Cover for the PYMNTS Intelligence and Visa Direct April 2026 ”The Power of Now” Report. PYMNTS Intelligence and Visa Direct examine why slow payouts create costs and where real-time payments can close a $1.35T gap.

New Data Shines Light on The $1.35T Race to Move Money Faster

The Power of Now: Moving Money at the Speed of Life

“The Power of Now: Moving Money at the Speed of Life,” a collaboration between PYMNTS Intelligence and Visa Direct, unveils a $1.35 trillion gap between how payouts move today and how fast firms want them to flow. Slow payments are more than a consumer annoyance. They’re also a source of complaints, disputes, stress and operational cost.

Inside the April Report

  • Delays lead to financial stress, late fees and postponed purchases for recipients. For businesses, they drive complaints, disputes and added operational work.
  • Most payouts still move through slow rails, even though firms plan to significantly increase real-time usage.
  • Faster payments reduce errors, improve visibility and build trust with recipients, lowering frictions across the payout process.

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