Payment Radar
Global Payments to Enable Konek Digital Wallet for Canadian Merchants
Interac announced that Global Payments will enable its Konek digital wallet across its Canadian merchant network, offering account-based payments via Interac Direct alongside card-based options.
Payment RadarOriginal source: Interac · linked publisher media; native reuse rights require confirmation 
What changed
Global Payments is adding Konek, a digital wallet that lets customers pay directly from their bank accounts, to its Canadian merchant network. This integration, which will roll out via API and checkout solutions by fall 2026, gives merchants a new checkout option alongside traditional card payments. The shift moves fraud liability away from merchants and onto the issuing banks, while also lowering acceptance costs compared to standard card transactions.
Why a business should care
For merchants processing payments in Canada, this change directly impacts both the bottom line and operational risk. By accepting account-based payments through Konek, businesses can reduce the fees typically associated with card processing. More importantly, the transfer of fraud liability to issuers means merchants face fewer financial losses from fraudulent transactions. This creates a more predictable cost structure and reduces the administrative burden of handling disputes.
Who it affects
This update specifically impacts merchants who use Global Payments as their payment processor in Canada. Any business in the payment processing or e-commerce sectors relying on this provider will have access to this new checkout method once the integration is complete.
What to consider doing
Contact your Global Payments account representative this week to request the Konek integration documentation and ask about the specific API or checkout solution settings required to enable direct bank payments on your storefront.
Uncertainty and risks
The rollout is scheduled for fall 2026, which leaves a significant window for technical changes or policy adjustments. While the current assessment identifies no immediate risks, merchants should be aware that the full scope of the integration and any potential compatibility issues with existing systems will only become clear as the launch date approaches. Global Payments merchants in Canada can now enable Konek digital wallet for account-based and card-based payments, shifting fraud liability to issuers and reducing acceptance costs.
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