UK consumers are prioritising security in their online shopping, which influences how they pay for recurring services like subscriptions. New research from American Express shows that 76% of shoppers prioritise payment protection when buying online, and almost half (49%) say stronger security would be the biggest incentive to try Open Banking payments.
Open Banking, which lets consumers pay directly from their bank account through a secure, streamlined process, is gaining traction where trust and convenience matter most. While household bills remain the leading use case, subscriptions are catching up. The study found 16% of consumers now use Open Banking for subscriptions, compared to 8% who rely on manual bank transfers.
Consumers want security and seamless experiences
This shift reflects a wider trend where shoppers expect retailers to deliver frictionless experiences alongside security reassurances. Research earlier this year found that 35% of Brits would give up online shopping over fears of identity theft. Meanwhile, American Express’ research found that two in five (40%) of consumers say ease and speed of payment is important for any purchase, rising to 52% for smaller, everyday items, a category that includes many subscription services.
For businesses, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. A separate Amex survey of 500 merchants found that improving payment security and streamlining checkout are top priorities for the year ahead, with Open Banking among the most cited solutions. As subscription models grow across sectors, from streaming to meal kits, payment methods that combine simplicity with bank-level protection could become a competitive differentiator.
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