The advancements in payments technology are driving the evolution of behavioral expectations among consumers and end-users. Open banking standards and account-based payments have led to innovative solutions and enhanced security. However, the US market lags behind in these trends due to a less regulatory-driven and fragmented nature. The development of cheaper real-time account-to-account rails is becoming popular, as it offers a more frictionless, secure, and cost-effective payment method compared to traditional cards. The success of these innovations depends on merchant and consumer adoption, as well as aligning payment methods with end-user preferences and cost savings.