Gen Z (people born between 1996 and 2010) are digital natives through and through. They’ve grown up with smartphones, mobile apps, and instant everything — making it no surprise that when it comes to Gen Z bill payment habits and expectations, they look for speed, simplicity, and flexibility. 

But while this generation is the most likely to use digital payments, there’s still untapped potential for billers to better serve and engage them. 

The 2025 Bill Payer Preferences Report 

To help gain a better understanding of customers’ payment preferences, InvoiceCloud surveyed four demographics of bill payers, including those 65+, non-English speakers, in-person payers, and Gen Z payers (people born between 1996 and 2010). 

We’ve analyzed this data to identify the benefits, barriers, or difficulties these payers encounter with digital payments, which we’ve detailed in our 2025 Bill Payer Preferences Report. 

This year’s report outlines self-service opportunities and action items billing organizations can use to better accommodate all payers and ultimately boost overall digital payment adoption. 

Key Insights on Gen Z Bill Payment Habits

Based on the survey data, we’ve zeroed in on some key insights about Gen Z’s payment behaviors and preferences. Here’s what billing organizations need to know — and do — to meet Gen Z where they are and maintain digital adoption among this demographic.

1. Mobile Wallets Are a Must

Gen Z is leading the charge when it comes to mobile wallet usage. In fact, 33% of Gen Z respondents said they prefer to pay bills using mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal more than any other demographic surveyed. 

Action item: Enable and promote a variety of mobile wallet options. Offering flexibility in payment methods both meets Gen Z’s expectations and streamlines the payment process.

2. Timing Is Everything

Despite their digital fluency, Gen Z faces a familiar challenge: aligning bills with incoming funds. A full 34% of Gen Z respondents cited syncing bill payments with their paychecks as their top barrier to paying bills online. 

Action item: Promote scheduled payment features like AutoPay. Giving Gen Z the ability to “set it and forget it” helps them stay on top of bills and reduces late payments — benefiting both the payer and the biller. 

 3. Don’t Forget the Reminders

Another major hurdle? Forgetting to pay. 

Nearly a quarter of Gen Z respondents said they either forget due dates or are unaware of them altogether. Among the small number of Gen Z payers who don’t frequently use digital payments, 47% said more reminders would encourage them to do so. 

Action item: Hone the frequency and personalization of payment reminders. Use multiple channels, like email, text, and voicemail, to keep bills top of mind no matter how Gen Z payers prefer to receive communications, and don’t forget to include key information about their bill. 

 4. Simplify the Sign-In

Remembering usernames and passwords is a pain point for 22% of Gen Z payers. If logging in becomes a barrier, they may abandon the payment altogether. 

Action item: Enable guest checkout and one-click payment options. These features streamline the process and ensure that even forgetful users can complete their payments quickly and easily. 

5. Bank Bill Pay Still Matters

Interestingly, 44% of Gen Z respondents said they prefer to pay bills through their bank’s bill pay system — more than the other demographics surveyed (65+, non-English speakers, and in person payers). This shows that while Gen Z loves mobile-first experiences, they also value the familiarity and control of their banking apps. 

Action item: Make sure your payment solution enables real-time ACH payments to simplify reconciliation and ensure a seamless experience for all. 

 6. Guide Them Through the Process

Even digital natives appreciate a little guidance. Among Gen Z respondents who don’t frequently pay bills online, 21% said that having help setting up an account would encourage them to do so. 

Action item: Post how-to guides and step-by-step instructions for setting up accounts and making one-time payments on your website. The best way to encourage timely self-service is to make it easy for Gen Z to get started and stay engaged. 

How Billers can Cater to Gen Z

Gen Z is ready to pay digitally — but only if the experience is fast, flexible, and frictionless. By aligning your billing and payments experience with their preferences, you can boost digital adoption, reduce late payments, and build long-term loyalty among this growing group of payers. 

At InvoiceCloud, we’re here to help you make that happen. From offering major digital wallets and guest checkout to automated reminders, our platform is built to meet the needs of every generation. 

Want to learn more about enabling digital payments for everyone? Get your free copy of our 2025 Bill Payer Preferences Report here.