How Runa Is Redefining Payouts in the Gig Economy

At Money20/20 USA 2025, Tyron Bennion, Chief Revenue Officer at Runa, explains how payouts have shifted from a cost to control into a key part of the customer and worker experience. Runa notes that predominantly in the gig economy, people want to know exactly when and how they’ll be paid, and expect it to be fast and predictable. When that clarity is missing, it creates anxiety and pushes workers to other platforms. Companies are now rethinking payout journeys as a way to drive revenue, market share and loyalty, rather than just something that has to get done.

Runa describes payments as a form of recognition as every payout, whether to a gig worker, a loyalty programme member or a partner, is a moment that can strengthen or weaken the relationship. He highlights that two in five gig workers would prefer a different payout method than they use today, and that preference is now influencing which platforms they stay with. To design better experiences, Runa points to behavioural science long used in gaming, including NEAT principles, goal gradients and the “peak-end” rule. Because payouts are often the final touchpoint, that last interaction needs to be one of the best and done well and in a natural, non-intrusive way, these techniques can deliver around a 22% uplift in retention.

A major theme Bennion stresses is attribution. Loyalty schemes work hard to make sure you know which brand gave you that free reward, however, payouts have traditionally copied the “invisible” feel of pay-ins like Apple Pay. Bennion argues that a better model for payouts is something like Starbucks Stars or Shop Cash: still low friction and easy, but clearly linked to the brand behind the reward. Choice is critical here, as individuals want to decide how and when they get paid, without unnecessary red tape. That combination of choice, ease and attribution is increasingly what keeps users loyal.

Looking ahead, Runa sees three big forces shaping payouts: speed (“people want everything now”), wallet-native experiences and AI. Runa also expects more rich, in-wallet experiences with small “micro celebrations” of rewards that reinforce who’s paying, without slowing anything down. He also points to recent European rulings requiring Apple to open parts of its infrastructure as a catalyst for new wallet-based innovation. Finally, he underlines AI’s growing role in personalising payout experiences so they feel genuinely tailored, while also strengthening security and fraud prevention. For banks, fintechs and platforms, he concludes, payouts are no longer just plumbing , they’re a strategic lever for growth and differentiation.

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