Instant Payments Grow but the Real Barrier Is Human

Instant Payments are Winning. Why Are Some Consumers Still Saying No?

Based on a survey of 4,835 U.S. consumers conducted from Oct. 31 to Dec. 30, 2025, this report examines why consumers are still turning away from instant payments and which payout categories lag in offering the method.

Download “Instant Payments are Winning. Why Are Some Consumers Still Saying No?”, a collaboration between PYMNTS Intelligence and Ingo Payments, to learn more.

Inside the April Playbook
  • When instant delivery is offered, most recipients take it. Only a small minority opt out, even as access continues to expand.
  • The biggest reasons aren’t cost. Most consumers who pass say they either don’t need the money right away or have concerns about security and sharing account information.
  • Income and earnings recipients are the most likely to choose instant. Insurance and investment recipients are among the least likely to be offered the option at all.

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    Instant Payments Report

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    The State of Digital Disbursements: Why Consumers Prefer Instant Payments
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    How Instant Ad Hoc Payments Benefit Digital-First SMBs
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