Consumers today have more payment options than ever. Mobile payment platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are increasingly gaining traction, but the trinity of cash, debit and credit still dominate—especially with smaller, in-store transactions.
In a March 2019 survey conducted by Mercator Advisory Group, consumers didn't favor one payment over the other. Instead, certain payment methods were more prominent with specific retailers and depended on whether the transaction was made online or in person. For example, 41% of US internet users said they used credit cards most often when buying from online-only retailers, but fewer (24%) used that payment option at convenience stores, where cash still rules.
Meanwhile, roughly one in three respondents preferred to pay with a debit card at big-box retailers, pharmacies and supermarkets.