Mobile Payment Awareness Grows, But Usage Remains Low Among Consumers: Study

Even though a significant number of consumers have heard of mobile person-to-person payments, current usage of this technology remains limited, a new report found.

Four out of 10 households that have Internet access have heard of P-to-P payments, according to the survey, called "A New Perspective on Consumer Payment Habits" by Synergistics. Awareness is the highest, at 54%, for people between the ages of 18 to 34. Still, about 30% of those who are 50 or older are aware of the service, Synergistics said Thursday.

However, only 9% of people have used mobile P-to-P payments, the study found.

As awareness continues to grow, usage will follow, William H. McCracken, chief executive of Synergistics, said in a news release.

"The way consumers pay individuals is experiencing a revolution, and the once dominant methods — cash and checks — are being replaced by a host of new payment alternatives," McCracken said."One of these is mobile P-to-P payments. Providers should prepare for growth in P-to-P payments usage."

The online survey included responses from 1,016 people at least 18 years old. It examined consumer payment behavior at the point of sale and online in addition to bill payment.

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