Nearly 60% of adults report recently using mobile ordering at restaurants, technology made possible by electronic payments
WASHINGTON – An industry report released earlier this year by the National Restaurant Association shows how credit and debit cards are allowing restaurants to keep pace with changing consumer demands. The association’s research paper found mobile ordering – made possible through card and other forms of electronic payments – is now “a key revenue driver and an essential way to engage consumers,” according to the National Restaurant Association’s chief economist.
The National Restaurant Association’s 2025 Off-Premises Restaurant Trends report found more than half of adults have recently made purchases from restaurants using mobile ordering. Of those, approximately three-quarters of millennials and two-thirds of Gen Z adults used mobile ordering.
“Businesses and restaurants on Main Streets across the country know card payments are safe, secure, convenient – and help drive revenue,” said Electronic Payments Coalition Executive Chairman Richard Hunt. “Perhaps instead of trying to dismantle our global payment system so corporate mega-stores and chain restaurants can save a buck, the National Restaurant Association should read their own report. Credit card acceptance adds real value for local restaurants, allowing college kids to order late night pizza and families to grab a meal on the go, and helps small businesses compete with corporate mega-stores. The American people have spoken – they love their cards, and they love the freedom and flexibility they bring.”
The Durbin-Marshall credit card mandates would force credit card transactions to run on alternative, untested networks – raising serious concerns about the safety, security and fraud protections cardholders and small businesses rely on. Despite claims of helping small businesses, these mandates are being championed by some of the nation’s largest retailers looking to pad their profits.
Studies show any potential savings from the proposed Durbin-Marshall mandates would disproportionately benefit the top five largest businesses in the U.S., “putting small retailers at a further competitive disadvantage.” The study also found virtually no savings would be seen by retailers with less than $500 million in sales and true small businesses would see a negative $1 billion impact.
“Corporate mega-stores, national convenience store chains and restaurant conglomerates are funding a campaign to weaken our nation’s payment system just to avoid paying for this vital service. The Durbin-Marshall credit card mandates will not save small businesses, local restaurants or consumers money. Instead, they threaten to dismantle a system that offers liability protection, data security and valuable reward programs. When you follow the money behind who is pushing for these new mandates on Americans’ credit cards, it’s clear who stands to gain.” Hunt added. “Believing Walmart, Target and other mega-stores are fighting for Main Street is laughable. These are the very corporations who squeeze out small businesses and make it harder and harder for them to survive.”