#1: Account-to-Account Payments (A2A)
A2A payments allow money to be transferred directly from one bank account to another, without going through a card or a network like Visa or Mastercard. They are based on instant transfers and open banking, which requires banks to share certain data with approved third-party providers. This works thanks to APIs (application programming interfaces), which allow two IT systems to communicate securely. In practice, this enables apps to connect to users’ bank accounts to initiate a payment, with no intermediary. This model reduces steps and simplifies payment journeys. In 2024, more than 65% of European banks offered open APIs. Countries like the Netherlands (iDEAL) or India (UPI) exceeded 10 billion A2A transactions in a single year, illustrating the potential of this trend.

#2: Artificial Intelligence against Fraud
#3: The Rise of Alternative Payments
Alternative payments, such as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), cryptocurrencies or Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), are increasingly attracting users, particularly younger ones. In Europe, nearly 50% of 18–34-year-olds have already used a BNPL solution, drawn by the flexibility of deferred payment, often free of charge. Cryptocurrencies appeal to a generation more comfortable with decentralised technologies and seeking financial autonomy. But these methods raise several challenges. From a regulatory point of view, it is a question of protecting consumers against over-indebtedness linked to BNPL, or to ensure transaction traceability in crypto to prevent illegal uses. On the technological integration side, merchants must adapt their systems to accept these new means of payment. Finally, risk management is essential, particularly to address the high volatility of cryptocurrencies or to secure digital exchanges.
#4: Blockchain and Stablecoins Enter Institutional Finance

#5: New Uses at Points of Sale
Physical points of sale are modernising at high speed. In 2025, payment terminals are becoming lighter, more connected and smarter. Thanks to open banking and the rise of mobile payment, merchants can offer smoother shopping experiences: one-click payment, automatic invoicing, integration with loyalty programmes, etc. According to Capgemini, more than 70% of European retailers plan to invest in point-of-sale technologies by the end of 2025, and the global market for smart terminals is expected to exceed 50 billion dollars. These innovations also help reduce maintenance costs, better analyse sales in real time, and offer more personalised services to customers.
The payments sector is undergoing a profound transformation. A2A payments, artificial intelligence, alternative solutions, blockchain, or next-generation terminals: in 2025, payment methods are more varied, faster, and better integrated into everyday life. For companies and financial institutions, it is essential to anticipate these developments in order to offer reliable, competitive, and compliant services aligned with new expectations. Payment is no longer a simple transactional tool: it is becoming a strategic lever for innovation and customer relations.