Instant Payouts Pull Workers Toward Rival Platforms

Instant money movement is accelerating across the U.S. economy, and nowhere is that shift more visible than in the gig economy, where workers increasingly expect to receive their earnings the moment they are issued.

The latest PYMNTS Intelligence and Ingo Payments research shows that same-day access to income has quickly moved from a convenience to a prerequisite for the workers who power this segment.

Growing Gig Economy

The report, “Money Mobility Ecosystem: Meeting Recipient Expectations in the Instant Economy,” examines how instant payments shape recipient decisions across industries, including gig work, freelance work, tips, property income and product rebates. The research surveyed 4,170 U.S. consumers, including 2,270 disbursement recipients, as well as executives across 11 business segments.

Across the broader gig economy, the findings are consistent and striking. More than half of gig workers (54%) say they need their funds the same day they are processed for payment. Workers who rely on tips show even greater urgency, with 65% reporting that they need their income instantly or within a day. Freelancers, contractors and consultants also show meaningful need for speed, with 48% saying they require their earnings the same day, even though their work often follows longer billing cycles.

These verticals span a broad and fast-growing set of worker categories, from rideshare and delivery drivers to restaurant servers, warehouse pickers, personal shoppers, professional services contractors and independent creatives.

For these workers, payments represent income rather than discretionary one-off disbursements. That distinction explains why they place greater pressure on platforms to deliver instant access.

Why Instant Payouts Matter

The report makes clear that urgency is directly tied to financial necessity. Workers increasingly depend on gig income to fund daily spending, cover bills, buy food and manage unpredictable schedules. PYMNTS Intelligence found that when instant payouts are offered, gig workers adopt them almost every time. Platforms report that 59% of their gig-related disbursements are already sent instantly once the option is available, even though most platforms do not offer it consistently.

This widespread adoption underscores the value of instant payments as more than a convenience. For gig workers, who often juggle multiple income streams and time-sensitive obligations, the ability to access money instantly influences where they choose to work and how long they stay with a given platform. The data shows that instant capabilities act as a competitive differentiator for any company sending payments to this workforce.

Why Instant Access Is a Must

Despite strong worker demand, only 36% of gig platforms offer instant payments always or most of the time. The other 64% offer instant only sometimes, rarely or never. This mismatch indicates that many platforms still underestimate how central speed has become to workers’ economic decision-making. The report suggests that firms miss an opportunity to strengthen worker retention, improve the worker experience and maintain a competitive edge.

Instant access also allows workers to keep participating in the ecosystem. That matters for platforms whose business model depends on active, engaged workers. The ability to receive funds instantly means workers can cover gas, repairs, supplies or daily needs and continue accepting jobs. Without instant payouts, workers may choose platforms that eliminate the financial friction associated with waiting for deposits.

The data shows that when companies offer instant payments, gig workers reward them with loyalty and continued engagement. As instant expectations rise across the U.S. economy, companies that lean into this shift stand to future-proof their workforce relationships and reduce churn in one of the most competitive labor markets today.