Consumers’ acceptance intentions regarding e-payments: a focus on the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2)

Purpose In view of the promising growth of FinTech in the Arab region, specifically in Egypt, this study identifies the significant factors likely to influence consumers’ acceptance intention toward e-payment products and services (mobile wallets, virtual-cards, mobile/online banking etc.). Design/methodology/approach Quantitative deductive research was used to investigate the extension of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) on consumers' e-payment acceptance intentions. Questionnaires were electronically administered through convenience sampling. Three hundred and ninety-nine questionnaires were analyzed through multiple regression to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings Performance expectance, facilitating condition, effort expectancy and social influence impact consumers' e-payment acceptance intentions. These factors contribute to the growing number of individuals using e-payments to the extent that e-payment eventually becomes a preferred medium for economic transactions. Hedonic motivation, price value and habit are insignificant in encouraging consumers' e-payment acceptance. Practical implications The study benefits to governments, policymakers, banking institutions, businesses involved in online transactions and software developers. They can utilize the findings to develop strategies aimed at increasing e-payment usage and overcoming cultural-resistance to changing traditional financial transaction methods. These methods align with the government’s goal of achieving a digital society. Originality/value This study presents information on the current state of e-payment acceptance. Its potential contribution lies in identifying the factors that influence the intention to e-payment among Arab consumers, thereby highlighting important considerations for the adoption of e-payment. Furthermore, this study supports UTAUT over UTAUT2 in the FinTech context. It suggests that individuals exhibit similar behavior and inspiration when using e-payment technology as they do when using technology in an organizational context.