AI adoption in payments hits 96% but faces cost and legacy hurdles

AI adoption in payments firms has surged in the past year. By 2026, nearly all companies in the sector now use the technology in some form. Yet, challenges like fragmented systems and high costs still slow progress. In 2025, 89% of payments firms had adopted AI. That figure jumped to 96% in 2026, with almost a third now deploying it widely across financial operations. The shift from prediction to reality happened fast.

Despite this growth, obstacles remain. Half of the firms cite high implementation costs as a major barrier. Another 46% struggle with integrating legacy systems. Disconnected data and old infrastructure continue to fragment payments operations, limiting returns and increasing risks.

Security and compliance worries also weigh heavily. Over 60% of firms rank data security and regulatory risks as their top concern with AI. These issues, alongside legacy systems, prevent full-scale adoption. AI is now a staple in the payments industry, but its potential is still held back. Fragmented infrastructure, high costs, and regulatory concerns delay broader implementation. Firms must address these hurdles to unlock greater efficiency and reduce operational risks.