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Gone are the days of cheques and multi-day bank transfers; the new era of payments has arrived. Today, there are several ways in which you can opt to pay, online and in-person, which have simplified how we spend our money and on what.
In the US, the disposable personal income per capita is up by 4% since a year ago, reaching $65,138. That means that more people have more money to spend on leisure activities and entertainment, and the variety of easy payment methods have simplified this process.
Let’s get into how various payment methods have changed how we spend our money.
Crypto Payments
Bitcoin’s introduction in 2009 heralded a new payment era, with decentralized digital currencies rising in popularity. Crypto transactions are secure, fast, and private thanks to blockchain tech.
Cryptocurrency is enjoying mainstream adoption, with many establishments in the UK and online accepting crypto payments. This has made it easy and convenient to pay for entertainment, food, travel, and other leisure activities.
Online casinos where you can use cryptocurrency have become especially popular amongst gamblers and iGaming enthusiasts. These platforms allow users to deposit and withdraw using their preferred cryptocurrency, offering instant transactions, lower fees, transparency through the public ledger, and higher levels of anonymity.
Apart from online casinos, crypto holders can also use their currency to purchase gift cards online. These gift cards can then be redeemed at many different stores, restaurants, or service providers.
Crypto has simplified international payments, too. Since there is no need for currency exchanges or third-party processing institutions, cross-border payments are almost instant and much easier than if fiat currency was used.
The only potential downside of spending your crypto on entertainment or leisure is the volatility of most currencies. Values can fluctuate drastically within a single day. To circumvent this, holders can invest in stablecoins which maintain their value.
Digital Payment and Mobile Payments
Digital and mobile payments started in the early 2000s and today they have become extremely advanced. These payment methods allow consumers to spend on the go, without having to worry about fumbling around for a bank card.
While digital payments have made online shopping much easier – like buying airplane tickets or event tickets – mobile payments have simplified in-person spending.
Digital wallets
Digital wallets, also called e-wallets, are applications on mobile devices that store bank card details. This means that the phone turns into a wallet, and transactions can be completed online via the app. The most common versions of this are PayPal, Cash App, and Venmo.
This payment method can be used across several online platforms but is used less commonly in real-life transactions.
Mobile payments
Mobile payments are slightly different from digital wallets, as the card is linked to your phone. This can be done through, for example, ApplePay or Samsung Wallet. It works in the same way as the digital wallets discussed above, and your phone can be used for contactless payments instead of tapping your bank card.
Mobile payments are great for physical transactions, whether you’re at an amusement park, paying the bill at a restaurant, or buying a new outfit in-store. They’re fast and convenient, and you only need to carry your phone with you, negating the need for a wallet or purse.
Bank Cards
Although bank cards have been around for decades, the speed at which transactions are processed has decreased, and the convenience of these little plastic cards has only increased over the years.
Debit and credit cards are commonly used for both online and in-person leisure payments. Bank cards are used for purchasing tickets, meals, clothes, accommodation, and anything else imaginable as most retailers accept this payment form.
Credit cards are especially popular for bigger purchases, as there is a delay as to when the actual money is spent.
The downside to this payment method is higher processing fees and slower transaction times as third-party financial institutions or intermediaries have to validate the transactions.
QR Codes
Quick-response (QR) codes have revolutionized payment systems. These work when a customer scans a QR code on their phone, which will take them to a payment page where they can complete the order and pay using their bank details or mobile wallet. QR codes are mostly associated with “Scan to Pay” apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Payfast.
When shopping online, you may be presented with the option to check out using a QR code. This is not yet as common as in-store QR codes, limiting their use.
However, these black-and-white pixelated blocks have simplified spending for many. You often only have to enter your PIN to complete the purchase, taking out the hassle associated with bank card payments.
Buy Now, Pay Later
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) allows customers to make a purchase instantly, but the cost of the purchase is spread over a set time period.
This payment system has made costly leisure activities more accessible, as there is no lump sum upfront payment. Instead, the cost of the activity or item is paid in installments.
Not all merchants offer this method, as it is essentially a loan to the customer by the BNPL provider. However, several e-commerce stores offer this payment style, as well as online service providers.

Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.
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Article Title: How Quick And Easy Payments Are Changing Our Leisure Spending Habits
https://fangwallet.com/2025/01/20/how-quick-and-easy-payments-are-changing-our-leisure-spending-habits/
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