Top 10 Digital Wallets in 2025

Digital wallets have become key players in everyday purchases and peer-to-peer payments worldwide. By 2026, more than 5.3 billion people are expected to use at least one, according to Juniper Research. But not all wallets are created equal. Each serves different regions, supports different transaction types, and comes with its own fees, features, and requirements.

To help you find the best mobile wallet for your needs, here are 10 of the most popular options in 2025.

Looking to send money to a mobile wallet? Use Western Union to send money directly to your friend or family’s mobile wallet.

Key takeaways

• Over 5.3 billion people are expected to use a digital wallet by 2026.
• Each digital wallet offers different transaction types, features, limits, and costs, so the best mobile wallet for you depends on your needs and location.
• Some of the top mobile wallets of 2025 are Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, PayPal, WeChat Pay, and Alipay.
• Most wallets don’t allow cross-border transfers to other users. To send money abroad seamlessly, you can pair your wallet with a trusted international money transfer provider like Western Union.

Best digital wallets

Read on to review 10 of the top digital wallets you can find on the market today. For each, we’ll cover the benefits of using the digital wallet, along with some of the drawbacks.

1. Apple Wallet

Apple Wallet is a digital wallet built into Apple devices that securely stores credit, debit, and transit cards, IDs, tickets, and more. It allows users from 90+ countries to view card balances and pay online or in stores with Apple Pay. Additionally, US users can send peer-to-peer payments with Apple Cash.

Pros:

• Seamless integration: The Wallet app is built into Apple devices.
• Widely accepted: Apple Pay is accepted on millions of websites and apps, and by over 85% of US retailers.
• Global reach: Apple Wallet is available to users in 90+ countries.
• Security: Transactions are secured with biometrics and encrypted tokenization; card details aren’t shared with merchants.
• Peer-to-peer payments (U.S): Users can send domestic payments to other US users with Apple Cash.
• Finance purchases: You may qualify for buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) and monthly installment plans.
• High max limits: You can send or receive up to $10,000 per week and withdraw up to $20,000 per week.

Cons:

• Apple-only: Not available on non-Apple devices.
• Not accepted everywhere: Apple Pay isn’t accepted everywhere. You’ll need another payment method for certain purchases.
• No direct international payments: You can’t send payments to recipients in other countries.
• Instant transfer fee: There’s a 5% fee for instant debit-card withdrawals.

2. Google Wallet 

Google Wallet is Google’s digital wallet app that securely stores your payment cards, passes, tickets, and IDs all in one place. It also works with Google Pay to enable tap-to-pay in participating stores and “Buy with Google Pay” at participating online merchants.

Pros:

• Widely accepted: Google Pay is widely accepted online and by millions of retailers that accept mobile payments.
• Global reach: Google Wallet is supported in 200+ countries.
• Security: Transactions are secured with built-in authentication, fraud protection, and encryption.

Cons:

• Limited compatibility with Apple devices: You can’t use Google Pay to make NFC-based contactless payments on Apple devices.
• Limited peer-to-peer payments: The US Google Pay app doesn’t allow peer-to-peer payments in the US, only in India and Singapore.

3. Samsung Wallet

Samsung Wallet lets users on compatible Samsung devices store and use credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, and digital passes. Samsung Pay then allows you to use the cards to make contactless mobile payments in-store and check out online (where supported). US users can also send peer-to-peer payments through Tap to Transfer.

Pros:

• Widely accepted in stores: Samsung Pay works anywhere cards can be tapped or swiped.
• Global reach: Samsung Wallet is available to users in 29 countries.
• Security: Accounts are protected by biometric authentication, tokenization, and bank-level fraud protection.
• Finance purchases: You can apply to split purchases into installment plans with Splitit.
• Peer-to-peer payments (US): You can send payments to other users, US debit cards, and select other digital wallets holding eligible debit cards.

Cons:

• Transfer fee: Senders pay a 75% fee per transfer transaction.
• Samsung-only: Availability is limited to Samsung devices with compatible software.
• No direct international payments: You can’t make direct payments to recipients in other countries.
• Low transfer limits: You can only transfer up to $100 per day, $200 per week, and $500 per month.

4. Cash App

Cash App is a financial services platform that offers digital wallet functionality and peer-to-peer payments. It allows you to hold a balance in your account and link payment methods, including debit cards, credit cards, and bank accounts. You can then use Cash App Pay to check out at select physical and online stores (where accepted). Additionally, you can get a free Cash App Visa debit card, which can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

Pros:

• Wide acceptance: The Cash App Card works anywhere Visa is accepted.
• Security: The app uses encryption and fraud detection to protect users.
• Peer-to-peer payments (US): Users can send domestic payments to other US users with an email address, phone number, or $cashtag.
• Installment plans: Financing options are available through a partnership with
• Other features: The app also offers direct deposit, a savings account, and the ability to buy stocks.
• High transfer limits: You can send up to $10,000 per week ($20,000 per month) and receive up to $12,500 per week ($25,000 per month). But limits vary by verification tier.

