Mexico boasts one of the most advanced payment infrastructures in Latin America, featuring instant transfers, digital wallets, contactless payments, and interoperable platforms. Despite these technological advancements, cash continues to dominate as the primary means of payment across the country. This contradiction underscores a significant paradox for the financial sector: although modernization is evident, the adoption of new payment methods has yet to accelerate to anticipated levels.

According to the '2025 Payment Media Study' by NTT DATA, seven out of ten transactions among banked individuals are still conducted in cash, with this percentage even higher among those lacking access to formal financial services. This trend persists despite a steady increase in the use of electronic transfers, such as SPEI, and other digital payment methods over recent years. The issue, therefore, is not the lack of options available but rather the prevailing conditions that impede wider adoption of these digital alternatives.

The findings suggest that while technological infrastructure is in place, significant barriers remain that inhibit the transition from cash to digital payments. Factors such as financial literacy, trust in technology, and the habit of using cash play pivotal roles in shaping consumer behavior. Moving forward, stakeholders in the financial ecosystem need to address these challenges to enhance user experience and encourage broader adoption of modern payment methods across Mexico.