ACI Worldwide Report Highlights $164 Billion GDP Boost from Real-Time Payments

ACI Worldwide’s latest report, “Real-Time Payments: Economic Impact and Financial Inclusion,” reveals significant insights into the role of real-time payments in enhancing financial inclusion and driving economic growth. The report analyzes 40 real-time payment markets and assesses the financial inclusion of 28 countries using World Bank Findex data.

Key findings show that instant payments not only streamline transactions between consumers and businesses but also create substantial net savings, estimated at $116.9 billion globally in 2023. This boosts market efficiency and fosters GDP growth, with a predicted $164 billion increase in GDP due to real-time payments in 2023 alone.

Moreover, real-time payments are revolutionizing financial inclusion, especially benefiting three key demographics. By 2028, an estimated 167.2 million individuals are expected to gain access to banking services through these systems, opening up new revenue streams for financial institutions. As a result, real-time payments continue to transform economies by formalizing cash transactions and empowering millions with financial services.