayPal emerged as the most popular digital wallet, with 69% of the population utilizing it, followed by Google Pay (56%), Apple Pay (53%), and Samsung Pay (52%). Peer-to-peer payment apps are also widely used, with 52% of respondents using Cash App and 49% using Venmo for digital transactions. Most users access digital wallets via smartphones (68%) and smartwatches (41%). The findings align with broader economic trends favoring digitalization, as 64% of respondents reported using digital wallets as frequently as traditional payment methods, highlighting the growing popularity of contactless payment solutions.

Company Profiles

Key players in the North America Mobile Wallet and Payment Market include major companies such as Alphabet Inc., Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Thales SA, Apple Inc., Visa Inc., ACI Worldwide Inc., AT&T Inc., Mastercard Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., FIS Global, PayPal Holdings Inc., PayU, American Express Co., Bharti Airtel Ltd., PhonePe Pvt Ltd., Paytm E-Commerce Pvt Ltd., Early Warning Services, LLC, Alipay, One MobiKwik Systems Limited, and Software Group. These companies are employing various strategies, including expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions, to deliver innovative products to consumers and enhance their market presence.