Beyond Swiping: 10 Alternative Payment Methods Your Customers Actually Want

While traditional credit card processing remains essential, today’s consumers are demanding more payment options than ever before. According to recent research, 81% of consumers consider flexible payment options important, with 44% expecting to use digital wallets more frequently in 2025 .

At Merchant Service Depot, we’ve seen how implementing alternative payment methods transforms customer experience and boosts revenue. Whether you’re running a retail store, online boutique, or service-based business, these payment innovations can set you apart from competitors.

1. Digital Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)

What it is: Secure mobile payments using your phone with a simple tap or biometric authentication.

Why customers love it: Lightning-fast checkout, enhanced security, and no need to carry cards or cash.

Merchant benefits: 2-4% increase in conversion rates, especially among younger demographics .

Implementation: Most modern POS systems support digital wallet integration with 1-2 day setup.

 

2. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Services

What it is: Split purchases into 3-4 interest-free payments over several weeks.

Why customers love it: Makes larger purchases manageable without credit card interest.

Merchant benefits: 15-30% increase in average order value and up to 20% higher conversion rates .

 

Implementation: Partner with Klarna, Afterpay, or PayPal Pay in 4. Merchant receives full payment upfront minus 2-8% fees .

3. Contactless Card Payments

What it is: NFC technology that processes transactions without physical card insertion.

 

Why customers love it: Sub-3-second transactions and contactless convenience.

 

Market adoption: 69% of merchants either already implemented or actively planning deployment .

 

Implementation: Upgrade to contactless-capable terminals or upgrade existing systems.

4. QR Code Payments

What it is: Customers scan QR codes with smartphones to initiate payments.

 

Why customers love it: Contact-free, works with any smartphone, minimal merchant processing fees.

 

Best for: Small businesses, food trucks, and service providers.

 

Implementation: Generate unique QR codes integrated with your payment processor.

5. Real-Time Payments (FedNow, Zelle)

What it is: Instant bank-to-bank transfers that settle in seconds.

 

Why customers love it: Immediate confirmation, lower fees, 24/7 availability.

 

Market growth: FedNow volume grew 50x since launch, showing rapid adoption .

 

Implementation: Partner with payment processors offering real-time payment solutions.

 

Ready to Transform Your Payments?

 

The payment landscape is evolving rapidly. Merchants who adapt quickly will capture the most value.

Contact Merchant Service Depot today to:

• Evaluate which payment methods suit your business

• Get customized implementation support

• Access competitive rates for all payment types

Receive ongoing optimization support

• Don’t let customers swipe away to competitors offering more convenient options. Join the payment revolution and watch your business thrive.