Contactless payment has grown threefold in daily consumption operations in Saudi Arabia, a recent study revealed.
It found that 78 % of respondents view contactless payment as a preferred method in carrying out purchases, while 80% indicated that it is the safest method amid the coronavirus outbreak.
During February and March, as many countries imposed restrictions to promote social distancing, a significant majority of consumers turned to contactless card payments for necessary purchases.
The study, conducted by MasterCard, indicated that during the period between February and March 2020, contactless payment transactions tripled compared to the traditional payment transactions for daily purchases from groceries and pharmacies.
It also showed that more than 65% of consumers in Saudi Arabia use a contactless payment method.
According to the study, a copy of which was obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, the shift to contactless payment was witnessed across 19 countries.
In Saudi Arabia, 63% of those surveyed replaced their traditional cards with other cards that provide the advantage of contactless payment.
Current global events have increased consumer anxiety about the use of cash and their preference for using contactless payment solutions for safety and hygiene reasons, as well as the peace of mind that this technology provides.
Sixty-five percent of consumers reported that they now use a contactless payment method, while 80% agree that this form is one of the cleanest and safest payment methods during the virus outbreak.
Eighty-one percent confirmed that it is more convenient than cash payment, and 84% said it was easy.
