Study Finds Bad Billing Experiences Delay $330 Billion in Consumer Payments Each Year
New research shows that clunky billing processes delay $330 billion in payments annually, highlighting the urgent need for frictionless merchant payment tech.
Curated by Financing Your Way from original reporting by PYMNTS. Summary is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed — see our editorial standards.
Your billing process is likely costing you money before the customer even pays. A new study reveals that friction in the payment experience delays $330 billion in consumer payments annually. For retailers and service providers, this means that every extra step or confusing interface in your checkout or financing portal is a direct threat to your cash flow. Consumers are increasingly impatient; if they encounter technical hurdles or a lack of clear communication, they don't just get frustrated—they stop the transaction. The data shows a massive gap between what businesses think they are providing and what customers actually experience. While many operators believe their digital payments are 'good enough,' high-value customers are migrating toward platforms that offer seamless, one-click, or automated options. If you offer consumer financing, the integration must be invisible. The study highlights that a 'bad' experience isn't just a technical error; it is any point of friction that makes the user think twice. To fix this, you must audit your payment journey from the perspective of a mobile user. Reducing the time it takes to complete a payment and offering more diverse payment methods—like BNPL or digital wallets—can significantly decrease the time it takes for funds to hit your account.
Source: PYMNTS
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