2025 Restaurant Payment Trends and Predictions

The rapid evolution of payment technology over the past decade has had a profound impact on industries worldwide, and the restaurant sector is no exception. As digital transactions become ubiquitous, businesses across all sectors are embracing innovations that reshape the way they interact with customers. In the restaurant industry, advances in payment processing and payment technology are driving significant changes, influencing everything from customer experience and operational efficiency to revenue generation and security.

In 2025, the restaurant industry will continue to adapt to these payment innovations, with a focus on eliminating cash transactions and prioritizing seamless, digital payment methods. Restaurants are predicted to place an even greater emphasis on contactless payments, digital wallets, and next-generation solutions like embedded payments, AI-powered experiences, and omnichannel payment options.

These trends reflect a broader shift towards faster, more efficient, and integrated payment solutions that cater to growing consumer demands for convenience, security, and personalization. Below are some of the key trends and predictions for how these advancements will impact the restaurant industry in 2025:

Contactless Payments and Digital Wallets

The restaurant industry’s ongoing shift toward contactless payments and mobile wallets is driven by the need for faster, more seamless transactions, the rise of online ordering and the growth of food delivery services. When customers can pay quickly and without friction, it enhances their experience and shortens wait times, leading to improved customer satisfaction—particularly in fast-casual settings where speed is essential. According to Statista, the global online food delivery market size was valued at $151.5 billion in 2021 and the meal delivery market is expected to reach more than 192 million users by 2029. 

2025 presents a unique opportunity for the restaurant industry to fully embrace payment technologies that have previously remained on the periphery.

Mobile payment solutions such as apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile wallets will become even more commonplace in restaurants, allowing customers to pay via their smartphones or wearable devices. The simplicity and convenience of these payment methods will boost customer satisfaction and increase revenue by reducing checkout hesitation and encouraging higher spending.

Increased Frequency of Fee and Rate Auditing

Many restaurants and QSRs have had massive increases in order ahead and digital ordering over the last few years. According to the 2022 Restaurant Readiness Index by PYMNTS and Patronix, 67% of an average restaurant’s sales are now ordered and consumed off-premises. However, this increase in digital ordering and card-not-present transactions has skyrocketed their processing rates. These systems were built by outside firms and engineers with a focus on customer experience. However, they’re now scrambling to reduce the costs associated with unoptimized card-not-present transactions— something they haven't had to deal with in the past. Restaurateurs are now and will continue to leverage consulting firms and tools like Staitment to uncover these fees and develop plans to reduce costs. 

While these advancements come with added costs, restaurants and QSRs must adapt to stay competitive and meet consumers where they are by offering desired payment methods. As more establishments embrace digital payment methods and shift toward card-not-present transactions, it's crucial to closely monitor merchant fees and conduct regular audits. By reviewing their monthly merchant statements, restaurants can identify and address fees before they accumulate. With the right payment processing setup and infrastructure, restaurateurs can meet customer demands while boosting profitability.  

Embedded Payments in Ordering Systems

Embedded payments are also set to play a pivotal role in enhancing the restaurant experience by opening up new opportunities for efficiency, revenue generation, and customer loyalty. 

With embedded payment systems, restaurant-goers can pay directly through the restaurant’s website or app, QR code, self-service kiosk, or even smart tables. By eliminating the need for manual card swipes or signatures, these systems will reduce transaction times and lead to faster table turnover for restaurants. This trend also supports the growth of customer loyalty programs which are predicted to continue increasing in popularity in 2025. According to Emarsys’s 2024 Global Customer Loyalty Index, usage of customer loyalty programs has increased by 28% in 2024, which is a 40% increase from 2023.

With continued technological advancements, restaurants will need to evolve to meet the demands of a tech-savvy customer base, offering more efficient, personalized, and secure payment experiences. 

The integration of AI with embedded payments will also allow restaurants to offer personalized upsells during the payment process based on past orders or customer preferences, further driving sales and improving the guest experience.

AI and Predictive Payments

With AI-powered personalization, restaurants can offer tailored payment options based on past behavior, preferences, and loyalty data. This level of personalization will not only increase operational efficiency but also boost customer retention and increase overall sales.

One of the most persistent trends in payments technology has been the incorporation of AI-driven solutions and systems, including POS systems. These AI-driven systems can help restaurants cut costs and reduce human error by automating simple tasks such as reservation scheduling, taking orders and collecting payments. Predictive capabilities may also extend to suggesting appropriate tips based on service quality, previous behaviors, or preferences, ensuring more consistent gratuity and higher customer and employee satisfaction.

Omnichannel Payments

With consumers increasingly expecting a seamless payment experience across various channels—whether dining in, ordering online, or using delivery services—restaurants will continue to adopt omnichannel payment solutions that unify multiple ordering platforms. This trend, which gained significant momentum during the pandemic, will remain a core focus in 2025. 

Restaurants will further integrate delivery and dine-in payment options, making it easier to track payments and loyalty across all ordering methods. These unified systems will allow restaurants to enhance the customer experience and provide consistent payment options no matter the dining format.

2025 presents a unique opportunity for the restaurant industry to fully embrace payment technologies that have previously remained on the periphery. With continued technological advancements, restaurants will need to evolve to meet the demands of a tech-savvy customer base, offering more efficient, personalized, and secure payment experiences. 

As these trends take hold, the restaurant industry will be poised to provide a dining experience that’s faster, more convenient, and better suited to the preferences of today’s consumers, impacting every aspect of the customer journey.