Celent predicts that the online payment industry will capture US$12.5 billion in revenues by 2005, up from US$8.0 billion in 2003.

In a new report, "Online Payments in The U.S.: Navigating The Marketplace," Celent examines the online payment marketplace, its key participants, and the major trends affecting it. Based on over 100 interviews with industry executives, the report is a sweeping review of one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. payment industry.

Among its key findings, the report anticipates that innovative payment services providers will experience a 55% revenue CAGR between 2003 and 2005, the industrys fastest growth. The report points to significant opportunities lying ahead for some payment services providers such as check authorization providersand downplays the prospects of others, such as micro-payment ventures. Celent predicts that the e-checks share of e-commerce value will climb to 9% in 2005, up from 6% in 2003 and 3% in 2000.

"Some issues, like micro-payments, are currently receiving a level of attention that is out of sync with the real opportunities,"

In reference to e-checks growing market share, Bézard adds, "The check authorization business might not be the sexiest thing on earth, but thats one area where sound opportunities lie ahead."

The 43-page report contains 31 figures.

A is available online.

of Celent Communications' Retail Banking research service can download the report electronically by clicking on the icon to the left. Non-members should contact info@celent.com for more information.