Real-time payments are scaling fast but remain far from everyday, widespread use. Strong growth masks deeper barriers—from entrenched user habits to cost and risk concerns—forcing providers to rethink where instant payments can actually deliver value.

Key Question: What is the state of real-time payments in the US, and how can providers accelerate adoption?

Key Stat: FedNow’s volume shot up 458.9% YoY in 2025, but usage remains limited, with only 8.4 million transactions occurring on the network last year, per the Federal Reserve.