MasterCard predicts AI, digital ID and crypto to revolutionize payments by 2026
Payments are set for a major revolution in 2026, according to new research from Mastercard, which says advances in artificial intelligence, digital technology and Blockchain technology will change the way people pay and transfer money.
The report highlights faster, more secure and customized transactions in the wave of innovation driven by a sharper infrastructure, regulatory transparency and deeper interoperability across the financial spectrum.
MasterCard says Conforative AI is entering a new phase with the rise of agentic commerce, where AI Agents help manage transactions on behalf of consumers and businesses. After appearing in 2025, these programs are planned to expand rapidly the following year as the industry introduces protections to ensure the work of AI, reduce fraud and ensure that people do not fall over or use unintended actions. Automation may increase, the report notes, but trust will remain essential.
Digital currencies gain trust
Cryptocurrencies are also expected to play a more integrated role in mainstream payments. The regulatory clarity surrounding stablecoins in the United States and Europe has created confidence in financial institutions to use and sell the technology.
MasterCard predicts Smoother Packouts for stablecoin wallets, easier cross-border settlements and wider access to on-chain purchases of stablecoins and bitcoin.
Digital identity is becoming increasingly important as online activity grows and fraud attempts increase. A MasterCard study shows that 80 percent of the world’s population has been targeted by a scam in the past year. Digital ID wallets will help people securely verify their identity when accessing financial, government and commercial services, including age-restricted products.
Verified encryption of Crypto transactions is expected to reduce fraud linked to complex wallet addresses. Extending these services to developing markets can support financial inclusion.
Circular Commerce is going digital
Changing consumer habits are influencing payment redesign. MasterCard notes that younger generations are accelerating the circular economy by recycling, repairing and reselling. Payment systems will emerge to support this with micro-to-peer payments that enable refill models and cashback programs. Retailers can benefit from lower packaging costs and stronger customer loyalty.
Customization is expected to improve. Consumers will be able to set rules for how they want to pay, choose credit for large purchases and debit for everyday spending. Small businesses and individuals with thin credit records can also gain improved access to finance through advanced analytics and open financial data.
The fast economy is set to gather pace. Biometric checkout is likely to become more common in stores, tokenization will move online commerce closer to a single checkout and new tools will enable real-time checkout.
With global cross-border payments expected to make US $ 250 trillion by 2027, MasterCard expects an increase in the amount of money spent on importing and very quickly, transparent money transfers from other countries.
MasterCard says these six trends reflect a fundamental shift in global commerce. Payments are becoming more accurate, integrated and secure, and 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year in the evolution of how the world interacts with money.
