Number of contactless card payments in UK more than trebled since last year – WorldPay

The number of contactless card payments undertaken in the UK has more than trebled since January 2013, increasing by 226%, according to WorldPay.

WorldPay also said that the number of contactless payments in December 2013 was up by 249% on December 2012 at 43.6m.

Dave Hobday, MD of WorldPay UK said: "Contactless means being able to serve customers faster and cut down queues.

"Today’s shoppers demand speedy service, and will walk away if they don’t get it. Using contactless means you’ll never miss a sale during peak times.

"That’s why last year we helped over 70 large retailers move to contactless. Not using contactless means you are out of touch with what your customers want".

Take up of the technology was greatest in London, with 17% of consumers using contactless cards, followed by Manchester and Leeds with 12%.

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The cities of Norwich and Bristol lagged behind with 5% and 4% respectively.

According to WorldPay’s data, the average transaction value has increased by 27% and 93% of people who have used contactless payments find them "quick and efficient", while 60% recognised the contactless symbol.

31% of people surveyed by WorldPay said they were irritated by how long it can take to pay in shops, while 47% were dissatisfied with the delay in making a card payment in a bar, café or restaurant and a further 65% said they would not visit again if forced to wait a long time.

Dave Hobday comments: "If you are a business regularly taking payments of £20 or less, installing contactless is a must for keeping your customers happier, serving them quicker, and getting as many sales as possible during peak times".

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