ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of digital payments on household financial asset investment, using the China Household Finance Survey (2013–2019). Our findings indicate that digital payments positively affect financial market participation and investment size, reshaping asset allocation structures. While households using digital payments show increased participation and investment amounts across various financial assets, a reduction in the weight of deposits is evident. The study highlights two key channels through which digital payments influence financial behavior: enhancing subjective financial literacy and increasing households’ attention to financial information. The research emphasizes the role of digital payments in mitigating polarization effects in household financial asset allocation.