10 Real-World Innovations Beyond Crypto Transforming Industries Now

6. Next-Generation Payments and Embedded Finance

Pulling out cash or even a chip card is starting to feel old-school. Thanks to payment tech like Apple Pay, Stripe, and Affirm, paying is now a swipe, tap, or click. In 2023, nearly 6 out of 10 U.S. shoppers used a digital wallet as their main way to buy stuff—groceries, gadgets, gas, you name it. Retailers are getting on board, embedding finance options that let you pay in installments (think “buy now, pay later” on sites everywhere). For regular people, that means easier, sometimes instant, shopping without always needing a credit card.