Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

'Most Britons prefer to use contactless payment more often'

'Most Britons prefer to use contactless payment more often'
Representative iStock image
Getty Images

Two-thirds of British consumers prefer to use contactless payment methods more often than they already do, claimed reports on Friday (3), citing statistics from Visa.

Over eight in 10 stores payments are now made through contactless methods, said the report. The findings come as the UK is set to increase the contactless limit to £100 from October.


The report further stated that despite a number of concerns surrounding its safety, paying via contactless card actually has one of the lowest fraud rate types of any payments at 0.01 per cent across Europe.

Other countries to have upped their contactless limits are Singapore, New Zealand and Canada and they have not seen any increase in fraud activity, stated the report.

While some retailers will implement the £100 contactless limit immediately, UK Finance said it would take “some time” for all UK terminals to be updated.

Once the new limit has been introduced, spenders will be able to make up to five transactions or spend a maximum of £300 (the current limit is £130) before they are asked to use their PIN number.

However, the authorities have warned that such a move may make “card crime more rewarding” and contactless has always been a “weak link”.

“There’s a risk it could make certain forms of card crime more rewarding, such as bag snatching, and picking pockets, and we could see an increase in these kinds of thefts,” Investment service Hargreaves’ Sarah Coles said.

“Contactless features have always been weak link thieves could exploit.”

More for you

Volumatic welcomes new FCA rules safeguarding access to cash

Volumatic welcomes new FCA rules safeguarding access to cash

As industry leaders is cash handling, Volumatic has long supported the use of cash and the importance of maintaining access to cash for both consumers and businesses. The company recognises the importance of the new set of rules created by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) two months ago, to safeguard access to cash for businesses and consumers across the UK.

Since introduction, the new rules are intended to ensure that individuals and businesses who rely on cash can continue to access it and the outcome has already sparked the creation of 15 new banking hubs across the UK, including one in Scotland, with many more to follow.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jisp unveils new NPD service

Jisp unveils new NPD service

Retail technology company Jisp has launched an NPD service as part of its new Direct to Retailer business unit.

The new NPD service will allow brands to launch or trial new products in a guaranteed number of convenience store locations, with on the ground review of execution by Jisp’s retail growth manager team, and performance data and insights deliverable through its scanning technology and back-office systems.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tesco launches price cuts in Express convenience stores
File image of Tesco Express

Tesco launches price cuts in Express convenience stores

Tesco is slashing the price of more than 222 own-brand and branded products in its Express convenience stores.

Essentials including milk, bread, pasta and coffee are included in the lines which have been reduced in price by an average of more than 10 per cent at Tesco Express stores. The retail giant has made more than 2,800 price cuts across stores in recent months. With 2,048 of convenience stores at the end of the 2023-24 financial year, Tesco aims to benefit hundreds of thousands of customers from the cheaper deals.

Keep ReadingShow less
vape and cigarette
Photo: iStock

One in five ex-smokers in England now vape, study finds


Summary
1. One in five people who have successfully quit smoking in England currently vape, with an estimated 2.2 million individuals using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.
2. The increase in vaping among ex-smokers is largely driven by the use of e-cigarettes in quit attempts, with a rise in vaping uptake among people who had previously quit smoking for many years before taking up vaping.
3. While vaping may be a less harmful option compared to smoking, there are concerns about the potential long-term implications of vaping on relapse risk and nicotine addiction. Further research is needed to assess the impact of vaping on smoking cessation outcomes.


Keep ReadingShow less
Bira engages with Treasury on Budget fallout, business rate reform
(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Bira engages with Treasury on Budget fallout, business rate reform

Independent retailers association Bira has held a meeting with members of the Treasury team to discuss concerns following its robust response to the Government’s recent Budget announcement.

The Budget, labelled by Bira as "devastating" for independent retailers, was met with widespread indignation from Bira members.

Keep ReadingShow less