NEW DATA from digital payment solutions provider takepayments has revealed that Apple Pay and Contactless Payments have overtaken cash payments by a landslide as our favourite ways to pay in-store.
The survey of over 1,000 UK consumers revealed that:
- Scots are the most likely to pay by contactless in the UK with 2 in 3 saying it’s their favourite way to pay. Contactless is by far the most popular payment method in the UK overall
- At the other end of the scale, the Welsh are least likely to use contactless
- Mobile payments like Apple Pay was the 2nd most popular payment method, followed by cash
- Nearly 1 in 3 people admit to never carrying cash
- More than half of people admitted to being deterred from shopping at a cash-only business
- Men were found to be 22% less likely to use contactless payment compared to women
This data supports previous studies that say Scots have been forward runners in terms of modern payment technology for a while now, and it seems Scottish consumers are more likely to embrace the technology, such as contactless and mobile payments than the English.
In response to the data, Jodie Wilkinson, Head of Strategic Partnerships at takepayments, says:
“The new data shows fairly clearly that the majority of customers want to pay with contactless methods — whether that’s physical or digital cards — wherever they shop. Failing to accommodate these needs could put small businesses at a disadvantage, as cash-free shoppers may take their money elsewhere.
For those businesses still unsure about adopting card payment solutions, there are several potential benefits to consider:
- Faster payments — Today, card payments are three times faster than cash transactions. Going cashless reduces queueing time and allows for more efficient service, attracting customers and increasing sales.
- More convenient — Cashless transactions eliminate the need for cash machines or bank visits. Mobile payment options look to cater to a broader customer base so your business could promote more ease and accessibility.
- Enhanced safety – Cashless transactions may reduce the risk of robbery and employee theft. Card payments are less susceptible to fraud compared to cash due to improved security measures in card payments reducing the possible risk of counterfeit money.
- Encourages higher spending – Consumers tend to spend up to 18% more when using cards than cash. Card payments offer flexibility and allow for friction-free spending; in fact, even just the presence of credit card logos seems to make people spend more.
- Improved accounting – Digital transactions provide automated electronic records for easy accounting. EPOS systems integrate seamlessly with accounting software, reduce the likelihood of human errors, and facilitate accurate accounting.
- Rewards and incentives – Cashless payments may attract customers who earn rewards or cashback. Credit card providers often offer incentives like points schemes and cash rebates, which in turn could promote spending at your business.”
You can view the full report online here: https://www.takepayments.com/ways-to-pay/
