Like it or not, the world is rapidly changing. While digitisation in the payments industry isn’t anything new, there are many new developments that are shaping how business gets done. What’s more, customer expectations have shifted, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, with more consumers desiring fast, convenient, and flexible payment options no matter whether they’re ordering online or standing in line at a chippy.

The good news is that EPOS systems are evolving to meet customer demands. Instead of just being a method to accept credit cards, EPOS systems are now a full payment ecosystem, complete with a suite of tools that streamline operations and make businesses far more efficient.

So, how are payments evolving? And how will they evolve in the future? Let’s take a closer look at some of the most recent shifts in payments to get an idea of what the future of payments look like.

Frictionless Checkout

Today’s payments are all about speed and convenience, and there are few other payment methods than leveraging NFC technology. Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology that lets devices communicate when they’re just a few centimetres apart. NFC tags are tiny, contactless chips that store a small amount of data; when a phone is tapped against them, they trigger an action like opening a bill, menu, or payment page. On phones, NFC is built-in (the same used for Apple Pay and Google Pay) that lets a smartphone read those tags or make secure tap-to-pay transactions.

This is a great option for restaurants and retailers alike, and offers speed, ease of use, and an improved customer experience. They help reduce queues and increase table turnover, while also enabling staff to be more productive.

Tap-to-Pay Smartphones

You might be surprised to learn that in today’s technology-charged world, you don’t even need a card reader to accept card payments! Using the same NFC technology, businesses can actually use a smartphone to accept cards. When a phone becomes a payment terminal (Tap to Pay), it’s essentially using its built-in NFC chip in reverse: Instead of sending payment data, it receives it from a customer’s card or phone. No extra hardware is needed; the NFC reader is already inside the device.

This makes it far easier for small businesses to accept credit cards, particularly those who are doing pop-ups, outdoor events, or even for businesses that need extra terminals during a busy season. The hardware costs are low, while also offering more mobility. Best of all, these payments can be integrated with a full EPOS system, ensuring no lost customer data and thus seamless reporting.

Flexible Payment Options

Buy-now-pay-later payment options have been a staple for e-commerce websites for over a decade now, but new options are finding their way into hospitality and brick-and-mortar retail settings. Services like Klarna and Clearpay allow customers to split up a purchase into several monthly payments, often with a low interest rate.

Typically, these types of payment options are best offered for larger, higher-value purchases, but also can be used for gift cards and other add-ons that enable customers to stretch their budgets a little more. Customers love the flexibility these services offer, while businesses appreciate the ability to convert more customers who are looking to maximise their personal finances.

Biometrics, Cryptocurrency, and AI

New payment methods are reshaping how customers expect to pay, and the biggest shift is toward speed and security. Biometrics, like Face ID and Touch ID through Apple Pay and Google Pay, have become the default for many customers, offering instant authentication without PINs or signatures. At the same time, cryptocurency payments (like Bitcoin) remain niche but are gaining traction in certain retail and hospitality segments, especially where customers value alternative currencies or faster cross-border transactions. These methods all reduce friction at checkout while strengthening trust.

What’s more, AI is now powering the next layer of payment intelligence behind the scenes. It can verify transactions using subtle patterns such as the last four digits of a card, detect fraud in real time, and analyse purchasing behaviour to personalise offers or loyalty rewards. For businesses, this means safer transactions, smarter marketing, and a smoother customer experience, without adding complexity to day-to-day operations.

Adopting any of these futuristic payment methods can instantly modernise your business and bring it into the 21st century. And Everything EPOS can help integrate them into your current or a new EPOS system. Contact our EPOS specialists to discuss how your business can start accepting payments beyond the traditional methods.