32% of people living in Yorkshire and the Humber think the UK will be cashless in 10 years or less, reveals Equifax research
Online research from Equifax1, the credit information provider, reveals 32% people living in Yorkshire and the Humber believe the UK will be a cashless society within the next 10 years. This compares to the North East of England, which appears the most sceptical with only 27% thinking the same. New figures show that debit card payments have overtaken cash use for the first time, a total of 13.2 billion debit card payments were made last year, a rise of 14% on the previous year.2
However, the research shows that while the use of cash is declining, it still has its fans. In the survey, conducted with Gorkana, respondents in Yorkshire and the Humber said coins are their top payment choice for vending machines (61%), parking meters (56%), charity donations (55%), and buses (58%).
Whilst there clearly is a preference to use cash for some things, there has been a shift towards using less cash over the last couple of years. Over half (43%) of those living in Yorkshire and the Humber use cash less than they did three years ago. And 32% in Yorkshire and the Humber think shops, cafes or market stalls that only accept cash are inconvenient, highlighting the shift from cash to digital payments.
The findings also highlight that although the use of digital payments via contactless cards and online transactions is growing rapidly3, some people are still wary about security. 22% of respondents in Yorkshire and the Humber don’t feel confident that payments via websites or contactless cards are secure, and 23% think it’s difficult to track money spent using digital methods.
Lisa Hardstaff, consumer credit information expert at Equifax, said: “Whilst using smart technology for payments is quick, easy and convenient for most people, our research does highlight that consumers are concerned they can lose track of how much they have spent. For most of us keeping track of small amounts may not seem a concern, however small amounts can add up, especially if you are on a tight budget.
“If you think you are going to forget how much you spent on using contactless, it’s probably worth taking a photo of the receipt with your phone or make a quick note. Then you will have all the details to hand if you need to query a payment on a statement.
“As for the confidence in security of using smart technology, it’s more important than ever that consumers look after their personal information and payment devices, which now include smartphones and wearable tech, as well as credit and debit cards. Consumers should also keep an eye on their bank account and their credit information to watch for any unexpected changes.”
1All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from Gorkana. Total sample size was 2,002 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 4th-8th May 2018. The survey was carried out online. The figures are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
2https://www.ukfinance.org.uk/convenience-of-debit-card-payments-puts-cash-in-second-place/
3HM Treasury cash and digital payments in the new economy: call for evidence
ENDS
For further press information, please contact: Clare Watson, Cecile Stearn, Parm Heer or Wendy Harrison at HSL on 020 8977 9132 / Fax: 020 8977 5200 or Email: equifaxbtocteam@harrisonsadler.com
About Equifax
Equifax Inc. (Equifax) is a global information solutions company that uses unique data, innovative analytics, technology and industry expertise to power organizations and individuals around the world by transforming knowledge into insights that help make more informed business and personal decisions.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. It is a member of Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500® Index, and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol EFX. Equifax employs 10,400 employees worldwide.
Equifax Limited is one of the Equifax group companies based in the UK.
Equifax Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.