Generation X is not afraid of technology, but when it comes to spending money, they are not chasing the newest payment trends. New research from global payment platform PXP reveals that Gen X (those born between 1965 and 1980) still prefers traditional methods like debit and credit cards. For them, security and familiarity matter more than hype.
The study, based on a survey of over 4,000 consumers in the US and UK, found that 49 percent of Gen X users rely primarily on debit cards for everyday spending. Credit cards are the preferred option for larger purchases like travel, with 33 percent saying they use them for ticket bookings. These payment methods offer a sense of control and built-in fraud protection that newer tools have not yet earned.
While Gen X is fully capable of using digital payments, they remain cautious. Just 6 percent use mobile wallets for in-store purchases, and only 5 percent use them for booking travel. That might surprise some, but it shows this group values reliability over novelty.
Cash has not disappeared either. About 22 percent of Gen X still use it when dining out or in social settings. It is not about resisting change, it is about practicality.
Other takeaways from the study:
- 51 percent of Gen X rank security as their top concern
- 40 percent say fraud risk is their biggest digital payment frustration
- 44 percent believe cards are still the most secure option for online use
- 36 percent say hidden fees are a dealbreaker
- 31 percent are influenced by loyalty programs with exclusive discounts
- 28 percent prefer payment methods that offer rewards or cashback
Kamran Hedjri, Group CEO at PXP, summed it up: “Gen X approaches payments with a practical mindset. They want methods they can trust, clear payment terms, and rewards that offer real value. They are not driven by hype.”
That rings true. Gen X has seen fads come and go. From floppy disks to crypto apps, they have adopted tech when it made sense… not just because it was new.
If you are building payment solutions for Gen X, do not try to dazzle them. Just make it work, make it secure, and make sure the benefits are real. This generation does not want to be impressed. They want to be respected.
