The Economics of Digital Payments: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Agenda

ABSTRACT This study conducted a systematic literature review on the economic aspects of digital payments. Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, a total of 50 articles published in leading A*, A, and B category journals between 2007 and 2024 were systematically reviewed. This analysis uncovers key theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and temporal and geographical publication trends within the digital payment literature. Building on a general‐equilibrium perspective, the analysis is structured around four key stakeholder groups, that is, households, firms, financial institutions, and governments/regulators. A comprehensive conceptual framework is developed by integrating the enhancement outcomes associated with each stakeholder, the mechanisms that generate these outcomes, and the heterogeneity in these effects across contexts. The review also identifies major gaps in current knowledge and outlines promising directions for future research. By offering a multidimensional and stakeholder‐oriented understanding of the economic forces underpinning digital payment systems, this study aims to advance academic inquiry and support the continued development of this research domain.