ACI Worldwide a global provider of real-time digital payment software revealed a 28 per cent increase in buy now, pay later (BNPL) transactions from October to December 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, according to ACI’s eCommerce intelligence. The data showed that BNPL transactions peaked more than 43 per cent in October as shoppers began their 2021 holiday shopping early.
Overall, the value of transactions globally increased 28 per cent in October 2021 compared to October 2020 as concerns of delivery delays and low inventory drove consumers to begin their holiday shopping early, according to ACI’s data tracking.
Buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) adoption continued to increase 68 per cent from October to December 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Within October 2021, a peak at 99 per cent was recorded compared to the same period in 2020. Consumers are also showing a continued interest in picking up their orders from in-store lockers as merchants adopt this fast and safer self-service method.
“Worldwide shopping continues to evolve as consumers rapidly embrace new ways to pay or receive their goods – driven by merchant modernisation and rapid consumer adaptability,” said Debbie Guerra, head of merchant payments, ACI Worldwide.
“As the popularity of BNPL continues to gain traction, we saw a significant increase in the number of consumer transactions via this payment method over the 2021 holiday season. In addition, BOPIS has shown no signs of slowing down as safety measures due to the spread of Omicron have driven (99 per cent) between October to December 2021 compared to 2020, with November being the strongest month.
“As COVID restrictions lifted slightly and vaccination rates increased, more consumers felt comfortable traveling over the holidays and attending in-person events,” Guerra continued. “However, fraudsters also followed this trend using tactics such as account takeover, synthetic fraud, and friendly fraud. Merchants and consumers must be more vigilant during peak season as it’s prime time for fraudsters to strike. Having fraud solutions in place that can easily detect a genuine transaction versus a fraudulent one is key.”
Between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, fraud attempts increased 14 per cent compared to the same period last year, with fraudsters targeting electronic items.
Key trends at a glance:
Global eCommerce (like for like Merchants and payment methods)
- Value of transactions increased16 per cent in November 2021 vs. 2020
- Value of transactions increased 12 per cent in December 2021 vs. 2020
BNPL
- North America and Europe in particular experienced a 31 per cent increase in BNPL transactions between October to December 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.
Shipment Cut-off
- Shipment cut-off transactions increased as consumers aimed to get presents shipped on time. In Europe, shipment cut-off priority experienced a 39 per cent increase in volume of transactions compared to 2020.
- Consumers using mobile devices spent US$31 more than consumers using non-mobile devices.
Boxing Day (Europe)
- Boxing Day in Europe experienced a 10.5 per cent increase in volume of transactions, with the average ticket value decreasing by US$17; this was likely driven by better deals, smaller basket values and clearance sales.
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