Click to Pay: Understanding E-Payment Adoption in Government Transactions Through Perceived Usefulness

Electronic payments (e-payments) are increasingly recognized as efficient alternatives to traditional payment methods; however, reliance on cash and manual transactions persists, contributing to slower processes, higher costs, reduced efficiency, limited financial inclusion, and heightened risks of fraud and corruption. This study examines the relationship between perceived usefulness and the adoption of e-payments in government transactions among Cotabateños, drawing on Fred Davis's Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Employing a quantitative, descriptive–correlational design, the study used convenience and area sampling to survey 100 active e-payment users in North Cotabato, Philippines. Results demonstrate a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between perceived usefulness and e-payment adoption (r = .80, p < .001). These findings affirm TAM's assertion that perceived usefulness is a primary determinant of technology acceptance. Beyond theoretical validation, the study highlights the local dynamics that shape e-payment adoption. It highlights the need to address structural and perceptual barriers to enhance user confidence, strengthen financial inclusion, and promote more transparent and efficient government transactions.