# Fraud prevention now pays for itself

> Companies modernizing payment systems report lower fraud losses, fewer failed transactions, and measurable cost savings.
- Title: Fraud prevention now pays for itself · Pymnts | Shortify
- Summary: Companies modernizing payment systems report lower fraud losses, fewer failed transactions, and measurable cost savings. Fraud prevention has shifted from a…
- Keywords: fraud prevention, payment modernization, cost savings, real-time verification, customer onboarding, payment systems, operating costs, fraud detection, plaid, pymnts intelligence, business, finance
- Source: Pymnts — https://pymnts.com/cybersecurity/fraud-prevention/2026/90-percent-link-fraud-infrastructure-to-faster-customer-onboarding
- Author: PYMNTS
- Published: 2026-09-17T08:00:39+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fraud prevention, payment modernization, cost savings, real-time verification, customer onboarding, payment systems, operating costs, fraud detection, plaid, pymnts intelligence, business, finance
## Fraud prevention now pays
Companies modernizing payments report lower fraud losses, fewer failed transactions, and reduced operating costs. Nearly all respondents said modernization cut total operating costs by an average of 8%.

> Fraud prevention is no longer a cost center, and for many firms, has become an investment with a measurable return.
## Multiple savings streams
68% of firms saw lower fraud losses after modernizing. The same share reported savings from fewer payment failures. 76% reduced manual review workload, and 66% saved through faster reconciliation.
## Real-time verification catches fraud faster
60% of firms using real-time account verification detect fraud immediately or within minutes, compared to 39% without it. Real-time verification users are twice as likely to catch fraud before money moves.
## Customers benefit too
87% of executives linked modernized infrastructure to fewer customer-service inquiries and fewer late or missed payments. 83% reported higher customer satisfaction, 81% saw fewer complaints, and 80% reported stronger retention.
## Big gap remains unfilled
57% of firms reported increased fraud attempts last year, while 47% can't detect suspected fraud in real time. Only 49% use secure bank connectivity for real-time fraud signals, despite nearly all having that connectivity available.
## Plans to close the gap
Over the next 12 months, 70% of firms plan to adopt or expand payment reconciliation automation, 65% plan identity verification automation, and 59% plan secure bank connectivity or AI-based fraud detection.
## Key takeaway

Fraud prevention has shifted from a cost center to a profit center, with modernized payment systems delivering 8% average operating cost reductions and stronger customer satisfaction.