Marqeta, Inc. (NASDAQ: MQ), a global modern card issuing platform, has released its sixth annual State of Payments Report, revealing a growing demand from consumers and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the US and UK for more intelligent and integrated payment solutions.
The report, based on an expanded survey of 3,000 consumers and 1,000 SMBs across both regions, highlights an opportunity for brands to leverage these insights to enhance engagement and foster growth through tailored financial experiences.
Consumers are adapting their financial behaviors in response to economic pressures, with 23% of US consumers surveyed adjusting payment methods. This includes 23% making more purchases with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) for increased buying power and 35% using credit cards for greater flexibility. Marqeta’s platform data supports this trend, showing a 9% year-over-year decrease in the average order value for BNPL transactions from January to May 2025, suggesting a shift towards smaller, non-discretionary purchases. Consumer payment habits are diverse and strategic; within a 30-day period, 81% of US consumers used cash, 77% used credit cards, 69% used debit cards, and 69% used P2P apps. Furthermore, 29% of US consumers expressed interest in AI-powered wallets that can automatically optimize payment choices based on spending patterns.
Todd Pollak, Chief Revenue Officer at Marqeta, noted that the payments landscape is evolving as consumers seek more integrated financial experiences, particularly from trusted brands. He stated that Marqeta enables brands to build their own financial ecosystems, transforming transactions into strategic touchpoints that deepen relationships and drive loyalty.
For SMBs, the report indicates a move from basic expense tracking to a more strategic view of financial intelligence. Fragmented payment tools, inconsistent cash flow, and disconnected systems have created a need for smarter financial solutions. Over half (53%) of US SMBs surveyed now consider their payment systems a strategic asset, and 86% are willing to invest in new solutions for long-term efficiency and growth.
Pollak added that SMBs recognize the potential for payments to unlock capital, improve cash flow, and automate operations. He emphasized that Marqeta allows platforms to embed intelligent financial tools, turning everyday business spending into a competitive advantage and positioning businesses that prioritize speed, flexibility, and convenience to succeed.
Marqeta’s 2025 State of Payments Report also features insights into social commerce, advancements in rewards and loyalty programs, and the impact of digital assets on the financial ecosystem. The research for the report was conducted by a payments research company in April 2025, surveying 1,503 US consumers, 1,501 UK consumers, 503 US SMBs, and 500 UK SMBs.
Marqeta, Inc. provides a platform that enables companies to build and embed financial services into their branded experiences. Its platform allows businesses to create personalized financial solutions, leveraging real-time data for applications ranging from consumer loyalty to capital efficiency. Marqeta’s platform processed nearly $300 billion in annual payments volume in 2024 and is certified to operate in over 40 countries worldwide.
