37 Countries and Their Most Popular Payment Apps

Digital payments have transformed the way people shop, transfer money, pay bills, and manage their everyday finances. From mobile wallets and instant bank transfers to QR-code payments and contactless technology, payment apps have become an essential part of modern life. Their popularity, however, varies from country to country depending on banking infrastructure, consumer preferences, local regulations, and technological development.

Some countries rely heavily on mobile payment platforms, while others prefer bank-linked transfer systems or international digital wallets. For example, Alipay is a major name in China's digital payment ecosystem, PhonePe is widely used in India, and Pix has become a key part of Brazil's instant payment landscape.

In this article, we explore the most popular payment apps, digital wallets, and payment systems across 37 countries, highlighting the platforms people commonly use for everyday transactions.

1. United States – Zelle and Apple Pay

The United States offers several digital payment options for consumers, businesses, and online shoppers. Zelle is widely used for sending money directly between participating bank accounts, making it convenient for splitting bills, paying friends, and transferring money to family members. Apple Pay is another popular option, allowing users to make contactless payments in stores, pay through apps, and complete online purchases using compatible Apple devices.

While Zelle focuses primarily on person-to-person bank transfers, Apple Pay is designed for convenient payments at participating merchants. Both services play different but important roles in the American digital payment ecosystem.

2. China – Alipay

Alipay is one of China's leading digital payment platforms. It supports a broad range of everyday transactions, including shopping, restaurant payments, utility bills, and transfers through supported services. QR-code payments are particularly common in China's retail environment, allowing customers to pay by scanning a code or presenting one for a merchant to scan.

Alipay is part of a highly developed digital payment ecosystem in which mobile transactions are deeply integrated into daily life. WeChat Pay is another major platform in the country, making China one of the world's most prominent markets for mobile payments.

3. India – PhonePe

PhonePe is one of India's most widely used digital payment apps, powered by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). It enables users to transfer money between bank accounts, pay merchants by scanning QR codes, recharge mobile phones, and settle utility bills.

UPI has made instant digital payments accessible to millions of people across India. PhonePe benefits from this infrastructure by providing a convenient interface for everyday transactions, from small purchases at local shops to online payments. Other major platforms in India include Google Pay, Paytm, and BHIM.

4. United Kingdom – Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a popular contactless payment option in the United Kingdom. It allows users to make purchases using compatible iPhones and Apple Watches at contactless terminals, as well as through supported websites and applications.

The UK's established contactless banking infrastructure makes mobile wallet payments convenient for shopping, dining, and public transport journeys where supported. Apple Pay adds another layer of convenience by allowing users to authenticate payments through their devices rather than carrying a physical card.

5. Japan – PayPay

PayPay is a leading mobile payment service in Japan. It is widely used for purchases at participating convenience stores, restaurants, retailers, and online merchants. The service supports smartphone-based payments and QR-code transactions, making it useful for both everyday shopping and smaller purchases.

Japan has traditionally maintained a strong cash culture, but mobile payment adoption has grown as consumers and businesses increasingly embrace digital alternatives. PayPay has contributed to this shift by making smartphone payments accessible across a broad merchant network.

6. Germany – PayPal

PayPal is a widely recognized digital payment service in Germany, particularly for online shopping. It allows users to pay participating merchants without sharing their full payment details with each individual retailer and supports money transfers through eligible accounts.

German consumers also use bank transfers, debit cards, and local payment methods. PayPal remains an important option for e-commerce because of its broad merchant acceptance and established presence in online transactions.

7. France – PayPal

In France, PayPal is a familiar digital payment option for online purchases, subscriptions, and payments to participating merchants. Users can connect eligible bank accounts or cards to make payments without repeatedly entering their financial details.

French consumers also rely on contactless cards, mobile wallets, and bank-based payment services. PayPal's international reach makes it particularly useful for transactions involving overseas retailers and digital services.

