The future of credit cards is an exciting topic that is constantly evolving. With a shift in consumer preferences and new technology, the world is moving towards contactless payments. Consumers can tap their phones and make payments and not carry a physical credit card. This has made transacting incredibly convenient.
Trends in India are reflective of this change. India witnessed significant growth in the number of credit card transactions and credit cards issued in the last decade. Finance experts predict that by FY 2027, the total value of credit card transactions will reach INR 51.72 trillion, growing at a CAGR of 39.22%.
In this article, we will understand the future of credit cards and the trends we are most excited about.
Benefits of credit cards
Credit cards offer a plethora of perks and conveniences that make your life easier. One of the most sought-after benefits is the “Buy Now, Pay Later” option. This feature allows you to make big-ticket purchases without breaking the bank. Some other benefits include reward points, discounts, cashback, a chance to improve your credit score, better insurance coverage, and so on.
The future is in the cards
One trend that is likely to gain momentum is the use of biometric technology for transactions. This includes fingerprints, facial recognition, and even heartbeats to verify, identify, and authorize payments. Not only does this make payments more secure, but it also makes the processes faster and more convenient.
Integration of AI for creating personalization
There has been an upward trend in the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze consumer spending patterns, detect fraudulent activity, and predict future spending habits. This can help credit card companies in offering more personalized services and tailored reward programs.
Virtual cards will be our tomorrow
Another exciting development is the use of augmented and virtual reality. This technology could allow customers to make payments in a virtual store or shopping mall! This would open up new opportunities for online shopping and make it an immersive experience.
Virtual cards are also gaining a lot of traction, owing to a radio technology called NFC (Near Field Communication). It’s very similar to Bluetooth or WiFi which aids in contactless payments. The adoption of virtual credit cards has increased rapidly since the pandemic.
All in all, the degree of growth in the credit card industry depends on how positively companies capitalize on emerging technologies to meet consumer needs.
Conclusion
As the use of cash continues to wane, credit cards will remain a vital part of the financial landscape. From cashless transactions to blockchain technology, online marketplaces, and data analytics, a host of new developments are shaping how we use and think about credit cards. While these changes bring new opportunities and benefits, they also come with new challenges and responsibilities. It’s important for credit card companies to stay up-to-date and adapt to these changes, to provide the best possible experience for their customers.
The future is shaping up to be more secure, more convenient, and more engaging with innovations!