Latest news with #digitalPayments
Times of Oman
16-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Tap‘N'Go from Bank Muscat: Enhanced Payment Experience During Khareef Season
Muscat: As the Khareef season now underway, attracting thousands of visitors to Dhofar, Bank Muscat, the leading financial service provider in the Sultanate of Oman, continues to provide the latest digital solutions to facilitate payment processes. The Bank offers the Tap'N'Go payment service which is a contactless payment service, enabling merchants and business owners, to accept card payments directly via their smartphones. This service is an ideal option for small businesses such as food trucks and stalls, allowing them to receive payments from international visitors quickly and easily, without the need for point-of-sale devices or cash handling. Any Android smart device can accept payments using the Tap'N'Go application, which supports all major cards that comply with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. The service targets home-based business owners, small retail shop owners, food truck and cafe owners, delivery companies, taxi drivers, startups and other business owners. Customers who are holding a merchant account with Bank Muscat can enjoy a seamless and secure payment experience through Tap'N'Go payment service, especially during the Khareef season. The Tap'N'Go payment service is an important addition to the digital payment options offered by Bank Muscat. This service enhances customer experience, especially during the summer and travel season when visitors need fast and efficient payment solutions. This service will enable merchants to receive payments more efficiently, contributing to the economic activity in Dhofar. The Tap'N'Go payment service is part of a broader range of digital solutions launched by Bank Muscat, including Samsung Pay, Apple Pay and QR code payments, enhancing customer experiences and facilitating daily financial transactions. Bank Muscat is keen to adopt top-notch banking services, enabling customers to complete their transactions safely in no time. The innovative digital solutions are designed to meet customers' needs and fulfill their changing requirements.
UAE Moments
05-07-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
UAE Ranks No. 1 Globally in Mobile Shopping for 2025
The UAE is now the world's top mobile shopping market, with 67% of consumers using their phones to shop, according to the 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index by Visa and PYMNTS. That's a 23% jump since 2022, putting the UAE ahead of tech-savvy countries like Singapore, the UK, and Brazil when it comes to mobile-first retail. Biometrics and Convenience Drive Growth UAE shoppers aren't just tapping "Add to Cart"—they're also leading in secure payments. Around 32% use fingerprint or face recognition to complete purchases, nearly double the global average. Plus, 53% of shoppers are blending their experiences by combining in-store visits, mobile browsing, and online checkouts. What UAE Shoppers Really Want The study also revealed what shoppers in the UAE look for when they buy: Unsurprisingly, millennials and Gen Z are driving this trend, while older shoppers are less likely to use their phones at checkout. UAE's Digital Economy Keeps Rising
Globe and Mail
30-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Is Visa's Tap to Ride in Shanghai More Than Just Transit Convenience?
Visa Inc. V, a world leader in digital payments, is set to launch its 'Tap to Ride' service across the entire Shanghai Metro from June 28, following a successful pilot on the Shanghai Maglev Line on June 14. International travelers will be able to access any of Shanghai's 21 metro lines and 517 stations by tapping their Visa contactless cards to enter and exit the system. Spanning 896 kilometers and serving more than 77% of Shanghai's daily public-transport users, the Shanghai Metro is among the largest and busiest urban-rail systems globally. With the rollout of Visa's 'Tap to Ride,' international cardholders will gain access to a secure, convenient and contactless way to pay for travel. This integration will enhance the transit experience, making journeys quicker and more efficient. This move aims to connect 5 billion cardholders to the city's transit system, supporting Shanghai's growth as a global consumption hub. With contactless payments rising in popularity, Chinese users witnessed a 10% increase in Tap to Pay usage during the 2025 May Day holiday. Visa has launched more than 870 'Tap to Ride' projects globally, processing 2 billion contactless-transit payments in fiscal 2024. Apart from boosting transit convenience, the expansion of 'Tap to Ride' is likely to enhance Visa's financial outlook by increasing transaction volumes, especially from international travelers, boosting cross-border revenues and strengthening its presence in key markets like China. It supports the global shift to digital payments and enables data-led partnerships that contribute to sustained business growth. How Are Mastercard and American Express Keeping Pace in Transit Expansion? Mastercard