8. Brazil – Pix

Pix is Brazil's widely adopted instant payment system, developed by the Central Bank of Brazil. It enables individuals and businesses to send and receive money around the clock, including weekends and holidays, through participating financial institutions.

Pix payments can be made using keys, account details, or QR codes, depending on the provider and transaction. Its speed, convenience, and broad availability have made it a major part of Brazil's digital economy. Although Pix is a payment system rather than a standalone wallet app, it is one of the country's most important digital payment methods.

9. South Korea – Kakao Pay

Kakao Pay is a popular digital payment platform in South Korea. It supports payments and financial services through its connected digital ecosystem, allowing users to make transactions with participating online and offline merchants.

The platform benefits from South Korea's advanced digital infrastructure and widespread smartphone use. Consumers also have access to other mobile payment services, including Samsung Wallet and Naver Pay, giving them several convenient ways to pay electronically.

10. Australia – Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a popular mobile wallet in Australia, where contactless payments are widely accepted. Users can add supported debit and credit cards to compatible Apple devices and pay at participating stores, restaurants, and online retailers.

The service offers convenience for daily purchases and can reduce the need to carry physical cards. Other digital payment options, including Google Pay and bank-provided mobile wallets, are also available to Australian consumers.

11. Canada – Interac e-Transfer

Interac e-Transfer is one of Canada's best-known ways to send and receive money electronically. It allows users of participating Canadian financial institutions to transfer funds through online banking or mobile banking applications.

It is commonly used for splitting expenses, paying individuals, and transferring money between people. Unlike a standalone digital wallet, Interac e-Transfer is a bank-connected payment service that operates through participating financial institutions.

12. Spain – Bizum

Bizum is a popular mobile payment service in Spain, integrated into the banking apps of participating financial institutions. It allows users to send money to other people conveniently, often using a mobile phone number.

The service is widely used for splitting restaurant bills, repaying friends, sharing household expenses, and making supported online purchases. Its integration with Spanish banking apps has helped make person-to-person digital payments straightforward for many consumers.

13. Indonesia – DANA

DANA is a major digital wallet in Indonesia. It supports a variety of everyday transactions, including payments at participating merchants, mobile recharges, bill payments, and other digital services.

QR-code payments and mobile wallets have become increasingly important in Indonesia as consumers seek alternatives to cash. DANA is part of a competitive market that also includes platforms such as GoPay, OVO, and ShopeePay.

14. Saudi Arabia – STC Pay

STC Pay, which evolved into the financial services brand stc bank, is associated with Saudi Arabia's expanding digital payment market. Its services have contributed to the growth of smartphone-based financial transactions, transfers, and digital wallet usage in the country.

Saudi Arabia has been investing in digital financial services as part of its broader move toward a less cash-dependent economy. Consumers can also use bank applications and other licensed payment services for daily transactions.

15. United Arab Emirates – Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a popular contactless payment option in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in major commercial centres such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It allows users to pay at participating stores, restaurants, and online merchants using compatible Apple devices.

The UAE has a modern banking system and a diverse population accustomed to international payment services. Apple Pay is one of several digital wallet options available alongside Google Pay and local bank payment applications.

16. Mexico – Mercado Pago

Mercado Pago is a prominent digital payment platform in Mexico. It offers services for online purchases, payments to participating merchants, money transfers, and digital financial transactions.

Its connection with the Mercado Libre commerce ecosystem has helped it gain visibility among shoppers and businesses. Mercado Pago also provides tools for merchants to accept payments, making it relevant to both consumers and small businesses.

17. Netherlands – iDEAL

iDEAL has been one of the Netherlands' leading online payment methods, allowing consumers to pay directly through participating banks. It has traditionally been popular for e-commerce purchases, online bills, and other digital transactions.

Unlike a conventional digital wallet, iDEAL is primarily a bank-based payment method. Its role is evolving as the Netherlands transitions toward newer European payment arrangements, including Wero. Consequently, iDEAL's position should be understood in the context of this ongoing transition rather than as a permanently unchanged payment landscape.

