Singapore Embraces Mobile Shopping, Leaving Cards Behind
Singapore has officially shifted towards a mobile-first shopping landscape, with smartphones now surpassing cards as the preferred checkout method. According to the recent “2025 Global Digital Shopping Index: Singapore Edition,” released by PYMNTS Intelligence and commissioned by Visa Acceptance Solutions, 65% of retail transactions in the city-state—both online and in-store—are now completed using mobile devices. This marks a significant 42% increase since 2022.
While the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia lead in overall mobile purchases, Singapore ranks second in online mobile shopping at 35% and third for in-store mobile shopping at 30%. The trend indicates that mobile devices have become the dominant platform for various shopping activities, from browsing to purchasing.
Demographic Insights into Mobile Shopping
The rise of mobile shopping in Singapore is evident across a diverse range of demographics. Millennials are at the forefront, with 71% reporting they used a mobile device for their most recent retail purchase. This is closely followed by bridge millennials and Generation Z, both at 70%. Even older generations are embracing this shift, with 61% of baby boomers and 60% of Generation X also utilizing mobile devices for shopping.
This widespread adoption signals to merchants the necessity of meeting the expectations of tech-savvy consumers. A robust 68% of shoppers in Singapore state that the availability of their preferred payment method significantly influences their shopping choices, with 41% calling it “highly influential,” the highest rate recorded in the global study.
Checkout Preferences and Security Concerns
In terms of online transactions, credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets have emerged as the top preferences among Singaporean consumers. Notably, 32% of shoppers used a third-party, one-click checkout option for their most recent online purchase—nearly double the global average. Furthermore, biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, was employed by 35% of consumers, marking the highest adoption rate among all countries surveyed.
As mobile shopping grows, merchants must address consumer concerns about storing payment credentials. Data security is a primary concern, cited by 61% of respondents, highlighting the importance of building trust through secure payment methods.
The response from Singaporean merchants indicates their readiness to adapt to this mobile-first commerce environment. Over 82% of merchants offer cross-channel shopping experiences that connect payment transactions across different platforms and devices. Additionally, 55% express a desire to innovate further in this area.
Effective communication is vital. While 52% of consumers either used or desired cross-channel features, a substantial 28% reported they would have utilized these features if they had known they were available. This presents a clear opportunity for merchants to enhance awareness of their offerings.
The data from PYMNTS Intelligence paints a picture of a rapidly evolving retail landscape in Singapore, where mobile devices are no longer just tools for online shopping but integral to the entire consumer experience. As the market adapts, the focus on seamless and secure transactions will undoubtedly shape the future of commerce in the region.
