So, if they don’t find their preferred payment method during checkout, they are more likely to abandon their cart. Given the increased global competition, some may choose to buy from a competitor who includes their preferred payment method. This highlights the significance of local payment methods for global merchants.
Millions of customers from almost 200 territories worldwide are increasingly turning to international shopping, where they buy products and materials from other countries. As a result, the global ecommerce industry is experiencing significant growth and increased sales.
In 2025, the cross-border sales generated approximately USD 551.23 billion. Projections show that this amount will increase to USD 636.34 in 2026 and just over USD 2 trillion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.44%. As a result, cross-border ecommerce accounts for 21% of the total global revenues.
There are various factors contributing to this market growth, including:
Local payment methods are specific payment options that customers in a specific country or region use. These payments often reflect local payment habits and financial infrastructure. For instance, the growing use of cashless payments in developed countries results from high card usage, while in emerging and developing economies, it results from credit transfers and fast payments.
Therefore, if your business ships internationally, you will need to incorporate payment methods that people in local target markets use and trust. For example, you can consider integrating SEPA Instant into your payment system if you’re selling products in Europe. However, if you’re shipping to India, you may consider UPI or Pix in Brazil. Do your research and integrate region- or country-specific payment methods alongside international options like cards.
As a global merchant, you need to always remember that one-size-fits-all payment options may not work in every market. Before you expand to new markets, figure out the most common payment methods and integrate them into your system.
Digital wallets are some of the fastest-growing local payment methods. In 2026, global transactions using digital wallets will reach USD 12 trillion, a significant increase from USD 7.5 trillion in 2022 and just USD 1 trillion in 2021. These payment options allow customers to store payment details and complete transactions quickly through mobile devices or online accounts. In many markets, they are becoming a preferred option because they offer speed, convenience, and a familiar checkout experience.
Cards dominate the cross-border ecommerce market, especially in countries with established banking access and card infrastructure. However, local card preferences can still vary by country. So, businesses should consider which domestic and international card schemes their target customers use most often.
Bank transfers and account-to-account (A2A) payments allow customers to move funds directly from their bank accounts without relying on card networks. In some countries, consumers prefer real-time payment systems and local bank transfers. If your cross-border business operates in such markets, integrating these options can allow you to reach more customers and make more sales.
The rise of fintech innovations and consumer adoption of mobile phones is causing a significant shift towards mobile money payments. This option allows consumers to send, receive, and store money in their mobile phone-based accounts. It is common in markets with limited traditional banking access and high phone usage.
Sometimes, customers visiting your store may need a flexible payment option to afford your products or services. The buy now, pay later (BNPL) payment method allows customers to split purchases into instalments, often without paying interest if they meet the provider’s terms. These options can appeal to customers who want more flexibility at checkout and are becoming increasingly common in ecommerce and retail.
In some markets, customers still prefer cash payments, especially if they’re shopping in person. Others opt for local cash voucher systems or pay-on-delivery models. If you run a cross-border business with branches in regions that prefer such methods, incorporating cash payments can allow you to cater to local payment needs. This can build trust and increase customer satisfaction.
Offering local payment methods can determine whether customers will complete a transaction or abandon their cart. For example, customers from a country that uses digital wallets may decide not to complete their purchases if the only payment options you offer are cards. In this case, you may lose sales from such customers, thus affecting your overall revenues.
Customers are more likely to complete a purchase when the checkout experience feels familiar and relevant to their market. Offering local payment methods allows your business to localise the payment journey rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all setup. This can make your checkout feel more trustworthy and easier to navigate for international shoppers.
Payment success often depends on whether the method offered matches local banking systems, card preferences, and customer behaviour. In some markets, local payment methods can produce higher approval rates than international cards due to better alignment with domestic payment infrastructure. This can help your business reduce failed transactions and recover revenue that might otherwise be lost at checkout.
In most cases, first-time buyers are cautious when buying from foreign businesses. They may be uncomfortable with providing certain payment details, especially if they do not recognise the options given. In this case, providing local payment options creates a sense of familiarity and trust, which can encourage them to complete the purchases.
More than 70% of online shopping occurs through mobile phones, with mobile ecommerce projected to generate up to USD 3.4 trillion by 2027 (62% of global ecommerce sales). These numbers highlight the significance of integrating payment methods compatible with mobile devices. For example, you can allow local digital wallets or mobile money payments to simplify checkouts on smaller screens. This can make the payment process faster and more convenient.
If you’re planning to expand to new markets, integrating local payment methods can increase your competitive advantage. Remember, you’ll likely find other competitors with an established consumer base and payment models. Therefore, localising your payment methods can make it easy for customers in that market to trust your brand and be willing to complete transactions.
There are many factors that can influence the local payment methods you integrate into your system. For example, local payment infrastructure and habits determine customers’ preferred payment options. As a global merchant, this knowledge helps you determine the best methods to add to your system.
Before you select a payment method, you need to first know and understand your target market. Who are these customers? What payment methods do they commonly use? Also, you need to consider the country’s financial infrastructure. For example, if most people in a country use banks for payments, then you will need to incorporate bank transfers and A2A options. However, if you’re operating in mobile-first economies, then you’ll need to prioritise other options like digital wallets and mobile money.
Not every local payment method will be worth adding to your checkout. Focus first on the payment options that customers in your target market use most often and trust for online purchases. Prioritising high-adoption methods can help your business improve payment acceptance and reduce the risk of offering payment options that customers rarely use.
Payment method selection also affects your internal operations. Before adding new methods, consider factors such as settlement times, refund processes, reconciliation, foreign exchange support, and how easily the payment method integrates with your existing systems. These operational details can influence both the customer experience and the efficiency of your finance and payment teams.
Managing local payment methods across multiple markets can become complex if your business has to work with several providers and integrations. Choosing a payment partner that supports localisation at scale can simplify this process by giving you access to multiple local payment methods through a more centralised setup.
For example, Antom is a unified payment and digitalisation platform that allows you to manage your payments in a single platform. It is available in more than 200 markets and offers more than 300 payment methods in over 140 currencies. Partnering with such a platform allows you to access global markets and offer localised payment solutions that improve checkout experiences.
That depends on your expansion strategy and existing customer demand. Many businesses start by adding the most widely used payment methods in their highest-priority markets, then expand coverage as they gather more sales and customer insights.
Common challenges include managing multiple payment providers, handling different settlement and refund processes, and meeting local compliance requirements. Businesses also need to consider how each payment method fits their checkout flow, reporting setup, and customer support processes.