More contactless customisation, please, we’re British

48% of UK shoppers would like to customise their contactless card transaction limit, or be able to do so, according to research from Paymentsense involving 1,000 people.

For those shoppers wanting a customisable limit, 26% would immediately raise it, but 18% would lower it. The top reason for those wanting the former option is that £30 is too low (44%). For shoppers keen to lower the limit (20% of those surveyed), the main reason was concern over fraud or theft (53%). A further 23% want to do so in order to help manage fluctuating finances.

When it comes to Christmas shopping, the research also revealed divisions between higher and lower income households. On average, 38% of those on a lower household income (up to £30,000) would not raise the £30 limit over Christmas, fearing overspending on presents and food and drink. In contrast, only 12% of respondents with a higher household income (over £50,000) share this worry. In fact, two-thirds of shoppers from wealthier households would increase the limit pre-Christmas. The main reasons are increased spending (29%), saving time (21%) and preferring not to carry cash due to worries about being pickpocketed or losing their wallet (17%).

Guy Moreve, Head of Marketing at Paymentsense, says: “As we hit the main Christmas shopping period, there’s a clear desire for shoppers to customise their contactless limits. Some are keen to have a lower limit to help budget and control spending, while others want to raise it for convenience. Contactless card payment is fast becoming the norm, with 80% of those we surveyed owning one. Shoppers now expect to use them almost everywhere - both in a traditional or contactless manner.”