Why Payment Flexibility Is Now Essential in Retail

A few years ago, card or cash were the only options at the checkout. Fast forward to today, and customers expect to pay how they want, when they want. Whether it’s Apple Pay, Klarna, contactless or traditional chip & PIN, offering flexible payment options has become a must-have for retailers—not just a nice extra.

In this post, we’ll explore why payment flexibility matters, the risks of ignoring it and how the right EPoS system can make it simple.

Customer Expectations Have Changed

Shoppers want speed, convenience, and choice. According to recent reports, more than 80% of UK consumers now use contactless payments regularly, while younger customers are driving demand for digital wallets and “buy now, pay later” options.

Retailers who can’t keep up risk frustrating customers—or worse, losing sales.

The Business Benefits of Flexible Payments

Beyond meeting customer needs, payment flexibility brings direct benefits for retailers:

Faster checkouts → shorter queues and happier shoppers

Increased average transaction value → BNPL and digital wallets often encourage larger basket sizes

Reduced reliance on cash → safer and more efficient store operations

Future-proofing → ability to add new methods as trends evolve

Overcoming the Challenges

Of course, offering more payment options comes with challenges—transaction fees, security, and the need to stay compliant with regulations. That’s where choosing the right EPoS system makes all the difference.

A modern, integrated platform ensures:

All payment types flow through one system

Transactions remain secure and compliant

Reporting is consolidated, no matter how customers pay

Real-World Example: RMS & Payment Integration

At RMS, our systems integrate seamlessly with leading payment providers, giving retailers confidence that they can accept the latest methods without complicated set-ups. Whether it’s contactless, digital wallets, or traditional cards, you can serve customers the way they want to pay—now and in the future.

The Bottom Line

Payment flexibility is no longer optional—it’s an essential part of modern retail. The winners this year and beyond will be those who make the checkout experience as smooth and adaptable as possible.

Ready to Make Payments Simple?

If you’d like to explore how RMS can help your business offer smarter, more flexible payments, get in touch today.

👉 What’s the most popular payment method in your store right now? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear how payment habits are changing for you.

Why Choose RMS?

RMS have worked with ambitious businesses since 2004, supplying tailored software solutions and EPoS hardware from the Shetland Islands to the Seychelles. We work with businesses in most retail verticals, contact us to see how we can help you empower your staff with an intuitive EPoS. Let us show you how OpSuite EPoS turns the challenge of user experience and onboarding staff into your greatest strength.

Information correct at the time of publication.