Walk into any shop, café, or petrol station in the UK today, and you’re bound to see someone tapping their card or phone to pay. What was once a novelty is now an everyday convenience. Last year, 94.6% of all eligible in-store card transactions under £100 in the UK were paid for with contactless technology, according to Barclays data. The move away from fumbling for coins or typing in PINs is well and truly here, and the trend is spreading fast.
It’s not just younger shoppers who are driving this change. In fact, older generations have caught on as well. Research from UK Finance shows that people over 65 are using contactless payments more than ever, with 83% of this group making at least one tap-and-go purchase every month. This is a clear sign that contactless payments have gone mainstream, with the convenience appealing across the board. The average contactless transaction value rose to £15.86 in 2024, reflecting shoppers’ comfort with paying for a range of everyday items in this way.

This surge in contactless spending isn’t limited to physical shops and public transport. Online platforms have also adjusted how they accept payments, making sure they’re keeping up with customers’ expectations. For example, when visiting a non GamStop casino UK players can access, most people will find these sites offer a range of payment options. These platforms aren’t just limited to one type of payment, players can use e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill, as well as traditional bank cards, direct transfers, and cryptocurrencies. The aim is to match the fuss-free experience of contactless payments, giving players the ability to move funds quickly and securely without any headaches.
It’s not only gaming sites that are taking note. The restaurant industry has embraced contactless technology with open arms. Many establishments now let diners order and pay at their tables using their phones, cutting out the need to wait for a card machine to arrive. This approach has proven popular with customers who value speed and simplicity. Pubs and cafés, too, have been quick to adopt contactless methods, which often help them turn tables faster and serve more customers throughout the day.
The transport sector has long been a leader in contactless payments. London’s Oyster card system set the stage years ago, and now almost every bus, tram, and train service across Britain supports tap-and-go technology. This means people can move seamlessly from one form of transport to another, confident they can pay in a second with a card or phone. It’s about practicality, cutting out queues and making daily routines easier for everyone, not just for those living in big cities.
Even smaller businesses are catching up. Independent shops and market stalls once relied heavily on cash, but they’re increasingly offering contactless options. Many have found that customers are more likely to spend if they can quickly tap to pay, rather than digging around for coins or waiting for change. It’s become an expectation, not just an added bonus.
The move to contactless has been a natural reaction to how we live today. It’s not only about making payments faster, it’s about removing barriers and letting people get on with their day. Reports suggest the Financial Conduct Authority is considering removing the £100 limit on contactless payments altogether, opening up even more possibilities for how this technology can be used.
As these changes continue, contactless is becoming a normal part of life, not just a fancy add-on. It’s shaping how we think about paying for things, whether it’s grabbing a coffee on the way to work, hopping on a bus, or playing a quick online game. What once felt like a futuristic idea is now a fact of life, and it’s hard to imagine going back.