QRIS Adoption, Financial Knowledge, and Generation Z Financial Management: The Moderating Effect of Financial Literacy

Purpose: This study examines the effects of financial literacy and Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) use on Generation Z’s financial management behavior and investigates whether financial literacy moderates the relationship between QRIS use and financial management behavior.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employed an explanatory quantitative design using data from 120 Generation Z respondents aged 17–28 years in Palembang. Respondents were selected through judgment sampling based on three criteria: having used QRIS at least three times during the previous month, independently managing income or pocket money, and belonging to Generation Z. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression and Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA) with SPSS.

Findings: Financial literacy had a positive and significant effect on financial management behavior, whereas QRIS use did not have a significant effect. Furthermore, the interaction between financial literacy and QRIS use was not significant, indicating that financial literacy did not moderate the relationship between QRIS use and financial management behavior. The model demonstrated a moderate explanatory capacity for variations in Generation Z’s financial management behavior.

Research Implications: The findings indicate that digital payment adoption alone does not necessarily promote disciplined financial management among Generation Z. Financial literacy appears to function primarily as a direct behavioral resource rather than as a moderating mechanism. Financial education should therefore be complemented by budgeting tools, transaction-monitoring features, and responsible digital-payment practices to encourage more effective financial management.