Cons:

• US only: Cash App accounts are only available to US residents.
• No direct international payments: You can’t make direct payments to recipients in other countries.
• Fees: You’ll pay up to 1.75% for instant withdrawals and 3% for credit card

5. Venmo

Venmo is a mobile payment service owned by PayPal that allows US users to send and receive payments. Users can both hold money in the account and link external payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts. Payments can be made in the app, with the Venmo debit card, or through online retailers that accept Venmo. The platform also features a social feed where users can view and react to friends’ public transactions.

Pros:

• Common for P2P payments: Venmo is a popular solution for sending money between friends and family.
• Fast: Payments are typically sent and received instantly.
• Debit card: You can spend your balance anywhere Mastercard is accepted and earn cash back rewards through select offers.
• High limits: Verified users can send up to $60,000 per week.

Cons:

• Limited acceptance: Venmo is a checkout option with thousands of apps and websites, but it isn’t as widely accepted as other digital wallets.
• US only: The platform is only available to users in the US
• Privacy concerns: Transactions are public by default.
• Fees: A 3% fee applies to credit card transfers, and a 1.75% fee applies to Instant Transfers or Visa+ payments to other wallets.

6. Zelle

Zelle is an app integrated into banks and credit unions that enables digital payments between US account holders. Once enrolled, users can send quick payments using just an email address or phone number. Zelle pulls funds from your bank account when you request to send a payment, and the money is typically available in the recipient’s account within minutes.

Pros:

• Privacy: Bank-to-bank payments can be sent with just an email address.
• Fast: Transfers are typically completed within minutes.
• No fees: Most banks and credit unions don’t charge fees to send or receive money with Zelle.

Cons:

• No reversals: Payments to existing Zelle users can’t be
• Not always available: Not all banks or credit unions offer Zelle. It’s also only offered in the US.
• Unpredictable transfer limits: Transfer limits are set by each bank, so they’ll vary depending on the banks involved in the payment.
• No direct international payments: You can’t make direct payments to recipients in other countries.

7. Amazon Pay

If you have an Amazon Account, Amazon Pay allows you to pay third-party online stores using the payment methods stored in your account. Amazon Pay is part of Amazon, so you don’t have to sign up and create a separate account to start using it. Anytime you see Amazon Pay as a payment option at checkout, you can simply use it.

Pros:

• No setup required: Amazon users are already signed up.
• Purchase protection: Eligible purchases of physical products are covered by Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee.
• Address book access: Shipping details from your Amazon address book can populate automatically.
• Fast: Checkouts are typically completed faster than standard online checkouts.
• No fees Amazon doesn’t charge additional fees for using Amazon Pay.

Cons:

• Limited merchant acceptance: While available on tens of thousands of websites, it isn’t as widely accepted as some other digital wallets.
• Requires an Amazon account: Amazon Pay is only available to Amazon members.
• No peer-to-peer payments: Amazon Pay doesn’t support payments to other users.

8. PayPal Digital Wallet

PayPal is a digital wallet that lets you hold a balance and connect multiple external payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts. Once your account is set up, you can pay using PayPal online and in stores (where accepted), use the PayPal Debit Mastercard for everyday purchases, and send and receive money through the platform. You can also choose how you’ll cover transactions, whether from your PayPal balance, a payment method in your wallet, or a mix.

Pros:

• Global payments: Payments can be sent between PayPal users in 200+
• Wide acceptance: PayPal checkout is supported by millions of merchants worldwide.
• Buyer protection: Includes dispute resolution services for eligible purchases.
• Security: Encryption and fraud detection protect users’ financial data.
• Payment plans: You can apply for buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) and monthly installment plans.
• Rewards: Cash back offers from certain retailers.

Cons:

• Fees: Fees apply for certain transactions, including 75% for instant withdrawals, 5% for international transfers, and a 4% currency conversion spread.
• Account Freezes: PayPal is known for holding funds when it finds something suspicious or concerning, which can make your money inaccessible for a period.

9. WeChat Pay

WeChat Pay is a digital wallet and payment service integrated into the popular Chinese social media app, WeChat. It’s primarily designed for Chinese nationals but also offers limited access to foreigners. Chinese users can make purchases from merchants that accept WeChat Pay, top up their wallet balance, and send payments to other users. Foreigners, on the other hand, can link international cards from specific partner banks to make payments using WeChat Pay, but can’t send P2P payments, hold a balance, or withdraw funds.

