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Recent banking data reveals that half of UK adults now regularly use their smartphones to make payments, marking a significant shift in how people pay for goods and services. Instead of relying on cash or physical cards, many are choosing to tap their phones at payment terminals, using services like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Adrian Buckle, head of research at UK Finance, explained that this change in consumer behavior is clear, with 50 percent of adults using mobile payments at least once a month in the past year, compared to just 34 percent in 2023.

The convenience of storing card details on phones or smartwatches has made contactless payments easier and more secure. People can now verify payments with their face or fingerprint, rather than entering a PIN. Young adults are leading the way, with 78 percent of those aged 16 to 24 regularly using mobile payments. However, older age groups are also adopting this technology. For instance, 59 percent of people aged 35 to 44 used mobile payments in 2024, up from 38 percent the previous year. Even among those aged 65 and over, 19 percent are now paying by phone.

As mobile payments become more common, the use of physical contactless cards has slightly decreased, although debit cards remain the most popular payment method. Cash usage continues to decline, with cash payments now making up less than 10 percent of all transactions, even though nearly 50 million people still use ATMs. Adrian Buckle noted that the growth in mobile wallets and Buy Now Pay Later options is not limited to younger consumers, but is spreading across all age groups, showing that digital payments are becoming mainstream.

Despite the rise of digital payments, some people still rely on cash, especially those on lower incomes or who are more vulnerable. Adrian Roberts, deputy chief executive of Link, which oversees cash access and ATMs, emphasized the importance of keeping cash available for those who need it. He warned against moving too quickly to a digital-only society, pointing out that there are concerns about what would happen during a widespread power outage if digital payments were the only option.

The government is considering measures to ensure that shops and services continue to accept cash, to protect vulnerable people who depend on it. Meanwhile, the UK's financial regulator has proposed allowing banks and card providers to remove the current £100 limit on contactless payments, or to let customers opt out of the limit. This would make entering a PIN even less common, as smartphones with advanced security features already have no limit on contactless payments through digital wallets.

People have different experiences with payment methods, and the shift towards mobile payments is changing the way many interact with money. Some enjoy the convenience and security of using their phones, while others prefer the familiarity of cash or cards. As technology continues to evolve, the way people pay for things will likely keep changing, and it is important to make sure that everyone can access the payment methods that work best for them.