These represent popular digital platforms facilitating the transfer of money between individuals, typically linked to bank accounts or debit cards. Transactions are generally immediate or near-immediate, offering a convenient alternative to traditional methods like checks or physical cash exchanges. An example includes using a smartphone application to send funds to a friend for shared expenses.
Their widespread adoption stems from ease of use, accessibility via mobile devices, and the speed with which money can be transferred. This has significantly impacted personal finance, simplifying bill splitting, loan repayments between friends and family, and small business transactions. The advent of these services reflects a shift towards a more digitized and cashless economy, reducing reliance on physical currency and traditional banking processes for everyday financial interactions.