Onbe, a corporate payouts platform, and NRG, a global insights and strategy firm, published their second annual Payouts Landscape Report—Onbe’s fourth annual payments study overall. The findings reveal that digital payments are here to stay—and businesses can stand out with more personalized, consumer-centric disbursements.
The study, which surveyed 1,504 respondents across the U.S., found that nearly all Americans use digital payments regularly, and 88% prefer to receive funds via digital methods. However, preferences vary, and consumers gravitate toward the digital options that meet their needs of the moment, from faster payments to spending flexibility. The rapid pace of digital transformation in recent years has set the stage for the next evolution in payments, which requires a more incremental approach focused on fostering engagement and loyalty through a broader range of choices, enhanced capabilities, and improved experiences.
Americans’ priorities when receiving a payment held steady year over year, with most valuing security (97%), choice (96%) and convenience (96%). However, consumers’ expectations around speed are rising, as frustration with long check wait times has increased by 5% since last year. 73% of consumers stated they would be dissatisfied with a payout experience if it took longer than one week to receive their funds, and most say they’d pay up to $5 for instant access to funds.
In addition to a desire for faster access to funds, flexibility is also a priority for consumers, with 70% using mobile wallets at least once a week and more than one in four saying they expect to increase their usage this year. However, preferred payment methods vary by situation, with nearly half saying their ideal disbursement method depends on the payout size—favoring digital options even more for larger amounts. These evolving expectations highlight the need for businesses to modernize and adapt their payout strategies, ensuring a seamless and improved recipient experience.
“Onbe empowers businesses to not just transform their legacy payout processes but stay attuned to emerging recipient preferences and opportunities—from the growth of instant and virtual payments to increased demand for flexible and convenient spending options,” said its CEO Bala Janakiraman. “Our findings in the 2025 Payouts Landscape Report support a strategy of continued innovation that delivers the choices and capabilities consumers are most excited about.”
Additional findings from Onbe and NRG’s 2025 Payouts Landscape Report include:
- 93% use payment apps at least once a month
- 79% are willing to pay a premium fee for instant access to funds
- 78% value the convenience of embedded and automated payouts
- 59% believe digital and electronic payments are more secure than physical options, a 6% increase from 2024
With economic uncertainty continuing to influence consumer behavior, businesses must adapt to changing priorities by focusing on retention and optimizing their payout strategies. As businesses get ready for economic shifts, they can stay resilient by optimizing their disbursement strategies to operate more efficiently, enhance the recipient experience and drive engagement—while preparing for the next wave of digital payment innovation.