Pros:

• Global availability: Accepted by partner institutions in 77 countries.
• Fast payments: Streamlines checkout for in-store and online purchases across China and select global destinations.
• P2P payments: Chinese users can send and receive instant payments through the app.
• Security: Passwords, biometrics, and fraud-detection measures help protect user accounts.

Cons:

• Regional prominence: Most merchants accepting WeChat Pay are in Asia.
• Limited functionality for foreigners: Foreign-card users can’t top up balances or send P2P payments.
• Transaction fees: A 3% transaction fee is charged to foreign-card users for purchases over 200 RMB.
• Transaction limits: Foreign card users are limited to spending 50,000 RMB per month and 65,000 RMB per year.

10. Alipay

Alipay is another popular digital wallet app in China. Users with a Chinese ID and bank account can create an Alipay account and use it to make payments with tens of millions of merchants across the country. The app also supports bill payments, investments, and transit passes, making it central to daily life in China. Foreign visitors can use Alipay by linking international credit or debit cards from specific partner banks, which enables cash-free payments to Alipay merchants.

Pros:

• Widely accepted in China: Alipay is accepted by tens of millions of merchants across China.
• Open to visitors: Foreign travelers can link their international cards to pay seamlessly in China.

Cons:

• Limited acceptance: Acceptance outside of China is limited.

At a glance: What’s the best mobile wallet?

Here’s a side-by-side look at how the 10 wallets above compare in three primary areas.

	Holds Balance	P2P Payments	Availability
Apple Wallet	Yes	Yes, in the US	90+ countries
Google Wallet	No in the US; Yes, in India and Singapore	No in the US; Yes, in India and Singapore	200+ countries
Samsung Wallet	Yes	Yes, in the US; It varies by country elsewhere	29 countries
Cash App	Yes	Yes	US only
Venmo	Yes	Yes	US only
Zelle	No	Yes	US only
Amazon Pay	No	No	Amazon users worldwide
PayPal	Yes	Yes	110+ countries
WeChat Pay	Yes, for users with a Chinese bank account	Yes, for users with a Chinese bank account	Chinese users and foreign visitors
Alipay	Yes, for users with a Chinese bank account	Yes, for users with a Chinese bank account	Chinese users and foreign visitors

Choosing the right mobile wallet for your needs

Now that you’ve seen how the best mobile wallets stack up, here’s how to narrow down the best one for your specific needs. Consider the following key factors:

• Location: Digital wallets only work in certain countries. Check which wallets are available in your region.
• Acceptance: Look for wallets supported by a wide merchant network (or the merchants most important to you) to maximize everyday usability.
• Supported transactions: Consider whether the wallet’s supported transactions meet your needs. For example, check if you can hold a balance, send peer-to-peer payments, make contactless in-store purchases, and make quick purchases online.
• Security: Prioritize mobile wallet safety. Look for strong encryption, biometric authentication, tokenization, and purchase protection.
• Fees and limits: Review transaction fees, instant transfer costs, spending limits, and withdrawal limits. Ensure the wallet you choose is affordable and suits your needs.
• Compatibility: Some wallets are device-specific. Be sure you choose one that works with your devices, such as Apple Wallet for iOS users and Samsung Wallet for eligible Samsung devices.
• Debit card: Consider if you want a wallet that comes with a physical debit card. The debit card allows you to use the wallet anywhere the card’s network is accepted.
• Installment plans: Consider if you want financing options or buy-now-pay-later plans, which let you pay for purchases over time.
• International needs: If you plan on using a digital wallet for international money transfers, look for wallets that support cross-border payments or pair easily with a provider like Western Union.
• Other features: Check for other useful perks like cashback rewards, savings tools, and direct deposit.

By considering all of these factors, you can find the best mobile wallet for your lifestyle and needs. The right fit may be different for someone who’s just looking to streamline purchases versus someone who wants to receive money from friends and family abroad. Further, you may want to use different wallets for different situations. For example, if you’re traveling to China, WeChat Pay or Alipay can be useful during your trip.

Sending money to a mobile wallet

Mobile wallets are now used by billions of people worldwide, and it’s easy to understand why. The top mobile wallets enable quick online purchases, tap to pay in stores, and instant payments between users. The efficiency and convenience are hard to beat. However, many are designed for use within certain regions and don’t offer cross-border payments. That’s where Western Union comes in.

With Western Union’s money transfer app, you can send funds directly to a recipient’s participating mobile wallet in another country. The process is simple: you enter your recipient’s details and the mobile wallet they use, fund the transaction, and the money will appear in their app shortly.

Send money now!