The global value of point-of-sale (POS) transactions processed through payment card terminals is projected to rise from $30 trillion in 2026 to $41 trillion by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4 per cent, according to a new report by global technology research firm, Juniper Research.
The study attributed the projected growth to the rapid adoption of unified commerce platforms that integrate in-store, online and mobile payment channels into a single system, enabling businesses to deliver a seamless customer experience across multiple sales touchpoints.
According to the report, merchants are increasingly replacing standalone and static POS terminals with connected payment systems that treat every transaction, whether conducted physically or digitally, as part of one unified customer journey.
Juniper Research noted that sectors with high levels of channel fragmentation, particularly retail, hospitality and quick service restaurants (QSRs), are expected to drive the strongest growth in the market.
It explained that unified commerce solutions enable businesses in these industries to link previously disconnected payment acceptance points, allowing them to consolidate inventory management, customer information and payment processing into a single platform.
The report further observed that as payment channels become more integrated, the value generated within the ecosystem is shifting away from the physical payment terminal itself toward the software platforms that connect transactions across different channels.
It stated that as payment channels converge, value is shifting away from the physical terminal toward the platforms connecting transactions, with hardware margins under pressure while recurring revenue streams from software, analytics, loyalty and embedded finance become increasingly important.
Commenting on the findings, Jawad Jahan, research analyst at Juniper Research, said unified commerce has evolved from being a premium offering to becoming a basic requirement for businesses in sectors such as retail and quick service restaurants.
He noted that vendors relying solely on payment hardware are likely to experience increasing pressure on margins, while companies that integrate POS terminals into broader commerce ecosystems spanning physical stores, websites and mobile applications will be better positioned to generate long-term value through software and data-driven services.
