From Cash to Biometrics: The Evolution of Payment Methods

Rapid technological progress has led to the emergence of many innovative payment methods, such as digital wallets, mobile payments, biometric authorisations and contactless transactions. These changes affect not only the functioning of the financial market, but also the everyday behaviour of consumers. Despite the widespread availability of innovative digital tools, there is still a lack of up-to-date analyses that take into account the factors determining the choice of different payment methods and the degree of acceptance of new solutions by users. This article analyses the development of modern forms of payment and examines their impact on consumer behaviour. The role of money as a means of payment was emphasised, pointing to the growing importance of cashless payments in the digital age. The research problem addressed in this article concerns the identification of factors influencing the choice of modern payment methods and the determination of the level of acceptance of payment innovations among consumers. The rationale for conducting the research is the dynamic growth of the importance of digital payments in the economy and the need to understand user preferences that shape the direction of financial services development. The aim of the study is to analyse contemporary payment methods and assess their impact on user preferences and behaviour. To achieve this goal, the empirical part of the study used a quantitative research method based on a survey conducted in 2024 among 103 people. The results of the study make it possible to determine the degree of users' openness to innovative payment solutions and to identify the most commonly used forms of transactions in the digital environment.