Consumers embracing contactless payments during pandemic

The survey, commissioned by technology mounting solution firm Ergonomic Solutions, shows 63% of respondents have reduced their use of cash since March 2020 and 57% plan to use contactless payment methods whenever they can in the future, even after all Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Respondents said they choose contactless payment methods when available because: it’s more hygienic than using cash (57%), the convenience of not needing a PIN (47%), it’s quicker (47%), the new £45 limit enables more contactless transactions (45%), the convenience of not having to carry cash (39%), it’s available in more places than ever (34%), and it makes me feel safer during the pandemic (27%).

The survey also indicates that there is an appetite from consumers for even more ways to pay using new technology. Almost 40% of respondents said that they would be happy to use mobile points of sale rather than traditional tills, citing faster payments (79%), not needing cash to hand (36%), and better customer service (28%) as the main reasons why.

Mark Crysell, regional sales director of Northern Europe at Ergonomic Solutions, said: “The UK retail and hospitality industries have been highlighting the rapid change experienced by their industry as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with a focus on a fast track evolution in payments. They understand the importance in embracing new technologies that make shopping and dining experiences safer, quicker and more convenient.”

He added: “The results of this survey underline that necessity, as customers look for different ways to pay in person, that support their own social distancing and personal welfare concerns.”