What Payment Method Will You Be Using to Buy Your Christmas Presents? | FF News at FTT Fintech Festival

Spending season is almost in full swing. 

From Black Friday to Christmas, transactions will be flying around left, right and centre. We’re interested to know how professionals in the industry will be buying their Christmas presents. 

At the FTT Fintech Festival in London, we asked exhibitors and attendees what their go-to method of payment is.

Tune in to find out which payment method appears to be most popular, who is backing Open Banking and who’s sticking to the ‘old’ ways. 

How are you buying?

We’ve been doing a number of quickfire question videos at the FTT Fintech Talents video and given it takes place in November it seemed appropriate to ask the attendees, exhibitors and fintech aficionados what their go to method of payment was. Considering many of them are saturated with this stuff on a day to day basis it was interesting to see which ones came up regularly. 

The responses to the question “What payment method will you be using to buy your Christmas presents?” revealed a few common preferences. By far and away however, Apple Pay emerged as a clear favorite, frequently mentioned for its convenience and reliability. The tech giant’s digital wallet is clearly as popular as their phones and many people are also using it in online e-commerce. Given its simplicity and ubiquity it’s really no surprise. 

Debit cards were also a popular choice, often used for online or contactless payments, while some respondents mentioned credit cards for their flexibility. Of course for those looking to delay the hit to their bank account, other methods are becoming increasingly popular including Klarna for Buy Now Pay Later installment payments. This is really credit in another form although it’s also possible to buy products directly from Klarna too, which continues to report strong profitability. PayPal got a mention as a reliable form of digital payment and someone even offered crypto as a possible means of payment. 

We’re also interested to see how Open Banking may become more popular, especially when offered at checkout. A few of our speakers mentioned Pay by Bank as something they would be using. The problem is how accessible or common it is and whether it’s integrated into popular platforms like Amazon. A number mentioned they’d be getting their prezzies through the e-commerce giant. 

The popularity of Apple Pay reflects the increasing ease and ubiquity of digital wallets, which streamline transactions with secure, contactless technology. Apple’s intuitive ecosystem likely contributes to its widespread adoption, providing users with seamless integration across devices and a user-friendly experience.

A Full On Fintech Festival 

We always enjoy attending the FTT Fintech Festival. 

It’s a premier event for the financial technology community, which took place in November, at The Brewery in London. Co-located with other focused conferences, the festival focuses on exploring digital transformation across financial services. It offers a dynamic platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas, uncover trends, and build lasting connections.

With over 2,000 attendees, including 1,000 representatives from financial institutions, the festival attracts an impressive mix of C-level executives, founders, and technology leaders. Participants represent a wide range of industries, including banking, insurance, e-commerce, and fintech, bringing together roles such as CEOs, cybersecurity experts, and product managers.

The event features eight content stages covering key topics such as AI, embedded finance, digital identity, open finance, and fraud prevention. Attendees can expect engaging debates, forward-looking keynote sessions, and actionable insights from over 400 prominent speakers, including leaders shaping the future of fintech.

A great networking event

What truly sets the FTT Fintech Festival apart is its emphasis on networking and community. The event offers facilitated meetings, a VIP hosted meetings program, and informal gatherings like the drinks reception and craft beer tastings, creating an environment that balances professional engagement with casual interactions. A mentorship program sponsored by Barclays Rise provides startups with access to industry leaders, offering invaluable guidance for growth and innovation.

Rounding out the experience, the festival embraces a lively atmosphere with live music from guest DJs, cultural elements, and plenty of opportunities to relax and connect with peers. Whether you’re seeking industry insights, new collaborations, or a vibrant community vibe, the FTT Fintech Festival delivers a comprehensive and memorable experience for all attendees.

Watch more videos from the event right here.