Consumers shun contactless payments due to security concerns
Consumers are being put off using contactless payment methods because of concerns over their security, a new survey has found.
The poll of 100 consumers found that 38% avoid using contactless technology because they do not know enough about it, and are concerned about how secure it is.
A further 24% said that they didn't use the method because they weren't sure if their cards were enabled for it, or because no-one has ever shown them how to use contactless payment systems.
Three-quarters of those polled said they hadn't been encouraged to use the contactless method by staff, while just 18% said that they believed Britain would be cash-free in the next 10 years.
However, a significant majority (94%) said that speed would be the biggest benefit of paying contactless, while 13% said that they liked it as it meant they could avoid talking to a cashier.
Consumers do understand other technological systems used in retail, the poll showed, as 73% said they had used self-scan kiosks, and 61% had used click-and-collect shopping. Over half (57%) said that they had used in-store Wi-Fi, and 53% had used mobile apps.
Richard Cottrell, sales and marketing director for Vista Retail Support, which undertook the survey, said: "The results clearly demonstrate that there is a lack of confidence and understanding about contactless payment technology. There is still a barrier to overcome in the use of contactless cards, both in their provision and in how and when to use them."
He said that the contactless cards could help to reduce queues and hassle when buying smaller items, and suggested that retailers could do more to encourage customers to use the payment method.
Contactless technology is available in an increasingly wide array of fast-casual and high-street retailers and restaurants, including bar chain Slug and Lettuce, and outlets such as Starbucks and Pret A Manger.
Contactless-enabled credit or debit cards allow customers to simply "tap" their card against a reader rather than use a PIN or signature, for purchases of less than £20.
