Today’s shoppers expect convenience, speed, and security at checkout, whether they’re shopping in-store, online, or via an app. For your business, meeting these expectations isn’t optional; it’s essential.

As a term, “digital payments” encompasses any transaction completed electronically—such as mobile wallets, credit cards, or contactless methods—and “digital asset payments” specifically involve decentralized currencies like bitcoin and ether.

As digital payments become the norm, many retailers are rethinking payment method options to make them as seamless and versatile as possible. The rise of digital assets is a natural evolution in this landscape, opening up new opportunities for brands to meet customer expectations and drive loyalty. As consumers continue to embrace digital-first transactions, digital assets offer even greater flexibility and control, making them an essential addition to the modern payment ecosystem.

Why digital payments are here to stay

Consumers are increasingly relying on digital payments. In the past year alone, 92% of U.S. shoppers used a digital payment method, highlighting a global shift toward digital-first transactions. And 46% of merchants now accept cryptocurrency as part of their payment systems, with large retailers leading the way in crypto adoption. With major players like Chipotle, Ulta Beauty, and Regal integrating digital assets into their payment options, it’s clear that crypto is becoming a legitimate and in-demand part of the retail ecosystem. 

Platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal have quickly become go-to choices, offering consumers a secure, easy way to pay. But as customers get comfortable with these transactions, they’re looking for even more options, including digital assets like bitcoin and ether. 

Cryptocurrency adoption is now at an all-time high, with 40% of American adults owning some form of cryptocurrency—a significant rise from previous years. This growth reflects a rising comfort with decentralized forms of payment and a shift in consumer expectations.

Meeting customers demands

Today’s consumers expect a smooth, connected experience across channels, whether browsing in-store, shopping online, or using an app. In particular, younger consumers prioritize ease and flexibility in their payment choices, shaping trends across the retail landscape. (Read more about how Gen Z is influencing the future of payments.)

Integrating digital payment options directly into your acceptance flow allows you to offer expanded payment methods while maintaining a seamless, customer-centric experience. With options like lightning-fast transactions and no fees for the customer, you can meet evolving consumer expectations without sacrificing convenience or speed.

Flexa makes this omnichannel experience possible by providing a payment solution that allows you to support a wide range of payment methods, including digital wallets and digital assets. This adaptability keeps your business ready to meet evolving customer expectations.

Consumers today are also highly aware of data privacy, and they expect retailers to protect their information. Blockchain-powered payment options ensure privacy and offer robust fraud protection, keeping payments secure from start to finish. Because each transaction is digitally secured, Flexa is able to collect substantially less information from customers versus traditional payment methods, allowing those who pay with Flexa to enjoy a more private transaction experience.

For your business, this level of privacy and security builds trust with consumers, especially as concerns about data privacy grow. Digital assets provide additional layers of security, which creates a payment option that appeals to shoppers who prioritize privacy and transparency.

Supporting retail’s shift toward flexible payments

Digital wallets and contactless payments have become mainstream, with mobile payment options now standard in retail settings. As digital payment adoption grows, digital assets are emerging as a natural extension of this trend. Digital asset payments provide additional security, reduced processing fees, and faster transaction times compared to traditional methods. For example, businesses that accept cryptocurrency can save significantly on processing fees. With Flexa, that fee is just 1%—significantly lower than traditional credit card fees and other platforms like those of Stripe and BitPay.

Flexa enables retailers to embrace this next step by providing the infrastructure to support secure, decentralized payments. You can add more payment method options for customers without overhauling your systems by offering digital assets seamlessly alongside other payment options.

Staying competitive in a digital-first world

Digital payments have reshaped retail, and digital assets are the natural next step. As your customers grow comfortable with digital assets, they’re not just expanding how they pay—they’re changing what they expect from payments entirely. This shift isn’t just about processing transactions; it’s about creating meaningful, flexible experiences that build loyalty and engagement.

For retailers ready to stay ahead, now is the time to explore how omnichannel solutions like digital wallets and accepting many types of digital assets can elevate your customers’ experience. Embracing these trends is more than keeping up; it’s setting your brand apart in an increasingly digital world.

Contact us today to learn how adopting flexible, secure, and decentralized payment options can create a shopping experience that keeps customers coming back.