Incorporated MA has expanded its contactless-payment capabilities across the Beijing Metro, allowing international visitors to use their Mastercard-issued cards to pay fares directly at all metro stations. As the first global payment brand fully integrated into the city's transit system, this move highlights the growing push among major networks to enhance urban mobility and deliver seamless payment experiences for global travelers. American Express Company 's AXP contactless cards have been accepted on Singapore's MRT and buses since May 15, 2025. American Express users enjoy standard fares, no registration and trip tracking via the SimplyGo app, enhancing convenience and transparency. This expansion strengthens American Express's position in global transit payments across key urban markets. Visa's Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates Over the past year, Visa's shares have gained 10.3%, outperforming the industry and the Zacks S&P 500 Composite. Visa YTD Price Performance From a valuation standpoint, V trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 28.1, up from the industry average of 22.47. Visa carries a Value Score of D. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Visa's fiscal 2025 earnings implies 12.9% year-over-year growth, followed by a 12.4% increase next year. The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock It's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom. With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028. See This Stock Now for Free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Mastercard Incorporated (MA): Free Stock Analysis Report Visa Inc. (V): Free Stock Analysis Report American Express Company (AXP): Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Visa study reveals UAE consumers would shop more online with simpler checkout experience
The need to manually enter card details, and security concerns are major pain points for consumers shopping online, resulting in lost revenue for businesses Two-thirds of respondents trust biometric authentication more than traditional methods such as passwords and OTPs UAE, Dubai: Visa, a global leader in digital payments, today announced the findings of its ' Checkout Friction Report ', which highlights strong consumer demand for a more secure and seamless eCommerce experience. Despite the widespread adoption of eCommerce and significant progress in growing the UAE's digital economy, opportunity remains for retailers to enhance checkout experience and increase customer satisfaction. The research is based on a survey of 2,016 online shoppers across the GCC, including the UAE, and explores their experiences with eCommerce purchases. It examines common pain points during the checkout process that affect both consumer satisfaction and business outcomes. Checkout Challenges Undermine the Rise of Frequent Online Shopping Visa's 'Checkout Friction Report' shows that one in three respondents (33%) in the UAE shops multiple times a week for groceries. For categories such as fashion, entertainment, and electronics, shopping frequency ranges from once to a few times a month. According to 40% of respondents, the biggest frustrations with online checkouts are security concerns, followed by the hassle of entering card details manually (37%). By addressing these challenges, retailers can enhance the checkout experience which could lead to increased customer satisfaction. "Challenges in the online checkout process have direct implications for businesses, resulting in lost revenue, and hampering both customer acquisition and retention. Today's consumers expect – and deserve – a more seamless and secure eCommerce experience. That's why Visa is working with partners to enable solutions like Click to Pay, which leverages biometrics and tokenization to eliminate key pain points and deliver a more convenient shopping experience. Improving these moments not only drives business results but also builds on the UAE government's achievements in building a seamless, secure digital economy,' said Salima Gutieva, Visa's VP and Country Manager for UAE. UAE Online Shoppers Prioritize Safety Beyond the inconvenience of current checkout options, security remains a top priority for online shoppers. According to Visa's research, 58% of consumers surveyed are worried about the risk of fraud or hacking when storing their card details on multiple websites. Additionally, 42% of respondents have experienced fraud or security breaches. Biometrics and One-Click Checkouts for Better Online Payment Experience Visa's 'Checkout Friction Report' reveals a strong preference for a more streamlined checkout, with 65% of respondents supporting a single registration process for online payments across all participating merchants. When the option of biometric authentication was proposed, two-thirds (67%) of respondents said they would use it to check out, with many trusting biometric authentication (fingerprint/face ID) more than traditional payment methods (passwords/OTP). For businesses, the demand for simpler and safer checkout options is clear. Most respondents (82%) would shop