Mobile payments and digital wallets represent one of the fastest growing segments in today’s market. Since mobile commerce first arrived in 1997, technology has evolved to make mobile payments a real, secure alternative to cash or cards. From early SMS and WAP based payment methods to NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, mobile payments have also become increasingly common.

The 2013 Mobile Payments Consumer Survey published by McKinsey & Company found that convenience and payment integration are the keys to consumer adoption of mobile payment apps. Consumers expect added value from their mobile apps including monetary savings, improved security, convenience, and loyalty offerings. Consumers have indicated they would be more likely to use a singular, consolidated mobile platform that is accepted at multiple merchant locations, where rewards and balances are conveniently managed in one central location.