Introduction of digital payments South Africa That trend is accelerating as consumers increasingly adopt technologies such as digital wallets, biometrics, and artificial intelligence (AI) in their daily transactions. According to a recent consumer survey, visaPayment preferences in the country are evolving as users seek faster, more secure and technology-driven payment experiences.
The research suggests that while physical payment cards remain the most preferred and convenient payment method among South African consumers, there is a growing openness to new payment technologies that combine convenience and security.
Biometric authentication is already widely used. Approximately 66% of respondents reported using biometrics such as fingerprints or facial recognition to authorize payments, reflecting a growing confidence in technology-enabled security measures.
Digital wallets are also gaining momentum in the market. Nearly 39% of consumers surveyed recognized digital wallets as the fastest payment method, and more than one-third said they would recommend digital wallets to others. The findings suggest that mobile-first payment experiences are gradually being incorporated into everyday transactions.
The study also points to a growing interest in alternative digital assets for cross-border transactions. Among respondents who have previously sent money abroad, 57% said they would consider using stablecoins as a payment method, highlighting the growing interest in cross-border payments that can be faster and cheaper.
Artificial intelligence is also becoming a part of consumer payments. About 63% of respondents said they have used AI tools for shopping-related tasks, such as product research, finding gift ideas, and interacting with customer service. However, despite the increased use of AI-enabled tools, many consumers still value human interaction, with 63% saying they would prefer speaking to a human customer service representative over an AI system.
Security remains a central concern shaping payment choices. According to the survey, 88% of respondents consider security to be “very important” when choosing a payment method. Consumers view banks (76%) and payment networks (71%) as their primary protectors against fraud, but many consumers recognize their role in protecting their transactions. Approximately 67% of respondents believe that consumers themselves are responsible for detecting payment fraud and security threats.
Consumers are also taking proactive steps to protect their financial data. Almost half of respondents reported having two-factor authentication enabled, and about 40% regularly change their passwords to increase account security.
Despite the growing acceptance of AI in commerce and payments, concerns about data usage remain. Approximately 60% of respondents said they were concerned about how their personal data would be treated by AI-powered shopping and payment tools. At the same time, 42% expressed confidence that AI can identify payment fraud.
“While traditional payment methods continue to play an important role and physical cards are still considered the most preferred and convenient payment method, South Africans are showing that trust and technology can go hand in hand, and consumers are increasingly willing to adopt new payment solutions that offer both convenience and peace of mind,” said Reinshree Moodley, country manager at Visa South Africa.
The research reflects broader changes across the global payments market, with financial institutions and technology providers accelerating investments in secure digital payments infrastructure, AI-driven commerce tools, and alternative payment methods to meet changing consumer expectations.
