Imagine paying instantly, anywhere in the world, in your own currency - no cards, no surprises. That’s how I envision 2030.
As highlighted in the Worldpay Global Payments Report 2025, account-to-account (A2A) payments and multi-currency pricing (MCP) are rapidly transforming the infrastructure and expectations of global commerce.
These developments are not just fleeting trends - they are becoming fundamental to building trusted, accessible, and global-first payment experiences.
With A2A transactions projected to reach $3.8 trillion by 2030 and digital wallets forecast to handle 79% of global e-commerce transactions by the same year, the shift in momentum is clear: businesses must evolve or risk falling behind.
The A2A revolution
The spread of the smartphone has transformed payments, allowing local wallets to act as alternatives to the major international schemes. Local real-time payment systems like Pix in Brazil and iDEAL in the Netherlands have driven mass A2A adoption, offering consumers an easier, faster, and more secure way to pay. In Brazil, for example, Pix grew from just $1 billion in A2A e-commerce value in 2014 to $35 billion in 2024 - and that growth shows no sign of slowing.
A2A offers compelling advantages over traditional card schemes:
- Instant settlement and 24/7 availability
- Lower transaction costs with fewer intermediaries
- Greater trust and reduced chargeback risk due to secure bank authentication
Instant payment is not only faster - it’s more competitive cost-wise. For businesses, that means more revenue retained. For consumers, it’s a better, more reliable experience.
Multi-currency pricing: the traveller’s edge
As global commerce accelerates, the ability to pay in your home currency is more than a luxury - it’s expected. Travellers are looking at prices and thinking, "What does it mean in my own currency?" Multi-currency pricing delivers the transparency and reassurance modern consumers crave.
Platforms like Uber now offer MCP, giving riders the option to pay in their preferred currency - a clear sign of where consumer expectations are heading. More transparency means more stickiness. And stickiness (increased customer satisfaction and loyalty) is a powerful growth lever.
Opportunities and obstacles
With digital payments now accounting for 66% of global e-commerce value and projected to reach 79% by 2030, the shift is well underway. Real-time A2A systems like India’s UPI and Thailand’s PromptPay have become foundational to their domestic economies, and the expansion of Pix beyond Brazil is already happening.
That said, meaningful hurdles remain. Compliance with regulations continues to slow go-to-market efforts in many countries. Payment rules and infrastructure vary widely across regions, making interoperability a technical and legal challenge. Furthermore, A2A payment solutions are still largely domestic in scope. Expanding international acceptance is the next—and perhaps most important—step.
There is reason for optimism. Emerging technologies like 6G and the Internet of Things (IoT) are poised to drive new forms of fast, low-friction payments. As devices become increasingly connected, we will see payments embedded into everything from vehicles to appliances. Businesses that begin exploring these technologies now will be best positioned to adapt as the landscape evolves.
Preparing for the future
Instead of focusing on specific providers, I encourage businesses to identify strategic partners that can deliver reach, flexibility, and long-term support. As we look to 2030, my vision for global payments is clear: trust-focused, cost-effective, and available everywhere consumers choose to shop, stay, or travel.
A2A and MCP aren’t just innovations - they are the foundation of a new global standard. Fuelled by mobile adoption, customer demand for transparency, and next-generation infrastructure, these payment methods are redefining how businesses and consumers interact across borders.
The window to act
The opportunity is vast, but the window to act is now. With Planet as a strategic partner, merchants can deliver the trusted, transparent, and global payment experiences that tomorrow’s customers already expect.