Mobile Payments Stocks Surge as Fintech Innovation Accelerates

The mobile payments industry is experiencing rapid growth as fintech innovation, smartphone adoption, and consumer demand for contactless solutions reshape the financial landscape. From digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay to advanced technologies such as NFC, QR codes, and in-app payments, the sector has evolved into a powerful financial ecosystem.

According to KPMG, global fintech investment hit $44.7 billion in the first half of 2025, with strong activity in the Americas and EMEA. Emerging technologies, including blockchain and AI, are fueling greater transparency, faster processing, and improved fraud prevention. Meanwhile, “super apps” such as WeChat Pay, Alipay, and PhonePe continue to redefine consumer behavior by merging payments with communication, e-commerce, and banking.

The market outlook remains bullish. Per Fortune Business Insights, the global mobile payments market stood at $3.84 trillion in 2024, is projected to reach $4.97 trillion in 2025, and is expected to surge to $26.53 trillion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 27%.

Mobile payments driving fintech growth in 2025

Four Stocks to Watch in Mobile Payments

Capital One (COF)

Capital One is enhancing its digital-first banking ecosystem, integrating credit cards into wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Its mobile app offers robust features such as biometric login, instant Zelle transfers, subscription tracking, and AI-powered fraud alerts through its assistant “Eno.” With wallet-enabled card spend rising steadily, Capital One has reported a 20% YoY boost in net credit card revenue, further strengthened by its Discover acquisition.

PayPal (PYPL)

PayPal remains a global leader with 438 million active accounts across 200+ markets. Its Venmo app is gaining traction as both a peer-to-peer platform and retail checkout option, now accepted at 3.75 million U.S. merchants. PayPal’s innovations, including its “Tap to Pay” smartphone feature and extensive BNPL offerings, highlight its role as a frontrunner in mobile-first e-commerce.

Marqeta (MQ)

Marqeta continues to expand its card-issuing and embedded payments platform. Its open API architecture enables real-time, customizable solutions for partners, from BNPL integrations with Klarna and Affirm to crypto-fiat hybrid cards such as the Bitpanda Card, now available in 26 European countries. The firm processed $91 billion in transactions in Q2 2025, marking 29% YoY growth.

NCR Voyix (VYX)

Focused on retail and restaurant sectors, NCR Voyix is driving mobile-first innovation with solutions like Aloha Pay-At-Table, which lets diners scan a QR code, split bills, and pay in under 10 seconds. With more than 78,000 platform sites worldwide, its integration of Worldpay’s processing technology positions it as a global leader in streamlined mobile commerce.

The Bigger Picture

The mobile payments revolution is gaining momentum, accelerated by regulatory frameworks such as the U.S. FedNow system, India’s UPI, and Europe’s PSD2 directive. With digital wallets, embedded payments, and BNPL adoption surging, companies that combine innovation with global reach are set to dominate the next decade of financial services.