Colombia Digital Payment Market Overview, 2029

Colombia's digital payment system has expanded dramatically over the last decade, shifting from a cash-dominated economy to one more reliant on digital transactions. Several key causes have driven this change. To begin, Colombians' extensive adoption of smartphones, with over 89% of the population owning them, has resulted in a tech-savvy consumer base willing to accept digital solutions. Furthermore, the boom in e-commerce activity in Colombia, with a 34% yearly increase in 2022 alone, has increased the demand for reliable digital payment platforms. Furthermore, the Colombian government has actively encouraged financial inclusion, focusing on the unbanked people with the promotion of digital payment systems. Despite their historical reliance on cash, Colombian consumers are rapidly moving to digital payment methods. PSE (Pagos Seguros en Línea) is a key participant in this market, offering real-time bank transfers without the need for credit cards. Its appeal arises from its familiarity and efficiency, which foster confidence among users. Furthermore, credit card usage is constantly increasing, especially for larger expenditures, as indicated by a 101% annual growth rate in 2022. Furthermore, the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) section has emerged as the fastest-growing category, with a whopping 208% year-over-year growth in 2022. This payment method is particularly appealing to budget-conscious consumers who want more flexibility in managing their finances.

According to the research report "Colombia Digital Payment Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Colombia Digital Payment market was more than USD 400 Million in 2023. Several factors support the growth of Colombia's digital payment market. First, growing internet penetration has made online transactions easier and enhanced access to digital payment platforms, allowing more people to engage in the digital economy. Second, government laws, such as Colombia's instant payment system (SIP), are intended to streamline digital transactions and improve interoperability among financial institutions, hence increasing the adoption of digital payments. Finally, the growing popularity of e-commerce and mobile commerce in Colombia has increased demand for secure, convenient, and efficient payment methods, resulting in innovation and expansion in the digital payment landscape. Colombia's shift to digital payments continues to face challenges, primarily due to cultural preferences for cash and a lack of experience with digital alternatives. This cultural inertia is a considerable barrier to the widespread adoption of digital payment methods. Furthermore, a large proportion of Colombians are unbanked or underbanked, limiting their access to digital financial services. Addressing financial inclusion is critical for expanding the reach of digital payments and ensuring equal access to financial resources for all individuals. Furthermore, concerns about data security breaches and illicit activity erode trust in digital payment systems, discouraging potential consumers from using these platforms.

The Colombian government actively pushes digital payments through a variety of legislative and regulatory measures. The Central Bank's policies prioritise fostering innovation and competition in the digital payments ecosystem, hence encouraging the development of various and safe payment systems. Open banking efforts strengthen the financial ecosystem by encouraging interoperability between financial institutions and service providers. These efforts are intended to expedite transactions and improve access to digital financial services for all Colombians. The expanding e-commerce sector offers a profitable potential for digital payment providers to meet the needs of online shoppers while ensuring seamless and safe transactions. Furthermore, boosting financial inclusion measures can unlock significant growth potential by reaching unbanked and underbanked populations, broadening the consumer base for digital payment systems. Furthermore, Colombia's participation in regional trade agreements opens up chances for cross-border digital payments, which promotes international trade and economic integration. In terms of pricing and segmentation, the digital payments environment in Colombia has different pricing structures based on the payment method and supplier. Transaction fees and processing charges are widespread, reflecting the costs of operating safe and efficient payment networks. With average transaction amounts expected to rise significantly by 2024, digital payment providers must offer competitive pricing and customised services to fulfil the changing needs of both consumers and enterprises.

The provision of solutions and services in the realm of digital payments encompasses a comprehensive array of technologies and processes designed to facilitate electronic transactions, money transfers, and financial activities across digital channels such as the internet or mobile networks. These solutions are instrumental in creating an ecosystem that ensures secure, convenient, and efficient digital payments. Transactions can be categorised based on their type, with domestic payments referring to transactions conducted within a country's borders, while cross-border payments extend beyond national boundaries. Payment modes offer diverse options for users, including cards (plastic or virtual), ACH transfers, digital wallets (e-wallets or mobile wallets), and other methods like contactless payments, biometric payments, and bank transfers. These modes cater to various preferences and needs of users, ensuring flexibility and accessibility in conducting financial transactions. Moreover, digital payment solutions serve a wide range of industries and end-user verticals, including Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), healthcare, IT & telecom, media & entertainment, retail & ecommerce, transportation, and others. Each industry sector benefits from tailored digital payment services that streamline transactions and enhance operational efficiency. In essence, the digital payment landscape thrives on the diversity and adaptability of its solutions and services, catering to the evolving needs of users and industries alike in an increasingly digital world.

Recent industry advancements have influenced Colombia's digital payment environment. In 2023, the government debuted its instant payment system (SIP), which enables real-time interbank transfers. This program is projected to drive more growth in digital transactions, improving the overall efficiency of the payment system. In 2022, the BNPL category expanded dramatically, suggesting a significant shift in consumer behaviour toward more flexible payment options. Furthermore, regulatory measures launched in 2021 seek to promote open banking and encourage collaboration between traditional financial institutions and fintech firms, setting the framework for a more inclusive and dynamic financial sector. Colombia's digital payment market is still in its early stages when compared to regional peers such as Brazil and Mexico, but it has significant promise. Factors such as a growing tech-savvy population and supporting government regulations add to this upbeat view, signalling prospects for future industry expansion and innovation. Digital payment providers use a variety of marketing methods to engage customers and promote their services. This includes digital marketing strategies that target online audiences using platforms such as social media and search engines. Furthermore, agreements with businesses are used to incentivise the use of digital payment platforms through discounts and rewards.



Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Digital Payment market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Offering
• Solutions
• Services

By Transaction type
• Domestic
• Cross Border

By Payment Type
• Cards
• ACH Transfer
• Digital Wallet
• Other Payment Modes

By Vertical
• BFSI
• Healthcare
• IT & Telecom
• Media & Entertainment
• Retail & E-commerce
• Transportation
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Digital Payment industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.