Digital Wallets, Buy Now Pay Later Plans Are Reshaping Canadian Travel Payments

Digital wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, now account for nearly one-third of all online spending in Canada, according to new research from payment technology company Global Payments.

The research reinforces the growing importance of offering travellers greater payment flexibility when booking flights, accommodations, cruises, and vacation packages.

While credit cards remain the dominant online payment method in Canada, representing 46% of e-commerce transaction value in 2025, digital wallets have firmly established themselves as the country’s second most-used payment method at 32%. 

By 2030, digital wallets are forecast to make up 37% of Canadian online spending, while credit cards are expected to represent a smaller share of the market at 42%.

The report also found Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services accounted for 5% of Canadian e-commerce transaction value in 2025 and are forecast to grow by 9% annually through 2030, underscoring the continued expansion of the category and its popularity with consumers.

“Consumers expect greater choice and flexibility in how they pay,” said Phil Hogg, Head of Canada Enterprise Business Development at Global Payments. 

“The findings not only highlight the growing role digital wallets play in everyday commerce, but they also underscore the proliferation of payment options. Businesses that adapt to consumers’ desire for a range of payment choices will be better positioned to serve their customers and support future growth.”

While Canada remains one of the world’s most card-centric markets, it is changing as travellers are increasingly embracing digital wallets and other digital payment methods.

Globally, digital wallets are now the leading online payment method, accounting for 56% of e-commerce transaction value. Adoption is highest in Asia-Pacific, where they represented 77% of online spending in 2025.

Published annually by Global Payments, a leading payment technology company, the Global Payments Report surveyed more than 63,000 consumers across 42 markets and provides forecasts for e-commerce and point-of-sale payment trends through 2030. The report is available here.