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Billions are banking digitally and that number keeps climbing
In 2025, more than 3.6 billion people are reported to use online banking services globally. To put that in perspective, that’s nearly half the world’s population handling their finances through mobile devices. In the U.S. alone, digital banking users are expected to reach 216.8 million by 2025, up from 203 million in 2022. It’s a clear signal that the shift is long-term and irreversible – financial institutions that don’t offer efficient and customer-friendly online banking services are really staying behind.
Online & mobile payments surge into the trillions
One of the most important digital banking statistics is that the total value of transactions in the digital payments market is anticipated to hit US$20.09 trillion in 2025. Between 2025 and 2030, the market is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.63%, reaching an estimated total of US$38.07 trillion by 2030.
Today’s consumers increasingly prioritize fast, frictionless payments – known as real-time or instant payments – over factors like cost. A recent survey across North America, Europe, and Latin America found that security and ease of use outranked cost in determining how people choose digital payment tools. For many, neobanks gained favor not because of lower fees, but because they offered quicker payment experiences. Asia-Pacific leads this trend, with real-time payments in India occurring nearly five times more frequently than in China.
AI banking market set for rapid growth & fraud defense
Artificial intelligence continues to reshape the financial industry – and the market numbers reflect that momentum. The global AI banking sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 18%, rising from about $33 billion in 2025 to more than $75 billion by 2030.
However, as digital transactions grow, so do security concerns. AI is becoming a frontline tool in detecting and preventing fraud. In 2025, experts point to AI as a critical layer of protection in payment systems, especially in spotting suspicious activity in real time.
Risk managers across industries have flagged cyber incidents, including data breaches and IT disruptions, as the top business threat going into 2025. And for good reason: payment card fraud is projected to increase by around $10 billion globally between 2023 and 2028. With fraud risks rising, AI banking solutions are helping financial institutions stay ahead by analyzing patterns, flagging anomalies, and stopping threats before they escalate.
Devices are the new branches
Need more digital banking statistics? The way people interact with their banks has also changed. Statista reports that 63% of bank account holders handled their banking via smartphone or tablet in the fourth quarter of 2024 – an increase of five percentage points compared to the first half of 2019. Mobile platforms now offer everything from check deposits to investment tracking – turning smartphones into personal finance hubs.
Financial inclusion is on the rise
In emerging markets, payment innovation is doing more than making banking easier. It’s making it truly accessible. Mobile payments help close the financial inclusion gap, particularly in regions like Africa, where the cost of traditional payment cards is often prohibitive. In fact, one major reason countries are exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) is to improve access to basic financial services.
This transformation isn’t limited to the developing world. Globally, financial ecosystems have shifted dramatically in just a few years. As 2025 unfolds, traditional institutions continue adapting to these changes while facing macroeconomic challenges like inflation and geopolitical instability.
The takeaway
The digital banking statistics clearly show that in 2025 it’s all about scale, speed, and smarter technology.
With billions of users worldwide, banking has become a fully digital experience for most consumers. Since competition intensifies, financial institutions need to prioritize robust security and seamless customer experience to stay competitive and future-proof. Need help making this happen? Contact us today!
