Shoppers Abandon Purchases Over Payment Limits
New survey data shows over half of U.S. consumers avoid retailers that do not accept their preferred payment methods.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Retail
Live Poll
Would you abandon a store purchase if your preferred payment method was not available?
A survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers reveals that 53% will refuse to shop at stores that lack their desired payment options. Retailers face losing repeat customers, as 44% of shoppers are less likely to return following a failed or slow payment experience.
Why it matters
In-store payment friction is driving lost sales, with 85% of consumers demanding physical checkout experiences that match the simplicity of online shopping. Retailers risk alienating younger demographics, who cite payment failures as a primary frustration.
A survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers found that 36% of shoppers abandoned an in-store purchase due to payment problems in the past year. Additionally, 33% of 18 to 24-year-olds identify payment failures as a top frustration, versus 10% of those over 65.
The players
Aevi
Aevi is a financial technology company that provides global payment solutions and software to help retailers modernize their in-store checkout processes.
The details
The research highlights that 10% of all shoppers abandoned an in-store purchase due to payment issues within just the last month. Retailers are failing to meet the expectations of 85% of shoppers who want an in-store experience that mirrors the seamless nature of online checkout.
Timeline
36% of shoppers abandoned an in-store purchase during the past year.
10% of shoppers abandoned an in-store purchase during the past month.
Market Landscape
This study highlights that failing to align physical checkout capabilities with digital standards is a significant hurdle in the ongoing shift toward omnichannel retail integration. Companies that ignore this convergence risk losing market share to competitors who prioritize frictionless point-of-sale systems.
Shoppers can expect to see more retailers updating their point-of-sale systems to support diverse payment options as businesses seek to reduce abandonment rates. Customers who experience slow or failed payments at checkout are statistically likely to take their future business elsewhere.
The takeaway
Retailers must prioritize modernizing their checkout technology to prevent customer attrition caused by payment friction. Consumers should verify that their preferred payment methods are accepted before completing high-value in-store purchases.
Further reading
For broader trends in consumer behavior, visit the Retail section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chain Store Age.
Live Poll
Would you abandon a store purchase if your preferred payment method was not available?
