6 Payment Trends in Retail 2025
The world of payments is in a constant state of change and the retail sector plays a crucial role in it. New technologies, changing customer needs and stricter regulations mean that retailers have to adapt to the increasing complexity of the payments domain.
In this article, CCV introduces you to six key trends that are transforming the payment experience in retail. From unified commerce focusing on omnichannel strategies, to innovative technologies such as Android terminals and tokenisation providing secure and flexible payment options. We highlight how payment & loyalty are increasingly intertwined, how mobile payments with SoftPOS are becoming a new standard, and how retailers can guard against the growing complexity of payment regulations.
Discover how these trends not only transform the retail sector, but also contribute to a better customer experience, increased efficiency and added value for both consumers and retailers.
Unified commerce
Retailers are looking for payment service providers to support their omnichannel ambitions.
With the rise of e-commerce, a new dimension has been added to payment solutions in retail. Today, there are an increasing number of providers that can offer both POS and e-commerce payments.
In this, the aim is to create a seamless omnichannel experience for the end customer, where synergy between different channels is key. A practical application of this is, for example, reserving a parking space online and opening the barrier with your payment card.
Even when choosing to use different suppliers for POS and e-commerce payments, creating an omnichannel customer experience is possible. The important factor in this case is that suppliers work together smoothly and contribute to this consistent and efficient customer experience. CCV collaborates with many partners and is eager to think along with them.
Android terminals
Payment terminals go beyond payments.
The amount of smart products in the world is increasing steadily. Smart TVs, smartphones and smartwatches are now an integral part of our daily lives. Payment terminals are also getting smarter thanks to Android technology, opening up a range of new possibilities.
One of the advantages of these smart payment terminals is that apps can be installed on them that make direct use of the payment terminal's functionalities. This allows the devices to be used much more widely than just for payments. For instance, it becomes possible to place business intelligence directly on a payment terminal, which can be used to collect customer insights or optimise processes, for instance.
Although processing payments is still one of the payment terminal's main functionalities, it is not longer the only one. Smart payment terminals are growing into multifunctional devices that contribute to more efficient and customer-oriented operations.
With an Android payment terminal, you choose a future-proof payment solution. Android offers an open system, leaving all options open for Apps. Within the hospitality industry, for example, CCV works with Android payment terminals and offers POS suppliers the option of running their POS app on a CCV payment terminal.
Payment & loyalty
Card-linked loyalty and loyalty integration for Apple Wallet make loyalty systems an integral part of payments.
The average customer using loyalty programmes often already has around 20 active loyalty cards. Yet these cards are by no means always being taken with them or actively used. For retailers, this causes challenges, especially if they aim for a fast, pleasant check-out experience. Traditional loyalty programmes, which require additional actions at the checkout, are increasingly becoming a mismatch in a world where efficiency and customer satisfaction are key.
Linking loyalty functionality to the payment card combines the advantages of both worlds. Customers no longer need to carry separate cards and loyalty is automatically included in the payment process. This ensures that customers are always recognised, even for smaller purchases where offering a traditional loyalty card is often skipped. This creates a more complete picture of customer behaviour, which is valuable for analytics such as basket and retention analysis.
During an opt-in process, the required customer information can be securely linked to the use of the payment method. This is done in full compliance with applicable regulations. The result is a loyalty system that is seamlessly integrated into the payment flow. Collecting loyalty credit points and redeeming them is done automatically via the payment card, without extra time or actions at the checkout. This takes the customer journey to the next level by combining ease of use and added value.
An additional advantage is that this system works for both known and unknown customers. Even anonymous customers can be included in analyses, providing new insights for optimising loyalty strategies. Moreover, additional elements, such as Apple Wallet, can be integrated. Credits are updated immediately after check-out and automatically appear in the customer's Apple Wallet. This offers a seamless and modern experience where customers can immediately see the benefits of their loyalty.
