Gearfuse Technology, Science, Culture & More
An unsurprising 67.8% of US adults will use a mobile wallet by 2028, according to eMarketer. Mobile payments have become a mainstream habit shared among various generations who prefer convenience, security, and fast transactions in the palm of their hands. These apps have transformed how users send money, whether splitting dinner checks or managing investments. Discover the top ten mobile payment apps in 2025, in no particular order, while examining the unique offerings, features, and user bases.
Cash App
Cash App was developed by Block Inc., with the app having 57 million active users by 2024. Its versatility sets it apart from other apps, with it working seamlessly on the full list of leading online casinos. The Cash App allows instant deposits into these sites while linking directly to crypto wallets or debit cards, enabling users to enjoy their favorite casino games within minutes. The Cash App also boasts incredible scores of 4.8/5 and 4.6/5 on the App Store and Google Play Store, respectively. Beyond entertainment, the Cash App allows users to buy and sell stocks, file taxes, and spend money without friction on various online and offline purchases.
Venmo
Venmo is a PayPal subsidiary that has become synonymous with fast and secure peer-to-peer transactions. There are currently 92 million active Venmo users around the world. The app has unique features like the social feed that allows users to share payment activities with friends. It’s also widely accepted by online and offline merchants, making it another convenient payment method for daily purchases. Venmo’s biggest problem is that scammers try to target users with phishing attacks, but the mobile platform has highly secure solutions in place as long as users remain aware of phishing attempts.
Zelle
Zelle stands out as a mobile app that offers instant bank-to-bank transfers. The mobile payment app had an impressive 151 million active users by 2024, revealing its popularity. Zelle is integrated directly with many major US banking apps, allowing users to send money via a simple phone number or email address. It also relies on many traditional banking security protocols to offer users an option for immediate bank-to-bank transfers that remain secure and speedy. Zelle’s biggest issue is the limited fraud protection initiatives and integrations that make users feel vulnerable.
PayPal
PayPal has been a dominant force since it launched in 1998. The app’s data and stats reveal that it has 432 million active users and processed 6 billion transactions in the first quarter of 2025 alone. PayPal is well-known for its highly secure buyer protection policies and has become a preferred choice for many when shopping online or sending money across borders. The platform also integrates seamlessly with other payment methods like bank transfers and debit or credit cards. It even expanded its offerings to accept crypto trading and buy now, pay later options. However, PayPal fees can be pretty steep.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay is a leader in the mobile wallet adoption initiative. The mobile payment option had around 744 million active users worldwide by 2024. It also integrated Capital One Shopping into iOS devices to allow users to make secure and contactless payments in many stores, on the web, and within other apps. Apple Pay also supports various payment methods like debit or credit cards, transit cards, and Apple Cash. The platform’s commitment to data privacy has become synonymous with its biometric authentication and tokenization. However, it has the risk of fraudulent contactless transactions.
Google Pay
Google Wallet provides extensive digital wallet tools and even supports debit or credit cards, boarding passes, and loyalty cards. The payment solution has between 200 and 250 million users worldwide in 2025, and its integration with Google’s entire ecosystem make it the go-to choice for swift, frictionless payments online. Google Pay’s security features include two-factor authentication and live transaction alerts that offer users peace of mind. It’s also compatible with various devices for a unified solution. It’s biggest setback is that some banks don’t accept the wallet yet.
Yape
Yape was developed by Banko de Crédito in Peru. The mobile payment app reached more than 17 million active users by 2025, with more than 2 million businesses now accepting the payment option, showing an upcoming contender in this race. It allows users to top up mobile devices, pay bills, and send or receive money fast and securely. Its integration with Peru’s banking system streamlines transactions, even for those without accounts. The app’s popularity in Peru is certainly notable, but it isn’t well-known on an international scale.
Wise
Wise was once known as TransferWise but now specializes in cross-border transfers. Wise expanded its reach by 25% in 2024, having 11.4 million active business and personal users around the world. The platform is a happy alternative to PayPal, offering lower fees and exchange rates for those sending money abroad. Its transparency in real-time tracking and pricing also improves user experience, while the security aligns with PayPal protocols. However, it doesn’t offer the extensive range of services and features found on other apps.
Samsung Pay
Samsung Pay stands out because it offers Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) and Near-Field Communication (NFC), two technologies that allow users to pay at more terminals compared to Apple Pay. The Android payment system currently serves over 150 million active users worldwide. It also supports various payment methods like debit or credit cards, gift cards, and loyalty cards. Meanwhile, the integration with Samsung’s ecosystem, which includes smart TVs and watches, allows users to transact across devices without friction. It secures transactions using tokenization and biometric authentication, like Apple Pay. However, users must re-enter the PIN every time they take the smartwatch off their wrist.
Alipay
Last but not least, Alipay is a leading mobile payment app in Asia. The Alipay platform reported having over 1.3 billion users in 2024. The app offers various services like bill payments, peer-to-peer transactions, and financial management tools. Its integration with 80 million merchants makes it ideal when travelling through Asia. While the global expansion initiatives have led to merchant partnerships in various countries and the app has more active users than any other mobile payment app, it doesn’t serve users worldwide.
Conclusion
Mobile payment apps are taking over. Each offers a unique range of services and features, with different levels of security that serve diverse users. There’s a mobile payment app for you, whether seeking versatility from Cash App, secure transactions from Apple Pay, or socially integrated platforms like Venmo. Choose the app that fits your lifestyle and needs.
