Beyond Plastic: Payments in a Connected World
Gone is the world where a watch just keeps time and a refrigerator simply preserves food. From wearables and smart speakers to smart appliances, connected cars and beyond, the Internet of Things (IoT) has gained the attention of consumers and businesses alike. At its most basic level, IoT is the network of “smart”, connected devices or products that enable new forms of communication and new experiences. The global IoT market is estimated to grow to $2.9 trillion with 20 billion connected devices by 2020.¹
IoT devices, combined with emerging payments capabilities, facilitate a connected commerce experience, providing consumers with a convenient way to transact by incorporating shopping and payments functionality into devices. For example, Amazon has enabled its customers to make purchases via its Echo devices using Alexa voice commands. Through the Groceries by Mastercard program, consumers can purchase grocery items through their Samsung refrigerators and have them delivered by the program’s grocery delivery services partners. Ford and ExxonMobil maintain a partnership to allow consumers to make Speedpass+ fuel payments through their in-car infotainment system.