Humphrey MuteruFrancis Hasborn GatobuHalldess Nguta Munene2026-01-202026-01-202025-06Humphrey Muteru, H; Gatobu, F. H & Munene, H. N. (2025). Digital Payment Convenience and Student Personal Financial Management: The Tap- To- Pay Trap. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 9(6), 52 - 60.ISSN 2523-6725 (online)https://repository.ru.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1991This book chapter was driven by the need to undertake an extensive study on digital payment convenience and student personal financial management, with special focus on the Tap- o- Pay Trap. The contention of this study is that the shift towards a cashless economy has transformed financial transactions globally, influencing spending habits among university students. This study explores the impact of digital payments on the economic behavior of students at Meru University of Science and Technology. The research examines how the ease of cashless transactions affects budgeting, impulse spending, peer-influenced expenditures, and subscription-based spending. Additionally, it assesses the advantages and disadvantages of a cashless campus and suggests financial management strategies. The findings indicate that while digital payments offer convenience, they also pose challenges in financial discipline, necessitating awareness and budgeting measures for responsible spending.enDigital PaymentCashless systemPersonal Financial ManagementArticle