online more frequently and be more likely to complete their purchases with a one-click checkout option. Two-thirds of the surveyed consumers (66%) show a high likelihood of using 'Click to Pay with Biometrics'' if offered by online retailers. Visa Click to Pay streamlines online shopping by providing advanced checkout experiences, eliminating the need to manually enter card details, thereby making transactions significantly faster. At participating eCommerce platforms, consumers can simply click the Click to Pay button to complete their purchase quickly and easily using their preferred Visa card and shipping address. Visa's Click to Pay relies on biometric authentication available on the consumer's device and does not require transfer of biometric data. About Visa Inc. Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Visa study reveals Oman consumers would shop more online with simpler checkout experience
The need to manually enter card details, and security concerns, are major pain points for consumers shopping online, resulting in lost revenue for businesses 60% of respondents trust biometric authentication more than traditional methods such as passwords and OTPs Oman, Muscat: Visa, a global leader in digital payments, today announced the findings of its 'Checkout Friction Report', which highlights strong consumer demand for a more secure and seamless eCommerce experience. Despite the widespread adoption of eCommerce and significant progress in growing Oman's digital economy, opportunity remains for retailers to enhance checkout experience and increase customer satisfaction. The research is based on a survey of 2,016 online shoppers across the GCC, including Oman, and explored their experiences with eCommerce purchases. It examined common pain points during the checkout process that affect both consumer satisfaction and business outcomes. Checkout Challenges Undermine the Rise of Frequent Online Shopping Visa's 'Checkout Friction Report' shows that one in three respondents (32%) in Oman shops multiple times a week for groceries. For categories such as fashion, entertainment, and electronics, shopping frequency ranges from once to a few times a month. According to 48% of respondents, the biggest frustrations with eCommerce checkouts are security concerns, followed by the hassle of entering card details manually (42%). By addressing these challenges, retailers can enhance the checkout experience which could lead to increased customer satisfaction. 'Today's consumers expect – and deserve – a more seamless and secure checkout experience. That's why Visa is working with partners to enable solutions like Click to Pay, which leverages biometrics and tokenization to eliminate key pain points and deliver a more convenient shopping experience. Improving these moments not only drives a better consumer experience but also builds on the Oman government's achievements in building a seamless, secure digital economy,' said Ali Bailoun, Visa's Regional General Manager for KSA, Oman and Bahrain. Oman Online Shoppers Prioritize Safety Beyond the inconvenience of checkout, security remains a top priority for online shoppers. According to Visa's research, 72% of consumers surveyed are worried about the risk of fraud, while 59% expressed concerns about hacking when storing their card details on multiple websites. Additionally, one in three (32%) respondents has experienced fraud or security breaches. Biometrics and One-Click Checkouts for Better Online Payment Experience Visa's 'Checkout Friction Report' also reveals a strong preference for a more streamlined checkout, with 64% of respondents supporting a single registration process for online payments across all participating merchants. When the option of biometric authentication was proposed, two-thirds (66%) of respondents said they would use it to check out, with 60% trusting biometric authentication (fingerprint/face ID) more than traditional payment methods (passwords/OTP). Most respondents (70%) would shop online more frequently and be more likely to complete their purchases with a one-click checkout option. Almost two-thirds of the surveyed consumers (66%) show a high likelihood of using 'Click to Pay with Biometrics'' if offered by online retailers. "Challenges in the online checkout process have direct implications for businesses, resulting in lost revenue, and hampering both customer acquisition and retention. For businesses, the demand for simpler and safer checkout options is clear,' said Nasser Bdeir, Visa's Country Manager for Oman. Visa Click to Pay streamlines online shopping by providing advanced checkout experiences, eliminating the need to manually enter card details, thereby making transactions significantly faster. At participating eCommerce platforms, consumers can simply click the Click to Pay button to complete their purchase quickly and easily using their preferred Visa card and shipping address. Visa's Click to Pay relies on biometric authentication available on the consumer's device and does not require transfer of biometric data. About Visa Inc. Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at
