Wallets went digital, but B2C payouts are stuck in the checkbook
Digital is the expectation, but checks still
dominate B2C payouts — and that gap has a cost
prefer digital payment methods when receiving a payout
are confident making in-person payments with just their mobile phone
use digital payments monthly
that received a payout via check experienced some inconvenience
More payouts mean higher stakes and greater opportunity
Ongoing economics shifts have caused corporate payouts to become more frequent across generations, making payout experiences more visible and more consequential.
The percentage of consumers receiving between 5 and 10 payouts per month doubled since 2024
consumers have experienced an issue when receiving a payout
.png)
Businesses default to checks, unknowingly eroding customer trust
Sending a payout via check is still the third most common method, even though it's one of consumers' least preferred ways to receive a payout.
believe digital payments are more secure than checks, up 13 points from last year
of consumers who received a payout via check experienced some inconvenience
Younger consumers are pushing premium digital to the forefront
Gen Z and Millennials' preference for payment apps, mobile wallets, and virtual cards surpass legacy methods like checks and ACH.
For Gen Z & Millennials:
Payment apps top the list of preferred methods surpassing ACH by 3%
prefer virtual prepaid cards over ACH
The preference for mobile wallets increased since last year
Speed isn't just expected, it's a brand differentiator
How quickly a consumer receives their payout impacts how they judge the experience as a whole. Faster payouts are no longer just a service upgrade they directly impact brand perception.
would pay a fee for a faster or more convenient payout
expect their payout within a week to be satisfied
have a more positive impression of a business after a positive payout experience
Every payout is a chance to build trust and earn loyalty
Consumers want security, communication, visibility into timing, and the ability to choose how they receive funds.
say security is their top payout priority
say the ability to choose their preferred payment method is important
Four generations of American consumers.
All signaling one trend:
Find out how consumer expectations are driving payout modernization and why legacy payout processes are a competitive liability.
*Onbe & NRG surveyed 1,500 US consumers who have received a corporate payout in the last year.