A record-breaking 94.6% of eligible in-store card transactions in the UK were made using contactless technology last year
Highlights:
- Contactless payments accounted for 94.6% of eligible in-store card transactions in the UK in 2024, up from 93.4% in 2023.
- The average contactless transaction value increased to £16.10, with an annual per-person spend of £3,803.
- Over-65s emerged as the fastest-growing demographic for contactless usage, driven by convenience.
Summary: Contactless payments continued their upward trajectory in the UK, reaching a record-breaking 94.6% of eligible in-store card transactions in 2024. According to Barclays, the average transaction value rose to £16.10, contributing to an annual per-person spend of £3,803. Convenience remains the driving force behind this trend, with over-65s leading the growth in adoption.
As self-service screens become more prevalent in retail and hospitality, contactless technology is solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the UK’s payment ecosystem. This shift highlights the growing preference for seamless and efficient payment methods across all age groups.
