Blackhawk Network Research Highlights Banking Access as Key Factor…

Event summary

Blackhawk Network released research in August 2026 showing that banking access significantly influences consumer preferences for business payouts.
53% of respondents prioritized speed in receiving payouts, while 45% valued immediate usability of funds.
Unbanked and underbanked consumers showed stronger preferences for flexible payout options, including digital wallets and gift cards.
63% of unbanked and underbanked consumers expressed frustration with paper checks, compared to 46% of fully banked consumers.

The big picture

Blackhawk Network's research underscores the growing importance of financial inclusion in the payments industry. As businesses expand payout programs across various sectors, understanding the diverse needs of recipients—particularly those with limited banking access—will be crucial for optimizing consumer experiences. The findings highlight a strategic shift towards more flexible and digitally integrated payout solutions, aligning with broader trends in fintech and consumer-centric financial services.

What we're watching

Flexibility in Payouts: How Blackhawk Network will adapt its payout solutions to better serve unbanked and underbanked consumers.
Digital Wallet Adoption: Whether the emphasis on digital wallet functionality will drive further innovation in the payments industry.
Industry Trends: The pace at which other financial services companies integrate banking access considerations into their payout strategies.