Contactless payments have become the norm in the UK, with a record 94.6% of all eligible in-store card transactions made using the technology in 2024, up from 93.4% the previous year, according to Barclays. Brits made an average of 236 contactless payments, spending £3,803 each—a rise from £3,623 in 2023—as the average contactless transaction value climbed to £16.10.
The over-65 age group continued to drive adoption, marking their fourth consecutive year as the fastest-growing demographic, with 84.1% now using contactless. Ease of use remains key, with two-thirds of those aged 61–79 saying they prefer it to chip and PIN.
For purchases over £100, chip and PIN still leads, with 78% of all age groups citing it as a top method, followed by cash (29%) and mobile wallets (24%). However, among Gen Z and millennials, mobile wallets are outpacing cash—42% of Gen Z and 33% of millennials rank them among their top payment methods, compared to 30% and 27% respectively who prefer cash.
This balance could shift further as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) considers scrapping the £100 cap on contactless card payments.
Karen Johnson, Head of Retail at Barclays, notes: “Convenience is the driving force behind contactless becoming so embedded in the UK’s payment ecosystem. The increasing use of self-service screens in retail and hospitality highlights the importance of a seamless experience.”