Among the most preferred online payment methods among UK shoppers in 2026, debit cards dominate across all user segments, with roughly half of every group selecting it as their top choice — peaking at among light online users and holding steady at 48– across heavy, medium, and non-users alike. Credit cards rank second universally, though non-users favour them at a notably higher rate () compared to active online shoppers ().
PayPal or similar digital payment services reveal the sharpest contrast between user types. Medium online users prefer it at , followed closely by light users at and heavy users at , while non-users record just — a gap of ten percentage points that underscores how familiarity with online shopping drives adoption of third-party payment platforms.
Cash on delivery, bank transfer, and Buy Now Pay Later services each attract minimal preference across all groups. Notably, cash on delivery holds a slightly stronger position among non-users () than among active shoppers (), suggesting residual preference for traditional payment assurance among those less engaged with online retail. E-wallets and super-app payments remain marginal across the board, reaching no more than in any segment.
