Adoption of E-Payment Among University Students in Higher Educational Institutions of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City

Purpose: The study aims to identify the key factors influencing university students’ intention to adopt electronic payment methods in Butwal, Nepal. Grounded in established theoretical frameworks such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the research investigates how perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, subjective norms, trust, and perceived security shape students’ behavioral intentions toward e-payment usage. Methods: A quantitative research design was employed using a structured survey questionnaire administered to students from various colleges in Butwal. The collected responses were analyzed to assess the significance and strength of the proposed determinants influencing electronic payment adoption. Findings: The results indicate that all five determinants significantly affect students’ intention to use electronic payment services. Among them, trust and perceived security emerged as the strongest predictors of adoption behavior. This highlights the critical role of system reliability and safety perceptions in shaping students’ willingness to engage in digital transactions. Implications: The study offers valuable insights for policymakers, educational institutions, and financial service providers aiming to promote e-payment usage in academic environments. Strengthening system security, enhancing user-friendly technological features, and implementing trust-building measures can further accelerate progress toward a cashless society. These efforts may also foster greater financial inclusion among Nepalese youth and encourage broader adoption of digital financial services.