Growing dissatisfaction with traditional payment methods is fueling interest in biometric alternatives, particularly palm-based payments. Many consumers are frustrated with limited options and restrictive card-only policies, especially in major U.S. cities where satisfaction with existing payment systems is relatively low.
Younger shoppers are leading the shift (46%) when it comes to using biometrics for making payments or processing their loyalty program rewards. Meanwhile, only 28% of consumers over 55 are comfortable using biometrics to make payments or process their loyalty claims.
According to Handwave, a European fintech company, a survey of 2,001 Americans showed that across all age groups, almost half of consumers say they would adopt palm payments regularly if concerns around security and privacy were addressed. The study highlighted strong underlying demand for more seamless, contact-free experiences.
Handwave Chief Revenue Officer, Oskars Lakševičs, said, “Consumers are signalling that speed, convenience, and hygiene will define the future of payments, but trust is the tipping point. When people are confident that their data is handled securely, half of all shoppers say they would use palm payments regularly. What we're seeing is the emergence of a new payment culture: intuitive, contact-free, and built around the individual."
Despite the interest in palm payments, trust remains the primary barrier to widespread adoption. Concerns about data misuse, security breaches, and unreliable technology continue to make consumers cautious. Fifty-five percent of those asked are concerned about a data breach or hacking.
However, the appeal of faster checkout, improved hygiene, and the convenience of not needing physical wallets or phones is driving momentum.
As technology advances and companies improve safeguards, palm-based payments are positioned to move from a niche innovation to a mainstream payment method, particularly as younger, tech-savvy consumers continue to shape expectations around speed and simplicity.