18. Singapore – PayNow

PayNow is a widely used instant transfer service in Singapore. It enables participating bank and payment account holders to send money using supported identifiers, such as a mobile number or a national identification number, without needing to enter full bank account details.

PayNow is useful for personal transfers, business payments, and supported merchant transactions. Its integration with Singapore's financial infrastructure has helped make electronic transfers convenient for everyday use.

19. Thailand – TrueMoney

TrueMoney is a well-known digital wallet in Thailand. It supports payments at participating merchants, mobile top-ups, bill payments, and a range of other digital transactions.

The platform is part of Thailand's growing cashless payment ecosystem, where mobile applications and QR-code payments are increasingly common. Consumers can also use bank applications and the country's widely adopted PromptPay infrastructure for electronic transfers.

20. Philippines – GCash

GCash is one of the Philippines' most prominent mobile wallets. It allows users to send money, pay bills, purchase mobile load, shop with participating merchants, and access supported financial services.

Mobile wallets have become especially important in the Philippines because they offer convenient digital transaction options to people who may not use traditional banking services regularly. GCash competes with other platforms, including Maya, in the country's expanding digital financial market.

21. New Zealand – Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a convenient mobile payment option in New Zealand. Users can add supported cards to compatible Apple devices and make contactless payments at participating merchants.

The country's established card payment infrastructure supports the use of mobile wallets for shopping, dining, travel-related purchases, and online transactions. Google Pay and banking applications also provide alternatives for consumers who prefer other devices or services.

22. Sweden – Swish

Swish is one of Sweden's best-known mobile payment services. Developed through collaboration involving major Swedish banks, it allows users to transfer money quickly using a mobile phone number and a connected bank account.

Swish is widely used for personal payments, collections, and supported merchant transactions. It has become an important part of Sweden's increasingly digital payment culture, reducing the need to exchange cash for many everyday transactions.

23. Switzerland – TWINT

TWINT is Switzerland's leading mobile payment app. It allows users to pay at participating shops, restaurants, online stores, and other merchants, as well as transfer money to other users.

The app supports convenient smartphone-based transactions and is integrated into the Swiss payment environment through participating financial institutions and partners. Its widespread acceptance makes it a familiar option for many Swiss consumers.

24. Poland – BLIK

BLIK is a popular Polish mobile payment system that supports online shopping, in-store payments, ATM withdrawals, and person-to-person transfers. Users can generate a temporary payment code through participating banking apps to authorize eligible transactions.

BLIK's integration with Polish banks has helped make it a convenient alternative to entering card details during online checkout. It is a major example of a country-specific payment system becoming deeply embedded in everyday commerce.

25. Denmark – MobilePay

MobilePay is a well-known mobile payment app in Denmark. It enables users to transfer money, pay participating merchants, and complete supported online transactions through their smartphones.

The app is used for everyday purchases and personal payments, helping simplify transactions between individuals and businesses. Denmark also has a highly developed electronic payment environment, with mobile and card payments playing an important role in daily life.

26. Norway – Vipps

Vipps, now part of the Vipps MobilePay brand, is a popular payment service in Norway. It allows users to send money, make payments to participating businesses, and complete supported online transactions.

The platform has become a familiar name in Norway's digital payment ecosystem, where consumers commonly use electronic alternatives to cash. Its integration with participating financial services and merchants helps make routine payments more convenient.

27. Malaysia – Touch 'n Go eWallet

Touch 'n Go eWallet is a leading digital wallet in Malaysia. It supports QR-code payments, bill payments, mobile recharges, and various other digital transactions. It is also associated with the broader Touch 'n Go ecosystem, which is known for its role in electronic toll payments and mobility services.

The e-wallet is useful for shopping, dining, and paying participating merchants. Malaysia's digital payment market also includes DuitNow QR and other mobile banking and wallet services.

