New mobile research shows PayPal is overwhelmingly the most used payment app, followed by Starbucks

New mobile research from Parks Associates shows that nearly 20% of U.S. smartphone users have used a mobile payment app at a retail location. 360 View: Mobility and the App Economy notes PayPal is overwhelmingly the most used payment app, with 63% of payment app users choosing this payment solution, compared to 38% who use the Starbucks app.

“PayPal had an enormous online user base before the advent of smartphones, which has translated into the most users of any mobile payment solution,” said Harry Wang, Senior Director of Research, Parks Associates. “Notably, the Starbucks app is the second most popular app overall despite being limited to one retailer, which indicates this business has been able to successfully combine a loyal customer base with an easy-to-use payment solution.”

Parks Associates - Mobile Payment App Research

According to 360 View: Mobility and the App Economy, the most common items purchased through mobile payments apps are food, drinks, and groceries. The research also shows that 80% of consumers are very satisfied with the mobile payment apps they use.

“Regardless of the app in question, consumers are overwhelmingly satisfied with mobile payment apps,” Wang said. “This is especially evident with Starbucks, which has 67% of its app users very satisfied with the payment solution.”

This year’s Mobile World Congress, which takes place this week in Barcelona, Spain, will examine the implications of mobile payment apps on mobile services and data plans. Parks Associates is supporting Mobile World Congress. The event, which is the world’s largest gathering for the mobile industry, is organized by the GSMA and addresses how mobile technology is at the forefront of discovery and innovation.

360 View: Mobility and the App Economy analyzes consumers’ adoption and usage of mobile devices, services, and apps. The consumer study tracks adoption trends of major mobile device categories, analyzes consumer use of mobile data and mobile apps for media and daily information needs, and explores how mobile data usage will evolve between cellular data and Wi-Fi usage. Additional research from the report shows:

  • 70% of those using mobile payment apps report that these apps are more convenient than using cash; 59% report they are more convenient than using credit cards.
  • Among U.S. smartphone users who use mobile payment apps, 50% use an app to purchase food or drinks from restaurants.
     

360 View: Mobility and the App Economy is available at www.parksassociates.com. To schedule an interview with an analyst or to request specific data, contact Holly Sprague at hsprague@gmail.com, 720.987.6614.

About Parks Associates

Parks Associates helps companies identify new opportunities, refine strategy, and accelerate growth in connected technology markets through data-driven insights and industry expertise. With more than 40 years of experience, the firm delivers proprietary consumer and industry research, market forecasts, and strategic analysis that guide business decisions across personal, connected home, small business, and commercial technology ecosystems. Parks Associates supports clients in navigating evolving markets including AI, security, smart home, broadband, entertainment, energy, multifamily, smart buildings, and connected health.

The firm also fosters industry growth and collaboration by convening thousands of leaders each year through its flagship executive conferences, including CONNECTIONS™, Connected Health Summit, Smart Energy Summit, Smart Spaces, and Future of Video.  Learn more at https://www.parksassociates.com.

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