With this approach, retailers are making the move from traditional loyalty programmes to Loyalty 2.0. It is more efficient, effective and, above all, more pleasant for the customer to use. This innovative model not only improves the customer experience, but also provides more insight and impact for the retailer.
Payment regulations
The EU is stepping up its payment strategies and setting new standards.
The world of payments is becoming increasingly more complex, and security requirements are legitimately more strict. These additional requirements are essential to ensure a secure payments system, something both retailers and their customers should be able to fully rely on.
Yet this increasing complexity brings challenges. Complying with increasingly stringent rules can be challenging, and understanding all the nuances around security and compliance is often a challenge for retailers. After all, they specialise in their own field and not in the technical and legal aspects of payments.
That is why it is important to choose a payment supplier that takes care of this. A reliable partner ensures that all security and compliance requirements are met, so that you as a retailer can focus on what you are really skilled at: serving your customers and growing your business. This keeps you safe, compliant and worry-free in an increasingly complex payment world.
CCV is aware of the latest regulations and can take this off your hands entirely. An example of legislation is the PCI certification. Curious about what this means exactly? Listen to the CCV podcast in which everything regarding PCI requirements is explained.
Tokenisation
From anonymous customer recognition to subscription services, many different use cases can be supported with tokenisation.
Tokenisation involves converting the card number into a non-referenceable code (token). These tokens can be stored and used securely without being directly tracked back to the original card data. This not only provides security, but also opens the door to many interesting functionalities for retailers.
One application starts with simple basket analysis, which analyses customer behaviour to understand purchasing habits. But the possibilities go much further. With tokenisation, a retailer can realise a complete frictionless customer journey. Imagine: customers use their debit card to access a shop. Next, they grab the products they want, and upon leaving the shop, payment is handled automatically and invisibly, without the customer having to use their card, phone or wearable again. This kind of modern, seamless experience is possible thanks to the power of tokenisation.
In addition, there are numerous other applications that support tokenisation and can be of great value to retailers. Whether it is personalised offers, loyalty programmes or enhanced security, tokenisation offers a wide range of innovative possibilities that enhance the customer experience and support retailers in a rapidly changing landscape.
With tokenisation, retailers are not only taking a step towards a more secure payment environment, but also towards a future where convenience and innovation are key.
SoftPOS
With SoftPOS, payments can be accepted anywhere and anytime on Android handhelds.
In the same way that the shopping experience is constantly evolving, so is the approach that customers use to pay. Where previously the checkout was the central point of payments, customers are now becoming able to pay where and when it is convenient for them.
While paying at the checkout remains a constant, more and more options are available. For instance, customers can pay at home during delivery, for instance via a mobile pinterminal or a SoftPOS solution on the delivery driver's handheld device. In addition, pre-payment via a web portal is a common option, as is instant checkout for an impulse purchase, where the item and payment are taken care of at the touch of a button.
Mobile payments represent an increasing diverse range of payment products and solutions. These solutions enable retailers to offer customers the ability to pay easily and quickly at any time and any location. This flexibility not only makes payments more efficient, but also contributes to a customer-centric experience in line with modern expectations.
In short, the payment experience is becoming increasingly flexible, personal and integrated into customers' daily lives, allowing retailers to adapt even better to the wants and needs of their audience.
Mediamarkt also experienced the convenience of SoftPOS: ‘Thanks to CCV, we have a unique and fast solution for concluding telecom subscriptions. Speeding up the completion of telecom subscriptions and enabling contactless payments has increased turnover. Waiting times have been reduced and that makes the experience more pleasant for customers,’ says Stephan de Wit of MediaMarkt.
Questions? Get in touch!
Want more information on these trends or our payment solutions? We are happy to get in touch. Contact one of our experts via corporatesales@ccv.eu or visit ccv.eu/retail.
You can also meet our team in person at EuroCIS, Messe Düsseldorf, from 18th to 20th February 2025. You can make an appointment here. We are looking forward to your visit!