Across Europe, consumers are becoming increasingly accustomed to money moving in real time. Payments can be sent within seconds, refunds can arrive quickly and banking apps provide an immediate view of what's happening with their money. Even online shopping for everyday goods and groceries has made fast, convenient transactions feel increasingly normal. As this becomes normal, waiting several days for a withdrawal can feel increasingly out of step with the rest of the digital experience.
Online entertainment provides a useful example of this. Whether someone is playing a game, using a streaming platform or visiting an online casino, speed has become part of what people expect from digital services. The entertainment itself might be designed to feel immediate, so a lengthy wait at the payment stage can create a noticeable contrast.
Europe is moving towards real-time payments
The infrastructure behind these expectations is developing quickly. According to figures from the European Central Bank, instant payments accounted for 82.5% of payments in 2025, showing the rapid expansion of instant-payment infrastructure across Europe.
This is important because payment technology can influence expectations well beyond traditional banking. Once consumers become used to transferring money quickly between accounts, the same expectation can carry over into the other digital services they use.
