Awareness of contactless payments in the UK has made big strides, according to new research.
The study, from eDigitalResearch, fond that over half (58%) of consumers now report seeing a contactless payment point or symbol, an increase from just 15% in 2012.
Other key findings include:
• Over half (55%) of respondents now own some sort of contactless payment card, 38% of whom have used the technology to make a payment
• 1 in 10 (9%) of the UK population now have access to an NFC enabled smartphone device – 49% of whom have made a contactless mobile payment
• Concerns around security, fraud and technical issues remain a key barrier to widespread adoption
The study found not only a growing use of contactless payments, but a growing appetite to use the technology as well. Of those that are yet to make a payment using a contactless card, 57% expect to do so within the next year – and the same can be said for mobile.
• With that in mind, it’s not awareness anymore that banks and technology providers need to be working on, but opening up the technology so that more can take advantage of the benefits that contactless payments have to offer.
• Interested parties must also challenge people’s perceptions of the technology, as well as alter consumer behaviour. Almost three quarters (71%) of the 43% who said that they’re not interested in using contactless cards felt that the technology is just not necessary.
View the study here
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