ACI Extends Connetic Platform with Card Payments, Targets Legacy Infrastructure

Event summary

  • ACI Worldwide launched ACI Connetic for Cards on March 4, 2026, integrating card payments into its unified cloud-native payments hub.
  • ACI Connetic for Cards combines account-to-account (A2A) payments, card payments, and AI-driven fraud prevention on a single platform.
  • ACI processes over 300 billion card transactions annually, leveraging existing acquiring, issuing, and ATM capabilities.
  • Global card transaction volume is projected to reach 1.1 trillion annually by 2029, representing a 43% increase from 2024.
  • ACI Connetic was initially launched in 2025 and has seen continued deployments and expanded capabilities.

The big picture

ACI’s move to unify card payments within its Connetic platform addresses a critical need for banks struggling to modernize aging infrastructure and keep pace with the continued growth of card transactions, even amidst the rise of real-time payments. The platform's success will depend on ACI's ability to convince banks to adopt a cloud-native approach and integrate ACI's solutions into their existing workflows. This expansion positions ACI to capitalize on the projected 43% growth in global card transactions by 2029.

What we're watching

Adoption Rate
The success of ACI Connetic for Cards hinges on banks’ willingness to migrate from legacy card processing systems, a process that can be complex and costly.
Competitive Landscape
ACI faces competition from other payments infrastructure providers; the ability to differentiate Connetic through unique features and integrations will be crucial.
Fraud Risk
As ACI integrates AI-driven fraud prevention, the effectiveness of these systems in combating evolving fraud techniques will determine the platform’s long-term value.