28. Vietnam – MoMo

MoMo is a prominent digital wallet in Vietnam. It enables users to pay bills, transfer money, recharge mobile accounts, and make payments to participating merchants.

Vietnam's digital economy has encouraged the adoption of mobile financial services, particularly in urban areas. MoMo is part of a competitive market that includes bank applications and other electronic payment providers.

29. Portugal – MB WAY

MB WAY is a popular mobile payment service in Portugal, connected to the country's Multibanco banking network. It supports money transfers, online shopping, and payments at participating physical merchants.

Users can carry out supported transactions through their smartphones, making it a convenient option for everyday spending. MB WAY's connection with Portugal's established banking infrastructure has contributed to its strong presence in the local payment market.

30. Belgium – Bancontact

Bancontact is one of Belgium's established payment brands. Its services support electronic payments, including transactions through compatible cards and mobile payment solutions.

Bancontact is widely recognized for everyday purchases and online payments in Belgium. Its digital offerings allow consumers to use smartphones for supported transactions, while the broader payment ecosystem also includes international card networks and mobile wallets.

31. Kenya – M-Pesa

M-Pesa is one of Kenya's most influential mobile money services. It enables users to send and receive money, pay merchants and bills, and access supported financial services through mobile technology.

M-Pesa has played a major role in expanding access to digital financial transactions, including for people who have limited access to conventional banking. Its success has also made Kenya an important example of how mobile money can transform financial inclusion and everyday commerce.

32. South Africa – Capitec Pay

Capitec Pay is a digital payment service associated with Capitec Bank in South Africa. It enables customers to make supported payments through the bank's digital banking environment, providing an alternative to some conventional card-based transactions.

South Africa's payment market includes banking applications, instant payment services, card networks, and mobile wallets. Capitec Pay is one option within this broader ecosystem, and its availability and acceptance depend on the participating services and merchants.

33. Ghana – MTN MoMo

MTN MoMo, short for MTN Mobile Money, is a widely used mobile money service in Ghana. It enables customers to send and receive funds, pay bills, purchase airtime, and complete supported merchant transactions.

Mobile money is an important part of Ghana's digital financial ecosystem, providing convenient transaction options through mobile phones. MTN MoMo has contributed to the expansion of electronic payments and access to financial services across different communities.

34. Argentina – Mercado Pago

Mercado Pago is a prominent digital payment platform in Argentina. It supports online purchases, QR-code payments, transfers, and other financial services available through its ecosystem.

The platform is connected to the broader Mercado Libre marketplace and is used by consumers and merchants for digital transactions. In a country where financial conditions and payment preferences can change, digital wallets provide an additional way to manage purchases and transfers.

35. Colombia – Nequi

Nequi is a popular digital financial platform in Colombia. It allows users to manage money through a mobile application, make transfers, pay participating merchants, and access other supported financial services.

Nequi has helped make app-based financial transactions more accessible to consumers seeking convenient alternatives to traditional banking processes. Colombia also has other digital wallets, banking apps, and instant payment options in its growing digital economy.

36. Chile – Mercado Pago

Mercado Pago is a recognized digital payment platform in Chile. It offers services for online purchases, participating merchant payments, and other supported digital financial transactions.

The platform benefits from its presence across Latin America's e-commerce market. Chilean consumers can also choose from traditional bank transfers, card payments, and other local digital payment services.

37. Türkiye – Papara

Papara is a prominent digital financial services brand in Türkiye. It offers app-based payment features and financial tools designed to help users manage digital transactions through supported accounts and services.

The platform is part of Türkiye's competitive fintech market, which includes digital wallets, bank applications, card-based payment services, and other electronic payment providers. Consumers can use these options for different types of online and everyday transactions, subject to the services available to them.

Conclusion

Digital payments have become an important part of everyday life around the world, but the preferred method varies by country. 

The 37 countries featured in this list demonstrate how local financial infrastructure, consumer behaviour, merchant acceptance, and technological development influence digital payment adoption.