If you’ve been in the eCommerce game a while, you’re pretty familiar with the phrase, “adaptability is key to staying competitive.” Yet, here at Your Store Wizards often encounter a surprising trend: many seasoned online store owners—particularly those who’ve been around for years and are comfortable with their established routines—resist adopting alternate payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.
While most modern eCommerce platforms, such as Shopify and BigCommerce, seamlessly integrate these options, some merchants stubbornly cling to the tried-and-true credit card checkout. While this might feel like a safe bet, it’s a missed opportunity that could be costing them sales, customer loyalty, and growth potential.
Does this sound like you? Then keep reading as we dig into why these alternate payment methods matter and how failing to offer them leaves you at a disadvantage.
The Rise of Digital Wallets and Alternative Payments
The way people shop online has changed dramatically over the past decade. Consumers no longer want to fumble with entering 16-digit credit card numbers, expiration dates, and CVV codes for every purchase. Convenience is king, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay deliver it. These services allow users to store payment information securely on their devices and check out with a single tap or glance using biometric authentication. PayPal offers a similar frictionless experience, letting customers pay with just an email and password.
The numbers back this up: digital wallet usage is skyrocketing. Global mobile payment transactions are projected to exceed $4 trillion by 2025, with Apple Pay and Google Pay leading the charge alongside regional players. PayPal, meanwhile, boasts over 400 million active accounts worldwide. Shoppers aren’t just experimenting with these methods—they’re relying on them as their go-to options. For store owners who think credit cards alone are enough, this shift signals a disconnect with modern consumer behavior.
The Cost of Convenience—or Lack Thereof
Your main goal as an eCommerce store owners is to convert every sale. Every extra step in the checkout process is an opportunity for a customer to abandon their cart. Research consistently shows that cart abandonment rates hover around 70%, with complicated or slow payment processes often cited as a top culprit. Apple Pay and Google Pay streamline checkout by eliminating manual entry, cutting the time from “add to cart” to “order submitted” down to seconds. PayPal offers a similar edge, especially for returning customers who don’t need to re-enter details.
Sticking solely to traditional credit card payments can feel clunky and dated. For mobile shoppers—who now account for over half of all eCommerce traffic—typing card details on a small screen is a hassle. A store that doesn’t offer digital wallets risks alienating this growing demographic, sending them straight to competitors who prioritize ease. It’s not just about losing a sale today; it’s about losing a customer for life.
Trust and Security Matter More Than Ever
Beyond the convenience factor, alternative payment methods bring an added layer of trust that today’s shoppers demand. Consumers are leery about handing over their credit card details to unfamiliar sites (yes, this is still an issue, believe it or not!). Apple Pay and Google Pay address this by tokenizing transactions—meaning the merchant never sees the actual card number, reducing the risk of data breaches. PayPal takes it a step further with its buyer protection policies, giving customers peace of mind that they’re covered if something goes wrong.
For those store owners who’ve built their businesses on credit card payments, this might not seem like a pressing issue. After all, they’ve managed just fine so far, right? But customer expectations have evolved. A store that doesn’t offer these more convenient options may send a message that it’s behind the times—or worse, that it doesn’t prioritize security. In an era where data breaches make headlines weekly, that perception can drive shoppers elsewhere.
Catering to a Diverse Customer Base
Another reason to embrace Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal is the demographic of today’s online shoppers. Millennials and Gen Z, have grown up with smartphones and expect seamless, tech-savvy experiences. These shoppers are more likely to use digital wallets as their primary payment method.
By limiting payment options to credit cards, store owners limit their potential market. A customer who relies on Google Pay might bounce if it’s not available, while a PayPal devotee might not bother digging out their card. Offering a variety of payment methods isn’t just about convenience—it’s about inclusivity, ensuring every shopper feels welcome and accommodated.
Most modern platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce make it effortless to integrate Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal, so there’s little excuse for not keeping up. Competitors who adopt these methods gain an edge by appealing to tech-savvy shoppers. Meanwhile, stores that lag behind risk fading away like Smith-Corona.
Take a look at the big players—Amazon, Walmart, and Target all support multiple payment options, including digital wallets. Small and mid-sized merchants might not have the same resources, but they can still level the playing field by leveraging the tools already built into their platforms. Ignoring these features doesn’t just limit functionality; it hands that sale over to your competitor.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
So why do some veteran store owners resist? Often, it’s a mix of habit and skepticism. They’ve built successful businesses on credit card payments, so why fix what isn’t broken? Others worry about additional fees or setup complexity, though platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce handle most of the heavy lifting. Some even fear losing control over the transaction process.
The fees for digital wallets and PayPal are comparable to traditional credit card processing costs, and the setup is typically a few clicks in a dashboard. More importantly, the potential revenue from capturing hesitant or mobile-first shoppers far outweighs any perceived drawbacks. Change can feel daunting, but in eCommerce, you’re already used to it!
For online store owners set in their ways, sticking to credit cards alone might feel comfortable, but it’s a gamble that’s increasingly hard to justify. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal aren’t just trendy add-ons—they’re essential tools for meeting modern expectations, boosting conversions, and staying competitive. At Your Store Wizards, we’ve seen firsthand how embracing these payment methods can revitalize a store, drawing in new customers and keeping existing ones coming back.
Now is the time to let go of “that’s how we’ve always done it” and step into the present. Your customers—and your bottom line—will thank you.
Scott Sanfilippo began his eCommerce journey in 1994 by co-founding one of the Internet’s first online retailers, TheFerretStore.com, which was acquired by PetCo in 2006. In 2001, he co-founded the eCommerce design and marketing firm Solid Cactus, which was acquired by web.com in 2009. Today, Scott is the General Manager of Your Store Wizards and lives in Delray Beach, FL. Scott can be contacted at scott@yourstorewizards.com.